Meet the Candidates: Roberts, Fortner Fight for District 5 Seat for Second Time

Lafayette County District 5 Supervisor Mike Roberts is seeking to retain his place on the Board of Supervisors. He will face Republican Johnny “Mike” Fortner on Tuesday. The two battled it out at the polls four years ago with Roberts winning the election.

Hottytoddy.com asked each candidate to supply bio information and to answer three questions. Fortner did not respond to the request for information.

Mike Roberts

Name: Mike Roberts
Age: 44
Party: Democrat
Education: Lafayette County High School, Ole Miss – Business/Accounting, Mississippi College-Business/Criminal Justice
Profession: Current District 5 Lafayette County Supervisor, Owner and Agent  of Roberts Insurance Agency

1. Why are you running?
I have been humbled and honored to currently serve as the District 5 supervisor, and with two young children still at home, I am running again to have a part in hopefully keeping this County moving in the right direction while maintaining its greatness that I grew up in. From the new Multipurpose Arena, new roads, jobs,  to more asphalt roads, we have accomplished a lot, but there is still plenty more to do. I would like to continue helping with that.

2. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Lafayette County and what are your thoughts on how to help correct the problem?
In a time in this County, where the demographics are constantly changing and growing, I feel that we as a board need to make sure we are communicating in every way possible. It will not make everyone happy all the time, but I feel it will help cut down some of the rumor mill of today’s social media warriors. Lafayette County is not perfect, but I truly believe that if more knew of the work so many put in on a daily basis to keep it great, we would all be a lot prouder of this county.

3. What is your No. 1 promise to the voters in your district should you win?
As I have said many times to the folks of this county and District 5, the days of a Supervisor being on the working end of a shovel are unfortunately gone, it is a multimillion-dollar business now. As your Supervisor, I know I don’t get it all right, but I can and will always promise you that any decision I make, is made for what I truly believe in my heart and moral conscious, to be what is best for Lafayette County.

***

Mike Fortner is a lifelong Lafayette County resident. He has worked in the construction field for more than 40 years as a heavy equipment operator. He has run for Lafayette County Supervisor several times since 1995.

Hottytoddy.com staff report