Meet the House District 101 Candidates

[Kitty]

As requested by several members of the My Hattiesburg community, the purpose of this thread is to compile background information on the candidates seeking the House District 101 seat, which is vacant due to the recent election of Rep. Joey Fillingane to the State Senate.

The special election to fill this post is December 19, with the winner serving the remaining one year of the current term of office.

Through this thread we hope to centralize information that will help District 101 constituents make an informed decision when casting their ballots in this election.

Our preference is to keep this thread focused on candidate background information, including their qualifications, and their platform.

We will begin posting information in the "Meet the House District 101 Candidates" thread next week, after the December 5 qualifying deadline.

Here's some questions:

Does the governor's current budget proposal adequately fund education?

Is the MAEP formula still relevant?

What topic will be your main focus during your term (i.e. - health care, corrections, education, etc)?

How do you intend to be a legitimate force in the house, as your term is a one year term?

Do you intend to take an agressive role in the creation of legislation?

Do you support the Sheriffs' Association's request to use radar on county roads?

What will you do to continue the economic growth of Lamar County?

and the last one:

Why should I vote for you on December 19th?

[Kitty]

Here is some information about the District 101 candidates, courtesy of the HA.

Dale Beavers, 34, is an Oak Grove resident and chair of the Lamar County Republican Party. Active in the successful 2005 effort to approve a $43 million bond issue for the Lamar County School District, Beavers has said he's not afraid to take a stand.

In a previous interview with the Hattiesburg American, he said he promises to be a leader with a strong conservative voice.


Harvey Fillingane, 67, is the father of former Rep. Joey Fillingane. A former carpenter at the Hercules plant, Fillingane said he's spent a lifetime in Lamar County.

"I have raised a family here and have lived in Lamar County all my life," he said. "My family has been there since 1861. I am retired and have no obligations that would hinder me from devoting my full time to the job."


William Carey University administrator and instructor Joe Garvin said he's just looking for an opportunity to serve. The 58-year-old Oak Grove resident said that he would bring maturity to the seat.

"I have a great deal of experience in issues like education and health care and things that are important to District 101," he said. "I have raised a family here, and I think I understand positive things going on in district and want to build on those."


Hattiesburg attorney Erica McHard, 30, is a practicing attorney with the Brian Nelson law firm and the mother of three children.

"As a mother of three, I really feel like I understand the pressures and needs of today's families," she said. "And as a practicing attorney, I know the law and feel like I can represent those families."


Eddie Stephenson, 60, is an agent for State Farm Insurance in Hattiesburg. The Oak Grove resident said that he's been in the area for 30 years, and is comfortable representing the region's issues.

"I have a good feeling of the heartbeat of the people in the district," he said in a previous interview.

[Kitty]

Here is the text from Erica McHard's display ad that appears in today's HA.

"As a mother of three I know the pressures and needs of today's family. As a practicing attorney I know the law and can effectively work for you and your family in Jackson."

Education - I will support our teachers and funding our schools.
Law Enforcement - I will work with and support our men and women in law enforcement as they protect our communities and make our area a safe and attractive place to live and raise a family.
Economic Development - I will work with The Area Development Partnership, the University of Southern Mississippi and area businesses to build on the momentum of the Go Zone initiative to bring new business and new capital to our area...to promote better jobs and keep our young people in Mississippi.
Community Health - I will support and continue to work with our healthcare leaders to train and recruit nurses and retain physicians as our area continues to grow as a regional medical center.
Transportation - I will work to find solutions to the bottlenecks and traffic problems in our communities.

Professional: Attorney with the Lamar County Law Firm of Bryan Nelson P.A.

Community Involvement: Member of The First Presbyterian Church of Hattiesburg; Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg; American Heart Association Art for Heart; Go Red for Women

[JoeGarvin]

Thank you, folks, for this "forum!"

I'm Joe Garvin!

