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 Hedgepeth (District 1) and Case (District 5).

 

Donnie ‘Speedy’ Hedgepeth, Supervisor District 1

Donnie Hedgepeth is a resident of the East Lincoln community and is retired.

 

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?  

I feel like he’s done a good job so far but there is room for improvement in making our roads more safe and our community.

 

How would you address transparency and accountability of this office?

To me transparency promotes accountability and provides information for what we are doing. I would encourage the community to attend board meetings.

 

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

The roads and litter is a big deal that needs to be addressed. I would love to get the community watch program going strong again.

 

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

I would work hard to get the economic development in our county and city to encourage growth.

 

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

To improve our community and make our roads safe I will give it my all.

 

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

I’m married have 2 children 4 grandchildren. I’m a Veteran who served my country in the Army during Desert Storm. I’ve been in the volunteer fire department 30 years. I’ve worked for the Sheriff’s Department.

 

Grady Case, Supervisor District 5

Grady Case is a resident of the Zetus community in Brookhaven. He is shop foreman at S & S Services, and owner of Case’s Customs LLC.

 

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?  

I feel that Mr. Falvey has made a positive effort while serving in this office, although I feel much change is needed in our community and county to move further at this point.

 

How would you address transparency and accountability of this office?

I feel that all aspects of county business should be open and transparent to the citizens of Brookhaven and Lincoln County. I hold myself to the highest level of accountability in my personal life and will hold that same standard to the people of this county and community as the next District 5 Supervisor.

 

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

As I have visited all over my district, the roads are the citizens main concern. Also the people have great concerns of how we can continue to present a budget that works with increasing costs. My goal is to help make that happen by working with the other supervisors and county officials to address these concerns in the best way possible to benefit the people of our county.

 

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

I will be the voice of the people of Lincoln County and Brookhaven to bring a positive change to our community. I also want to work to bring new business and industry to our county and to help create a budget that works. I will also seek further funding to improve the place we call home and the roads we all travel.

 

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

My desire to serve my county and community is my reason for seeking this office. I feel the voters should vote for me because they know that I will seek God’s guidance first in all decisions and also because it’s my total desire to see this great place we all call home move forward and be strong in the future for our families and those to come.

 

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

I would like to ask for prayers and support as I seek the position of District 5 Supervisor. I was born and raised in the Zetus Community. I am a 1993 graduate of Loyd Star High School, a life long resident of District 5, and a small business owner. I am married to Sandi Hall of Brookhaven and stepfather to two wonderful children, Adyson and Zeke Zimmerman. I am also a dedicated member of Wellman Baptist Church where I serve on numerous committees as well as the budget and finance committees. I previously served this county for over 25 years as a volunteer fire fighter and first responder. My goal is to see this district, community, and county prosper to its fullest.