By Billy Davis

A slate of candidates seeking county offices took turns in front of a microphone Wednesday at the Square Market in Batesville, where nary a harsh word was spoken.

 “We’re not running against each other,” Albert Perkins, a candidate for District 2 constable, said of his campaign for the seat held by Raye Hawkins.

Hawkins, seeking re-election to a third term, also said he and Perkins are running a clean race. The candidates, both Democrats, will be on the August 2 ballot.

“Where’s the controversy?” Mike Amis, who introduced each candidate at the pavilion, joked after hearing the constable candidates.

Other candidates followed suit, skirting around anything that could be construed as contentious and sticking to safe remarks about their qualifications.

Chancery clerk

Michelle Putman, a Democrat candidate for chancery clerk, read from prepared remarks for what she called “my first speech” in her “first go-round” seeking public office.

Putman said she serves as a commissioner at Sardis Lake Volunteer Fire Department, where she is also a volunteer firefighter.  

She said she has business and managerial experience that she would bring to the public office.

Chancery Clerk Jim Pitcock also spoke, describing improvements to upgrade and update the office after being elected 7 ½ years ago.

Pitcock described his office staff as “friendly and courteous,” and promised to help visitors to the office “to the best of my ability.”

The chancery clerk also said he has been asked why a formal re-election announcement has yet to run in The Panolian.

“I’m running as an independent, in the General Election, so I will run it after the August primary,” Pitcock explained.

Putman is the only challenger Pitcock drew as he seeks re-election.

Justice court judge

Longtime Justice Court Judge William “Bill” Joiner asked voters to return him to the District 2 office, where he has served for 28 years.

Joiner has drawn one opponent, Jason Chrestman, who was not present Wednesday. Both are Democrats.

Justice Court Judge Mike Wilson thanked voters for elected him to office and credited Joiner for making improvements to the court system.

Wilson has drawn one opponent, independent Butch Still, in the November 2 General Election.

Tax collector/assessor

Democrat Brad Baker and Republican Calvin Land took turns promising a courteous staff in the county office — the closest anyone came to a political swipe during the political speeches.

Longtime incumbent David Garner, a Democrat, did not speak Wednesday.

If elected, Baker said the office staff would treat the public “with respect” and politely answer questions, since the county courthouse is owned by the taxpayers, he said.

Land said the duties and functions of the tax collector/assessor are regulated heavily by state government, which means an elected official can make few changes.

“But it can be made somewhat better if it’s run courteously and more efficiently,” Land added.

Carl Meyer, a Democrat, is also running for tax collector/assessor. He was also not present Wednesday.

Circuit clerk

Melissa Meek-Phelps spoke first among a slate of circuit clerk candidates, describing how her role as a nurse mirrors her campaign for circuit clerk.

“I want to help,” she explained.

Phelps also described Panola County at a “tipping point” at which the county can either progress or move backwards.

Circuit clerk candidate Willie Odom described his courtroom experience as a paralegal and investigator for the Smith-Mitchell law firm in Batesville.

“I’ve been involved in a hundred courtroom trials,” he said.

Next, Craig Sheley described his years as a chief deputy at the sheriff’s department, and attaining a bachelor’s degree in public administration, among his experience.

Sheley said he is currently drug court coordinator in the circuit court system.  

Two other circuit clerk candidates, Republican Karen Waldo Brown and independent George Williford, were not present Wednesday.

Longtime Circuit Clerk Joe Reid did not seek re-election, setting up one of the most competitive races in the upcoming election.

Supervisor candidates are slated to speak at the July 13 Square Market next week.