Published: August 20, 2008 05:43 pm            

Meet your local Candidates

School Superintendent



Fred Ward

I am Fred Ward, seeking re-election as your school superintendent. I am married to Pam Shaw, daughter of Herman and Helen Shaw. We have two children and one grandson. I have over 30 years experience in our school system where I was a teacher, coach, class sponsor, program coordinator, administrator, and for the past seven-plus years, your school superintendent.

I am a certified Florida School Superintendent through the Florida Department of Education. In 2007, I was one of five superintendents to be appointed by the Commissioner of Education to serve on the FCAT advisory committee.

Our school district is financially sound and we have been able to maintain staffing levels without impacting the classroom. In order to meet class size requirements, eight new classrooms have been constructed at the elementary school. Our schools continue to improve academically. This year we are number one on the seventh grade FCAT math test. Our students continue to score in the top 10 on the FCAT writing test. Our district met 95% of the federal No Child Left Behind criteria, which placed our district number one in the state. The Adult Education program had 25 students to receive their GED diploma. This is the result of the dedication and hard work of our students, parents, teachers and staff who are to be commended for their continued commitment to our school system during the regular school day and after school programs.

I would like to thank you for allowing me to serve you and your children as school superintendent for the past seven-plus years. I have been so blessed to work with you and your children. Together, we have watched our children grow and realize their dreams with each passing year. I appreciate your confidence in me and thank you for your continued support. Your vote and support on August 26 will be greatly appreciated and never forgotten. May God continue to bless you.

Fred



Thomas Lashley

Hello, my name is Tom Lashley, and I am running for superintendent of schools for Lafayette County. I have been married to the former Dana Perry for 19 years, and have resided in Lafayette County for all but two of those years (except when I was a superintendent in Montana). We have three children who attend school in Lafayette County at this time, and one on the way. I am very active in the Alton Church of God.

I have a B.S. in biology from Berry College, and a master’s in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University. My total career has been in the educational field, and I have been a teacher, coach, class sponsor, curriculum director, director of non-instructional personnel and a superintendent of schools in Montana. Every level of education has been represented in my career, and I am uniquely qualified for this post because I worked both in this district and in others, including another state.

I have tried to see the entire county, and if you had to simply sum up my beliefs, they are this: We live, and our students attend school, in a great county that has unlimited potential. I feel that our schools now lack the expectation level that used to be in place, that there is a need for more comprehensive leadership, and that a new course needs to be set in place for the future of our children. Above and beyond all things, the superintendent must be an active instructional leader for the district.

I humbly ask for and appreciate your support in this election. Thank you.



Sheriff



Brian Lamb

Thank you for taking the time to become educated about your choices for sheriff of Lafayette County. I appreciate the Mayo Free Press for allowing me this chance to share with the voters my qualifications for this office.

Before I discuss with you my qualifications, let me first share with you information about my personal family and church family. My wife of twelve years is Joy Arnette Lamb. We have two children, Brayden and Brannan. Brayden is eight years old and has completed second grade at Lafayette Elementary School. Brannan is three years old.

We are active members of Airline Baptist Church. I would like to thank my family for the support they have given me in this campaign and their understanding of the time I have taken away from them during this campaign.

My qualifications make me ready to serve as your sheriff from day one. My education and training in the area of law enforcement are paramount to this readiness. The following are just a few of my education highlights: graduate of Lake City Community College with an associate in arts degree; graduate of Florida State University with a bachelor of science degree in criminology; graduate of Lively Criminal Justice Training Academy; and graduate of the Florida Highway Patrol Training Academy. Along with education and training, a key factor is experience. I am very familiar with the workings of the Lafayette County Sheriff’s department from my years of service as a uniformed deputy and sergeant for Lafayette County. Added to this law enforcement experience are my years of service as a state trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol. My assigned counties are Dixie, Levy, Lafayette and Gilchrist counties.

During my career in law enforcement, I have established good working relationships with numerous local, state and federal agencies. These relationships have provided me with additional experience and training that will enable me to be effective to serve as your sheriff. If given the chance to serve you, I will use my education, training and experience to reduce crime and provide a safe haven to live, work and raise a family.

Your sheriff enters a contract with the people to enforce the law and protect all citizens and their property with integrity and fairness. This contract will be upheld if I am elected your Sheriff. My goal is to serve all citizens of Lafayette County with integrity, honesty, and impartiality. I will welcome and support open communication within our department and with all concerned individuals. I will be a hands on working sheriff who leads by example. Teamwork within the Sheriff’s Department, County Commission, citizens, and other public agencies is essential for success.

Your choice for sheriff is an important task and you should thoroughly evaluate all the candidates. It is my belief that upon your evaluation that you will determine that I am professionally qualified, physically capable and wholeheartedly ready to serve as your next sheriff. Thank you for your consideration in voting for me, Brian Lamb for your next sheriff.



