Meet the Candidates: Lafayette County Supervisor District 3 Race Has Six Candidates Seeking Election

The race for Lafayette County District 3 supervisor has six candidates. The candidates consist of three Republicans, including incumbent David Rikard, and three Democrats. If one candidate does not receive 51+ percent of the votes a run-off will be held on Aug. 27. The winners in each party will face each other in November in the General election.

Republican Candidates

David Rikard

Name: David Rikard
Age: 42
Education: Lafayette County School / Northwest CC / University of MS – I majored in risk management and insurance
Occupation: Independent Insurance Adjuster. I have worked for the Insurance Claims Specialists for 19 years.

1. Why are you running?
I am running for re-election because I am excited about the direction Lafayette County is moving but there is still more work to do.

2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Lafayette County and what are your thoughts on how to help correct the problem?
The biggest issue facing Lafayette County is infrastructure. During my term as supervisor of District 3, we resurfaced over 20 miles of road. We have replaced one bridge and four additional bridges are under construction. I have a plan to continue improving our road and bridges in District 3.

3. What is your No. 1 promise to the voters in your district should you win?
When I was elected 4 years ago I promised to make myself available to constituents of this district. I have and will continue to be available, listen, and serve every person of District 3.

Davii Jo Chinault

Name: Davii Jo Chinault
Age: 63
Education: Bachelor Degree Leisure Management Ole Miss
Occupation: Administrative Assistant Oxford Fire Dept.

1. Why are you running?
I feel the present board has lost sight of its long-time residents and moving toward being like the city.

2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Lafayette County and what are your thoughts on how to help correct the problem?
The housing explosion; every board meeting you see another approval for another phase to an existing subdivision. Our infrastructure can not handle all of this. Our roads and water systems are being overloaded. Solution: have the subdivision developers and contractors be responsible for water and sewer systems and paving of the streets. If the subdivision is an HOA, have those fees pay for all upkeep and issues. 

3. What is your No. 1 promise to the voters in your district should you win?
To keep all the residents informed what the board is discussing and asking their opinions of what the board is doing. Personally, I never know what they are doing. 

Scott Michael

Name: Scott Michael
Occupation: Business owner

1. Why are you running?
I am running to be District 3 Supervisor because I believe Lafayette County needs a change. The county infrastructure should function as a business. It requires qualified and knowledgeable leadership. The current leadership has not exemplified qualification. Issues in District 3 need to be addressed and I will be the first to solve them.

2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Lafayette County and what are your thoughts on how to help correct the problem?
The biggest issues facing Lafayette county are land ordinances. While regulation is necessary, it cannot infringe upon a property owner’s rights. Government should not dictate or mandate law-abiding citizens. Joel Hollowell was appointed to enforce land ordinance but has been given too much power over Lafayette County. Current District 3 Supervisor David Rikard won’t slow him down due to the fact this would actually require him to do his job.

3. What is your No. 1 promise to the voters in your district should you win?
I will be available to the people of Lafayette County. I promise to answer my phone and help people with their problems. There shouldn’t be unsafe bridges and roads, drainage or sewer problems. I will fix the problems existing in Lafayette County. 

Democratic Candidates

Dale Timothy Gordon

Name: Dale Timothy Gordon
Age: 56
Education: High school GED
Occupation: ICS Bus Driver/ Small Lawn Services 

1. Why are you running?
To further enhance the families living in the rural Lafayette County – education, health and wellness, workforce training, transportation and community hall meetings

2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Lafayette County and what are your thoughts on how to help correct the problem?
It’s not just one issue there are several: infrastructure; better-paying jobs; low-income housing; roads and bridges,

3. What is your No. 1 promise to the voters in your district should you win?
To help solve the problems and to reach all resources to help improve our county. I would do the best I can to represent all of the citizens in District 3 of Lafayette county.

Alonzo Hilliard

Name: Alonzo Hilliard
Education: University of Mississippi – Bachelor’s Degree in public administration
Occupation: Ole Miss Alumni Association at The Inn; Oxford School District, working with the elementary school’s Day Treatment Program; former insurance agent and a former Oxford Park Commission youth football and basketball coach

1. Why are you running?
I am running for District 3 Supervisor to deliver a more diverse leadership that will enhance the quality of life for all of Lafayette County’s Citizens by improving the county’s affordable housing potential and infrastructure.  I support early childhood education, health care and prison reform.

2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Lafayette County and what are your thoughts on how to help correct the problem?
I feel the biggest issue facing our county today is affordable housing potential. One way we can help correct the problem is to form a city/county housing commission to investigate the reasons for the problem. 

3. What is your No. 1 promise to the voters in your district should you win?
My promise to the voters of District 3 is I will represent the needs of District 3 first.

Bio: I am a lifetime resident of Oxford-Lafayette Community with 30+ years of experience in the insurance industry.

Cynthia Parham

Name: Cynthia Parham
Party: Democratic
Age: 60
Education: Lafayette High School graduate
Profession: Insurance agent and agency owner

1. Why are you running?
I’m running because District 3 is a majority-minority district specifically designed to allow the underrepresented community to have a voice and I think I should be that voice. I spent the better part of my adult life being active in my community. Through my work in a myriad of businesses and local committees I’ve been able to watch the county grow and I willing continue to learn day-in and day-out what it takes for the county to reach its full potential.
2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Lafayette County and what are your thoughts on how to help correct the problem?
The biggest issue we have in Lafayette County providing a budget that can handle all of our safety and infrastructure while still promoting growth. I will develop a strategic plan, fabricate a management philosophy and evaluate each area, perform in an effort to make sure each area is properly and adequately funded without raising taxes.
3. What is your No. 1 promise to the voters in your district should you win?
I promise to be fair, to be honest, to lead with integrity and to treat every person and concern as if it the most important task at hand.

Hottytoddy.com staff report