Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of articles addressing qualifying candidates. In today’s story, we will look at qualifying candidates for both constable positions, tax assessor/collector, sheriff and coroner. 

In the first five weeks of the qualification period, 29 people have qualified in the county elections.

As of Friday, several incumbents face opposition this election cycle while others remain unopposed. Qualifying candidates have expressed their willingness to serve others and ask for Lincoln County residents’ votes this election year.

The qualifying deadline is Feb. 27. Forms for county positions should be turned into the Circuit Clerk’s office.

Constable, Post 1 

Kelly Porter (R) is the only person to qualify for the first constable position as of Friday. Porter is currently serving the end of his second term. He has been in public service for 15 years as a fireman both in the city and in volunteer capacities. He has been a certified law enforcement officer since 2006.

“I’m a life-long resident of Lincoln County,” Porter said. “I think with my experience in law enforcement and with court cases, I’m the most qualified for the job.”

Porter said he also helps patrol the city and county to lend the police department and sheriff’s office an extra set of eyes.

“I don’t just serve summons and go home,” he said.

Constable, Post 2 

W. Lavon Boyd (D) currently holds the constable, post 2 position. He has served in this capacity for 18 years. He has also worked in the Hinds County, Lee County and Lauderdale County sheriffs’ offices as well as the Jackson Police Department.

Troy Floyd (R) is running for the second constable position after serving in various capacities of law enforcement since 1996.

Floyd said he is driven by his desire to help people turn their life around. From his experience as an auxiliary deputy, a jailer, deputy and Mississippi Department of Corrections officer, Floyd said people who commit felonies generally have previously committed misdemeanors.

Floyd would like to work with those who have committed misdeamoners to help prevent future felonies. Floyd currently has a faith-based program of this nature he runs through his church, but he would like to do so in a more official capacity.

“I know I’m not saving the world, but for that moment in time, I’m making it a safer place,” he said.

Terry Fuller (D) has served for 25 years in public service. He has been a firefighter, a part-time deputy and a jailor.

Fuller said he believes the job should be about more than serving papers and said he will help with patrolling.

Fuller said the most important job, though, is in the voters’ hands.

“Everybody needs to get out there and vote,” he said.

Alica Gill Warren (R) is running for the second constable position after spending 21 years in emergency medical services. She said because of the frequent crossover between EMS, law enforcement and the fire department she feels qualified for the job.

Warren is also certified as a part-time law enforcement officer. She began as a volunteer in the Sheriff’s reserves and later was hired as part-time. She has also served as the tactical medic with the SWAT team. Warren also has had hands-on experience as a substitute bailiff in Justice Court.

“I have all the qualifications and more,” she said. “I would enjoy the guys I work with.”

Coroner 

Mike Campbell (R) originally qualified for the coroner’s race but has since withdraw his candidacy. He now plans to run as senator for District 39.

Clay McMorris (R) is the currently coroner for Lincoln County, a position he has had since 2002. He has worked in the coroner’s office for more than 19 years.

“I’ve been doing this a long time,” he said. “It’s a ministry to me.”

McMorris cites his years of experience and depth of training as why he’s the best choice. He enjoys being able to serve the community and minister to families during the dark times.

Sheriff 

John Wayne Leggett (D)has spent 24 years in law enforcement and wants to try to bring the crime rate down in Lincoln County.

Leggett said he is most concerned with drugs in the county and believes that is the reason for most of the crimes, whether directly or indirectly. His goal as sheriff would be to make sure those involved with drugs do not feel comfortable in Lincoln County.

“I want to try to make Lincoln County a better place to live, work and raise our family,” Leggett said.

Leggett also would like to increase education and training opportunities for all the deputies.

“I think education is going to play a key part in what they do,” he said.

Steve Rushing (R) currently serves Lincoln County as sheriff. He has spent almost 19 years in the sheriff’s office and has held the top position since 2006.

“We’re out serving and protecting the people of the county,” he said.

Rushing said he believes that violent crimes have decreased since he took office. He has acknowledged a recent spike in property crimes, but they’re working to counteract that. Rushing said property crimes have always been the most common crime.

“It’s been that way as long as I can remember,” he said.

Rushing also said the job requires the ability to juggle patrolling, the court system and running the jail.

“Overall, I think we have a great community,” he said. “I’d like to keep protecting it.”

Tax Assessor/Collector 

Becky Bartram (R) has spent four years in the banking industry and has worked in auditing, fraud and security.

“Everything has been to help the community safeguard their funds and family,” she said.

Bartram also said she enjoys problem-solving and is detail-oriented. She said she has a servant mentality and loves the community.

“There’s no better place to live,” she  said.

Bartram said the office is important to the growth of the county’s economy and will seek to be fair and abide by state law.

Rita Goss (D) currently serves as Lincoln County’s Tax Assessor/Collector.

Goss said during her time in office, she believes she has accomplished what she promised last election. Goss said the office has become more efficient and friendly.

“I believe that’s what God’s called me to do,” she said. “I’m a people person and want to be a servant to them.”

Goss said they have also accomplished putting maps online during her first term. In the future, she would like to also allow tax collection to be done online.

Wendy Smith (R) has worked for the county for nine years and has spent time in many accounting capacities. She currently works in payroll.

She wants to serve the county by working to be accessible to the community. Because of her variety of work with the county, she said she believes she has many ideas to better serve the community.

“It’s not about who’s good or bad. If people want a change, I’m it,” she said. “My experience working in the office will allow me to face the public with the knowledge they need.