Each Lincoln County candidate who will appear on the Aug. 8 Primary Election ballot has been contacted by The Daily Leader and asked to reply to a questionnaire.

The same set of questions was sent to each candidate, even those who are running unopposed.

The responses are offered in no particular order, and no candidate had the opportunity to see any other candidate’s answers prior to submitting their own. No edits were made for content.

Each week, we will present responses from two candidates, along with reminders of who their opponents are.

This week we present responses from candidates for Lincoln County Supervisor.

The county is divided in five districts. In District 1, incumbent Democrat Jerry L. Wilson is running for reelection, facing Republican candidate Donnie “Speedy” Hedgepeth. Wilson did not respond to the questionnaire.

In District 2, incumbent Republican Jerry McGehee is running for reelection, and will face two Republican challengers in the Primary — Virgil E. Stewart and Keith Lewis. Stewart did not respond to the questionnaire.

In District 3, incumbent Nolan Williamson is retiring at the end of this term. Three Republican candidates will face off in the Primary — John David Hart, Ricky Wayne Nations and Brooks Warren. Jason McDonald will face the winner in the General Election as an independent.

In District 4, incumbent Eddie Brown is retiring at the end of this term. Three Republican candidates will face one another in the Primary. They are Todd Bowlin, Eli Ferguson and Calvin Kees.

In District 5, incumbent Republican Doug Falvey is running for reelection. He faces challenger Grady Case in the Primary. Falvey did not respond to the questionnaire.

 

This week we present the responses from District 3 candidates Nations and Warren.

 

Ricky Wayne Nations

Nations is a resident of Enterprise. He is a District 3 Road Department employee.

 

What is your assessment of the previous or current occupant of this office, and, if elected, would you keep it in the same direction or change course?  

With the current Supervisor retiring, I would use my 30 years of experience to make decisions for the betterment of the county. We all travel these roads and bridges each day, and I promise to maximize the usage of taxpayers’ dollars to make improvements to all roads. I will keep roads bushhogged and maintained on a regular basis.

 

How would you address transparency and accountability of this office?

I will be available to the public for any questions or concerns during my entire time in office. I will be a full-time supervisor.

What are the most pressing issues in this office and how would you address them?

How we spend taxpayers’ dollars in the county is very important and a top priority of mine. Having ALL roads and bridges reliable in our county will be a main focus, as well as striving to work with all other elected officials to attract new industries and jobs to our area.

 

How would your role in this office improve Brookhaven and Lincoln County?

I understand that all forms of commerce for the county DEPEND on reliable and safe roads and bridges. I will also work to seek more funding for the needs of the County.

 

What are your reasons for seeking this office and why should voters elect you?

I bring the most experience to the position and will be ready to work on day one. There will be no transition period as I have been learning and gaining knowledge to hold this position in office for the last 30 years.

 

Please share any family, personal information you’d like to include.

Lifelong resident of Lincoln County

Member of Victory Baptist Church

Graduate of Enterprise Attendance Center

Married to Renee Grenn Nations

3 Children – Nichole Hall, spouse Cody Hall; Wayne Nations, spouse Amanda Johnson Nations; Kyle Nations, spouse Sarah McCaffrey Nations

4 Grandchildren – Carter and Cole Hall and Rayna and Mollie Nations

 

 

Brooks Warren

Warren is a resident of Brookhaven. He is self-employed in construction and property management of several family-owned tenant occupied buildings in Brookhaven.

 

What is your assessment of the previous or current occupant of this office, and, if elected, would you keep it in the same direction or change course?  

I believe Mr. Williamson has done an admirable job representing the district for a number of years. I would continue with the road re-pavement program as a top priority as well as addressing all infrastructure and other needs in the District and Lincoln County.

 

How would you address transparency and accountability of this office?

“Open Book” with the understanding that transparency produces and/or delivers accountability in the decision-making process relating to issues that are presented to this office.

 

What are the most pressing issues in this office and how would you address them?

In no certain order:

Safety & Security-Work with all our law enforcement divisions to ensure they have the necessary resources needed. Also, that all law enforcement officers have access to training and educational tools to provide the highest level of service to the community.

Infrastructure-(roads, bridges, broadband services) As outlined in question 5, continue working with the County administrator to ensure we do utilize all the ARPA funds and achieve the goals of these projects. Work with the broadband service providers to not only have full services throughout the county, but ensure they are providing the fastest and most reliable services available to the citizens and students alike.

Jobs and Job Opportunities-Work with our existing businesses to provide the best support and solutions we can offer to help keep them healthy and growing. Work with our Economic Development team to “SELL” Lincoln County to prospective manufacturers, companies and other businesses looking for new communities to locate in.

 

How would your role in this office improve Brookhaven and Lincoln County?

I will listen to the thoughts and needs of my constituents and work with my fellow Supervisors to see that the budget is allocated accordingly and managed in a way that adheres to these needs. I will strive to set policies for the benefit of all citizens and manage the daily business of Lincoln County.

I will utilize my professional experience working in general construction, property acquisition, property development and corporate management as a guiding tool in the decision-making process to positively impact and improve the daily lives of citizens within my district and Lincoln County.

 

What are your reasons for seeking this office and why should voters elect you?

I want to be a driving force to enhance the future of Lincoln County. Vote for me for all the reasons stated in question 8. I have the “Experience for the Job”.

 

Please share any family, personal information you’d like to include.

I am a 7^th generation Lincoln Countian. My Grandfather owned a Texaco Service station on the corner of West Chickasaw Street and South Jackson Street across from my current office. I am rooted here and love Lincoln County. We have a lot to offer!