Confabulation

Photos by Brian Parton

At least one candidate admitted nervousness but that was quickly shed as the questions flew and answers flowed.

Candidates mastered the art of time management as 90 seconds zipped past seemingly, at the speed of light.  The green light was switched to yellow after just one minute urging those hopeful for votes to the office of Lewis County mayor in the August 5th election toward brevity and precise responses.

Mayor Jonah Keltner and Lewis County Commissioner candidate, Pittman Baker, listened closely to answers from mayoral candidates.

Three of the four greeted more than 100 of their constituents Monday evening.  But one candidate unable to attend, Ritchie Brewer, would likely have rather been under the hot lights of the stage than where he found himself:  in the hospital.

Brewer underwent tests Monday after suffering severe chest pains Sunday evening, a family member said.

He was home by Tuesday, and able to attend committee meetings for the county.

Candidates Rebecca Carroll, Van Ward and Bill Webb began the question and answer session by outlining their plans and visions for the future of Lewis County.  John Ford, owner of Memory Junction Antique Co. and co-sponsor of the event, welcomed those gathered and explained how each candidate drew straws to determine the order of seating and questions for the evening.  Ms. Carroll began first.

Each candidate shared similar visions for Lewis County with unity named as a common theme.  Each candidate also pledged to the goals of working together with citizens and officials of the City of Hohenwald, if elected, to find a way to create jobs.

Moderator Becky Jane Newbold questioned three of the four Lewis County mayoral candidates.

A question posed by the Lewis County Democratic Party was for the candidates to declare the “first order of business” of his or her administration.

Carroll pledged to develop a web site in order to provide the public with information concerning the county. She also said she would get jobs, develop a marketing strategy for Lewis County and apply for grant funds.

First on Webb’s list was to meet with the newly elected Board of Commissioners and to form a citizen advisory committee, each for the purpose of obtaining input.

A prayer would be first on the list, Ward indicated followed by rolling up his sleeves and going to work, he said.  A trait of a leader is that he listens, Ward stated, pledging to listen to the needs of the people.

Lewis County’s Republican Party asked the candidates to explain if they had an economic plan to increase revenue and to describe their plans for working with the City of Hohenwald mayor and Chamber of Commerce.

Webb admitted he had no plan yet and pointed out the new administration would inherit a budget already set.  “In coming years, we will operate within our means,” Web said.  “I cannot promise we will not raise taxes. We do not know what is coming,” he added.  He informed the gathering he had already begun conversations with Mayor Don Jones and with the Chamber of Commerce director.

Time keepers kept a close watch on the clock as candidate responses were limited to 90 seconds.

“I do have a plan,” Ward told the audience.  First, he mentioned the fact the county would be paying off four loans against the War Memorial Building in the coming year.  The revenue from leases in that building will provide breathing room in the budget, he said.  He also pointed out a mayor cannot raise taxes, the county commission is responsible for raising taxes.  He also advised he was in conversation with the city mayor and chamber of commerce.

Carroll pledged to donate $10,000 of the mayor’s salary to an economic development fund, if she is elected.  She plans to look at the existing resources of the county and seek new businesses to compliment the existing economy.  She also pledged to work closely with the city and chamber of commerce.

In following questions, Ward pledged to support green business ventures and to seek grant funding to subsidize projects as the money was available.  Incentives would be offered on a case by case basis, he indicated.

Carroll pledged to work to keep local tax dollars at home and offer whatever incentives it takes to get new business without breaking our citizens, she said.

First, Webb said, he hoped to hire a good industrial recruiter.   His target was to add 400 to 500 jobs over the next four years.  I will not be “just a spectator,” he said, pledging action on his part, if elected.

Candidate Rebecca Carroll listened closely to her opponent.

When asked about a potential referendum to allow liquor sales in Lewis County, Webb and Ward each opposed the proposition while Carroll said she would support it if the citizens wanted it.  “I don’t see the difference in our citizens driving [to another county] for the purchase.”  If a person is going to drink alcohol, they will, she added, saying the tax revenue benefit to the county would be significant.

When asked to chose from a list of topics, both Ward and Webb indicated the need for a hospital was most important for them.  Webb suggested working to get 10 beds at the Lewis Health Center to accommodate overnight stays.  Ward suggested the addition of a critical car center which could keep a person up to three days.  Carroll chose solving the issue of overcrowding at the local jail as crucial to the county’s improvement.

Candidate Van Ward spoke with Sam Davis and Mayor Jonah Keltner following the forum.

Other topics were addressed by the candidates including stray and abandoned dogs, illegal drug use problems and county wide planning.

Candidate Bill Webb greeted Alice Tubbs and other voters in the Strand Art Gallery following the forum.