Incumbent Democrat Scott Colom and Republican challenger Jase Dalrymple squared off Thursday night at Patch of Heaven, with Colom defending his eight-year tenure against Dalrymple’s assertion he was soft on crime.
Colom said his office has achieved an 85% conviction rate during his two terms in office, and his record speaks for itself. His office is directly involved in investigations to ensure convictions.
“Look at Kenny Armistad, who had been terrorizing Columbus and kept getting off because there were not good investigations,” Colom said. “(After his last arrest) my office took over the investigation from the Columbus Police Department. We had to get that one right. … He was found guilty and given life plus 50 years.”
Armistad was convicted of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a weapon by a felon in March. He was accused of murdering Frank Edwards, 20, in a Dec. 30, 2020 shooting. But his violent criminal history stretched well before that incident.
Dalrymple asserted crime had gotten worse on Colom’s watch.
“From 2019-22 … about 30% of those arrested for felonies never got indicted,” Dalrymple said. “That’s either because the DA’s office decided they didn’t have enough to move forward, or they weren’t going to prosecute. If law enforcement arrests someone, and the arrest is constitutional and they are indicted, I will move forward with the case.”
Republican Chuck Easley is also running, but he did not attend.
Well more than 100 citizens gathered at the nonpartisan political forum hosted by unopposed District 1 Constable Chris Griffin.
The two DA candidates were among 21, mostly from Lowndes County races, who took the opportunity to stump in the waning days before the Aug. 8 primary.
The event was moderated by Dale Reese. Candidates had two to five minutes to introduce themselves, followed by answering written questions from the audience.
Sheriff
Incumbent Republican Eddie Hawkins talked about changes he had made to the sheriff’s office over the past few years.
“We’ve added 11 deputies, and we’re about to add two more,” Hawkins said. “We used to have three school resource officers, now we have eight in the Lowndes County School District, and Heritage is going to get a deputy at their school. That’s at no cost. (the schools) reimburse us. When school’s not open, we use those deputies in other positions.”
Democrat challenger Willie Jones said he wants to use the sheriff’s position to build unity.
“I want to see everybody come together,” Jones said. “It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. It’s about unity. I want everybody to come together and see if we can put some of this violence down.”
District 1 supervisor
Michael Brock said his years of operating an insurance agency have given him broad contacts in the community.
“All of my business is based here in Lowndes County,” Brock said. “My office is here, 95% of my business is right here. … I’m familiar with you, and with everything going on in our county.”
Kevin Clark said he could be counted on to make tough decisions without flinching.
“I know how to work under pressure,” Clark said. “I am used to making decisions real quick under pressure. … I’m not going to promise you I’m going to make the right decision every time, but I will be accountable.”
Matt Furnari cited his experience in the business world and as an alderman in Caledonia, where he is serving his second term.
“I have experience in multiple industries and I have owned two successful businesses,” Furnari said. “I have been an alderman and gone through the training it takes to do that. I think that experience is second to none.”
All three are running as Republicans.
Tommy Lee Kidd, a Democrat, said he wants to work to continue Lowndes County’s vital economic development.
“We need to keep these jobs coming to Lowndes County so our kids won’t have to go to Birmingham or New York or somewhere to get a job,” Kidd said. “I want my grandkids to stay here so I can see them. Those jobs are a game-changer for us, and what we’re looking for is to keep them.”
Incumbent Harry Sanders is not seeking reelection.
District 2 supervisor
Incumbent Trip Hairston said he would work to build on economic development efforts, including a new megasite.
“We’re looking at doing another megasite, 1,000 acres that’s got easy access to roads and power,” Hairston said. “We’re in the beginning phases, and I am for that. We also need to continue to serve the industries that are there already.”
The supervisors voted in June to begin the process of setting up another megasite north of Highway 82 in western Lowndes County. A megasite is a swath of land dedicated to industrial developments for several companies to build and operate. The megasite program is run by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Challenger Brad Holliman cited his years of experience working in county positions.
“I’ve worked for the road department for 17 years, and I’ve been a foreman in District 1 for 13 years,” Holliman said. “I’ve been a volunteer firefighter for 22 years. I’m not just somebody off the street who decided they wanted to run for supervisor.”
Both are running as Republicans, and the race will be decided in the primary.
District 3 supervisor
Chad Frasher said he’s been boning up on county government by going to the board of supervisors meetings for the past several months.
“I’m trying to get an upper hand on what it’s like, what they do, what they see,” Frasher said. “I want to see the day-to-day of how it happens so I can gain knowledge of what they do on a daily basis.”
Tony Hannah said he thinks giving young people things to do is just as much a part of the supervisors’ responsibility as providing job opportunities. He said a customer at Barksdale Catfish Lakes — which Hannah owns — made him think.
“He thanked me for having a family-friendly place for his kids,” Hannah said. “… We have jobs, but we also need stuff for our kids to do. When (the catfish lakes) is one of the few places people can come to that is family-friendly, we need to look at that and change that.”
Andy Williamson said he would keep his hand on the throttle when it comes to economic development and paving.
“We need to continue pursuing economic development,” Williamson said. “We can’t stop, we’ve got to keep chasing prospects. … I’m not promising a chicken in every pot or that I’m going to patch every pothole, but I am saying I want to spend all the money I can to fix your roads.”
All three are running as Republicans.
Christopher Moore, running as an independent, said he wants to work to build up the “backbone” of rural fire protection. Moore is a volunteer firefighter.
“We struggle during the day on getting response,” Moore said. “It’s hard to get trucks and equipment during the day. A lot of the volunteers are young, and they’ve all got jobs. They may be 10 to 15 miles from the station during the day. I want to work to find those people to work during the day.”
District 5 supervisor
Independent Tiffany Turner said, if elected, she will make herself available to all her constituents.
“Not as a favor, not as an IOU, but because it’s my job,” Turner said. “I will offer monthly or quarterly meetings. I will listen to you, and not just to check a box. … I will not be someone who uses fear to stand in the way of progress, but someone you can come to with your ideas.”
Incumbent Democrat Leroy Brooks did not attend.
Coroner
Incumbent Republican Greg Merchant said the office has greatly expanded under his tenure.
“In January 2004 I started this job with a suburban and the contents of the coroner’s office,” Merchant said. “Today, we’re in the process of moving into a state-of-the-art building. We’re always asked to let people view remains of their loved ones, and we’ve had to say no. We’ll be able to control the environment now and give family members some sense of peace.”
Democrat challenger Leonard Williams said he wants to bring compassion to the coroner’s office.
“This job is made for someone who can bring energy and compassion and love to those going through one of the most difficult times of their life,” Williams said. “I will be able to talk to them and counsel them and be there for them right there in that moment.”
Incumbent Chancery Clerk Cindy Goode also spoke, as did tax collector candidates Maci Griffin, Diane Stephens and Kalee Talley.
Candidates for District 4 supervisor and District 3 Justice Court judge did not attend.
Brian Jones is the local government reporter for Columbus and Lowndes County.
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