Larry “Kite” Johnson says he will resume his work to improve Leflore County in a bipartisan, biracial way if voters will give him a third opportunity as supervisor.
“As I did in the past, I pledge to continue to work across political parties and racial lines,” Johnson told the Greenwood Voters League Wednesday. “I pledge to continue to improve the streets in District 5. I pledge to seek grants to improve the economic conditions in Leflore County, and, most of all, I pledge to put the citizens of District 5 first and listen to their concerns.”
Johnson, who previously served two non-consecutive terms in the post, is challenging incumbent Robert Collins in the Aug. 4 Democratic primary. The winner will face independent K.K. Henderson Kent in the Nov. 3 general election.
In his remarks, Johnson made no reference to his recent troubles over allegedly beating a special-needs student at Quitman County Middle School, where Johnson was working as a teacher and disciplinarian before being terminated after the Feb. 19 incident.
Johnson is scheduled to appear at a show-cause hearing Monday in Quitman County Circuit Court to determine whether he should face felony charges over allegedly whipping the 10-year-old student repeatedly with a belt.
Instead, Johnson talked Wednesday about his accomplishments in office, including flood-control improvements in the Glendale Subdivision and the creation of parks in Sidon, Morgan City and at East Elementary School. Other improvements included building a boat ramp, pier and walking trail at Little Round Park, he said.
Johnson vowed to continue working toward the general betterment of the county if elected.
“You have my commitment to making Leflore County a better place to live, work and play. I’m one who believes, in this life, it’s not what you do for yourself, it’s about what you can help others do,” Johnson said.
He said passing the baton to the next generation is also important. “Standing still or going backwards does nobody good.”
Although cooperation is important, standing for principles is equally important, he said.
“If you can justify if to your constituents, you stand strong. It’s not about doing the white thing, it’s not about doing the black thing, it’s about doing the right thing.”
He vowed, if elected, to hold regular meetings in the community. “We need your input. We need to do a better job of getting out into the public.”
Also speaking Wednesday was Huntley Nevels, an independent who is challenging Democratic incumbent Vonzell Self for Central District constable.
Nevels worked for 30 years for the Greenwood Police Department, rising to the rank of deputy police chief before retiring in 2011. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 35 years.
Citing that background in police and military work, Nevels said, “I know how to deal with people.”
Nevels said he’d be fair in administering justice in the district.
“I’m not going to make any promises. I’m just going to do the very best job I can,” he said.
“For those who are in the Central District, I solicit your vote. For those who are not in the Central District, I solicit your prayers.”
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
