CLARKE COUNTY CIRCUIT CLERK

Yvette Bartee

Residence: Clarke County.

Party: Democratic.

Office sought: Circuit Clerk, Clarke County.

Education: Doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, master’s degree in Counseling from Alabama State University, bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Alabama State University.

Work experience:

I have some 18 years of combined professional experience in the areas of social services for the youth and geriatric populations, juvenile justice system, mental health, and 14 years in education. At South Central Alabama Development Commission (SCADC), I served as case manager where I developed and monitored plans-of-care for high-risk Medicaid recipients, reviewed files for eligibility, and supervised job duties of contracted agencies’ employees. I counseled, assessed, and devised individualized treatment plans, and maintained confidential records for adjudicated male inmates while at Mt. Megis Youth Detention Facility. In addition, while employed with the Montgomery County Public School System, I counseled students and parents; consulted with multi-disciplinary team members regarding strategies for program and student success; chaired fundraisers; and served on the in-house leadership assessment team in preparation for accreditation review at one of the respective schools. These are just a few of the many skills obtained during these years of service that have equipped me with the wherewithal to serve and meet the needs of the people within the community.

Public offices held:

I have never held any public office.

Why are you running?

I am running to bring change; a forward-thinking agenda with voters in mind; and public service with integrity, simply doing what is right, honorable, and fair.

Why are you a good candidate for this office?

I believe that I will be the most effective candidate, and too, the most qualified candidate because I am both professionally and academically prepared; and, most importantly, I have a clear understanding that this office, in addition to its surface-level duties and responsibilities, has the potential to influence the empowerment of a people or the disenfranchisement of them, thus affecting their rights. Every duty and responsibility should be governed appropriately and all of the citizens of Clarke County deserve someone who not only recognizes that but will also abide by it and enforce it.

Contact: 601-274-2561 or bartee4circuitclerk@gmail.com.

Paula “Vet” Cooks

Residence: Quitman, Clarke County.

Party: Independent.

Office sought: Circuit Clerk.

Education: Pending doctorate degree in counseling education, master’s degree in mental health counseling, 2 bachelor’s degrees (first in social work and the second in psychology). I am a licensed social worker and mental health counselor with a supervisor endorsement. I am also a licensed counselor in the states of Georgia and Virginia.

Work Experience: Currently in private practice as a mental health counselor and counselor supervisor in Clarke, Wayne and Lauderdale counties. Over 20 years of combined experience in mental health counseling in a school setting, addiction recovery, and residential treatment facility as well as in-home and outpatient treatment. Served as an adjunct instructor at Mississippi College in Clinton, program supervisor at Miss. Children Home Services in Meridian, shelter supervisor at Hope Village for Children in Meridian, social service director at Watkins Hospital in Quitman, social worker at East Miss. State Hospital in Meridian, unit director at Boys & Girls Club, Quitman and case manager at the Neighborhood Services Center in Quitman.

Public offices held: Harmony Water Executive Board member; 13 years from 2006 to present.

Why are you running: As a lifetime resident of Clarke County, I am running to bring professional integrity, competency, and courtesy to the office of Circuit Clerk.

Why are you a good candidate: I have served in many capacities helping the citizens of Clarke County i.e. counseling for improved mental health, economic assistance as it relates to income budgeting, assisting with power bill payments, assisting displaced home-makers with college-related expenses, on-the-job training and education, job placement and childcare services (during the Stonewall Burlington plant closure) also providing heating and cooling for the vulnerable adults, volunteer services with Red Cross as mental health responder, providing education and recreational support for Clarke County’s youth as a softball coach for over 20 years as well as serving as a football and basketball booster club member for several years. And I also provided tutorial and recreational services to the vulnerable youth in the inner city of Quitman as the director of the former Boys and Girls Club. I am asking to be elected to this office as a much-needed change-agent for the citizens who need and deserve a more efficient innovative and cost-effective Clarke County business system instead of the traditional Clarke County. I humbly ask for your vote because I am the right choice at the right time for Clarke County’s future.

Contact: Email p.cooks@nwcable.net or call 601-479-7042.

Davis E. “Tim” Douglas

Residence: Quitman.

Party: Democratic.

Office sought: Clarke County Circuit Clerk.

Education: Associates of Science, Meridian Community College, Bachelor of Science, Jackson State University.

Work experience: Employed with Quitman School District for the past 15 years.

Why are you running: To bring new and better practices and ideas into the office of Circuit Clerk and to provide excellent and outstanding services to the citizens of Clarke County.

