Election issues took center stage when the Coahoma County Board of Supervisors had its first meeting in July.
Herman Furniss, 86, of Rena Lara, had been on the Coahoma County Election Commission since it first started. He was elected in 1968, his first term began in 1969 and he has been on the commission for 49½ years.
Due to medical issues, Furniss submitted a letter of resignation that dated back to June 30.
“I am grateful for having had the opportunity to serve on the board of this fine organization for the past 50 years and I offer my best wishes for its continued success,” Furniss said in the letter.
Circuit clerk Demetria Jackson read the letter, which the supervisors unanimously accepted. She then provided the board its two options for how to handle things going forward.
The board could either leave the seat vacant or appoint someone to Furniss’ seat until the special election that will be held in November, as required by the secretary of state’s office.
Furniss represented District 5 and served as the chair for several years. The term Furniss was elected to expires in 2020 and whoever is elected in November would finish the term.
Board member Johnny Newson recommended someone should be appointed to Furniss’ seat.
Furniss had one opponent in the first election in 1968 but remained unchallenged ever since.
“Does he have any family that would be willing to finish it off?” board president Paul Pearson said.
Pearson said sometimes, in situations similar to Furniss’, a family member will finish up the term.
“It’s up to the board,” Jackson replied.
A decision was not made on appointing someone to the seat during the meeting.
Other members of the election commission are Alma Brown, Andrew Thompson and JoAnn Gater.
In other election business, Jackson proposed Sherard polling facility be moved to the Farrell precinct, which the board unanimously approved.
“This letter is a request to officially close Sherard Store / Post Office, Precinct 2-3,” Jackson said in her letter to the supervisors on June 21. “The building has no running water, the store / post office has closed, there is no wheelchair accessibility, and the building is not conducive for a polling place. The last election, June 5th, a porta pot had to be ordered for the poll workers and the runoff election June 26th, a porta pot will be ordered.
“The Sherard precinct only has 45 active voters and I am asking that those active voters be merged with Farrell 2-2precinct at Farrell, MS. Their building has working bathrooms, wheelchair access and is much more comfortable for both the poll workers and voters. I am also requesting that this merge takes place before the November 6th General Election.”
Jackson went on to say the Sherard family has been very cooperative with the use of their facility through the years and special thanks should be sent to John Sherard Jr.
Supervisor Pat Davis, who represents the area, said he went by the polling place on Election Day and the ceiling was coming down. He added the voters he talked to did not feel the move would be a problem.
