TAX ASSESSOR

James D. Rainey

Party: Republican.

Office sought: Lauderdale County tax assessor.

Education: Meridian Community College.

Work experience: Eight years in public office; 35-plus years military service.

Public offices held: Tax assessor, two terms.

Why are you running: I have enjoyed faithfully serving as the tax assessor and am very grateful to the people of Lauderdale County for entrusting me with an additional term.

Why are you a good candidate: I have completed the Mississippi Department of Revenue’s Certified Appraiser School at Mississippi State University. Promises were made, and promises were kept. For example: initiated a more customer-friendly office setting; opened the office one Saturday per month during Homestead season to better serve the taxpayers of the county; brought back in-house appraisers, which has saved the taxpayers money.

Contact: 601-482-9779; taxassessor@lauderdalecounty.org.

CHANCERY CLERK

Carolyn Mooney

Residence: Lauderdale County.

Party: Republican.

Office sought: Chancery clerk.

Education: Meridian High School.

Work experience: Deputy chancery cerk for 27 years. I had the privilege to work for Hermon Gray Johnson, Jr, Evelin Sollie and Ann Wilson Hayes.

Public office held: 3 terms as Chancery Clerk.

Why are you running for this position: I enjoy being able to assist the citizens of Lauderdale County and to help maintain the accuracy and integrity of public records.

Why are you a good candidate for this post: I believe that with my hands on experience, my dedicated staff and knowing the importance of this office to the citizens of Lauderdale County, I can make a difference.

Contact: Office: 601-482-9701.

CIRCUIT CLERK

Donna Jill Johnson

Residence: Meridian.

Party: Republican.

Office sought: Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk.

Education: Attended Ole Miss.

Work experience: Being mentored by the greatest example and the most wonderful Daddy, Hermon Gray Johnson Jr., Lauderdale County’s very first tax collector, retiring as chancery clerk. Almost 28 years as circuit clerk coming from a background of almost 27 years with the telephone company. I and my staff would be honored to serve another 28 years and allow me to be carried out feet first from this courthouse one day.

Public offices held: Sworn in January, 1992 as the very first Republican Circuit Clerk in the state of Mississippi.

Why are you running: To proudly continue serving the citizens of Meridian and Lauderdale County, with still enjoying coming to work and especially on Mondays.

Why are you a good candidate: We have four departments from Circuit Court, County Court, the Juvenile Center and the Circuit Clerk office with a most efficient staff always striving for ways to upgrade, improve and also save money. We are especially proud of our election reputation based on integrity through the work of our outstanding Election Commissioners, and our poll workers, with the public’s trust always in mind.

How can voters reach you? Office phone: 601 482-9731 or email: circuitclerk@lauderdalecounty.org.

COUNTY ATTORNEY

Tommy Horne

Residence: Born and raised in Lauderdale County.

Party: Republican.

Office sought: Lauderdale County Attorney.

Education: J.D., Mississippi College School of Law, cum laude; B.A., Political Science—University of Southern Miss., highest honors; graduate, U.S. Army Judge Advocate General School (University of Virginia).

Work experience: United States Army (Active Duty); Combat Veteran, Pech River Valley, Afghanistan; 82nd Airborne Division. Leadership Positions held: Platoon Leader; Fire Direction Leader; Observer/Controller Team Chief.

Mississippi Army National Guard (currently serving): Captain (Army JAG Officer).

Current Legal Duties: Prosecuting misdemeanors occurring in Lauderdale County,.

Public offices held: No previous elected offices held.

Why are you running:  I am running for this office because I want to improve our community and do my part in making it a safer place for us to live and raise our families. This will be achieved through partnerships and efficiency. I am building partnerships that will make the local criminal justice system more efficient. An efficient criminal justice system driven by partnerships will result in a safer Lauderdale County.

Why are you a good candidate: I am a great candidate for Country Attorney for three reasons: First, as a born-again Christian, my moral compass is positioned on Christ, who I trust to guide me. Second, my leadership experience as an Army officer has taught me to not only strive for excellence but also to strive for efficiency in improving any organization I am a part of. Third, my legal experience makes me uniquely suited for this position. I have worked directly with trial judges on all aspects of criminal trials, including pre-trial practice, trial-practice, and sentencing. I have also worked at the Attorney General’s Office, which gave me a foundation in criminal appellate work.

How can voters reach you? Email: TommyHorneLaw@Gmail.com; Phone: 601-557-2080;  Mail: P.O. Box 1252 Meridian, MS 39302.

SUPERVISOR, DISTRICT 1

Name: Jonathan Wells.

Residence: Lauderdale County.

Party: Republican.

Office sought: Lauderdale County, District 1 Supervisor.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences Ed., Master’s degree in Educational Administration.

