Dist. 2 candidates spar at DACC debate

Candidates for the District 2 seat on the Marengo County Commission sparred with each other on qualifications and accomplishments at a debate Monday.

Former commissioner Dan England and incumbent Jason Windham, who defeated England in the last election, faced off in a debate sponsored by the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce. Because of concerns about COVID-19, a limited number of spectators were allowed in the Demopolis Civic Center, but the debate was aired over the radio and on Facebook.

Each candidate was given time for opening and closing statements and two minutes to respond to eight questions submitted by the voters.

England said in his opening comments that infrastructure in the county is the most important issue.  A professional land surveyor, England referred to the Gandy Ferry Road, also known as the Lower Pool Road, and the $25,000 in surveying fees he donated to cut the costs of the project.

“I didn’t do it for the recognition,” he said.

But it was the survey that drew criticism from Windham who said the U.S. Corps of Engineers called the work “unacceptable.”

In turn England said Windham had neglected pursuing grants and other funding to pave gravel roads in the district. When he was in office, he said, a couple of miles got paved each year.

“A bunch of people (living on gravel roads) in this district who need it,” he said.

In response Windham cited all the roads in the district that had been repaved during his term and those that are set to be improved.

Both men said the job of County Commission goes far beyond attending monthly meetings and road paving. Windham cited working on economic growth, helping educators find funds for their schools and working to provide financial stability for Whitfield Regional Hospital.

“I wear many different hats,” he said. “I’m involved in this community.”

England, however, seemed to contradict himself when he said in his closing arguments that commissioners are paid “way too much money” for the 12 monthly meetings and budget meeting they are required to attend every year.

On the question of how the Commission can help education, Windham referred to the three superintendents of education in the county and said, “These guys are struggling.”

He said all three recognized the need to save WRH from closing, with the loss of 350 jobs and $17 million in federal funds as a result. He said they told him, “Deal with the hospital and we’ll follow.”

In his next term, Windham continued, “Education will be my lead thing.”

England pointed with pride to his two daughters who were attending the debate. He said they are proof of the excellent school system in Demopolis but added the other county schools need help.

“I’ll be an advocate” for education, he said.

When questions involved economic development, both candidates agreed with providing tax incentives to make it feasible for businesses to move to or expand in the county.

Tax incentives, explained Windham, give businesses “a leg up to invest in our community.” He stressed that abatements never include taxes for schools.

England went further and said he has a better idea for growth than the industrial park next to WestRock. He referred to 87 acres along the Tombigbee River south of the former botanical garden that would provide river and rail access.

When asked what they believe is the most important issue facing the county and plans to solve it, Windham said, “We’re losing people.” As people leave the county, they take funding with them. He believes the solution is to make sure the county keeps the industry it has, brings in more and expands what is here.

England pointed to one pet project – an unsafe situation on Rangeline Road. “Somone’s going to be killed there,” he said.

In answering the question of what he was most proud of during his term of office, England again spoke of his survey work on the Gandy Ferry Road. “No one can prove that work wrong,” he said.

He also named saving Chickasaw Park but decried its current rundown state. He said the county has no lakes for people to enjoy. He suggested digging one and using the dirt as fill for other projects.

Windham said the county last year spent $18,000 on Chickasaw Park and saw $2,500 in revenue. He said he was proud of helping with fund for a splash pad in Demopolis, bringing the Babe Ruth World Series to the county and a new “Super Ramp” to launch six boats at a time, a project that will start in August 2021 at the Demopolis River Landing.