Besides statewide races in Mississippi, there are several local races on the Nov. 6 general election ballot in Warren County.

Here is a rundown of those local races, along with detailed answers from the local candidates who responded regarding the election.

County Judge

Assistant district attorney Marcie Southerland and county and youth court prosecutor Richard Johnson are seeking the county judge position presently held by County Judge John Price, who is retiring from the bench.

Ricky Johnson

Education experience: Memphis State University — B.B.A.; Mississippi College — Doctorate in School of Law

Family: I have been married to the former Saralie Prewitt for 42 years. We have three grown sons and five wonderful grandchildren.

Why are you running for this position?

Judge John S. Price, Jr. is retiring after 16 years of dedicated service. He too gained valuable experience while serving for many years as the County and Youth Court Prosecutor before being elected Judge.

Why do you think you would be the best candidate for this office?

Because I have the direct experience, having served the last 15 years as the County and Youth Court Prosecutor, and I possess the personal values and professional attributes to lead and serve most effectively as County and Youth Court Judge.

What experience do you have that you think qualifies you for this office?

Practicing attorney for 39 years and my service as County and Youth Court Prosecutor since first elected in 2003.

Marcie Southerland

Education experience: Mississippi College — B.S. degree in criminal justice and law degree from MC School of Law

Family: Five generations of my family currently live in Warren County, including my Dad, A. L. “Buck” Tanner, my three children, my nine grandchildren and my one great-grandchild, plus my brother and his family.

Why are you running for this position?

I have a vested interest in the future of Warren County. There are 5 generations of my family living in Warren County ranging from my Dad to my three children, 9 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and my brother and his family. The future of my family and all Warren County families is extremely important to me. I want to provide Warren County with a County and Youth Court Judge who has a proven record of treating all people fairly and impartially; with dignity and respect.

Why do you think you would be the best candidate for this office?

My 23 years of combined judicial experience have taught me how to be fair and impartial, listen to all sides, evaluate the facts and apply the law in each case. This judicial experience plus my time as assistant district attorney and county prosecuting attorney have taught me a great deal about the problems that we face in Warren County. My past 20 plus years working in youth court and as assistant district attorney have also taught me that the drug problem we have is the major cause of the increase in crime in our county. I have learned that 75 – 80 percent of the children in youth court or their family members are on drugs. These children are going from youth court to adult court — we must break this cycle! I will create a youth and family drug court at no cost to Warren County taxpayers that will heavily impact the criminal activity in Warren County. We can save more of our children, one child at a time.

What experience do you have that you think qualifies you for this office?

• Served 17 years as your elected and re-elected Justice Court Judge

• In 2003 — Appointed to serve as County Prosecuting Attorney

• 2006-2011 — Appointed to serve as Chancery Court Special Master to preside over civil commitment hearings

• 2008-2011 — Appointed to serve as Special Youth Court Judge when Judge Price was unavailable

• 2012-2014 — Attorney for Warren County and Warren County Board of Supervisors

• 2014-present — Assistant District Attorney for Warren, Sharkey and Issaquena County

 

Central District constable

Vicksburg police investigator Mario Grady is seeking a full term as Central District Constable.

Grady was appointed by the Warren County Board of Supervisors to fill the unexpired term of Troy Kimble, a former police department investigator who resigned as constable after taking a position with the Clarksdale Police Department. Kimble, who has since returned to Vicksburg, is challenging Grady for the position.

Mario Grady

Education experience: Jackson State University — criminal justice major

Family: I have a sister, Kamilah Grady; a brother ,Sefu Grady; a twin sister, Maria Grady, a police officer who is employed at the Vicksburg Police Department; father Harry Grady and mother Geri Grady, who are both retired. I have a daughter, Addisyn, who is five years old.

Why are you running for this position?

I am running to continue to hold the office in which I was appointed to by the Warren County Board of Supervisors, which is the Warren County Central District Constable.

Why do you think you would be the best candidate for this office?

I am experience for the office in which I am running, because I am currently in the office now. I have been to the Constable convention which is held on the coast every year which is continuing education for the position. I truly love my job as Constable; I wanted it in 2014 when I ran for the position. The Board of Supervisors appointed it to me and I want the voters to keep me in the position as Constable.

What experience do you have that you think qualifies you for this office?

I have been in law enforcement for approximately 11 years now. I have worked as a police officer on a college campus, as well as a deputy sheriff, an undercover narcotics agent, an investigator and now as the Central District Constable. You have to be able to talk to people every day. Just because you wear a badge, doesn’t mean you’re on top of the world. You have to be able to relate to people you come into contact with on a daily basis. If I show up at your home with paperwork from the Justice Court, you want someone that can explain to you what is going on. You don’t want someone who is in the office that you will be afraid to talk to. With my background, I am qualified for the position. When I was appointed in November 2017, there were approximately five candidates that the Warren County Board of Supervisors interviewed. I was the number one candidate that they chose that had the knowledge and the background to fulfill the job as Warren County Constable.