Why are you a good candidate: I have always had a passion for giving back to the community through serving in the capacity as an elected public official in this county and serving the public. Working in the public school system and from previously serving on the board of directors for a major non-profit organization has provided me with gainful experiences in working with the public while possessing a good relationship with the community which is viable in the day to day operation of the office of circuit clerk.

Brad Gipson

Residence: Quitman, Clarke County.

Party: Republican.

Office sought: Clarke County Circuit Clerk.

Education: Graduate of Quitman High School, attended Meridian Community College.

Why are you running: I will make positive changes to get the office in compliance with the State Audit Department because it hasn’t been for approximately 15 years.

Why are you a good candidate:  My experience as a former deputy sheriff and my experience in running a business has helped prepare me for this job. I understand the importance of good and efficient record keeping. I have also worked with the election commissioners on elections for the past several years. I will fulfill the duties of the job daily as required. When elected I will bring integrity and accountability to the Circuit Clerk’s Office.

Contact: bradg214@aol.com or Facebook

Qiandra “Tuffy” Smith

Residence: Lifelong resident of Pachuta, Clarke County.

Party: Democratic.

Office Sought: Clarke County Circuit Clerk .

Education: 2006 graduate of Quitman High School; attended Meridian Community College for 2 1/2 years.

Work experience: Poll worker in Clarke County for 11 years.

Why are you running: I am a lifelong resident of Clarke County, and I would like to see some changes made in the way some things are done in the office of Circuit Clerk.

Why are you a good candidate: I am a people person with great customer service skills. I have completed two customer service classes, and have been certified in customer service. I have been a poll worker in Clarke County for 11 years, and I have seen things that need to be changed in the Circuit Clerk’s office. If I am elected, I would be able to make these changes, which would make the voting process easier for everyone.

Thyra Byrd-Sumlin

Residence: Clarke County.

Party: Democrat.

Office Sought: Circuit Clerk of Clarke County.

Education: Bachelors in Business Administration- University of Southern Mississippi.

Work Experience: I am a business owner in property management. I have worked in the following positions: a public library technician, an elementary school librarian, a telecom technician, and customer service for various companies. As a volunteer in various non-profit organizations, I have served as president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, programs director and grant writer.

Why are you running: I am passionate about using my strengths, experience and abilities to serve in public service as I have done for so many years as a volunteer.

Why are you a good candidate: My background and education has prepared me for this position. I am confident my abilities and determined to address the needs of the public and increasing voter registration. I feel I can be instrumental in improving the service and efficiency of the Circuit Clerks office.

Contact: 601 557 0757, thyrab_99@yahoo.com , thyrasumlin.com

Sally Doggett Wedgeworth 

Residence:  Quitman

Party Affiliation: Independent 

Office Sought:  Circuit Clerk, Clarke County 

Education:  1996 Graduate of Quitman High School, Jones County Junior College Paralegal Program

Work Experience:  2003 to Present Clarke County Circuit Clerk’s Office 

Public offices held: none 

Why are you running? The current Circuit Clerk is retiring and I am the only candidate with the knowledge and experience to keep the transition from current clerk to newly elected clerk to a minimum. 

Why are you a good candidate for this office?  I am familiar with all day to day duties.  I have the experience that will allow our office to continue to help customers in a timely manner.  I am accustomed to Circuit Court proceedings and have developed good standing working relationships with our two Circuit Judges, District Attorney and assistants, Law Enforcement Officers and prepared to bring in a jury.  

I have worked many elections using ours Statewide Election Management System and have maintained my certification since going live in 2005.  I am also trained in Delta Computer Systems to load defendants and receipt court fines since obtaining this software in 2007.  

Contact: Email Brianandsallywedgeworth@yahoo.com, 601-616-1714, Facebook Help Elect Sally Doggett Wedgeworth Circuit Clerk  

DISTRICT 3 SUPERVISOR

Greg Mangum

Residence: Clarke County.

Party: Republican.

Office sought: Supervisor District 3.

Education: 2007 Graduate of Southeast Lauderdale High School, 2009 Graduate of Meridian Community College – Associate Degree in Liberal Arts, 2010 Graduate of New Orleans Theological Seminary Music Ministry Certificate Program, 2012 Graduate of Southeastern Baptist College – Associate Degree in Bible.

Work Experience: Pastor/Church Planter – Old Paths Independent Baptist Church – Meridian, Miss. – 2014-present & Insurance Agent/Financial Representative – Modern Woodmen of America – 2018-present.

Public offices held: Alderman, Town of Stonewall, 2017-present.

Why are you running:  I am running because I believe Clarke County’s best days are still ahead. This is a great place to live and raise a family. It’s also a great place for businesses if we can work a little harder in advertising it. I’m running to be a voice for all of the citizens of District 3.

