Each Lincoln County candidate who will appear on the Aug. 8 Primary Election ballot has been contacted by The Daily Leader and asked to reply to a questionnaire.

The same set of questions was sent to each candidate, even those who are running unopposed.

The responses are offered in no particular order, and no candidate had the opportunity to see any other candidate’s answers prior to submitting their own. No edits were made for content.

Each week, we will present responses from two candidates, along with reminders of who their opponents are.

This week we begin presenting the responses from candidates for Lincoln County Supervisor.

The county is divided in five districts. In District 1, incumbent Democrat Jerry L. Wilson is running for reelection, facing Republican candidate Donnie “Speedy” Hedgepeth. Wilson did not respond to the questionnaire.

In District 2, incumbent Republican Jerry McGehee is running for reelection, and will face two Republican challengers in the Primary — Virgil E. Stewart and Keith Lewis. Stewart did not respond to the questionnaire.

In District 3, incumbent Nolan Williamson is retiring at the end of this term. Three Republican candidates will face off in the Primary — John David Hart, Ricky Wayne Nations and Brooks Warren. Jason McDonald will face the winner in the General Election as an independent.

In District 4, incumbent Eddie Brown is retiring at the end of this term. Three Republican candidates will face one another in the Primary. They are Todd Bowlin, Eli Ferguson and Calvin Kees.

In District 5, incumbent Republican Doug Falvey is running for reelection. He faces challenger Grady Case in the Primary. Falvey did not respond to the questionnaire.

This week we present the responses from District 2 candidates McGehee and Lewis.

 

Jerry McGehee

McGehee is a resident of Brookhaven and is the incumbent District 2 supervisor.

 

How would you grade your success to this point in this office? Do you plan to keep things going in the same direction, or change course?

I currently hold the position as District 2 Supervisor. I hope to be able to continue serving to make the roads better and safer for your families. Over the last term I have improved numerous roads in our county. I have also worked on bridges to rebuild and improve them.

 

How would you address transparency and accountability of this office?

I have and will continue to be up front and honest with each individual. I personally have made my cell number available to each residence in district 2. I try to make myself as available as possible. In fact, I make it a point to keep my cell phone with me at all times so that way I am able to help the residents of my district. However, there are times I am not able to answer right away but I make it my priority to respond to any voicemail or messages in a timely manner.

 

What are the most pressing issues in this office and how would you address them?

In my opinion the major issue of this office is to improve the roads. In the past 3.5 years I feel I have made improvements to the roads, and will continue to do so. I have big projects in the near future that will drastically improve the roads that are contracted out. These improvements will take place this summer and fall. Maintenance on all roads will continue daily. Our bridges are one of my main concerns. As of today there have been 4 bridges repaired or replaced. This summer I hope to have 2 more bridges contracted out and rebuilt.

 

How would your role in this office improve Brookhaven and Lincoln County?

I will proceed with bringing new industrial industry careers into Lincoln County. I will continue to work alongside the Lincoln County Sheriff Department, Brookhaven Police Department, and Brookhaven Chamber Commerce.

 

What are your reasons for seeking this office and why should voters elect you?

If you have noticed, my political signs are orange, blue and white. I selected these colors to represent who I am and what I bring to the community. Orange signifies encouragement. My goal daily is to continue to provide encouragement to our community. White signifies honesty. If you know me, you know what I say I stand behind. I take my job as your current supervisor very seriously. If you come to me with a problem or concern, know that I will be as honest as I can to help you. Blue represents loyalty. I am loyal to district 2 and the people I represent.

 

Please share any family, personal information you’d like to include.

I have been a Lincoln County resident for my entire life. My wife and I have raised four children, eight grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild here in Lincoln County. I was born and raised in Clear Branch Baptist Church where I serve as a deacon. I humbly ask to be reelected as your Lincoln County District 2 Supervisor. Together, let’s move Lincoln County in the right direction.

 

Keith Lewis

Lewis is a resident of the Heucks Retreat community in Brookhaven and is the Public Works Director for the City of Brookhaven.

 

What is your assessment of the previous or current occupant of this office, and, if elected, would you keep it in the same direction or change course?  

Jerry McGehee has done a good job as Supervisor District Two. If elected I will work hard to see that your tax dollars are spent wisely. I will be available for each and every citizen of the district. I will maintain roads and bridges in a timely and safe manner for driving conditions. I plan to implement new ideas to improve all aspects of county government. I am willing to listen to new ideas and suggestions.

 

How would you address transparency and accountability of this office?

Transparency and accountability are vital to maintaining a successful public office. My door will be open at all times to anyone with questions or concerns.

 

What are the most pressing issues in this office and how would you address them?

Fiscal responsibility and road maintenance. I will put my 30 years of experience in the public utilities industry to work to make sure your tax dollars are spent wisely. I will assess road and bridge conditions regularly and maintain each of them accordingly.

 

How would your role in this office improve Brookhaven and Lincoln County?

I have over 30 years of experience in the public works and utilities industry. I am confident that my experience will help impart wisdom to the office of Supervisor District Two.

 

What are your reasons for seeking this office and why should voters elect you?

I have a servant’s heart. I have always desired to hold the Office of Supervisor so as to put my skills and knowledge to use for the county. I should be elected because I am qualified to serve in this position.

 

Please share any family, personal information you’d like to include.

I have been married to the former Bethany Vaughn for 30 years. I have two children, Olivia (21) and Glen Vaughn (15). I am a member of Heucks Retreat Baptist Church where I have served as a deacon, RA leader, nominating committee member, building and grounds committee member, security team member and many other roles. I am a member of the Board of Directors at Lincoln Rural Water and Brookhaven Academy Educational Foundation, Inc., where I serve on the Building and Grounds Committee.