In the months leading up to the 1995 general election in Oktibbeha County, then-circuit clerk candidate Angie McGinnis had a campaign schedule chock-full of public forums and speaking engagements.
McGinnis, who at the time was deputy clerk to Miriam Cook, won the circuit clerk election that year and isn’t seeking re-election in November. For the first time in 16 years, McGinnis has had the unique opportunity to observe the election build-up from the heart of election headquarters without running her own campaign.
It’s a far different landscape in 2011, as McGinnis routinely fields questions about candidates from first-time voters or citizens filling out absentee ballots.
“You’ve got some very important positions of your county government that are simply not getting very much attention,” McGinnis said. “It just seems to be a lot quieter, with less chances out there to get everyone in one room. You don’t see as many push cards or fliers either. Maybe that’s been replaced with social media, but I would think the number of people you’re reaching would be limited to a certain group of people.”
Similar to the ’95 election, when the incumbents for circuit clerk, chancery clerk and county coroner didn’t seek re-election, this year’s ballot will have three county positions without an incumbent. McGinnis and Tax Assessor Patricia Kight aren’t seeking re-election, while Oktibbeha County Sheriff Dolph Bryan was defeated in the primary by Steve Gladney.
It’s a critical year for Oktibbeha County voters, many of whom are bemused by the lack of public appearances and forums.
“I issue marriage licenses, passports, file lawsuits, deal with commitments to the penitentiary and get ready for the next election, all in a day’s work,” McGinnis said. “There’s a lot more to this job — and the other ones — than people think.”
Citizens will have a string of chances this week to catch up with candidates, voice concerns and pick their brains about county issues.
Only one event, Tuesday’s Starkville Young Professionals Oktibbeha County candidates social, will feature candidates from both parties. The event will begin at 5:15 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn on Highway 12. As of Thursday, SYP President Robyn Cain said the 13 candidates who are scheduled to attend will visit with voters for an hour before they each give a two-minute “stump” speech. Cain hopes the 17 candidates who haven’t responded to invitations to speak will do so before Tuesday.
“This all got started when a member of the community came to me before primaries and wanted to know if we planned on doing anything for the election,” Cain said. “We checked around and realized there really wasn’t anything happening. People want and need this. I figured some of the unopposed wouldn’t come, but I’m kind of shocked at some of the races that have two people that either one of them or none of them haven’t RSVP’d.”
Cain said the SYP board tossed around the idea of hosting a debate, but the meet-and-greet format fit the vibe of typical SYP meetings.
Republican candidates will be showcased Monday night during An Evening With The Republican Candidates at the Starkville Sportsplex. The indoors meet-and-greet will feature all of the Republican candidates on the ballot for the Nov. 8 general election, as well as District 15 State Sen. Gary Jackson, District 37 Rep. Gary Chism and District 35 Representative candidate Joey Hood. Congressman Gregg Harper will be the keynote speaker.
The free event begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. Free barbecue and drinks will be provided.
Oktibbeha County Republican Party Event Coordinator Ricky Bishop urged all voters, regardless of party affiliation to attend.
“This is going to be one of the largest events Oktibbeha County Republicans have put on in years,” Bishop said.
The Oktibbeha County Democratic Party, with the help of Starkville lawyer Clint Schilling, will host a reception Thursday for incumbent Attorney General Jim Hood at Old Venice Pizza Company. The event begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m.
On Oct. 17, Oktibbeha County Sheriff candidate Steve Gladney, tax assessor candidate Lisa Wynn and circuit clerk candidate Teresa Davis-Roberson will attend the Oktibbeha County Federation of Democratic Women regular monthly meeting at the Oktibbeha County Courthouse. A time hasn’t been announced.
Oktibbeha County Democratic Party Chairman Albert Gore said his party plans to hold an event for the democratic candidates, but a date hasn’t been determined.
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