Democratic commission candidates square off

LAUDERDALE COUNTY - The three men seeking the Democratic nomination for the Lauderdale County Commission District 2 seat discussed a variety of topics during a lengthy debate Monday evening.

Incumbent Ronnie Brown, along with opponents Fay Parker and Wesley Smith, sat in front of a crowd of about 150 people at the Underwood-Petersville Community Center and talked about why they wanted to be county commissioner and what would make them a good commissioner. They also talked on topics that included advice to President Bush on the war in Iraq, gas prices, the economy, county emergency medical services, barking dogs and leash laws, roads and bridges, and even the 2-cent gasoline tax that was implemented in 2001.

Brown, who is finishing his third term in office, said he loves being commissioner.

"I've done a good job and helped some people, and I want to continue to work for the people of this county," Brown said in his opening remarks.

Parker, who is the transportation superintendent for the Lauderdale County Board of Education, said he believes it's time for a change in county government.

"I appreciate the job that has been done by our leaders, but I want to make a change. I think our county needs change, and I want to be a part of that," Parker said.

Smith, who is self-employed and is a volunteer firefighter as well as a reserve sheriff's deputy, said he loves serving people and wants to continue to serve people as a county commissioner.

"I see things (in the county) that need to be fixed, and I want to help fix them," Smith said.

He said his experience with volunteer fire departments and the sheriff's department would be an asset to the job of commissioner. He said as a small business owner, he understands responsibility.

"I'm open for change, trying something different," he said. "We can't just stand still or we'll get in a rut, and there will be no growth."

Parker, who also has been a small business owner, said he understands the concept of budget restraints as well as dealing with employees.

Brown said his 11 years of on-the-job experience makes him qualified for the position.

While the candidates didn't exactly see eye-to-eye on every subject, they were in agreement that industry and jobs are priorities.

"I want to put more people to work. I appreciate what we've got, but I want more for our county," Parker said.

"Jobs and more jobs to keep our grandchildren at home; that's my No. 1 priority," Brown said.

Smith said that while he wants more industrial growth, the area needs to lower its crime rate in the county.

"The commission needs to make a commitment to work to get our crime rate low," he said. "If we do that, we'll make our county attractive to new industry."

The Democratic Primary is June 3.

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.