NEWS ALERT: Q & A With County Commissioner District 3 Candidates

Meet the two candidates vying for the Calhoun County Commissioner district 3 seat. Here are their responses to our questions:

NICK STONE
1. What is one change you plan to make if elected county commissioner?
That would have to be the land development map. In a lot of areas in Calhoun County, you must have 10 acres or more to develop it. For instance, one local couple that owned several acres decided to sell five acres of a large parcel to someone. They were not allowed to do this since it did not meet the minimum 10-acre rule for that area. When you shut down developing properties like that, you shut down all your revenue. Everybody gets a piece of the pie normally, such as builders, framers, sheetrockers, well drillers and septic tank men, and it’s normally Calhoun County people that do the work. The money circulates right here in Calhoun County.

2. As you have been out campaigning, what is the biggest concern you have heard from voters?
The biggest thing I’ve heard from people is not having knowledge of what’s happening in Calhoun County. They have no knowledge of what’s going on before it’s already gone on and then it’s too late. Another concern has been land taxes and the fact that local volunteer fire departments are not being supported like they should.

3. What sets you apart from your opponent?
I don’t really know my opponent and his background to really separate the two of us, but I think my age and experiences have prepared me for this position. My parents and grandparents have owned businesses all my life, and I now have an interest in my wife’s business. Through this, I’ve learned the importance of budgeting. I’ve got experience in all different areas of business - from building to surveying to well drilling. I have extensive knowledge of county government.

LEE SHELTON
1. What is one change you plan to make if elected county commissioner?
Better maintenance for the roads. I feel like the county has done good getting rock on these roads, but they act like it’s a cure. They want to wait a year at a time. I’ve had people tell me it’s been over a year since a road has been graded or maintained.

2. As you have been out campaigning, what is the biggest concern you have heard from voters?
The county has had an opportunity to probably drop the millage rate. I’ve had many people ask if the rate can be lowered. One of the biggest concerns people say to me is the spending. People want the spending to slow down some.

3. What sets you apart from your opponent?
I think my experience in road work and dealing with the public more. I do a lot of road construction building new roads. I’ve had a lot more experience dealing with people and maybe budgeting. I’m not in the office on the computer, but I’m on the road and I help keep an eye on the budget. I have experience dealing with the public and looking after a budget.