On Tuesday, residents throughout Lawrence County will decide on two county commission seats. Based on their articulated visions and the need to continue to move the county forward, we feel that incumbent commissioner Bill Pratt and former Dawson-Bryant School Board member and local business owner DeAnna Holliday are the right choices this year.
The race between Pratt and former county commissioner Doug Malone is a very close one, but the hard work over the past several years has put the county in a good financial position, ending 2015 with a $1.4 million carryover. With the current economic climate in the state and country, having our county in good financial standing is very important to ensure departments are funded to meet the needs of residents. Pratt’s vision for the future and work as a commissioner on a variety of fronts have helped Lawrence County move forward over the past five and a half years and have earned him the opportunity to serve another term.
Malone served as commissioner for eight years, and would likely contribute again. However, with the current economic climate and uncertainty at the state and national level, continuing with continuity and strong fiscal approach on the commission will be a key component to a prosperous future.
In the race between Holliday and Christopher Collins, assistant director of Lawrence County Job and Family Services, and Jonathan Ater, a farmer and salesman, the choice is clear.
Holliday is the candidate in this race who most clearly articulates what she wants to accomplish as a county commissioner, and seems the most qualified to do so considering what she has accomplished for her own businesses.
Holliday has political experience, having previously served eight years as a school board member, and has had success building three businesses from the ground up.
This is an important point for voters to consider when talking about the county’s jail situation.
Holliday has a clear plan for the future of the jail, probably more thought out than another other candidate, which includes utilizing a portion of the Franklin Furnace facility while making plans to construct a new jail in the county. Her plan is to create a revenue stream to house female inmates from across the state in the facility, while working towards building what she calls a state-of-the-art facility in Lawrence County in phases. This is by far the most thought out plan any candidate has put forth.
Holliday is certainly ready to hit the ground running as a county commissioner and her roots in the community ensure she is invested in the future of Lawrence County.
While Collins has shown a passion for various issues plaguing Lawrence County since his campaign began, such as the drug epidemic and employment, voters need a candidate with more experience and a proven track record in their profession or public service.
Considering the controversy surrounding his hiring at the DJFS and the subsequent amount of time he has taken off from that job, for campaigning purposes or other reasons, there hasn’t been enough to show Collins could be the right candidate for county commissioner at this time.
Ater was extended an invitation to meet with The Tribune’s editorial board but did not respond.
Voters need more than words from a candidate, not matter the race. They need to see action. Regardless who voters chose on Tuesday, those elected need to set aside party affiliations and work together to solve Lawrence County’s issues so we will have a viable future.