District 4

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

RITA BROOKS: I am running for District 4, Adams County supervisor primarily for two reasons. First, this is a wonderful opportunity for me to get involved with the politics of what is really going on within my community and to ultimately affect change. I feel that I can no longer just sit and complain about what is wrong, unfair, ineffective, and nonproductive about county government. Secondly, we are in dire need of real and positive change with new leadership — leadership with creative, innovative, problem-solving, and analytical thinkers to move us to a higher level of growth and prosperity. I feel that I am the most qualified candidate because I am the only candidate in this race who truly represents the kind of change that we now so desperately need.

RICKEY GRAY: Because it has been a personal passion of mine to improve the quality of life for the citizens of this community and my 15 years of training and experience along with the significant contacts I have made on the state and national level, I believe that I am the most qualified candidate to take this position with an operable plan of action. I feel knowledgeable of the problems in this District. As a proven leader, I bring first-hand knowledge of the assistance the SNAP Program, United States Corp of Engineers, DEQ, EWP and USDA can bring to assist my constituents.

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

BROOKS: One of the most pressing issues presently facing the county is valued healthcare. I would begin to address this issue by first assessing what is and what is not, and then follow up to become abreast upon what can be done to remedy or fix this crisis. Some type of watchdog or checks-and-balance system would be implemented to assure us that whatever happened in the recent past does not occur again. In terms of damages or loss of benefits to former employees involved in the healthcare dilemma, I would also support restitution to the victims, as well as prosecution for any type of malfeasance in office or possible criminal activity involved in connection with other parties surrounding the former county owned hospital devastation.

GRAY: The most important issue is to provide adequate fire protection for all of the citizens of Adams County. This involves the development of a strategic plan with the placement of additional fire stations in the county and the continuous training of volunteers to assist the Natchez Fire Department. In this plan, we must address the emergency needs and training of first responders to undertake any life threatening situations. Through providing “state of the art” fire protection for all of Adams County, our fire rating would be lowered thus providing insurance savings on both personal property and business entities.

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

BROOKS: One thing that I would want to change about how county government is currently operated is its public image or perception. I sincerely desire to explore ways in which to improve county government’s present persona — both individually and collectively; virtually being not attentive to their electors’ concerns and not effectively representing the voice of their constituents as a whole; waste of time, money and energy on matters not pertaining to county business in order to pacify or accommodate only certain individuals; appearing to lack seriousness and professionalism in handling legitimately concerns of all taxpayers, especially regarding personal property protection; bias in implementing and adopting legislation to address adverse situations; and, not inclusive enough as it relates to obtaining meaningful employment opportunities for all of the citizens of Adams County.

GRAY: I would suggest to other members of the board of supervisors that we change the meeting schedule of the board of supervisors to a morning and evening meeting status which would allow more citizens of Adams County to become involved in county government.

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?

BROOKS: In an effort to improve communication between city and county government, we need new leadership with new vision, a new beginning across the board, truly a fresh start for the upcoming 300-year tricentennial celebration, and beyond. Expecting real and positive change using the same old status quo is certainly not the answer, and shuffling the same self-proclaimed, most experienced elected officials from one position to another is futile as well. If we desire better communication between city and county government, it is imperative that we put the right people in place to affect much needed change, now. See you at the polls on Tuesday, Aug. 4!

GRAY: I would like to establish a working relationship with members of both boards. Through serving on the board of alderman, trust and relationships have been established. I could be the main liaison in providing better communication between the two boards. I would initially suggest a rotation of members meeting in groups of two. I would further suggest unified meetings of both boards with out legislative and congressional delegation to develop a unified assessment of needs. This presentation of a unified plan would receive more attention and possible funding than the separate presentation of two entities from the county.