35+ years of productive work experience:

> Currently Director of Student Support Services and Instructor at William Carey University
> Former Teacher and Coach in Lamar County Schools
> Former Executive Director and Lobbyist for a Statewide trade association of mental health care programs
> Former Director of the United Way of Southeast Mississippi

25+ years of active involvement in the District 101 community and
State of Mississippi:

> Board of Directors of Wesley Manor Retirement Community
> Leadership Mississippi, Mississippi Economic Council
> Former President of Leadership Mississippi Alumni Association
> Former Committee Chair, Mississippi Economic Council
> Youth sports coach in football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and softball at several age levels
> Founder/President of The BALL Project - providing balls and sports equipment to children at Christmas
> Former President, Oak Grove High School PTO
> "Super Booster" Award, 1994-95, Oak Grove High School Booster Club
> Active member and licensed minister, United Methodist Church - frequent speaker in churches, camps, retreats, and prison ministry

Educated in quality schools in this area:

> Graduate of Hattiesburg High School, 1966
> B.S. and M.S. degrees from University of Southern Mississippi

Family:

> Son of Edward L. Garvin, retired railroad engineer and Annie Laura Garvin, retired registered nurse
> Married to Patti Russum Garvin of Rawls Springs - District Social Work Supervisor for the Department of Health
> Father of Three Grown Children - All Oak Grove High School Graduates
- Lisa Garvin, Chaplain of Millsaps College
- Jennifer Garvin Rush, Attorney for Mississippi State University
- Patrick Garvin, Teacher and Football Coach at Gulfport High School

Residence:

> Reside at 508 Southeast Circle in Oak Grove
> Resident of Lamar and Forrest Counties for over 50 years.

For over 50 years, I have lived among you. I was blessed to grow up in our area, to be educated here, and to work and see my children grow up here, and to know the "heart" of Lamar and Forrest county people. While life and work experiences have allowed me to taste and see all areas of the country, I know how fortunate I am to be here - among you.

You and I live in the most dynamic and exciting growth area in Mississippi and perhaps in the Deep South.We have tremendous educational programs, world class health care, safety and security, and jobs and work opportunity abound. There are issues considered and voted upon in the Mississippi House of Representatives each and every year that can enhance and promote the good things going on in Lamar and Forrest counties OR can stand in the way of that growth and quality of life here.

My single desire in seeking this office is to serve and represent you in the decisions are are made in State government. I want to vote, act, and speak for you to make positive things happen. My promise is to listen to you and never assume I know more than you, and to be honest with you on every issue.

Thank you for "listening" and for this opportunity!

Cutting to the chase: I'll answer your phone calls. I'll not only vote on "big" issues for you, I'll HELP you get information and get what you need to make things better for YOU and your family and your business. I won't just be there to get in the paper or on television when a taxation issues comes up for a vote in March. I'll be there in July when you need to get through some cumbersome process in some State agency or when you want to bid on some State business and want help finding out how! I'll be there to make sure you get a fair shake when you have an issue with State goverment for you, your family, or your business. That's the job of a State Representative - to REPRESENT YOU, TO ADVOCATE FOR YOU, TO BE YOUR VOICE AND HANDS AND EYES AND EARS in State Government matters! MANY, many people think their vote does not count and that they have NO voice in what goes on in government - I am determined, if I am blessed enough to get elected, to be the VOICE for those people!

Thank you again! I would welcome hearing from any of you at anytime. My campaign email address is: ElectJoeGarvin@yahoo.com and my cell phone number is: 601-466-6068. From now until December 19, I will be out trying to see as many people as I can to seek their help and their vote, so I won't be monitoring or tracking this site too frequently, but I DO very much appreciate it and applaud everyone involved and everyone who comes here for "caring" what happens in your community! I care, too - that's why I'm in this race.

Joe E. Garvin

Comments

	For being the first candidate to respond to this request for information. Nice Resume!
	Welcome

[Conveyor Belt]

From the Dale Beavers postcard flyer:

DALE
BEAVERS

STATE REPRESENTATIVE
[picture of Dale Beavers]
DISTRICT 101

PROVEN CONSERVATIVE LEADERSHIP
READY FROM DAY ONE

(on the back of postcard)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
-University of Mississippi
Bachelor of Public Administration, 1996
Mississippi College School of Law, J.D., 1999
President, Law Student Bar Association, 1998-99
Attorney with office in Lamar County
Chairman, Lamar County Republican Party
2004-Present
Proven Community Leader
Leader in successful passage of May 2005 Lamar County School Bond

