District 3

Why are you running and what makes you the most qualified candidate?

ANGELA HUTCHINS: I am seeking re-election because there are some projects that have not yet been completed; I have voted for and want to see the construction of a first class recreation center. It is my desire to continue supporting the economic development of our area and to witness the growth of jobs from industries at the port. My 23 years as an administrative assistant in government and four years as a member of the board of supervisors make me the most qualified candidate.

WILBERT WHITTLEY: I am running for the office of District 3 supervisor to help move Adams County forward, address issues dealing with our public school system, improve our roads and bridges and to get our recreation program moving for our children and senior citizens. My ability to communicate and connections in other communities qualify me for this position. The job of a supervisor I feel goes well beyond sitting behind a desk but to go out and see first hand what is going on in the district when any form of crisis hits the county and work side by side with employees to solve crisis. I want to give government back to the people by being their voice. I want my constituents to feel free to call me anytime because I work for you.

What do you think is the most important issue facing the county, and if elected, how would you address it?

HUTCHINS: The most important issue facing the county is the development of a recreation complex. Many of our youth are not participating in sports nor are they learning a safety skill such as swimming. Sports and swimming are a great way of giving youth self-esteem. I will continue to support recreation in any way I can.

WHITTLEY: In my travels down these county roads I find a lot of them are in desperate need of being resurfaced and there are still a lot of gravel roads that I feel need to be surfaced. I would like to develop a road maintenance list of our roads so that we can seek funds there, through state aid or through the budget. I would like to have the roads repaired at a certain number each year as the budget permits and not wait for an election year to come around.

 What would you change about how the county government is run now?

HUTCHINS: I would change school board members from appointed to being elected. Since they have the right to raise taxes and make important decisions that affect this community, and the board of supervisors can’t change their decision, they should be responsible to the voters who elected them every four years.

WHITTLEY: I would like to see a more balanced budget between each county department instead of one department receiving the biggest bulk of the budget. I would like to see an increase in the road department’s budget because when we have an emergency situation I want them to have the proper equipment to assist them in getting the job done.

In recent years, there appears to be a disconnect in communication between the city and county governments. What do you think can be done to address it?

 HUTCHINS: In order to correct a communication problem between the county and city governments, I would recommend that, periodically, both boards have a retreat for two to four hours in which the elected officials can get to know each other better and to discuss issues that would be forth coming.

WHITTLEY: I think all parties should sit down at least once a month and outline what each governing body has scheduled on their agenda to see where we might be able to assist each so that we won’t be duplicating services so that we can save the taxpayers’ money. It’s time out for all this political jealous. We are all supposed to be working for one common goal and that is to make Natchez – Adams county the best in the country.