Americans across the country will head to the polls tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 5, as they cast their vote for the next President of the United States.
Despite nine candidates on the ballot for America’s Commander in Chief, nationwide polls have the election coming down to Vice President Kamala D. Harris and former President Donald J. Trump. Vice Presidential candidates are Tim Walz and JD Vance, respectively.
The ballot also includes the race for United States Senate between incumbent Roger F. Wicker (Rep.) and challenger Ty Pinkins (Dem.); United States House of Representative, 2nd Congressional District between incumbent Bennie G. Thompson (Dem.) and Ron Eller (Rep.), along with a handful of unopposed races.
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Locally, incumbent Grenada County Election Commissioners Susan B. Williams (Ind., Dist. 1), James Russell Carver Sr. (Dem., Dist. 3) and Celina Hayward (Ind., Dist. 5) will be on the ballot, but will also be unopposed. However, Haley Biddy, current Grenada School District Board of Trustee for District 5, is opposed by Crystal J. Williams.
In an effort to allow both Biddy and Williams the opportunity to share their intentions, concerns and goals related to the school board, The Grenada Star provided Q&As to both candidates. The Candidate Fast 5 questions and answers are listed below:
1. What motivated you to seek election/re-election to this office?
2. What do you plan to accomplish in your first 30 days if elected? In your first 90 days?
3. What are your Top 3 goals if elected?
4. In your opinion, what do you think are the most pressing issues in the office that you are seeking?
5. How do you believe your service in this office would better the community?
Haley Biddy
I currently serve as Board President, Grenada County School District Board of Trustees. I am also an active board member of the Grenada County Farm Bureau Federation where I served as president from 2018-21. Professionally, I have worked retail agriculture for more than 20 years. I hold a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University in forestry and wildlife science.
1. After working many years traveling throughout north Mississippi, I realized how fortunate we are in Grenada County to have an exceptional school district. I have lived and worked in Grenada County my entire life and want to the see this community thrive. A high performing public school is vital for the success of our children and the community.
2. 30 days — Finalize bids and contracts for the first phase of the Middle School addition and remodel.
90 days — Ensure that the work on the new Entrepreneurial and Innovation Center (EIC) is on schedule and opens as soon as possible.
3. 1 – Look for ways to improve teacher and staff retention and recruitment; 2 – Investigate new tools and technologies that can make our facilities as safe as possible, and 3 – Partner with local industry, Economic Development and Chamber of Commerce to make the new Entrepreneurial and Innovation Center (EIC) a success.
4. Continuing the forward momentum of the school district. Ensuring that students, teachers, and administrators have what they need to achieve/provide an exceptional education and learning environment, while still planning years ahead for future needs.
5. During my first term on the board, I have seen our district rated an “A” for the past three years. I understand what it takes to provide and achieve that level of academic achievement. I have been involved in facility improvements such as additions to the Upper Elementary and multiple upgrades to athletic facilities. Also, educational opportunities like the Pre-K3 program, Balloon Quest, Fab Lab, and soon to open Entrepreneurial and Innovation Center (EIC), have come to fruition during my time on the board. It has been a blessing to serve, and I would love to continue working on behalf of Grenada County to better our school district.
Crystal J. Williams
I hold a Master of Business Administration in policy driven healthcare administration, servant leadership, and budget fiscal responsibility.
1. I am passionate about our community, lifelong learning and am inspired by the dedication of the staff and educators in our school system. I saw an opportunity available for me to support the individuals that are responsible for fostering the safe learning environment for our children to be well prepared for future opportunities now and after graduation.
2. As with any new position I will assess the overall conditions within the school district. I plan to present any concerns or recommendations for plans of action to current board of trustee members to work as a team in all decisions related to the Grenada School District. Keeping in mind that all decisions and polices ultimately affect each child, their family and our community.
3. My goals are to commit to be: 1 – well informed, 2 – wise and 3 – transparent in all decision-making while prioritizing the wellbeing and success of all students and staff.
4. At this time I do not have an opinion on pressing issues.
5. Education is evolving and so is our community’s population. I would like to bring a fresh community involved perspective that is beneficial for healthy open dialogue and tough decision making.
Those Grenada County residents residing in District 5 – based on the county districts – will vote in this race.
The last day for in-person absentee voting was this past Saturday, Nov. 2. The Grenada County Courthouse will be open from 8 a.m. until noon.
Grenada native Trey Baker, Senior Advisor to the Harris-Waltz Campaign, made a quick trip home last Monday afternoon to cast his in-person absentee ballot in hopes of promoting the importance of voting.
“There is nothing that would stop me from voting — red state or blue state — I’m going to vote in my hometown no matter what,” he said as he drove from Atlanta, Ga., following a whirlwind week traveling from each end of the country. “I think every vote counts across the country and every community is impacted with what’s happening nationally. Grenada might not be in the national conversation, but the decisions made on the national level — resources, infrastructure, the economy in the city, prices of groceries — effect every community across the country. We want to make sure every voice is heard across the country. Be sure to get out and vote.”
Polls will open at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, and close at 7 p.m.
