There is a three-way contest for District 1 supervisor in Warren County. There will be no runoff. The top vote-getter Tuesday will start a four-year term in January.

The candidates are the Republican nominee, incumbent David McDonald, 57, and independents Margaret Gilmer, 62, and Tony Ford, 52. Ford did not respond.

Questions the candidates were asked in writing by The Vicksburg Post and their written responses follow:

1. Do you favor zoning or land-use controls for Warren County? Why or why not?

McDonald: Yes. In order to promote orderly growth a county must have some type of land-use regulations that mirror the existing land use, especially in subdivisions. I also favor strong subdivision covenants and homeowner associations.

Gilmer: I do favor adopting an overall land-use for Warren County. This should be a well-defined plan so individuals, before they purchase property, are informed. Purchasing property is usually one of the largest expenditures an individual will make. They should expect to protect their investment by having similar use or development in the area.

2. What, if any, new buildings or facilities do you feel Warren County needs? What is your timetable and plan for payment of costs?

McDonald: A new jail and possibly a courthouse annex. Every grand jury has recommended a new jail facility. We are currently under contract with Central Mississippi Planning and Development to study the long-term needs of all our public facilities. This study and recommendation should be ready early next year. Any outlay of this size would be paid for with General Obligation Bonds.

Gilmer: I personally, do not think Warren County needs an inventory of new buildings because it is difficult to build a speculative building to meet the needs of the majority of industries that might look at Warren County. I do think we should continue to prepare the land that is available at the Port of Vicksburg and at Ceres Industrial Park. I personally, think the speculative building at Ceres has been an asset even though it wasn’t planned to stay on the market for such a length of time. It has been available and is a talking point to bring prospects to Warren County. Infrastructure is so important in attracting companies. We must continue our efforts to bring as much money through the federal and state programs and use any, low-cost bond programs available to municipalities. If we prepare properly, we should see a return in the increase in price during sale or lease. The timetable should be within the bond limits set according to the amount and available tax dollars to satisfy.

3. What future do you see for the U.S. 80 Mississippi River Bridge? Relations with Kansas City Southern Railway?

McDonald: The future of our river bridge will be determined by bridge engineers, our insurance carrier and how well our relationships with KCS and the state of Louisiana progress.

Gilmer: I would like to see a combination park and emergency use access for the U.S. 80 Bridge, even if the park is used for “designated events” like Over the River Run. Initially, we could have three or four events each year. The surface condition of the roadbed could be improved to meet minimum standards in case of emergency use if 1-20 is shut down for any length of time. I think given time, concerns of using the bridge for additional events would ease. At present I don’t see this happening. I think it appears to be such an uphill battle it is likely to sit in the present condition. It should be a determination by the board of supervisors, bridge commission and other interested citizens to find a way to build a relationship with Kansas City Southern Railway. I mean a true relationship at a level that makes a difference. They depend on federal dollars as do communities in many cases. We could ask for help from state and federal officials to build a working relationship.

4. What criteria do you/would you use in voting for tax breaks or other inducements for new or expanding employers?

McDonald: The number of jobs either created or retained. The capital outlay for improvements or investments. Salary range and benefit package. Number of employees they expect to hire from within Warren County. Also for existing business, how well they accomplish what they proposed in prior years.

Gilmer: I do support tax increment financing where applicable. This program is geared to new job creation. As well, it is a way to improve infrastructure or build infrastructure and have the increase in property taxes satisfy the cost. It is a direct benefit; without the project there would be no increase in tax dollars. I would support an agreement to ensure the tax liability would be sufficient to satisfy the bond payment. I think we must consider tax breaks for expansions and other inducements that make us competitive for additional jobs or new jobs. We are in a competitive world. However, we should have a cost benefit analysis in place for every consideration.

5. Do you foresee additional partnerships, joint ventures with the City of Vicksburg? Are you satisfied with existing ventures?

McDonald: Possible partnerships might include a countywide sewer collection system in areas now served by sewage lagoons. There are several grants available to accomplish this. Combine economic development recruitment in both industrial and retail. All existing interlocal agreements are working well and are economically beneficial to both parties.

Gilmer: If elected supervisor I would like to generate more partnerships. Several years ago, we had a professor from a state university talk to a group of concerned citizens about forms of government. He enlightened us on city-county partnerships. He said almost every issue could be handled with a interlocal agreement or partnership. I am not satisfied with the existing ventures between city and county. I think we should have a combined animal control, parks and recreation and any other venture that could, if combined, save taxpayers money.

6. When people ask you why you are running for office, what do you say?

McDonald: I love serving the people of Warren County. I want to make Warren County a better place to live, work and retire. I have the education, dedication, commitment, and desire to lead Warren County to its potential.

Gilmer: Well, I have been surprised more people have not asked me. I guess it wasn’t surprising to many. I have worked tirelessly in the community for several years in organizations set up to improve the quality of life of our community. However, I realized to really make a difference you must be in a position to influence the outcome of many decisions. As well, I hope my running will encourage others in the future.