Students ask the candidates for magistrate and county judge the tough questions.
Students ask the candidates for magistrate and county judge the tough questions.
Three candidates were absent from the forum. Tommy Dunn could not attend as his wife had a medical emergency. Incumbents Donnie Tyler and Lacy Bush did not give a reason for their absence.
The General Manager and Editor of The Cadiz Record, Vyron Mitchell, offered opening remarks at the October 24 forum at the Trigg County High School’s Little Theatre. “We have quite a turnout tonight, and a chance to learn a great deal about the people running for office.” Mitchell estimated that the audience numbered over 200. A panel of five Trigg County High School Students asked questions.
The Republican and Democratic Women’s Group Chairpersons discussed what their respective parties meant to them.
Nancy Thompson of the Democratic Party said, “We are teachers, farmers, union workers, deacons at church, small business owners, truck drivers and fast food workers. We want honest leadership, open government and real ethics reform.”
Republican Women’s Chairperson Brenda Payne recalled the 1960 election in which she cut class to hear candidates John F. Kennedy and Richard Millhouse Nixon. “I challenge everyone to educate themselves about the principals and beliefs of the Republican and Democratic Parties, then vote your beliefs.”
Only Democratic Candidate Doug Taylor represented district 1, as Dunn could not attend. The race for District 1 does not feature an incumbent as Taylor defeated Incumbent Kevin Stroud in the May Primary Election.
One of Dunn’s questions asked about the impact of the sale of alcoholic beverages on the Trigg County Economy. “You can find studies from either camp on that issue, some say positive, and some say negative, due to the need for increased law enforcement. The fiscal court has no control over whether the county is wet or dry. It requires a referendum by the citizens. I am not sure what my position would be, and need more input.”
District 2 magistrate candidates were asked about the limited access young people had to the job market. Republican Candidate Barry Littlejohn replied, “I know there is some industry here and am proud of the new ones that have provided additional jobs. Forty percent of young people have to leave Trigg County to find jobs. Benson Industries have provided new jobs, and I think we need to attract more to do the same.”
Democratic Incumbent Tony Mitchell praised the Industrial Development Board for being “aggressive” in seeing new businesses, and said that he would “keep working hard” to assist the board in recruiting additional firms.
For the rest of this story, read this week's Cadiz Record.
