NATCHEZ — Twelve candidates are seeking the office of Adams County supervisor across four races.

To help voters be better informed when they visit the polls, The Natchez Democrat submitted a short questionnaire to each candidate and asked for their response in writing. For space considerations, candidates were asked to keep their answers to each question to 100 words.

The questions were submitted to the candidates through the email address listed on the official media contact form filed at the county circuit clerk’s office when they qualified for the race. Candidates were also contacted by a phone call to ensure they were aware the questions had been submitted.

Those who did not answer the phone were left a message detailing what the call was about.

The questions were sent at approximately 1:30 p.m. Wednesday with a request they be returned by 8 a.m. Friday.

Two candidates, Ray Brown in the district 4 race and Grady Wilson in the district 5 race, did not respond by Friday morning.

Another candidate, S.E. “Spanky” Felter in the district 5 race, did not have an email listed on his contact sheet. He did not return a phone message seeking that information.

District 2 was not included in the questionnaire because Supervisor David Carter does not have a challenger.

The questions and answers are presented below in race order with candidates’ names in alphabetical order.

District 1

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

MIKE LAZARUS: I was born and raised in Adams County. This is and will always be my home. I have owned and operated my own business for the last 18 years.

I have served the people of District 1 as supervisor for 7 1/2 years and have such a wealth of knowledge about county government and would like to continue to serve Adams County. I am running for re-election because I would like to continue the progress, we as a board and Natchez Inc., are making to help create jobs for our youth to come back to Adams County. We are making great strides. I am without a doubt the most qualified candidate because of my work ethic and ability to relate to all people. Probably one of the most important characteristics I have is the ability to work as a team with my fellow board members.

WES MIDDLETON: Being a lifelong resident of Natchez and Adams County, my wife and I were very fortunate to be able to find good jobs and be able to raise our children in Natchez. We are both involved in our community through our church and many other civic organizations. It is my goal to see our community prosper and grow. I am a graduate of Delta State University and hold a degree in Commercial Aviation. This degree along with eight years of running a successful business, provide me with the experience and leadership that make me the most qualified candidate for supervisor.

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

LAZARUS: Population decline. This affects our ability to attract retail growth and it threatens all aspects of the county such as real estate and other local business because money is being taken out of circulation. We are making improvements. Great River Industries has had 13 of their top employees relocate and make significant investments in our county with more coming all the time. Great River Industries is also providing a place for our kids to return from college and work after high school graduation. Delta Energy is making a difference by employing new college graduates and even those without degrees. VonDrehle is just getting started hiring and will create over a hundred new jobs. We are on the right path.

MIDDLETON: A struggling public school system is the main issue holding our community back. When we are all able to get on the same page and turn NASD (Natchez-Adams School District) around the remainder of the pieces will come together. Natchez and Adams County is the hub of Southwest Mississippi and I feel that Natchez Inc. is doing a fabulous job, but without a very strong school district industrial development is going to continue to make Adams County a tough sell to businesses looking to locate here. From day one I will work daily to be a support system for the entire district.

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

LAZARUS: I think there should be a better format for the public to be informed on the various issues of county government. A better job needs to be done explaining our decisions. Many residents do not know what takes place in a board of supervisors meeting. There are supervisor candidates that have never even been in a board of supervisors meeting and really don’t know all the different items that are discussed and resolved. Many times I get asked exactly what is the supervisor’s job? This current BOS goes above and beyond their obligations as county supervisor. For instance our volunteer work with Pack The Pickup, reading to children at the public schools and many other worthy projects.

MIDDLETON: I feel that the board of supervisors currently have a certain level of respect for each other, but there is a lack of leadership on the board. My business management experience is without a doubt the biggest attribute I have to offer to the board. Adams County is a business and it needs someone with real business experience to make sure that it is run like a business. As the governing body of Adams County it is very critical to have a board that has a strong voice to make difficult decisions for the residents of Adams County.

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?

LAZARUS: Personally I talk to the alderman quite regularly and consider them my friends. It is reported more times than not about how the city and county do not get along but personally I find that not to be the case. I do think we need to meet more often and build a level of trust. As far as District 1, I share it with three alderman, Dan Dillard, Sarah Smith and Joyce Mathis. We represent the same people. We work together on many projects; they just don’t make it to the newspaper. The county offers services and has equipment that the city doesn’t. Often the city aldermen ask for the county help and we are more than happy to help.

MIDDLETON: Speaking only of the race for District 1 supervisor, I will say that my opponent has had plenty of time to build a relationship. It has not happened. Again, I’m running for this position because I care about Natchez and Adams County. I do not need credit for any major achievements that will come to fruition, either in the city limits or in the county. We simply need to work together as partners towards a common goal. From the day I take office I will work diligently to build a working relationship with the city leaders.