NATCHEZ — In Tuesday’s election, residents of District 1 will have to decide between two men running for supervisor — one who says he has fresh ideas and another who relies on his experience and connections.

With 28 years experience, incumbent Sammy Cauthen, a Republican, said his qualifications and experience make him the best candidate.

“I have the know-how and the ability,” Cauthen said. “And I have pretty good connections in Jackson and Washington (D.C.) in order to get leads on industrial prospects and grant monies for the county and city.”

Cauthen, whose district includes most of downtown Natchez and southwest Adams County, said one of the biggest issues in his district is bringing jobs to the area, Cauthen said.

A larger tax base could mean lower taxes, he said.

“We’ve got some good things beginning to happen,” he said. “And when they come to fruition, I think the whole county and city will be much better off and very well satisfied. Not only industrial prospects (are coming), but with all the small business opening up and new hotels, it’s going to generate a lot of revenue.”

Cauthen said his experience on the board is an asset in making contacts.

“People, whether it’s a congressman or a senator, if they are going to dish out a favor, they will dish it out to a friend as opposed to a stranger,” he said.

Challenger Charles Mike Lazarus, a Democrat, said he will bring new ideas to Adams County.

“There are some things I want to do differently,” Lazarus said. “I bring new ideas and a new attitude.”

As owner of Lazarus Arts, he said his experience supervising and managing a business would help in office.

If he wins the election, Lazarus said the first thing he would like to do is discuss a long-term plan for Adams County.

“The future is bright, but we need to have a plan where to go,” he said.

Lazarus said he would like to improve county recreation, making facilities available for residents to use and drawing outsiders.

“It’s for locals, but it is for a tourism base, too,” he said. “It can bring people in for tournaments, where we can make it profitable.”

Lazarus also said he would like to see property taxes cut and what he sees as excess county spending cut.

The two local races on Tuesday’s general election ballot will be Districts 1 and 2 supervisor positions.