Smith, Newell share similar concerns

By By Georgia E. Frye/staff writer
Oct. 6, 2003
Incumbent Lauderdale County Supervisor Jimmie Smith and his opponent Wayman Newell share some of the same concerns about such issues as economic development and street conditions.
But Newell said he believes not enough is being done about them. If he wins the District 2 county supervisor's race in the Nov. 4 general election, Newell said, that will change.
But Smith said being a county supervisor is a juggling act because no issue is more important than another. Smith said a supervisor must "be concerned about all the issues and address them all."
Smith said some of the most important issues facing his district and Lauderdale County are economic development, education and safe streets.
Smith, a Democrat and 16-year incumbent, will face Newell, a Republican and a retired plant manager, in the Nov. 4 election.
At stake is a seat on the five-member Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors the chief policy making and administrative body of county government. The job pays $37,343 a year.
Newell's plan
Newell said one of the most important issues is the condition of many county roads. Newell said he won't know where the money would come from to pay for road repairs until he is in office.
Newell said he decided to run for supervisor because he believes District 2 voters are being ignored. He said Smith doesn't respond to constituents and "doesn't have the best interest of the voters at heart."
Newell said he has received no response when he has called Smith in the past. Smith, however, said he makes it a policy to return phone calls the same day or the next day.
Newell also said he is troubled by the money the county pays the East Mississippi Business Development Corp. the county's chief economic development agency. He said he'd like to see another development corporation to offer the EMBDC competition.
If elected, Newell said, he would suggest that the board of supervisors not pay the EMBDC unless it brings businesses to the area.
Smith responds
Smith said he has welcomed input from constituents during his 16 years in office.
Smith said he believes it is important for people to have access to public officials. He said he also believes there is no validity to Newell's comment that the voters feel ignored.
Smith said he is more concerned with focusing on the future of the board of supervisors and bringing economic development to Lauderdale County.
Smith said he needs the support of voters to continue making progress in the district. While change may be slow in coming, he said, Lauderdale County has the opportunity to attract businesses and improve job opportunities for its residents.