Facing the Primaries: District 1 Supervisor candidate responses to our questions (Herring)

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The Aug. 8 primaries are quickly approaching. At that time, voters will make their voices heard and select the candidate they want to represent them. In light of the upcoming election cycle, Vicksburg Daily News has reached out to the candidates on the Warren County ballot and posed a series of questions on behalf of our readers.

We reached out to each of the candidates running for Warren County District 1 Supervisor.

Questions were asked

• What specific plans do you have to attract new businesses and industries to Warren County and promote economic growth in the district?
• How will you support and promote the interests of farmers, agricultural businesses and rural communities within the district?
• How do you plan to address the existing infrastructure challenges in the district, such as road maintenance, bridge repairs and access to high-speed internet?
• How do you plan to address the issue of housing affordability in the district and ensure that residents have access to safe and affordable housing options?
• How will you prioritize spending within the district’s budget to address critical needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility?
• How will you approach tax policies and ensure that taxpayers’ money is used efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the district?
• What strategies will you employ to enhance community engagement and ensure that residents’ voices are heard in decision-making processes?
• What measures will you implement to enhance public safety in the district, including law enforcement cooperation, emergency response and disaster preparedness?
• How do you envision your office collaborating with the school district to facilitate improvements within the county?
• How will you ensure transparency, ethical conduct and accountability and what steps will you take to address any potential conflicts of interest?
• Regarding transparency, do you have any plans to support or implement measures that would ensure the streaming and online availability of meetings and work sessions, as well as the timely publication of agendas and minutes on the County website?
• Of the perceived lack of zoning and code enforcement in Warren County, do you have intentions to pursue code and zoning measures, including inspections, if elected?

Answers were given – Herring

What specific plans do you have to attract new businesses and industries to Warren County and promote economic growth in the district?

Our first victory on business growth was having a new business occupy a building in Ceres that had been built and vacant for decades. The business friendly approach spilled over to Vicksburg Forest Products opening and other businesses growing and expanding. We have worked with businesses to offer tax relief and abatements to help attract here and employ Warren County residents.

How will you support and promote the interests of farmers, agricultural businesses and rural communities within the district?

I and this board has supported and advocated for backwater pumps to ensure flooding in the delta area is minimized and reduce the flood affect on farmers and residents.

How do you plan to address the existing infrastructure challenges in the district, such as road maintenance, bridge repairs and access to high-speed internet?

We all wish there was an open and endless check book but unfortunately there are budgets and other county departments that pull on the annual revenues. We have allocated $6 million to repave aged roads and paving gravel roads. This will help reduce maintenance cost on the roads and allow reinvestment back into the road systems.

How do you plan to address the issue of housing affordability in the district and ensure that residents have access to safe and affordable housing options?

This board a has allocated $2.5 million of ARPA money to address this. We are working through program inceptions to assist with down payments, build roads and infrastructure for development and create a revitalization program for old and dilapidated homes. We are open for business and suggestions from local builders and developers as they are the experts we should partner with as well.

How will you prioritize spending within the district’s budget to address critical needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility?

Well Warren County is a Unit system and not a Beat system. All dollars are allocated and spent at the county level and across all five districts. No one supervisor can spend money in his or her district.

How will you approach tax policies and ensure that taxpayers’ money is used efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the district?

Again it’s county wide not per district but I advocate for reducing replication and work with department heads and other elected offices to ensure efficiency. Tax policies are state statue. Counties in MS only receive tax from property tax, be it home or vehicle. No sales tax comes to the county.

What strategies will you employ to enhance community engagement and ensure that residents’ voices are heard in decision-making processes?

I will continue to invite and advocate people to attend meetings and bring their ideas to the table. I never wish to only march toward my goals or goals of the board but to know we are in sync with the community and their wishes.

What measures will you implement to enhance public safety in the district, including law enforcement cooperation, emergency response and disaster preparedness?

As a county we must ensure our law enforcement and first responder services are well funded to ensure high potential candidates are attracted and talent is retained. As the Chairman of the 911 commission, I work daily to streamline processes, capitalize on Federal and State dollars to equip our teams with the best and educate on latest practices.

How do you envision your office collaborating with the school district to facilitate improvements within the county?

Our latest collaboration is the youth program we are helping fund to make sure our youth has access to mentoring, tutoring and guidance. The violence has to stop!