MonticelloLive

Comments made by Kenneth Trotter, Jimmy Potter, and Renee Knowles at the Meet the Candiates program, last Thursday, by the local NAACP chapter.

Kenneth Trotter, is seeking re-election to Justice of the Peace for District 6.  His opponent, Dale Avery, did not attend the forum.

Trotter told the crowd that to be a J.P., you have to have a good heart, and be able to listen.  He said that he doesn’t consider himself “better than my competitor”, but feels that he is a “better candidate”.  Trotter deserves credit for attending the program, because he had received dental work earlier in the day.

Trotter is employed at Drew Central School over the transportation dept., and is serving his 3rd term on the Quorum Court.  He compliments the county for how much “chip and seal” that has taken place on county roads.  Trotter told the group, “I’m not for raising taxes.  I’d like to see a new hospital and a new library, but now’s not the time to raise taxes.”

Trotter commented on his good working relationship with both city and county officials and employees, and pointed out how many Drew County residents are driving 30-40 miles to their jobs, and the high price of fuel. 

Jimmy Potter is running for re-election to the position of Justice of the Peace in District 8.  His opponent, Randy King was not present at the meeting.

Potter is completing his 26th year of service to his district.  He pointed out that in the position of a J.P., you hear from so many worthy groups requesting county money, but knowing that there is only so much money to to around.  Those are tough decisions.

Potter works at John Deere in McGehee, and has seen 4 bridges built over Bayou Bartholomew while he’s been on the Quorum Court.

Renee Knowles is seeking the seat of Danny Lloyd, who is not running for re-election to serve on the Quorum Court, representing District 9.  The other candidate for the spot, Barbara McLemore, did not attend the event.

Knowles lives in Possum valley, and has been a member of the Drew Central School Board for 13 years.  Knowles told the group that she was encouraged to run for this position by voters.  Knowles said, ”I’ll represent the people of Drew County.”  She added that she has asked many voters how they felt about a hospital and a library, and that although some were in favor of them, that by far most were strongly opposed to the increase in taxes.