Carson McCall

I am 42 years old, married with one daughter. My family has resided in Lafayette County for six generations. We are active members of Alton Church of God.

Twenty-three years of a professional law enforcement career began in 1985, when I was hired as a Lafayette County Deputy Sheriff. I have also served as Mayo police chief and worked at Alachua County Sheriff’s Office in Uniform Patrol, Crime Scene Investigations, and as a detective in Criminal Intelligence and Investigations. In 2002, I was appointed as Lafayette County Sheriff and elected in 2004.

As sheriff, my goal is to ensure that Lafayette County citizens experience the best quality of life possible. This will be accomplished by reducing crime, reducing the fear of crime, and providing assistance during any emergency situation. Through my “Open Door Policy,” I have heard your concerns and responded immediately by providing additional patrol, establishing a highway interdiction unit, adding an investigator and providing additional education to the youth of our community. Also, a website has been established to increase public awareness of latest trends within the criminal element.

The citizens of Lafayette County will be given the highest level of professional services. We will respond to the ever-changing needs of our county by promoting justice, loyalty, dedication, and integrity within the office of the sheriff and the public we serve.

I am asking for your vote and support as I seek re-election to the office of Lafayette County Sheriff.

Carson McCall



Gary McCarter

As a member of this community for 20 years, I have seen many changes take place. As a former member of the United States Army, I have been through 2-year Computer Programming and Management, Learned DOT federal regulations pertaining to Public Safety and Hwy, and I also learned about some of the FED Regulations.

All of this training will be useful in office to help better the community and makes some positive changes. My goals as sheriff are to offer rehabilitation programs to all first time offenders, up our police presence to make it known that we are there and protecting our citizens. Another goal of mine is to put crossing guards at crosswalks, especially in school zones to protect our children and adults, and to watch for speeders.

My last goal is also one of toughest issues, I will do my best to decrease the drug problem and drug related issues in our community. I will maintain an open door policy and I will listen to any concern you have and treat each and every one of you equally and fairly. It is time for a positive change in our community and I am ready to make that happen. Vote for me in this election and you and I will work together to make our community a better place for all.

Thanks,

Gary McCarter



Tax Collector



Charles “Chuck” Hewett

My name is Charles (Chuck) Hewett and I would appreciate the privilege of serving as your tax collector. I am a lifelong resident of Lafayette County. My parents are Charles and Louise Hewett. I have been married to Melissa Lawson Hewett for 17 years and we have an 11-year-old son named Logan. I am a graduate of Lafayette High School, North Florida Community College and Florida State University where I received a bachelor’s of science degree in business management.

For many years, it has been my personal goal to serve the residents of Lafayette County as tax collector. The office of tax collector provides many services to the citizens of Lafayette County, some of which include collection of ad valorem taxes, auto and vessel registrations, tag renewal and driver’s license services.

I have been employed at J and J Gas Service, Inc., for the past 15-plus years where I have had the opportunity to serve many people in the tri-county area. I have been an active volunteer with our various youth recreational leagues, as well as vice president of Lafayette Babe Ruth Baseball League. I also work with many children in our community through the Awana program at Airline Baptist Church, where I also serve as a deacon. I believe with the education and experiences I have obtained, now is the time for me to pursue the goal of becoming your tax collector. I believe my education, work and community experiences have equipped me with the skills needed to be a tax collector that can provide you with these and other services efficiently and effectively.

If elected, I will be available to you and never forget the fact that I am there to serve you and your needs. I would like to thank those of you I have visited for your hospitality. If I missed you please accept my apologies and know that your vote and support on August 26 would be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to contact me at 386-330-6097 with your suggestions and concerns.



Marilyn Wimberley

What a privilege and honor it has been to serve as your tax collector for almost 20 years. I am a lifelong resident of Lafayette County, born to James Elvin Carmichael and Odessa Snipes Turlington. I have three children: Clay, Chris, Sherri and five grandchildren, all living in Lafayette County. I am married to Jimmie Revels.

I worked at Lafayette State Bank for 12 years before becoming tax collector. I have contributed and worked with many community functions, including the Rotary Club, Lions Club, as financial secretary for Lafayette Penny Foundation, many school activities, an avid Hornet sports fan and an active working member of Midway Baptist Church.

My goal as tax collector has been to provide courteous, educated service for your needs. If there is something I can do for you, in or out of the office, during or after hours, I most certainly strive to accomplish it.

Many new services have been added through the years. Some of these are the new driver license office, tax collector website and many others. When I began to serve as tax collector I increased the work day by two hours for your convenience. Remember my door is always open to you.

I have the dedication and experience and there is no substitute for it. Your vote and support on August 26 will be greatly appreciated.

        

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