Voters in Amite County made quick work of the local races at Tuesday’s night primary, leaving only two races to be determined Nov. 6: Superintendent of Education and District 4 Supervisor.
For all of the posts up for grabs locally there were only a handful of independent candidates and no Republicans.
Incumbent Sheriff Tim Perkins said his experience was the key to defeating challenger James L. Whittington. Perkins earned a third term with 3,401 votes (70 percent) to Whittington’s 1,468 votes.
“The people of Amite County wanted a qualified candidate to be their sheriff,” Perkins said during a celebration at his office.
For the next four years, Perkins said he wants his department to be more visible in the community so it can prevent crime.
“I think that’s the key with this rural environment,” he said.
Perkins admits his budget is tight, but he believes he can find funding alternatives, such as grants, to increase manpower.
In other races, practically all the incumbents won in convincing fashion.
In the race for District 1 Supervisor, incumbent Dale Sterling was re-elected to a fifth term with 887 votes (83 percent) while challenger Ken Swims had 187 votes.
Incumbent District 2 Supervisor Will Powell, who has served since 2001, retained his spot with 723 votes ( 75 percent) while Charlie Prestridge had 243 votes.
In the race for District 3 Supervisor, incumbent Jackie Whittington was re-elected to a fourth term with 611 votes (63 percent) to Virdo Campbell’s 366.
Vying for the District 4 Supervisor spot, incumbent Travis Taylor will face Independent Melvin “Butch” Graves in the November election. Taylor earned 565 votes (61 percent). Challenger Todd Carruth had 348 votes. Taylor is seeking his third term.
Incumbent District 5 Supervisor Max Lawson was re-elected to a fifth term with 664 votes (69 percent) while Brent Kirkland had 297 votes.
Incumbent Chancery Clerk Ronny Taylor was re-elected to a fourth term with 3,735 votes (78 percent) to Keith Felder’s 1,037. Taylor defeated Felder in 2003 with 76 percent of the vote.
Incumbent Northern Justice Court Judge Roger Arnold took a third term with 1,998 votes ( 78 percent) to Robert Stratton’s 555.
Murry Toney was the only challenger to defeat an incumbent as he earned 1,615 votes (64 percent) to become the next Northern District Constable. Michael Blalock, who has served since 1997, received 924 votes.
The following people ran unopposed:
Coroner James C. Magee, Southern District Justice Court Judge Louis Green, Southern District Constable Jerry “Bruce” Bates, Circuit Clerk Sharon Walsh and Tax Assessor/Collector Jennifer Lindsey.
