Newcomers qualify for local races

By By Lynette Wilson / staff writer
Jan. 8, 2003
A newcomer to the Lauderdale County political scene qualified for District 5 Supervisor on Tuesday.
Tal G. Robinson, a 32-year-old assistant administrator for Sta-Home Health Agency and a registered nurse, said he would like to see county government become a more professional environment.
Robinson said he has a place in his heart for politics he served on the Stonewall Board of Alderman in 1992, but later resigned his seat due to relocation.
He has a vested interest in Lauderdale County, he said, and wants his children to be able to call it home.
Robinson said the county needs to work on economic
development.
Incumbent District 5 Supervisor Ray Boswell also submitted qualification papers Tuesday and is running for his fourth term.
Of his opponent, Boswell said, "I've heard of him, but don't recall meeting him.
Other candidates also submitted qualification paperwork Tuesday.
They include Billye Wayne "Bill" McBride, who will run in the Republican primary for District 1 Supervisor where he will face at least one opponent former supervisor Billy Melton, who has already filed. McBride ran unsuccessfully for Meridian mayor in 2001.
And Justin M. Cobb, a Meridian attorney whose grandfather served multiple terms as Lauderdale County's chancery clerk, qualified to run for county attorney in a Republican primary that also includes local attorneys Greg Malta and Andy Davis.