Troy Kimble

Education experience: Jackson State University — Degree in computer science; University of Southern Mississippi — certified forensic science investigator

Family: I am married to Latoria Kerr-Kimble, who is also a law enforcement officer. We have two children, Madisyn (7) and Kennedy (2).

Why are you running for this position?

I am seeking to return to the office of constable so I may continue my service to our community as an experienced, professional law enforcement officer. I vow to humbly serve our community with honor and integrity. I will utilize my extensive law enforcement experience to assist in safeguarding our citizens and our community. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to listen to and address your law enforcement concerns and needs. As your Central District Constable, I will incorporate proactive measures in my duties to protect and serve the values of justice we hold so dear in our community.

Why do you think you would be the best candidate for this office?

I have served as a leader in law enforcement with the highest level of honor and integrity for over 13 years. I have a reputation in law enforcement for my professional, tough, meticulous, and no nonsense to approach to crime. My proven law enforcement track record and community relation experience sets me apart from the other candidate. My passion for law enforcement, my compassion for our community, and the combined ability and desire to actively make a positive difference; I am the best candidate for Central District Constable.

What experience do you have that you think qualifies you for this office?

As your elected Constable I have diligently worked in the community and served the citizens of Vicksburg and Warren County.  This was not done out of obligation or just at election time. It was and still is done because I am a just like you all.  I am a citizen of our community who wants safe and clean neighborhoods, good schools, a thriving economy, and a great place to raise my family. Below is a list of my experiences that qualifies me as your Central District Constable. Such skills support obtaining a better quality of life assisted by proactive and productive law enforcement representative.

 

Circuit Court Judge

Two candidates, assistant district attorney Angela Carpenter and Vicksburg Municipal Judge Toni Walker Terrett, are seeking the Circuit Judge position presently held by Judge Isadore Patrick, who is retiring.

Circuit Judge M. James Chaney is unopposed for re-election.

Angela Carpenter

Education experience: University of Southern Mississippi — B.S. degree in criminal justice; Mississippi College — Master’s degree in political science and MC School of Law

Family: I am the oldest daughter of James and Gayelord Carpenter, who, like me, are both life-long residents of Vicksburg. I have a daughter, India, who is a recent graduate of the Mississippi College School of Law. I am looking forward to the day when she joins the ranks of the Mississippi Bar.

Why are you running for this position?

I believe in justice and I believe justice should be dispensed fairly and impartially. I further believe that the person administering justice should have the background necessary to take on such a tremendous responsibility. I have been practicing for seventeen years, at every level of state and federal courts throughout the state of Mississippi, and I am the only candidate with that level of experience.

Why do you think you would be the best candidate for this office?

My diverse legal background, extensive experience, and familiarity with the court system and people of this District, make me uniquely qualified for this position. My extensive history with handling both civil litigation and serious criminal matters in the circuit courts, has given me a unique perspective as to the inner workings of the circuit court process. Specifically, as a criminal lawyer, I have represented those accused of crimes, and as a prosecutor, I have represented the citizens of Warren, Issaquena and Sharkey counties against criminal defendants. These are the same counties for which I am running to serve as your next Circuit Court Judge.

What experience do you have that you think qualifies you for this office?

I am campaigning on the foundation that experience matters. My legal career began as a law clerk at a firm in Jackson.  I remained there after becoming a licensed attorney, representing individuals and families in wrongful death, medical malpractice, premises liability, product liability and mass tort actions. In 2005, I began working as a criminal defense and family law attorney here in my hometown of Vicksburg. Shortly after opening my own practice, I was appointed as the first female public defender for the Ninth District Drug Court program, representing the rights of criminal defendants whose drug addictions unfortunately landed them in the criminal system. In 2008, I was appointed by District Attorney Ricky Smith to become the first female Assistant District Attorney to serve in Warren, Issaquena, and Sharkey counties. As a prosecutor for nearly 11 years, I have presented over 1,000 felony cases to nearly 100 grand juries. I have prosecuted hundreds of felony cases and have obtained numerous guilty verdicts at trial. My overall experience as a prosecutor in this district gives me distinctive perspective, insight, and knowledge of the judicial system and the people who make up these communities. I understand the process and this understanding is vital in order to properly apply the law and make fair and just rulings in the Circuit Court.

