In the Adams County District 5 supervisor’s race, seven candidates will compete for the Democratic nomination Tuesday

The position has been vacant since Maxie Wallace’s death in 1998. His wife, Rose Wallace, was appointed to fill out his term but is not running for election.The Democratic candidates are James West, Henry Murphy, David Huber, Terrell Foster, Troy Brooks Sr., Lynwood Easterling and Earle Drane.Christopher R. Gibson is the only Republican candidate in the primary. Eddie Jones and Walter J. Squalls Jr. are running as independents.Huber said he has the experience to serve as supervisor. He served as District 5 supervisor from 1992-1995 and served one term on the Natchez-Adams County School Board. “I know what the people want and I think I can provide that in a manner for all residents of Adams County,” Huber said.Terrell Foster is the manager of Foster & Sons Construction Company. With his business experience, Foster said he has an understanding of road and drainage problems in Adams County. He also is concerned about economic development. “I’m concerned about the decline of industry in Adams County,” Foster said. “I want to see the needs of the people addressed. I have a desire to better the district.” James West, an insurance agent at Shelter Insurance, said he can help the community and local government work together better. “We need more harmony between the boards,” West said. “I think I can provide some harmony. One of the biggest problems is that we don’t communicate.”West said he has the experience working with people to improve Adams County.Lynwood Easterling is chairman of Citizens of Adams County Against Annexation, chairman of Census 2000 and a member of the Adams County Water Association Board. Easterling said he is willing to put his experience to use for the county.”I want to work full time for the people using my 30 years of management skills to help make Adams County an even greater place to live,” Easterling said.Troy Brooks is the branch manager at the Mississippi Loan Center Inc. and is president of the board of directors for Okay Mortgage of Mississippi L.L.C.He said he wants Adams County to make better use of its resources, including its river location and timber. The county also needs a water producing plant, Brooks said.”I feel like I have the ability to do something for the community,” Brooks said. “We need people who are visionary.”Although he is originally from Ruston, La., he has lived in Natchez 15 years. “I’ve been here so long this is home to me,” Brooks said. “My heart is here.”Earle Drane is involved in a number of community activities. He is the commander of American Legion Post 4 and he is also a member of the Boy Scout Committee Troop 467 and a charter lifetime member of the 4-H All-Stars. “My life has been devoted to serving the public,” Drane said. “I returned home after serving in the military (because) I thought I could make a difference in my home county.”Because of his experiences, Drane said he can offer an international, national and local perspective to the position. “My education, experience and desire qualify me for the job,” Drane said.Henry Murphy said he has close ties with the people of District 5.”I have what I would consider grassroots contact with the people of the district,” Murphy said. “I grew up out here. I feel I have a responsibility to give something back.”Murphy, who teaches adult education at Shelby Jackson Technical College, said he understands the importance of job training in attracting industry.