A truly unique part of the American experience was on full display this past Saturday morning as concerned Choctaw County citizens and political candidates gathered on the Courthouse lawn for an Old-Fashioned Stump Rally.
The Rally, which was sponsored by the Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce, gave residents an opportunity to hear from candidates who are vying for office on local, district and state-wide level.
Twenty-nine different candidates were allowed five minutes to present their backgrounds, their beliefs and their goals and visions for Choctaw County and the State of Mississippi. Incumbents also had the opportunity to speak about their accomplishments during their time in office.
The Chamber of Commerce provided hamburgers and hot dogs, free of charge, and candidates and voters had a chance to mingle and become better acquainted with one another.
Candidates who spoke at the Rally were:
• Chancery Clerk: Steve Montgomery – D; Kenny King – R
• Circuit Clerk: Amy Burdine – R, incumbent, running unopposed
• Constable, Post 1: Justin Gates – R; Thomas Raybourn – R
• Constable, Post 2: Christopher Coleman – D
• Secretary of State: Michael Watson – R
• Justice Court Judge, Post 2: Jan Hutchinson – D; Teresa Weeks – D
• Sheriff: Brandon Busby – D; Doug McHan – D; Kevin Connell – R
• Supervisor, District 1: Joey Stephenson – D; Warren Miles – R
• Supervisor, District 2: Robin Woods – R
• Supervisor, District 3: Chris McIntire – R
• Supervisor, District 4: John Shumaker – D; Ryan Vowell – D
• Supervisor, District 5: Eric Chambers – R; Mark Bruce – R; Charlie Edwards – D; Bill Peden – D
• Tax Assessor/Collector: Lori Power Kerr – D
• State Senate, District 15: Gary Jackson – R
• State Representative, District 35: Billy Tabb – R; Joey Hood – R
• Transportation Commissioner, Northern District: Trey Bowman – R; Joey Grist – D; Geoffrey Yoste – R
Election primaries will take place on Tuesday, August 6, with the general election on Tuesday, November 5. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
