Meet the Candidates: Three Fight for Lafayette County Supervisor District 3 Seat

The race for Lafayette County District started off with six candidates. Dale Timothy Gordon won the Democratic nomination after the primary election in August and Incumbent Supervisor David Rikard retained his seat for the Republican nomination. They will also go up against Independent candidate LaKeisha Borum on Tuesday.

The candidates were asked three questions. Here are their responses.

LaKeisha Borum

Name: LaKeisha Borum
Party: Independent Candidate
Age: 30

1. Why are you running?
One of the main reasons I decided to run is because I have a passion to help others and this is what this job consists of, helping others within our community. No matter what political party you associate yourself with, we all can agree that we want our community to be safe, enjoyable, affordable, inclusive, and fair to all. I’ve grown up in this town, I love my community and it hasn’t always felt like it loved me back but I’m hardworking, determined, and I’m fair. This isn’t just politics to me, it is my home.

2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Lafayette County and what are your thoughts on how to help correct the problem?
Lafayette county is growing more and more each year. The biggest issue we are facing is accommodating that growth, ensuring that, over time, our roads and infrastructure can support that growth. I’m sure everyone has experienced West Jackson during 5 o’clock traffic, game days, and even the lunch hour rush. We must be strategic and make it easier to develop where adequate infrastructure is already in place. Another big issue, affordability. I’d like to see more opportunities for homeownership and jobs in our community that would support the cost of living here. Additionally, I would like to see more attention paid to our neighborhoods in the county.

3. What is your No. 1 promise to the voters in your district should you win?
As your County Supervisor, I promise voters that I will work diligently with constituents of all political persuasions, I will be fair, inclusive, respectful, and honest. I will be accessible to any citizen who has matters, concerns or ideas for our community.

Dale Timothy Gordon

Name: Dale Timothy Gordon
Age: 56
Party: Democrat
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,

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.

David Rikard

Name: David Rikard
Age: 42
Party: Republican
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 roads 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.