I’m Johnny Stafford, a Republican candidate for District 5 Supervisor.

I have a genuine interest in Pearl River County and will work tirelessly for all the people. I believe the people do not want county government interfering with their daily lives. County government is to empower the people, not burden them. I will work for the people, not against them. I will listen to the people and also use common sense.

I realize Pearl River County is expanding at a rapid rate, post Katrina. I also understand most of the concerns of the citizens of District 5 and what most of them are new building codes, land regulations, zoning, water and sewage and the dump which they did extend. I understand the need for some regulations and codes but has the board gone too far and forgot about the people.

I, Johnny Stafford, will help prevent Pearl River County from becoming a dumping ground. I will listen to you the people, meet problems head-on and always manage your tax dollars wisely and represent you effectively, help modernize county government to help you, not be a burden on you, help keep the county from raising the cost of home ownership where your and my children and grandchildren will have the chance of home ownership here in Pearl River County.

Now it is left up to you the voters of District 5 to elect someone to represent you. If you believe as others and I do, then I need your support and vote on Aug. 7.

Personal: 55-year-old native of Pearl River County; married for 34 years to the former Teresa Lynn Lee; two children-Lynn Smith and John (Jay) Stafford, Jr.; parents, Frances Stines Stafford and the late J.R. (Buddy) Stafford of Carriere; grandparents, the late J.O. and Centille Crawford Stafford of Carriere and the late Caney and Ludie Stines of Derby.

Education: Pearl River County school system; Pearl River Junior College and Ole Miss Judicial College.

Qualifications: Pearl River County Coroner; Pearl River County Justice Court Judge; owner of Stafford Trucking, Inc. and Anchor Lake Property Owners Association Board.

Your vote and support would be greatly appreciated.