NATCHEZ — Many candidates who will face off at polls during Aug. 2 primary elections faced off via microphone at Friday night’s political forum sponsored by the NAACP.

Recreation and attracting jobs and industry to Adams County pervaded as the main issues for supervisor candidates.

District 1 supervisor

District 1 supervisor candidate Derrick Batteste, said recreation would be on the forefront of his agenda, reflecting a nearly 80 percent vote from the public on the matter in a referendum.

“If we keep sitting around making excuses, (recreation) is not going to happen,” Batteste said.

Batteste said jobs are a problem because only minimum wage jobs are available.

“I’m going to find out why jobs are (coming) in (the county) and back out,” Batteste said.

Candidate Bobby Braswell said his job experience and educational background as a construction engineer will help him lure jobs to the county.

“My leadership and direction created 450 jobs (in his former job in Texas),” Braswell said.

“I resigned in good standing and left to come back to Adams County to raise my family. This is home to me, and I want to see Adams County flourish.”

Candidate Mike Lazarus said he has led the push for recreation on the board of supervisors.

“I fought for it; I coached little league for 22 years,” Lazarus said.

But he said the county must improve its bond rating before funding recreation to avoid raising taxes.

“We don’t want to borrow at 8 percent (interest) when you can borrow for 2 (percent),” Lazarus said.

Lazarus said the county has secured jobs with the recent announcement of Elevance Renewable Sciences, and an announcement will hopefully soon be made offering more jobs.

District 2 supervisor

District 2 incumbent Henry Watts said supervisors cannot create jobs but instead must create a job environment that is attractive to industry. “We can create a business environment with tax exceptions, free port (incentives), infrastructure improvements, such as roads — that will create jobs,” Watts said.

Watts said he would see to it that Elevance hires Adams County residents when the company is ready to fill 165 permanent positions.

Watts’ opponent, Independent candidate David Carter, was not in attendance.

District 3 supervisor

District 3 supervisor candidate Angela Gibson Hutchins asked candidates to vote for her based on her experience and qualifications.

“I am asking you not to just vote for your friend, but for a person who is experienced and knowledgeable and capable,” Hutchins said.

Hutchins said she has more than 23 years maintaining operations of the board of supervisors as an employee of the board, an education background in economic development and a master’s in business administration.

Raythell P. Smith said he wants to take a grass roots approach to the supervisor’s position. Smith said he wants to concentrate on poor roads, drainage problems and families suffering from unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

“I will merge city and county recourses assuring dropout rates are brought to an all time low and the crime rate will slowly follow,” Smith said.

Wilbert Whittley said his experience running the AFJC Community Action Agency and 20 years in education as a teacher and coach for the Natchez-Adams School District qualifies him for the position.

“I will be a supervisor 24 hours a day,” Whittley said. “If you have a problem, I have a problem, and I won’t rest until I solve your problem.”

District 5 supervisor

District 5 supervisor candidate Calvin Butler said now that the county has Natchez Inc. in place, the supervisors must develop an industrial park to attract industry.

“(We need) not show a wooded area to imagine what it (could) look like, but to have infrastructure available … to show to potential prospects who come to Adams County,” Butler said.

Incumbent S.E. “Spanky” Felter said he supports recreation. Recreation, however, would probably require raising taxes, Felter said, which is something he is not willing to do in the current economic climate.

Felter cited his voting record over the years, which he said supports saving money and denies any tax increase, as reasons he should be re-elected.

Moe LeBlanc said he has ideas about education, attracting industry and recreation that set his platform apart from other candidates. He said recognizing students for their academic achievements as well as athletic achievement would help support the school system. LeBlanc credited the work of Natchez Inc. for doing well on the road to job creation and added he knows how to market Adams County.

“I believe Natchez Inc. is a big part of what is happening in Adams County,” LeBlanc said.

Chancery Clerk

Chancery clerk candidate Willie B. Jones said as a law enforcement officer and code enforcement officer for the City of Natchez, he has always liked to help people.

Jones said he will help others as chancery clerk as much as he can. For example, he might prevent someone from losing their house for owing a small amount in taxes by putting them on a financing program.

Incumbent Tommy O’Beirne said his 24 years experience qualify him for the clerical position. He said his background and career prove he cares for children and other civic concerns. O’Beirne said he hopes in the next four years to continue to be able to computerize old records, a project which he said he started in 2003.

Circuit clerk

Circuit Clerk Candidate Britt Gibson said in office he would implement a summer youth internship, reach out to the school district to register qualified voters and ensure the office staff is educated.

Candidate Jennifer “Lady J” Minor said she would ensure the staff is friendly and open to those who visit the circuit clerk’s office. She said she would be available to the public at all times.

Incumbent Eddie Walker said he promised four years ago to straighten out the office and get it in shape, which he has accomplished. He said he supports his staff, and thinks the office is doing a good job getting all files computerized.

Constable

Constable incumbent Ray Brown said his law enforcement experience and dignity — proven in his ability to keep information he sees delivering summons confidential — qualify him for reelection.

Candidate Murray L. Warnock Sr. said his experience for 31 years as a corrections officer and promise to patrol neighborhoods qualifies him for the job.

Candidates Kendrick Lewis and Daryl Walker did not attend.

Justice court judge

Southern District Justice Court Judge candidate Gary Mullins said while he does have another job, he would be on duty as a justice court judge at all times and wants to serve to give back to Adams County.

Southern District Justice Court Judge Charlie Vess did not attend the forum.

Coroner

James E. Lee said his experience as coroner for the past 12 years qualify him, and he thinks he has been very fair serving in his capacity as coroner.

Opponent Bill Hinson did not attend.