Toni Terrett

Education experience: Tougaloo College — with B.S. degree in chemistry; University of Memphis — Master’s degree in journalism; Mississippi College — Doctorate in School of Law

Family: I have been married for 21 years and have five children ages 20, 18, 15, and two 13-year-olds (twins).

Why are you running for this position?

I want to do my part to make sure justice is available to all who seek it. There is a need for jurists who are not only fair, impartial and who serve with integrity, but who are resourceful and efficient. I went to law school because I was intrigued with how the legal process worked and I wanted a fulfilling career that would give me an opportunity to help others. The knowledge and experience I have gained during my legal career have more than adequately prepared me to serve on a broader level. Being blessed to have practiced before a variety of judges in various courtrooms has helped me in developing my own approach to managing and keeping order in the courtroom where I currently preside.

Why do you think you would be the best candidate for this office?

I understand the practice of law and I understand people. My work on and off the bench has demonstrated the leadership capacity needed to reduce and ultimately avoid backlog within the circuit court civil and criminal docket as well as develop strategies that will foster accountability within the confines of various laws and regulations.

Circuit court judges have the awesome responsibility of managing and presiding over hectic criminal and civil dockets. During my years in private practice, I had to balance representing clients in several courts throughout the state with my duties as a legal services contract attorney, a Drug Court public defender and Community Court/ Judge Pro Tem. As full-time municipal court judge, I not only preside over trials, but on a daily basis I have to interface with attorneys, police officers, court services staff, community services personnel, various executive committees, social service agencies, the general public and others in order to fulfill my obligation to the citizens of Vicksburg.

What experience do you have that you think qualifies you for this office?

I have been a licensed attorney for 12 years. I have nine years of relevant judicial experience having served the City of Vicksburg as Community Court Judge, Municipal Court Judge Pro Tem and full-time Municipal Court Judge. Some of my judicial experience overlaps with the seven years I spent in private law practice. I started my legal career as a judicial law clerk before opening my own office. As a solo practitioner, I was solely responsible for handling all elements of civil and criminal client cases from the initial contact with the client to the closure of the case. Although I have experience in representing clients in bench and jury trials in the Ninth District Circuit Court, my practice has not been limited to just one courtroom. I took cases that required me to travel throughout the state to other circuit courts as well as chancery, youth, bankruptcy, Social Security administrative and federal district courts. The sum of these experiences is what qualifies me for the office of Ninth District Circuit Court Judge.

 

Court of Appeals

Eric Charles Hawkins and Deborah McDonald are challenging Ceola James for the Mississippi Court of Appeals seat in District 2 that includes Warren County.

Ceola James

Education experience: Mississippi College — graduate of the School of Law

Family: I have two children, Chantrice and Dr. Jamaal James. Chantrice is a biology/chemistry major, but also enjoys the art of  singing.

Why are you running for this position?

I have the most experience.  Also, I would like to complete a full term of eight years.  I have done four years, which is half of a term.

Why do you think you would be the best candidate for this office?

I have always been a hard-working attorney who believes in doing my best. I worked very diligently while serving on the Mississippi Court of Appeals (2013-2017). I have a wide range of legal  experience, and I have done complex litigation in both civil and criminal  law. I have litigated cases in the Mississippi Supreme Court, the U.S. Bankrupcy Court, the U.S. District Court, The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and also the United States Supreme Court. My  diverse judicial experience also enhances my ability to serve on the bench.

What experience do you have that you think qualifies you for this office?

My wide range of experience over 35 years of  practicing both civil and criminal law, along with my diverse judicial experience, including four years on the Mississippi Court of Appeals, qualify  me for this office.

I have served as Special Master Judge (Warren County); Justice Court judge (Warren County), City Court judge (Port Gibson), and Ninth District Chancery judge (I was seated in Greenville, and the district included six counties: Warren, Sharkey, Issaquena, Humphreys, Sunflower and Washington counties).

 

House District 85

Four candidates are running to fill the unexpired term of America “Chuck” Middleton of Port Gibson who resigned his seat in September.

JoAnn Collins-Smith, Tyler Doss, Jeffery Harness and Maurice Hudson are seeking seat, which represents the southern part of Warren County.

Tyler K. Doss

Education experience: University of Southern Mississippi — Bachelor of liberal studies degree, minor in history.

Family: I am single at the age of 24, and I look forward to the future as a great family father.

Why are you running for this position?

I have a passion for progressive and moving House District 85 forward that will benefit all of the great citizens of this great state.

Why do you think you would be the best candidate for this office?

I am confident of my leadership abilities. I will be a strong and courageous new voice with an achievable vision for House District 85.

What experience do you have that you think qualifies you for this office?