Work experience: Teacher, 18 years; District 1 Supervisor, four years.

Public offices held: District 1 Supervisor, 2016-present.

Why are you running: I am seeking re-election to continue the progress the current board of supervisors has accomplished. I am proud of the things we have set in motion to make Lauderdale County a better place to live, work and play.

Why are you a good candidate: I am a husband and a father who chose to make Lauderdale County my home 22 years ago. I have not only invested my time and tax dollars in to the community but my family as well, and I want to see Lauderdale county succeed not only for my family but for my former students and their families. I want to be remembered as a supervisor who helped make good things happen for Lauderdale County.

I hope my first term has reflected my desire to see not only a better District 1, but a better Lauderdale County. Through the Civil Link road program, new paving methods and treatments, BWI in Marion, the I 20/59 Industrial Park project, obtaining state aid on bridges and our industrial park, making progress on the courthouse project, as well as other projects, I hope I’ve proven myself as worthy to continue as your District 1 supervisor.

Contact: jwells@lauderdalecounty.org. Facebook: Jonathan “Coach” Wells for Supervisor D1.

SUPERVISOR, DISTRICT 2

Loretta “Lolo Allen” Bennett

Residence: Born and raised in Meridian.

Party: Democratic.

Office sought: Lauderdale County District 2 Supervisor.

Public office held: A long time member of the local chapter of the NAACP and I recently resigned as vice president and legal redress person.

Education: Meridian High School graduate; attended Moore Career College.

Work experience: I have years of experience of management, a former shift commander at East Mississippi Correctional Facility and a former city of Meridian Employee.

Why are you running: I never ran for office before but I’m running to bring a huge change to a district that has been unserved for many years.

Why are you a good candidate for this office: I know I’m the best candidate because I have 30 years of experience dealing with the public and giving back to my city and I’m very visual in my community. Roads are in bad need of pavement, kids need something productive to keep them busy and Lauderdale County citizens are in need of better paying jobs. As a supervisor, I will not serve only a selective few but my entire district. Citizens need to see and know where and how there tax dollars being spent. I will fight for each citizen in District 2 and will be the voice for the voiceless.

Contact: Facebook page Lolo Allen or contact me by email LorettaBennett92@yahoo.com.

Craig Houston

Residence: Meridian.

Party: Democrat.

Office sought: Lauderdale County Supervisor District 2.

Education: Meridian High School Class of 1987, attended the University of Southern Mississippi.

Work experience: 21 years as an independent insurance agent.

Why are you running for the position: The lack of economic growth and progress are driving factors as to why I’m running. I am passionate about moving Lauderdale County forward. My platform is to unite this community, call for fiscal responsibility; transparency and offer opportunities where our youth will have a future here and Industries will seek to locate here.

Why are you a good candidate for this position: I have lived in District 2 for most of my life. I have a closeness and responsibility to this community. I have the knowledge and understanding of the needs of District 2; also what it will take to meet those needs. My business and personal life have led me to remain in constant contact with the residents of District 2. We cannot continue to do the same things and expect different results. I bring a leadership of trust, transparency, dignity, integrity and professionalism that residents of District 2 want and deserve! I have the desire and ability to work with all members of the Board of Supervisors along with all county and city leaders. I have prepared myself with the necessary tools needed to take on the responsibility and trust of District 2. If given the opportunity I will work diligently to ensure that District 2 is not left out, forgotten or divided on any issues that are important to its growth and prosperity.

Contact: Craigh783@aol.com or Facebook: Craig Houston.

Wayman Newell

Political Affiliation: Republican.

Office sought: Supervisor District 2.

Education: Northeast Lauderdale High School, East Mississippi Junior College.

Work Experience: 34 ½ years McGregor Printing, last 10 years as plant manager. Retired in 2000; 12 years as Supervisor of District 2.

Public offices held: 3 consecutive terms as Supervisor for District 2, Lauderdale County.

Why are you running: I am running for re-election for the opportunity to continue to serve all the people of District 2 and Lauderdale County.

Why are you a good candidate: For 12 years I have put in the hard work needed to make many improvements and upgrades as well as much needed maintenance for my elected district. I have replaced eight bridges with new bridges and paved 16 dirt roads plus overlayed 30 roads. I have been able to accomplish much while keeping taxes low yet there is more to be done.

To keep District 2 moving forward, we need to stick with the supervisor that knows how to get projects done that need to be done while staying within budget and continually keeping taxes low.

Contact: districttwo@lauderdalecounty.org Office 601-482-9749; Cell: 601-938-3741.

Cornelius Parks

Residence: Daleville, Lauderdale County.

Party: Democratic.

