Meet the Candidates meetings were held this past week in Clay County.

Currently for the primary election on May 8, 2018, the candidates are as follows: County Commissioner, Mitch DeBoard (D) and Connie Kinder (D);  Congressional District Executive Committee, Joe Murphy (D); For Senatorial District Executive Committee, Amanda Shelton (D); County Executive Committee, Joe Murphy (D); Non-Partisan Ballot for Board of Education, Lolita Nutter, Cheryl White, Dustin Stone, Donna Bird Salisbury, Dave Mullins, Nora Lantz, Jerry Linkinoggor, Morgan Triplett; and Conservation District Supervisor, Glen Sutton (D).

In this article, quotes will be included from each person who spoke on behalf of their campaign. Not all candidates were in attendance at the Meet the Candidates meetings, and some attended but chose not to speak.

The AFT-Clay group held a Meet the Board of Education Candidates meeting at the Clay County High School Auditorium.  Candidates were welcome to come and answer questions, and give their view on why they should be elected into office. In attendance were Donna Salisbury, Jerry Linkinoggor, and Cheryl White. Each candidate had a moment to give their reason for running for a spot on the Board of Education.

Donna Salisbury mentioned that she has “watched things happen over the past years that she is not happy with.” She voiced that we have no jobs here in Clay County and that we need to give children the best education that is in our abilities so kids can go to college.

Jerry Linkinoggor mentioned that he has been in the school system for 34 years, and still currently participates in many things. He has grandchildren in the school system and he said, “I have a desire to be connected and in the school system.” He wants to have a school system where every child has a chance.

Cheryl White spoke about how she has learned a lot of things in her current term on the Board of Education and how she has come to love Clay County and calls this her home, even though she grew up in Hawaii. She said she wants to help families and children for better education and quality of life. She said, “Board members have to work together to face challenges.”

On Saturday, the Democratic Committee held the second Meet the Candidates event. This was open to all candidates, not just local or for specific office. Many were in attendance for this event. There were several local candidates and then also candidates for state and national offices.  In attendance was a representative for Joe Manchin, Nora Lantz, who is running for Board of Education; Connie Kinder, who is running for County Commission; a representative for Aaron Scheinberg, Dave Walker; Talley Sergent; and Mike Romano. Cheryl White also spoke on behalf of her campaign, but her comments are included above.

Nora Lantz spoke on behalf of her campaign for Board of Education and she said, “I will be running on a proactive stance instead of a reactive. Kids will be first on my agenda. I will support the teachers and the community but when it comes to the children, they will be my first priority.”

Connie Kinder spoke on behalf of her campaign for the county commission. She spoke about her background in business and education. She works at H.E. White Elementary as a teacher. She spoke about how she knew how poor our county is. She said, “I feel I have innovative ideas on how to bring business here. Tourism, yes, but also other things that would provide jobs for our people.” She also mentioned she has experience in writing grants.

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Nora Lantz speaks at a Meet the Candidates event. Holly Nine photo.

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Connie Kinder is a candidate for the County Commission in Clay County. Holly Nine photo.