Editor’s note: This is part of a series of stories focusing on candidates running for office. The next story will publish  April 19.

With candidates planting political signs like posies, indications of the upcoming Lincoln County elections are popping up everywhere. In the coming months, until the Aug. 4 primary, candidates will have the opportunity to share their platforms and positions.

There are two candidates running for the office of Constable Post 1: newcomer Tony James (R) and incumbent Kelly Porter (R). Constables in Lincoln County are independent law enforcement officers who serve processes (such as subpoenas, summons and evictions) for the Lincoln County Justice Courts and are charged with keeping and preserving the peace within the county.

James, of Wesson, has been a resident of Post 1 in the Loyd Star community for 47 years, he said. He has served in law enforcement for 22 years, including three years as a Lincoln County deputy sheriff and 19 years as a state trooper for Mississippi Highway Patrol. He retired as a master sergeant.

James said he wanted to get into serving court processes.

“If I’m elected to this position, I will serve the process in a professional, confidential and courteous manner,” he said.

James said his career in law enforcement has given him training that exceeds the qualifications of the constable position.

If elected, James said he will work hard to protect residents and their personal property from criminals.

“I will make the entirety of Post 1 my priority,” he said. “I’m for the hardworking men and women who deserve this from our law enforcement. And I’d like to say thanks for considering me to be your next constable.”

Porter, of Bogue Chitto, is serving his second term as constable, seeking re-election for his third. Porter was elected constable at age 25 and has been a deputy sheriff for Lincoln County as well as captain of the Brookhaven Fire Department. Porter has been in fire service for 15 years, he said, currently working full-time at the fire department, part-time as a deputy sheriff and police officer and as constable.

Porter said he is seeking re-election because his history and training in many different aspects of public service in Lincoln County have provided him with the experience and know-how to confidently serve as Post 1 constable.

“As a life-long resident of this county, with children and a lot of family here, I want to keep Lincoln County safe and a great place to live,” he said. “I’ve been devoted to keeping the lives and the properties of the people that live in the county safe – that’s my number one.”

Porter said that as constable, he works with the people of the Justice Court system and keeps all processes current, as well as serving as an independent law enforcement officer that patrols the roads, and serves and protects the county.

Porter said he assists law enforcement often and is currently in training to be an EMT basic, so he can also be of assistance to residents who need hospital or ambulance service.

“If I’m near and can assist or take the call, I’m always happy to help those agencies out as much as much as I can,” he said. “I’m only one person, but as far as I can help the people and law enforcement of the county, I will.”