ISSUES
Control government spending while opposing tax increases
Support law enforcement
Member of the National Rifle Association
Pro-life
Pro-business
Support multiyear teacher pay increases and adequate funding for all public schools, junior colleges and universities

PERSONAL
Married to Christy McCord Beavers
Completing degree in History, University of Southern Mississippi
One Daughter- Gabrielle
2nd grade, Oak Grove Lower Elementary
Member of Willow Point Church
Southern Baptist Convention

"As your state representative, I will seek God's will, I will never forget who sent me, I will do what is right and I will strive daily to make you proud"

[aaron]

So, we're missing information on Harvey Fillingane and Eddie Stephenson? Please keep this thread limited to questions for the candidates and responses to their answers.

[JoeGarvin]

Joe E. Garvin

Response to Questions Posed by SoMiss TV:

1) Does the governor's current budget proposal adequately fund education?

The Governor's proposed budget appears to be a good faith effort on behalf of the Governor to affirm that he IS committed to funding education in Mississippi. "Adequate" will mean different things to different entities involved, won't it? I think the dollar figures will "shake out" during the 2007 Session. I would expect that the funding of education resulting from this year's session will exceed the Governor's proposal.

2) Is the MAEP formula still relevant?

I don't think we can know the answer to that because I don't think we have ever funded it fully under the formula to see if it "works" or not. I would hope the 2007 Legislature will fund it fully and then take a long, deep look at how the funding is used and IF the formula fits the current needs and nuances around our State in education.

3) What topic will be your main focus during your term?

Three: Education, Health Care, and Jobs. Those are three areas in which the State Legislature has statuatory, funding, and enabling authority to do something about and to REALLY enhance the lives of Mississippians. I will NOT focus on things that don't do that!

4) How do you intend to be a legitimate force in the house, as your term is a one year term?

For ten years, I served as a lobbyist for a statewide health care trade association in the Mississippi Legislature. Early in that tenure, I met several freshman House members. Two of those House members, after about two or three weeks of feeling "not involved" in the process went to the Speaker of the House and said, ".....please give us an assignment....give us something to do..." One of those two ended up being the Speaker of the House before he left. If I am blessed to be elected, I'm going to call the Speaker of the House before I get there and make that same request.

In addition, I plan to monitor the activities of ALL Committees whose work impacts what goes on in District 101.

5) Do you intend to take an agressive role in the creation of legislation?

Yes. I will be available to citizens and to our municipal and county governments in District 101 and sponsor and promote Legislation that gets things done for this District and its people. I have already been asked about two or three matters and will be ready to act on them. If I am blessed to win on December 19th or be one of the candidates in a run-off election on January 2nd, I will talk with people in District 101 and have proposed Legislation "drafted" between the 19th and the 2nd. There will still be time to submit those bills for consideration when the person elected gets there.

6) Do you support the Sheriff's Association request to use radar on county roads?

If the two Sheriffs in District 101 - Billy Bob McGee and Danny Rigel - indicate to me that their departments need it to ensure the safety and security of the people of District 101, I will support it. IF,however, that is adopted and any area of the State begins to apply a "speed trap" modus operandi with radar, I will vote to repeal it.

7) What will you do to continue the economic growth of Lamar County?

Three things currently drive the economy of Lamar and Forrest Counties - educational entites (preschool thru university), health care, and Camp Shelby. I will work hard with any and all organizations and individuals who desire to create solid business with REAL jobs in our area. I will work with our entire Legislative delegation and with the Congressional delegation which serves our area to help this economy and the job and quality of life opportunities grow in our area. I think I can be an effective "recruiter" for industries and projects for District 101.

ALSO, the growth pattern in Lamar County IS going to continue. The economy IS going to grow. I will work very hard to make sure that State government does not pass measures that might unnecessarily thwart or deter healthy growth.

Why should I vote for you on December 19th?

That honestly is a question I will leave to the voters. Someone asked me in Sumrall the other day "Why do you deserve to the be elected? My response was, "Heck, I don't deserve to be elected, but I surely do WANT to be and WANT to serve you!"

