Three candidates are seeking the District 2 seat on the Warren County Board of Supervisors. They are Democrat William Banks, 61, the incumbent; and independents Deborah “De” Reul, 61, and Trey Smith III, 31.

Up next: Wednesday, District 3 supervisor

1. What is the best course of action Warren County can take in the next four years to build a modernized jail and justice system facility?

Banks: I think the best course of action Warren County can take in the next few years to build a modernized jail and justice facility is to float a bond issue. By doing so, the county will be able to get the amount of money needed to build a jail that is cost-efficient and best-suitable for the county. The amount of the bond would have to be one that the taxpayers and businesses can afford because this would cause an adjustment in taxes.

Reul: No new jail! In this economy we need to re-evaluate our expenses, yet keep in mind the health and welfare of our inmates. We do not want additional property taxes to pay for a jail. I would like our money spent on programs to change the lives of our outgoing inmates into productive citizens, needed jobs and training for these people. One alternative: an elevated walkway to the detention center with a multistory expansion for inmate overflow. Alternatives: It may be five years before we see a productive economy again. Show diligence to our taxpayers and find alternatives for the next five years. Then re-evaluate.

Smith: The best course of action we as a county can do is to make the choice to build it and where and get started. The county has spent enough money and time on studies and meeting but no choice has been made. We pay too much money to neighboring counties to house inmates that we could be putting to the building of a new jail. Our county officials have wasted money on the third floor of our current jail that can’t house inmates. We need someone in office who will make a choice.

2. If you had to write a comprehensive plan for residential and commercial developments in Warren County, what would it say?

Banks: I would determine the needs and interests of the developers, then locate suitable property. I would advertise available infrastructure. I would showcase access to highways, airports, waterways and railways. We have a housing need in Warren County, and I have initiated and had passed a housing plan using federal grants for county residents in the last four years. I will continue to initiate more funding for housing. I would advertise our good water and sewage system, good schools, social programs and retirement community. I would work with the community and other supervisors to remove obstacles to keep industries and developers interested in locating here.

Reul: No comprehensive plan can be described in 100 words. We have never had a master plan for anything! The county owns a lot of acreage that could be used for new development. Our city needs to work with those who want to revitalize older communities with housing and renovate the vacant homes that blight our beautiful city. The current administrations don’t care. I have an extensive plan for this county that would bring in more tax dollars, lower our property taxes and expand new business for our future. Anyone interested can talk to me about my revitalization plan for the next 25 years.

Smith: Warren County, being a town on the river with major interstate and highway running through it and railroad service, is a model place to bring a business and raise a family. We need to have incentives to bring commercial development to our county. I believe by growing our industry it will grow residential development.

3. What criteria do you/would you use in voting for tax breaks or other inducements for new or expanding employers?

Banks: For a new or expanding employer to get tax breaks or other inducements they will have to show where their payroll consists of about 70 percent or more of people who live in Warren County. The reason for this is because our tax base consists of people living and working in Warren County.

Reul: Being one of Vicksburg’s newest businesses, I have an avid interest in our tax structure which is extraordinarily high. I am a firm believer in tax breaks for those who employ our people and for entrepreneurs interested in starting a new business. Taxes hurt business, causing owners to curb their hiring practices in order to pay taxes to a county with no interest in curbing debts and therefore wants to put more burden on business owners. Fair tax structures needs to be for every business without favoritism by county officials.

Smith: One thing I would look at is the reputation of the company. How long it has been in business and the number of jobs it will offer. Also, will the jobs it offers be to people of our community. I would like to see a long-term plan for the company in our community and what investments it will make in bettering and making a difference in the community. And last, ask is it the best thing for us at the time.

4. What is the best use of the old U.S. 80 bridge to remain a viable county-owned asset?

Banks: The bridge could be used to sponsor events like the run across the bridge, family walks, bicycle day and other family-oriented events as a drawing card to get people here and from out of town interested in the feasibility use of the bridge. The river is always a very good drawing point and I think the use of the bridge would be a good promotion initiative for Vicksburg and Warren County.

Reul: The Hualapai tribe in Arizona took a giant leap of faith. They spent $30 million on a glass bridge that extends 200 feet over the Grand Canyon. Their gamble paid off. Austin, Texas’, main tourist attraction has a walking bridge over the Colorado River. When I saw the old bridge I thought what a gem Vicksburg has. I envisioned street vendors, food carts, music and festivals where people can enjoy life. This would bring in more jobs, tax revenue and give tourists another reason to visit and enjoy our beautiful city. Nowhere else can you walk over the mightiest river in the United States.

Smith: The U.S. 80 bridge has been the topic of many conversations for many years. I understand it is part of history for this county, but the county should not be in the real estate business. By this I mean the fewer properties and structures we own the less upkeep. I think that maybe we should look into seeing if the railroad wants to buy it or buy majority ownership of our half. The bridge will never be reopened to vehicle traffic. So we are just throwing money into the bridge with no benefit to us.

5. Why do you seek the office of county supervisor?

Banks: I am seeking the office of District 2 supervisor so the people of Warren County will continue to have a supervisor who will listen and hold fast to concerns to come up with a practical solution. I will continue to push for and initiate programs to improve the social and economic conditions of District 2 and Warren County. I am working to help bring jobs, better living conditions, better roads, opening and repairing of bridges, recreational and social programs through grants, and to bring about Christian love and unity. I have and will continue to have an open-door policy to all of District 2 and Warren County.

Reul: The reasons are so numerous. 1. Clean up the mess all our current officials have made. 2. Do something about the wasteful spending I have uncovered. 3. Go line by line in the budget and start chopping. 4. Throw out the mindless programs current officials have dragged us into which cost us all dearly. 5. Eliminate such agencies as the Parks and Recreation Department, which has control of all parks in Warren County, of which there are none. 6. The county is stealing from our kids! Give them their legally owed revenues. 7. Bring in new business, period!

Smith: I have lived in Warren County my entire life and love this community! I think our county has reached a standstill and needs new leadership to get it moving forward again. I have had the pleasure to serve my community as a volunteer firefighter for 15 years and have served in many other organizations in and for this county. I am at a point in my life where I want to serve in a greater role to better this county for my family and yours.