Office sought: Lauderdale County, Supervisor District 2.

Education: Associate of arts.

Work experience: Law enforcement/health & safety.

Why are you running: I’m running to help improve the quality of life for all citizens of Lauderdale County by seeking industries to locate here and bring some accountability to the office of supervisor.

Why are you a good candidate: I feel I would be a good candidate because I was not born wealthy by a longshot but my hard work and determination, which I have proven throughout my life would follow me into the office of supervisor. I will be the first to tell you that I’m a public servant but not a perfect servant.

I can relate and communicate with people in “high places” as well as “low places.” I can go from the backroom to the boardroom. I relate equally to multiple races because of my faith and belief in Jesus!

Contact: corneliusparks@icloud.com, 601-917-9255.

SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 5

Kyle Rutledge

Residence: Lauderdale County.

Party: Republican.

Office sought: Supervisor District 5.

Education: Bachelor of science in Secondary Education from MSU-Meridian; on track to graduate from MSU-Meridian this fall with a Master of Business Administration.

Work experience: 7th grade science teacher at Carver Middle School (2007-2009) and Southeast Middle School (2009-2012), bus driver and football coach at Southeast Middle School (2009-present), book keeper/mechanic at Whynot Garage, cattle farmer.

Public offices held: District 5 Supervisor 2012-present.

Why are you running: I desire to continue serving the people of Lauderdale County in order to make this a better home for current and future generations.

Why are you a good candidate for this office: My knowledge and experience of working in county government makes me the most qualified candidate. I have worked since 2012 to be a conservative voice for all of the citizens of Lauderdale County.

There are many problems that the board is dealing with that we must develop an appropriate and economically feasible plan of action for. My main areas of focus are road and bridge maintenance and repair, economic development, and public safety improvements.

Contact: Personal cell: 601-917-3864; office phone: 601-482-9737, and email: krutledge@lauderdalecounty.org.

Marie Franklin

Residence: Meridian.

Party: Democratic.

Office sought: Supervisor District 5.

Education: Graduated from Southeast High School, Meridian Community College/ Business & Office Technology, Principles of Real Estate 1 & 2, Real Estate Law, and classes in criminal justice.

Work experience: Started my first job at a summer program at Southeast high School at the age of 14, started working in restaurants while in high school, and restaurant management. Started in factory work in 1986 and remained until 1998 when Delco Remy left Meridian. Became a licensed real estate sales agent in June of 1999, and remained in real estate until 2014. Was a member of the board of Realtors. 

Why are you running: I believe the decisions concerning a community should reflect the majority of the community and made with love and honesty for the people, and to the people.

Why are you a good candidate: Not only was I born into this area, my work ethic is here. My strong love for family and my community was developed here. My entire family as far as I can date back is from this area, and my husband and I built our homestead here, which gives me a hugh vested interest. I believe strongly in our entire community, not division. My love for God, family and my community gives me more experience than either of my opponents. Experience is the best teacher. I have much experience in leadership, management and working as a team.

Contact: 601-934-1807, email ef557@comcast.net.

Kenneth “Ken” Wilson

Residence: Zero Community, Lauderdale County.

Party: Republican.

Office sought: Lauderdale County District 5 Supervisor.

Education: Attended Southeast Lauderdale.

Work Experience: Worked over 32 years as a heavy equipment operator and within the trucking industry. I have also been a small business owner for over 10 years.

Why are you running: I see much potential for Lauderdale County, but we need individuals who have the time and energy to work hard to make this happen. I am one of those who will do so.

Why are you a good candidate: I am and will be out in the community to support our citizens and listen to their needs. I will also be out in the community working to make sure those needs are met. Those who have worked with me know that I work hard and strive to meet positive results. I understand the need for economic development, education of our youth and the protection of our resources are things, if worked together, can create growth in Lauderdale County.

Contact: kwilsondist5@yahoo.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/kwilsondist5

TAX COLLECTOR

Doris Spidle

Residence: Meridian.

Party: Republican. 

Office sought: Tax collector.

Education: Business degree.

Work experience: Legal secretary, bookkeeper, chief deputy tax collector, tax collector. 

Public offices held: Tax collector, almost 4 years.

Why are you running: To continue to serve the people of Lauderdale County.

Why are you a good candidate: I am a working tax collector, in that I still settle and disburse millions of tax dollars collected by my office. My policy is to help each and every person, with the laws of the state, to complete their line of business in the most efficient, professional and pleasant manner possible. And, I humbly thank each and everyone of you whom I have had the privilege to serve in the last almost four years. 

Contact: Office phone: 601-482-5399; email dspidle@lauderdalecounty.org; mailing address: P.O. Box 5205, Meridian, MS 39302.