Meet the Candidates: Mclarty, Mooney on Ballot for Lafayette County Supervisor District 4 Race

Lafayette County District 4 Supervisor Chad Mclarty is hoping to retain his seat on the Board of Supervisors. A Democrat, he’s going up against Derek Mooney, a Republican and local business owner. Both men are lifelong residents of Lafayette County.

Hottytoddy.com asked each candidate for bio information and to answer three questions. Here are their responses:

Chad Mclarty

Name: Chad D. Mclarty (incumbent)
Age: 45
Party: Democrat
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., Lafayette County supervisor for District 4

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.

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Derek Mooney and his wife Holly and two children, Max and Maggie

Name: Derek Mooney
Age: 38
Party: Republican
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Bethel University
Profession: Owner of Green Leaf Gardens, LLC (12 Years)

1. Why are you running?
I am running because I am dedicated to Lafayette County. I want to make a difference in our community and I have a passion for helping others. I want to help Lafayette County grow in the right direction.

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 our biggest issues are rapid growth and the need for more quality jobs. Our county is continuously growing, and we currently do not have the proper infrastructure to fully support our growth. I will work to seek money from the State to go along with locally generated tax dollars and prioritize improvements based on the need and the population affected. I will also work with current local businesses to bring in new opportunities to our community to improve quality job selections for Lafayette County residents. We need more programs that focus on vocational/career training, as well as literacy and language skills, to better prepare residents for prospective job opportunities.

3. What is your number 1 promise to the voters in your district should you win?
I promise to be honest, trustworthy and neutral when it comes to making decisions that involve our county. I will not be outworked and will dedicate my time to the residents of Lafayette County.

Hottytoddy.com staff report