Meet the Candidates: Lafayette County District 4 Supervisor Race

The race for District 4 supervisor has four Democrats on Tuesday’s ballot, including incumbent Chad McClarty. If one candidate does not receive 51+ percent of the votes a run-off will be held on Aug. 27.
The winner will face the only Republican candidate, Derek Mooney, in the General election in November.

Democratic Candidates

Chad Mclarty

Name: Chad D. Mclarty
Age: 45
Education: Lafayette High School, Northwest Community College and the University of Mississippi
Occupation: Oxford Utilities (Superintendent of Water/Wastewater), Owner/President of MC Construction, LLC.

1. Why are you running?
I have had the privilege and honor of representing the voters of District 4 for the last eight years. Seeking re-election to continue to represent those voters and improve the overall quality of life for all of our citizens.

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 problem is maintaining the growth we are dealing with. I think this board has been very proactive with the steps we have put in place to manage this growth. We have updated the comprehensive plan and established zoning. We have joined with the city of Oxford and the University of Mississippi to develop a Transportation Plan. We have enacted building codes for subdivisions and commercial properties. We will continue to address this growth and find ways to provide more affordable housing closer to Oxford and protect the rural communities from unwanted growth.

3. What is your No. 1 promise to the voters in your district should you win?
To always remain open and accessible with the citizens of Lafayette County. I will continue to apply common sense to any decision I make for this great county.

Duncan Gray

Name: Duncan Gray
Age: 39
Education: OHS Graduate, B.A., University of Alabama, M.A., University of Mississippi, Ed.S, Mississippi College, Ed.D., University of Mississippi (anticipated May 2020)
Profession: Educator

1. Why are you running?
Lafayette County is my home, and I am deeply committed to ensuring it remains the best place to settle down, start a business, raise a family, and retire. Since we are growing so quickly, we must be proactive, not reactive. We must create the vision of how we want Lafayette County to grow in the future, and I want to work with the residents of Lafayette County shape that vision.   

2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Lafayette County and what are your thoughts on how to help correct the problem?
One of the most startling pieces of data that came out of the city of Oxford’s 2037 comprehensive plan was the majority of jobs being created in Oxford are lower wage, retail/service-based jobs. Our economy is growing, but there is an economic shift going on in Lafayette County. To diversify our economy, I think it’s vital we look at how we can foster an environment for entrepreneurs since we have lost so many manufacturing jobs over the last decade and explore how we can grow workforce development programs. We need to also consider how we can create partnerships that allow students to thoroughly explore career opportunities prior to graduating from high school.  

The growth of any community places a strain on infrastructure, and we are no exception. We need to really be studying the various long term plans regarding growth and traffic and making sure we have necessary pieces in place moving forward. We just developed a comprehensive transportation plan with short-term, mid-term, and long-term plans based around the city and county’s respective comprehensive plans. However, a plan is no good if we don’t implement it and constantly evaluate how we’re using it. 

3. What is your No. 1 promise to the voters in your district should you win?
I promise to listen, and I promise to always remember I am a representative for over 6,000 voices, not just one. I have committed 10 percent of my supervisor salary to the Lafayette County Literacy Council, and I promise to continue to look for ways to support education in the community. I promise to think about the future as well as the present, so my children and grandchildren will be able to grow and love this county as much as I have over the years.

Name: Scott Allen
Age: 46
Education: 1992 Grad of Lafayette High school
Profession: City of Oxford Building Inspector

1. Why are you running?
I have deep roots in Lafayette County, I want to see that my kids have the same opportunity to raise their families here also.

2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Lafayette County and what are your thoughts on how to help correct the problem?
No response

3. What is your No. 1 promise to the voters in your district should you win?
Accessibility, an open ear willing to listen to the taxpayers’ concerns and to act on them.

Alex Dorris

Name: Alex Dorris
Age: 45
Education: Graduated from Faith Christian Academy in Water Valley
Occupation: Talbert Brothers Grading

1. Why are you running?
I just got tired of the way things are going. Regular Joe needs someone up there. I don’t think people are being treated the same, It seems the “important folks” get attention to their problems first. People need someone in office who will see all concerns equally.

2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Lafayette County and what are your thoughts on how to help correct the problem?
Our infrastructure is falling behind and that maintenance on our infrastructure seems to be falling behind as well. Supervisors need to get out and look and see what’s going on and talk to the people. People who live there know what’s best.

3. What is your No. 1 promise to the voters in your district should you win?
To help take care of our infrastructure and treat everyone the same.

Hottytoddy.com staff report