Editor’s Note: Today, The Daily Leader continues a question-and-answer series highlighting candidates participating in Brookhaven’s upcoming municipal elections. There will be no Ward Two candidates featured, because incumbent Terry Bates is unopposed. Today’s responses are from Ward Three alderman candidates competing in the Democratic primary. There are no Republican or independent candidates in the race. Two of the three candidates participated in the questionnaire. Lennie Lewis-Bracey did not submit responses. Responses appear as submitted by the candidates.

1. When voters go to the polls on June 4 to elect municipal officials, they will also have the opportunity to legalize the sale of alcohol within the Brookhaven city limits. If voters do legalize liquor sales, the Board of Aldermen must make a choice: The board can either restrict alcohol to by-the-glass sales in restaurants or allow package stores. If elected, which option will you support? What are the benefits of the option you favor?

Ramon Johnson: If liquor sales are legalized in Brookhaven, I would favor the restriction of alcohol sales to restaurants, which would attract businesses and franchises. Applebee’s who serve beer and other alcoholic beverages, recently bypassed Brookhaven to locate its restaurant in McComb. The main benefit for the city would be additional sales tax revenue. This option would also encourage more responsible drinking.

Mary Wilson: I will let the voice of the voters speak.

2. What do you see as the most significant infrastructure needs in the city? Given the still struggling economy and tight finances the city has faced, how would you go about prioritizing these needs?

Ramon Johnson: The most significant infrastructure needs in the city are street repairs, bridge and overpass repairs, water and sewer services to annexed areas, proper restoration of city drainage systems, and widening of existing sidewalks. Also new sidewalks should be constructed where they are needed the most, such as school zones, playgrounds, and areas for elderly and handicapped citizens. Priority of repair and construction work orders should be based on their feasibility.

Mary Wilson: I see the most infrastructure need in our city is water and sewer needs to be repaired, updated, and be in top shape. Our city board members need to prioritize the city needs where the needs are the most greatest.

3. What opportunities do you see in city government to cut costs and ease the taxpayers’ burdens?

Ramon Johnson: Opportunities to cut city government costs to possibly ease taxpayers’ burdens can be accomplished by closely examining the city’s budget to eliminate unnecessary spending. Non-mandated programs that are not currently used or have little benefit can be discarded. Also, emphasis should be placed on acquiring federal grants that are similar to those of other municipalities, to fund city improvements and other projects.

Mary Wilson: Our city can cut cost and ease our taxpayer’s burden by getting new industries, more jobs, more retails stores, malls etc.

4. In your opinion, what could improve Brookhaven the most? How would you as an alderman make this possible?

Ramon Johnson: Marketing efforts, such as incentives, to attract industries and small businesses to Brookhaven would increase the city’s tax base in addition to providing jobs. Also, continued development of downtown, and commercial areas located in neighborhoods or near major roads and highways will encourage location of businesses. Supporting these efforts include, seeking federal grants to supplement costs of land allotment, constructing and maintaining proper road structures and drains, sidewalks, and accessible water/sewage services.

Mary Wilson: Our city can be improved by having more stores, that will increase sale tax. I can help make this happen by helping, and working and also supporting the mayor projects, and ideals to lead our city creating jobs, new retail stores, etc. Also work with all aldermen for the better of our city.

5. What are your reasons for seeking this office and why should voters elect you to the board?

Ramon Johnson: Seeking the office of Alderman relates to my being a lifelong citizen of Ward 3. I have a sincere objective to participate in the prospering of Brookhaven and would like to continue the representation and leadership philosophy of the late Clarence B. Johnson, Sr., my father, who served on the Board of Aldermen.

We do need a fresh start. Ward 3 citizens should elect me due to my leadership abilities and willingness to strive to make a difference. If elected, I will stay in touch with constituents and ensure their concerns are appropriately addressed.

Mary Wilson: I’m seeking re-election because I love out city and it citizen, I love helping and taken Ward 3 citizen issues, and concerns to the city board. I am asking the voters in Ward 3 to re-elect me to continue to work for them. I will do all that’s possible to help them, along with our city board to improve there QUALITY OF LIFE