The Nov. 7 special election is less than two weeks away and candidates are on the downhill run to shore up votes to support their bids for office.
The last round of candidate profiles featured by the Starkville Daily News cover the three candidates vying for the Mississippi House of Representatives District 38 seat and the two candidates running for District 1 Constable.
District 1 Constable is one of three constables that serve in Oktibbeha County Justice Court.
The Mississippi House of Representatives District 38 seat was vacated by State. Rep. Tyrone Ellis, who announced his retirement in June after nearly four decades in the legislature. All candidates will appear on the ballots as independents.
The Nov. 7 special election ballot will feature the race for Oktibbeha County Chancery Clerk, Oktibbeha County Circuit Clerk, the Mississippi House of Representatives District 38, District 1 Constable and the referendum to decide the future of OCH Regional Medical Center.
Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. The Oktibbeha County Circuit Clerk’s office will be open to complete an absentee ballot during normal business hours during October and will be open on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Nov. 4 will be the last day to complete an absentee ballot.
JOE MORSE
Age: 68
Birthplace: Humboldt, Tennessee.
Occupation: Transport officer with Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office
What strengths do you think will make you the best suited candidate for this office?
“I have always worked around people while working with the sheriff’s dept. or when I worked in sales. I have the experience in working with people and working for people and being fair and honest to all”
Why did you decide to run?
“With much encouragement from coworkers, friends and family, I made the choice to run for constable in District One in this special election. This is an opportunity for me to further serve the people of District One and Oktibbeha County and it would be an honor for me to do so.”
Why do you feel you are qualified to be constable for District 1?
“I have worked as auxiliary/part time sheriff’s deputy for 30 years and have worked full time with the sheriff’s dept. for the last 10 years with the last 9 years as the transport officer. During these years I have gained much experience while working with and being around the public.”
Where are some places the office could improve?
“I feel that the constable should help run Justice Court and should be there during court and that is something I will do if elected to the office of constable.”
What are some strengths of the office you would hope to build on?
“I will not be limited on the number of papers I can serve for the courts or the amount of time I can work since I am not retired through the Public Employees Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS). Justice Court papers need to be served in a timely manner to keep the court system moving in a forward direction. I will help run Justice Court.”
What is something the public may not know about the office?
“Many people do not know that a constable is very much like the sheriff in a district of the county to keep and preserve the peace within his district for the Justice Court.”
What trait would you want voters to know about you above all others?
“I like old stuff and old ways and I am a persistent person.”
SHANK PHELPS
Age: 46
Birthplace: Oktibbeha County
Occupation: Retired, 25 years law enforcement in Oktibbeha County/ 2 years Oktibbeha County EMA/E911 Director, Constable District 1 January 2012-June 2017
What strengths do you think will make you the best suited candidate for this office?
“I have attended many schools and trainings over the years in my law enforcement career. Over 25 years of Law Enforcement Experience in Oktibbeha County. Served as your Constable from January 2012 until June 2017. Appointed your EMA/E911 Director 2015 until retirement. Lifetime resident of Oktibbeha County. Graduate of Starkville High School. Attended Hinds Community College in Criminal Justice. Over the years I have come to know the residents of Oktibbeha County on a personal and business basis.”
Why did you decide to run?
“I have always enjoyed serving the people of Oktibbeha county. Every since I started my career in1992, all I have ever done is serve the people of Oktibbeha County. Over the years I have met and helped hundreds of people in this county. It is always a good feeling when you can help others. I have been your Constable and would like to continue to be your Constable if elected by the citizens.”
Why do you feel you are qualified to be constable for District 1?
“I started my law enforcement career in 1992 as a jailer with Oktibbeha County Sheriff's Department. Was hired as a police officer with Starkville Police Department in 1993. Graduated from Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Academy in 1993. Hired as an Oktibbeha County Deputy in 1994. January of 2000 became shift supervisor/commander and remained in that position until June 2015, when I was appointed EMA/E911 Director. After serving the citizens of Oktibbeha County for over 25 years, I made the decision to retire. Per PERS rules, I had to retire as constable also. PERS stated I would be eligible to run for Constable again on November 7. I did not want to retire as Constable, but due to PERS rules and regulations I had to.”
Where are some places the office could improve?
“At this time, I do not see any place for improvement. The staff does a great job of keeping the court system well organized. During my time as Constable we have managed to do our jobs in a timely manner and the court system has ran smoothly. It is not just one person at Justice Court. We are a team, and we all do our part to keep it professional.”
“What are some strengths of the office you would hope to build on?”
“To continue to serve the people of Oktibbeha County as i have always done. Be fair and honest and treat people with respect.”
What is something the public may not know about the office?
“That we are the officers of the Justice Court System. We are peace officers of this county. Our job includes the criminal and civil side of the court. Including civil suits, subpoenas, warrants, being a bailiff during court, and keeping peace in the county.”
What trait would you want voters to know about you above all others?
“My entire law enforcement career I have treated others as I would want to be treated. I have gone above and beyond to help citizens in this county. I would like to continue to help others in this county. That is all I have ever done and would like to continue doing if elected as your Constable. It makes a difference when you love what you do.”