BROOKHAVEN — Brandon Presley, candidate for Mississippi Governor, last visited Lincoln County for the Old Time Political Rally held at Case’s Grocery in the Loyd Star Community. He spoke on the Lincoln County Courthouse steps Wednesday as the final stop in a five town tour.

Presley is running as the Democrat candidate against Republican candidate Tate Reeves. His campaign platform is to make Mississippi’s government to work for all citizens. Healthcare, alleged corruption and the welfare scandal are the biggest issues Presley has spoken to.

He implored the audience at the Lincoln County Courthouse to vote for him as he plans to work together to build a better Mississippi. The Nettleton native said he has experienced the trials having your water or electricity cut off or owning just a single pair of jeans. He said he carries the weight of anyone who has gone through the same thing in politics.

Small town businesses are one way to help Mississippi Communities. Brookhaven has seen an explosion in business growth this year. Prelsey said he plans to help small businesses open and stay open.

“Many jobs come from small businesses. I would have a targeted approach for the economic development authority to bring jobs to small towns through small businesses,” Presley said.

Presley pointed to natural resources as an economic engine for the state. Mississippi has some of the most liberal hunting seasons in terms of bag limits and length. There is 19.2 million acres of forested land and many options for public access to the outdoors between State Parks, State Fishing Lakes and Wildlife Management Areas.

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks have embarked on renovating State Parks through projects at nearby Percy Quinn State Park and Bob M. Dearing Natchez State Park. Presley said he would help continue the work.

“Every Mississippian treasures the fact we have some of the best natural resources and we should work to preserve those the best we can,” Presley said. “Nothing reinvigorates my spirit more than being out in nature. We would work with our department of wildlife, fisheries and parks to make sure we are making smart choices and protecting our public land. We would work to improve our state park system and make it a shining star for Mississippi for everyone to enjoy. We have some of the best land and natural resources and we should promote them more.”

Much of Mississippi is still rural and there is no greater example than Lincoln County. One can find cow pastures, chicken houses and row crop farmland across the county. Presley said he would work for agriculture as well.

“I would first make sure the farmers have a seat at the table and work closely with the Ag Commissioner to bring targeted tax credits and innovative programs,” Presley said. “One thing I’m excited for is agri-tourism. it is an economic engine and can provide a lot of jobs and lots of money for communities.”