Why are you a good candidate:  I believe with my experience as an alderman and insurance agent I’m prepared on day one to work to move Clarke County forward. My whole life has been about building relationships; everything from being a pastor to being a town alderman and business owner. It takes building relationships to be able to attract businesses to an area. Clarke County has seen so many people leave to find work. We’ve got to work together to implement policies that will help us land more employers to this area. We have one of the top schools in the state. That in itself should attract potential employers. We’ve just got to market the county in a better way and I’m prepared to do that.

Contact: Facebook – mangumforsupervisor, email – brothergregmangum@gmail.com, Phone – (601) 595-1198.

Joel Speed

Residence: Enterprise, Clarke County.

Party: Republican.

Office sought: District 3 supervisor.

Education: Enterprise High School, Jones Junior College, B.S. University of Southern Mississippi, masters University of West Alabama.

Work experience: Retired from Enterprise School District and Mississippi Air National Guard.

Why are you running: I am running to be a public servant for the people of District 3 as well as Clarke County. I will make every effort to make Clarke County a better place to live.

Why are you a good candidate: While working at Enterprise School District, I gained experience with budgets, infrastructure, physical properties, fixed assets, transportation, and the personable skills needed to be a good supervisor. While serving in The Mississippi Air National 186th Air Refueling Wing, I gained experience with supplies and the transportation of those supplies to enable the wings mission. As a whole, I feel this experience will help greatly in being a good supervisor, but more importantly the ability to listen to the concerns of the of the people.

Contact: 601-917-0325.

DISTRICT 4 SUPERVISOR

Paul Mosley

Residence: Lifelong resident of Snell Community, Clarke County.

Party affiliation: Republican.

Office sought: Clarke County, District 4 Supervisor.

Education: Bachelor of science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, associates degree from Meridian Junior College.

Work experience: Employed 14 years with H.E. Mosley Construction, Inc.

Public offices held: District 4 supervisor since 1991.

Why are you running: I wish to continue to serve the citizens of District 4.

Why are you a good candidate: I do not make promises. I am honest and do the job to the best of my ability. I consider myself the best candidate to help Clarke County continue to grow. According to Mid-Mississippi Development, Clarke County is still among the lowest property taxes paid in East Mississippi. We have good roads and keep a good road plan. We continue to search for economic projects, even though they are hard to find.

Contact: home phone 601-644-3637; courthouse phone 601-776-1011, cell 601-686-1503 or email pmosley@clarkecountyms.gov.

CLARKE COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR/COLLECTOR

Hope Moore Herrington

Residence: Clarke County.

Party affiliation: Independent

Office sought: Clarke County Tax Assessor/Collector.

Education:  1984 Graduate of Quitman High School, attended Meridian Community College. I have several designations recognized by the Mississippi Department of Revenue and/or the International Association of Assessing Officers: Collector of Revenue I; Collector of Revenue II;  Mississippi Collector of Revenue; Assessment Evaluator I;  Assessment Evaluator II; Mississippi Assessment Evaluator.

Why are you running: I worked for my predecessor as a deputy clerk before her retirement in 2007. At that time I qualified to run for office and thanks to the citizens of Clarke County, I have been given the blessing of serving them since January of 2008. I love being able to serve the people. Sometimes, if we make a mistake, we can help a taxpayer and other times we just have to explain the tax bill to them and agree to disagree. No one likes paying taxes but it’s a lot easier to pay them when you understand what you are paying for.

Why are you a good candidate: I love my job as tax assessor/collector. I feel that with my experience I can help people to understand taxes if they have questions. If I can’t explain it I have the established connections to call someone to find out. I also am responsible for a lot of money that is distributed not only to the county but the five cities located within our county as well as Jones College, Quitman School District and Enterprise Schools. It is very important that the funds are distributed correctly and on time.

Contact: office, 601-776-6931; email taxcollector@clarkecountyms.gov. My mailing address is P O Box 69, Quitman MS 39355.

Andrea Monique Laphand Davis 

 

Residence: Quitman

Party affiliation: Democrat

Office sought: Tax Assessor/Collector

Education: Bachelor of Science – Business & Industry, Mississippi State University 

Why are you running: .I am running for the office of tax collector/assessor because I would like the opportunity to utilize my professional skill set in my community to be of assistance to all residents of Clarke County with open and honest communication.

Why are you a good candidate for this office: 30 years experience in management and administration that include experience in project management, operations, customer service, financial management and profitability.

As a general manager, I am skilled in leading teams, managing operations and utilizing the tools provided to take non profitable entities and making them profitable again. I am an effective leader skilled in building talent through training and by leading by example with one on one communication. 

Contact: davisandrea12@yahoo.com