Sun Herald (Biloxi, MS)2007-10-08Page: A6

Forum will feature state candidatesFocus is on issues facing Coastians   

MELISSA M. SCALLAN, mmscallan@sunherald.com

A local business group is holding a political forum this week to give residents more information about issues facing the Coast, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Coast Young Professionals is hosting Wednesday's forum, which features candidates for lieutenant governor and Southern District transportation commissioner.

Clay Williams, co-chair of the group's policy and government committee, said the forum is a way for members and the public to become more informed about the candidates and the issues.

He said the group chose these two races because of their impact on South Mississippi.

"Our focus has been to educate members of our committee about the political process and how these races affect our recovery along the Gulf Coast," he said.

State Auditor Phil Bryant and Rep. Jamie Franks are the two candidates in the lieutenant governor race; incumbent Wayne Brown faces Harrison County Supervisor Larry Benefield in the election for transportation commissioner.

The general election is Nov. 6.

Williams said the forum will last 90 minutes, and each candidate will be allowed to make introductory remarks. Members of the committee will ask them questions that have been written beforehand.

Each race will be handled separately, but Williams said the group hasn't decided which one will be featured first.
Political forum

What: For candidates for lieutenant governor and Southern District transportation commissioner.
When: 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday.
Where: Biloxi Saenger Theatre.
Details: Free; sponsored by Coast Young Professionals.
Details: Coast Chamber, 604-0014.

COAST YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

"This is a tough job," Brown said. "I have a niece who lives in Jackson County, just off of Highway 57. We're building a road that's going through their house. I've made the tough decisions. It's not easy sometimes."

Benefield said his Democratic opponent has criticized him for being a politician and not an engineer.

"There are many challenges at MDOT," Benefield said. "People say over and over that they are a government of their own that lacks accountability."

Benefield said he's tired of the Mississippi Department of Transportation telling residents what's going to happen and wants to involve citizens with public hearings meant to gather community input about transportation projects.

"If elected," Benefield said. "I will be a different commissioner for you. I'll go and sit down with the legislators and make them part of the solution and not part of the problem. You want someone to go to Jackson and represent you and what you want."

Reporter Cherie Ward can be reached at cward@themississippipress.com or (228) 934-1442.