The County Record is pleased to continue our interview series with Calhoun County candidates. Here are the questions and answers from our interview with those seeking the county commissioner post for district 1:
LEE LEE BROWN
1. What is one change you plan to make if elected county commissioner?
I would love to make easier access for people to come to county commission meetings by discussing with district 1 and county voters what time is better. Some people have told me it is almost impossible to get off work, do homework with kids and get to the county commission meeting. If you’ve got questions and concerns, the county commissioners should make whatever efforts to allow you to be there. That’s who is putting us in there – the voters.
2. As you have been out campaigning, what is the biggest concern you have heard from voters?
I started on the outside working in and most of the people have been concerned about water runoff. I had one lady call me and she showed me pictures of runoff. She lives right beside a county road and the water was absolutely right up under her house. The culverts looked too small for the runoff. The culverts were full of trash. Her yard had trenches in it. The water runoff was eroding up under her house. She was just one end of the county and the other end of the county had the same issues. At one house on the other end, water had eroded up under the house.
3. What sets you apart from your opponents?
Basically, the number one thing is I truly, truly care about the people of Calhoun County everywhere, from one end to the other. I’m a true believer, if you don’t care for people, how can you represent people?
JAMES “JUNIOR” GROVER
1. What is one change you plan to make if elected county commissioner?
The comp plan for the county that requires 10 acres to build a house on is silly. We need to change that comp plan. It’s hard for a kid getting out of school, getting a job and buying 10 acres of land to build a house, they just can’t do it.
2. As you have been out campaigning, what is the biggest concern you have heard from voters?
The biggest concern I’ve heard everywhere I’ve been is the county commissioners are not taking control of the board.
3. What sets you apart from your opponents?
Experience. I’ve been in business – sales, finance and management – for the last 40 years, including real estate, insurance and auto sales.
JERRY GUILFORD
1. What is one change you plan to make if elected county commissioner?
I like the transparency that’s never been before. We’ve never had transparency like we will have if I’m elected. It’s your business and your right to know anytime. My interest is for small business tax breaks to businesses that show an interest to come into Calhoun County to create jobs, jobs, jobs.
2. As you have been out campaigning, what is the biggest concern you have heard from voters?
People want to know if their property taxes are going to remain where they are or are they going to be brought down to where the market’s at. People want to know why this tax rate is still where it’s at.
3. What sets you apart from your opponents?
I served on the first planning and zoning committee and saw what a disaster that was going to be for the land owners in this county. I’ve worked with county government on issues before. I have a love for people who come to the board meetings with their issues. It’s our job to help them.
Watch for more candidate interviews in the next few days!
View Full Notice → NEWS ALERT: Q & A With County Commissioner District 1 Candidates