There are a whole lot of folks in District 101 (and everywhere) who think their vote does not count for anything and that they have no voice in State government. I, particularly, want to serve for those people! My emphasis will be on constituent services - not just votes in the 2007 session in front of the TV camera. My allegiance will be to the people - not to a party, the Governor, or any narrow interests.

If you call, write, or email me, I'll respond. I'll always be honest with you about issues, whether you agree or not. I'll always listen to you, and I won't assume I know more than you.

ALL I want to do is serve you.

Thank you VERY much to everyone involved with this forum and to all you who participate for allowing the candidates to post this information. I hope all the candidates will do so, so you can take a fair look.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Joe E. Garvin
ElectJoeGarvin@yahoo.com
601-466-6068

[Kitty]

We're still hoping to hear from the other candidates.

Remember to vote next Tuesday.

[Kitty]

We received the following letter from Harvey Fillingane today, dated December 9.

Dear Citizen District 101:

My name is Harvey Fillingane, and I am writing you this letter asking for your vote for State House of Representative, District 101. I have worked closely with my son, Joey Fillingane, over the past seven years that he has served in the State House. I have learned much as I have followed him around the district and closely followed the legislative debates.

I believe that I have the qualities and temperament of a good state legislator. I have worked very hard all of my life. I know what it is to raise a family in South Mississippi. I have a wonderful wife of 39 years, five children and four grandchildren. I know the struggles of making ends meet and not spending more than you make.

I want to bring that same strong conservative, common sense philosophy to Jackson.

If elected, I will strongly support public education, keeping taxes low, and supporting our law enforcement agencies.

Enclosed, please find a campaign brochure for your consideration. I will be visiting the district over the next few weeks, but I am sure I will miss some of you. If you have any questions or would like to talk with me, please feel free to call me at 601-264-9866.

Thank you,
Harvey A. Fillingane

Campaign Brochure:

Background - Harvey Fillingane was born December 11, 1938 and lives on land that has been in his family since 1861. In his working career, he has served in the U.S. Air Force, MS State Highway, worked offshore for seven years, and retired from Hercules Corp. after 29 years of service. Harvey is now retired. He gardens and farms.

Beliefs - I believe my vast work experience in life, including raising a large family here in Lamar County, MS has prepared me for dealing with the real issues that face every Mississippian:

• Strong educational system for our children and grandchildren,
• Strong law enforcement so that our communities will be safe for us all to enjoy,
• Keeping taxes low so that industry can prosper and jobs can be created, and
• Balancing our state budget which means living within our means like working families in Mississippi do everyday.

"In God We Trust"

For more information call 601-264-9866

Personal:

• Married to Marlyn Rayborn Fillingane for 39 years
• Father of five children, grandfather of four grandchildren
• Deacon at Oral Baptist Church, Sumrall, MS
• Former member of Lamar County Economic Development Board
• Attended Sumrall High School, Graduate of Hattiesburg; Attended USM
• Veteran - Served four years in the U.S. Air Force

[Conveyor Belt]

HA has the Q&A up:

#

Dale Beavers, 34, is an Oak Grove resident and chair of the Lamar County Republican Party.

Why should you be elected to the House of Representatives?

I am the only candidate who has a proven record of leadership on issues that have greatly affected our community, including my role in the passage of the Lamar County School Bond in May of 2005. As chairman of the Lamar County Republican Party, I have stood for the conservative principles that District 101 believes in, and I already know many members of the Legislators and statewide elected officials on a personal basis. I am not afraid to make difficult decisions and the hard choices that are needed for us.

[Conveyor Belt]

Did they all get the answers out of the same politicians handbook? No on cigarettes unless it's warranted or used to deter, no to grocery tax cut unless some money can be given to communities that 'rely' on grocery taxes, disclosure unless it hinders an investigation.

If the answers are the same, who're you going to choose? Other than name and profession, what is the difference in the candidates? I hate political races like this, where, to the general public who does not personally know a candidate, all candidates are the same on paper.

[Conveyor Belt]

I'm just a spectator, but I hope 101 makes a good choice.

[Kitty]

The Fillingane card we received yesterday stated Fillingane is "the conservative candidate you can trust."

That suggests to me there may be a question of trust concerning another "conservative" candidate.

Just an observation.