I have served in many leadership positions with many organizations. My experience begins with all-out efforts to listen, to learn and help bring attention to concerns and issues affecting people that qualifies me for this office.

What are the three most pressing issues facing residents in the state’s 85th district and what would you do to solve each?

Education; Healthcare; Economic Development: In order to solve each, you must build coalitions with other like-minded legislators in order to address each of the pressing issues. I am a great coalition builder.

Jeffrey Harness

Education experience: Alcorn State University — Bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics; Southern University — Doctorate from Southern University  Law Center

Family: I am husband of 14 years to my wife, LeCourtney Young Harness, a native Port Gibson, who has been actively involved in several organizations, including her own programs, that are dedicated to giving back and making a difference. My son, Jaquann, is currently a senior/ marketing major at the University of Mississippi and plans to come right back and serve his community the same way the rest of his family does.

Why are you running for this position?

It is my aim to bring about positive change to District 85. It is my sincere desire to be innovative, energized and persistent in putting forth the best effort possible to make our communities better for the people of Jefferson, Claiborne, Franklin, and Warren counties.

Why do you think you would be the best candidate for this office?

I have lived in the 85th district my entire life. The problems that families face in our district are the same problems that my family and I face. This is what encouraged me to take this step forward to become the representative who will fight for our district and be the voice for our district at the state level.

What experience do you have that you think qualifies you for this office?

My experience in practicing law is what we need in our state representative. We need a strong leader who is prepared to go to Jackson and use the law on our behalf, to fight for what District 85 needs. More importantly, my experience as a resident living in the condition of our district qualifies me to know what needs to be done to make our district better and what it will take to get it done.

What are the three most pressing issues facing residents in the state’s 85th district and what would you do to solve each?

Our Education System, Infrastructures, and Healthcare Systems are declining. As a former educator, I want to give each student in our district the same opportunities that students in other districts have. I want our children to have all the tools necessary to become successful and productive citizens. With fully funded education, the children in our communities can achieve that.

To better our infrastructure, I will work with the local governments and fight diligently to pave our streets, and to fix our water issues. I plan to go into each county to hear from supervisors and citizens what needs to be fixed in their area and get the funding needed to make those changes. My plan is to make certain that the funds available to our district be used to build up our district as a whole not just one area or one issue.

I plan to fight to create a better system of healthcare in our state, and to bring more awareness to mental health issues. No one will have to be fearful about going to seek medical attention because of the cost. I plan to fight for mental health because it is a crucial issue in our state that could use more resources to assist the people in our communities who are suffering from mental illness.

Maurice Hudson

Education experience: Alcorn State University — B.S. and M.S.; Jackson Police Academy

Family: My wife is Sharon Shaw Hudson and we have three children, sons Shelvin and Rayshaude Hudson and daughter, Breanna Hudson

Why are you running for this position?

The first and most important reason is accountability. For too long it seems the hardworking men and women of Claiborne, Franklin, Jefferson and Warren counties have had representatives who feel they can say or do whatever they choose. We are all busy and passionate peoples, and none of us have time for lies. Before I make a claim I will do my homework. I also have a open door policy on debate and questions. I’m also running because I feel very passionately that the citizens of Claiborne, Franklin, Jefferson and Warren counties have been greatly underserved over the past several years. If elected, I will do my part to tirelessly seek a better future for the peoples living in our communities.

Why do you think you would be the best candidate for this office?

I think I’m the best for this position because I’m a people person and I have a lot of resource in place. I’m also an outspoken person and like my slogan said, “A Representative with a Voice.”

What experience do you have that you think qualifies you for this office?

My experience is that I was in politics for 12 years as Constable in Jefferson County, and served as Vice President for the Mississippi Constable Association.

What are the three most pressing issues facing residents in the state’s 85th district and what would you do to solve each?

• Education

I would fully fund education because education is my passion. I know that education is the key to success. Teachers are the heart of our education system. We need to ensure that we’re attracting and retaining the best and brightest to teach our children. We also need to make sure that every teacher has the resources he or she needs to succeed.

• Economic Development

The 85th district is in need of economic development and job creation throughout the entire district. If anything ever come sup about jobs, I will fight to the end for the 85th district. Our local businesses are suffering because our residents are leaving the district for work, and we don’t have jobs to keep our children in the community if they wanted to stay.

• Infrastructure

Whether you drive or not, it’s no secret that Mississippi roads and bridges aren’t exactly the best. We have a long list of major roads and bridge issues. I will seek an actual solution to these problems. There is an infrastructure committee that Gov. Phil Bryant has appointed; I will work diligently with all city councilmen and board of supervisors in District 85.