Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Politicians Speak In Democratic Rally At Courthouse (cont) (cont)

uspect who had kidnapped the woman, placed her nine-year-old son in the trunk and had cut the boy's throat four times.

The suspect, he said, was killed, while the boy survived.

At the NCSO now, he said, there are problems. These problems can be heard by anyone listening to their scanner.

Vines said the fire alarm was accidentally set off by a child playing in the office, and the current dispatchers don't know the location of several places in the county.

A man, he said, called about an accident at Rosston, with the dispatcher asking him where Rosston is.

"We've got to put professionalism back in the NCSO. Elect me and we will. All I ask if for you to get involved and not listen to the mudslinging by people working against me.

"Look at the issues, the qualifications and certifications. See who is best for the job.

"I will keep working with the youth of the area, the clean up program and fighting drugs as I did before," he continued.

While in office and working the drug raids, he said, the money used to make drug buys came from his family, not the county or state funds.

He added plans are being made to institute an Adopt-A-Senior program where deputies would "adopt" senior citizens they would check on regularly.

Judy Westmoreland, candidate for Nevada County Tax Assessor, followed the sheriff's candidates.

The Nevada County native talked of growing up in Laneburg and graduating from PHS, as well as attending college at Southern Arkansas University and UA Hope. She is a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Westmoreland has worked with the public for 18 years, 13 as the county librarian and five with the City of Prescott.

If elected, she said, she will attend all schools and classes pertaining to the job, assess all property fairly and accurately according to the law, meet all deadlines and have qualified deputies working in the office. An appraiser, approved by the quorum court, will be hired to appraise all property in the county and possibly get more money for the county and school districts.

"I'm hard working and dependable," she said, "and will treat everyone fairly."

Pam Box, Westmoreland's opponent, followed, saying she, too, is a Nevada County native and graduate of PHS.

She is married to Ronald, and they have two children. They also attend Munn's Chapel Baptist Church.

Box said she has worked in the assessor's office for three years and is currently the chief deputy.

All records are now on computer, she said, and she works on all aspects of the office, going to class and being certified. "I will do my best to serve in an honest and respectful way," she said. "I will be fair and my door will always be open."

Justices of the Peace spoke next, led by Danny Miller, for district 3.

Miller, running for a second term, said, he's learned a lot during his first term and asks for the people's continued support.

His opponent, Rudy Preston, said he is married to the former Faye Stovall. The two have five children and 10 grandchildren.

In college he majored in journalism and business, spent time in the U.S. Air Force and was a businessman, owning and publishing several successful newspapers.

Two years ago Preston retired from the newspaper business. He said his business decisions were based on common sense, and this is the kind of service he would bring to the court as a JP.

Being retired, he said, he will have more time to work on the duties of office than his opponent, and will address the issues important to the people.

Gail Mason, wife of Arval Mason, the JP for district 8, spoke next on behalf of her husband. She said they appreciated the support the people have shown in them so far.

His opponent, Kevin Hamilton was a no show.

Sydney DuCharme, incumbent Nevada County Treasurer, thanked everyone for the kindness they've shown her throughout her time in office and asked for their continued support.

The lifelong resident of the county said she and her husband, Delbert, have two daughters, one in Prescott and the other in Camden. Their grandchildren are their lives, she said.

"I have tried to do the best job I can to manage the county's money, according to the guidelines of the auditor's division, and we've never had a problem," she said. "There is little choice in the office. You must do what the state says."

The DuCharmes are members of the First United Methodist Church, where she is involved with several youth groups and activities. In addition, DuCharme works with the needy, both young and old. "I've tried to help as much as I can," she said. "I've enjoyed it."

Her opponent, Karen Cornelius Cobb, said this is her first time in the political arena.

She and her husband, David, are lifelong county residents, living in the Nubbin Hill community. They attend Mission Grove Baptist Church.

Cobb worked at the Nevada County Ranch Supply, where she handled accounts payable and receivable, stock and placed orders.

"I enjoy working with people," she said. "I finished a computer course at UACCH."

The decision to run, she said, was based on her concern for the people of Nevada County. "If elected, "I will attend the courses available. I can do a good job."

Elaine Williams, candidate for alderman ward 2 position 2, is also a native, graduating from PHS, attending HSU, UALR and SAU.

"I ask for you to give me an opportunity to prove the three C's chance, challenge and change."

Incumbent Danny Beavert followed, said he loves the progress made in the past few years and would like to see it continue. "There's a lot of good things going on," he said.

Susie Meeks, running for ward 4 position 2, is active in Cothran Chapel Church and has worked in the Prescott school system for 16 years.

She reminded the crowd of filling out the term of her husband, Leo Meeks, which got her interested in city government.

This, she said, is a citywide vote, and if elected, she will work to see the progress continues.

Incumbent Donna Wingfield was next, she thanked the council for its patience and understand with a first term alderman, as well as those who elected her two years ago.

"Things change," she said, "there's a lot going on in Prescott now. The Partnership (a joint operation with the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce and Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office) has done a good job.

"I'm committed to investing in Prescott so our children and grandchildren can come back and raise their children."

The final speakers of the night were the candidates for Prescott mayor.

Incumbent Howard Taylor spoke first, saying the mayor is responsible for three things, police, infrastructure and streets. He said it's a daily task