Jackson County Candidates Share Priorities During Chamber's Meet Your Candidates Forum

Residents from across Jackson County gathered Monday, July 20, at the Endeavor Convention Center for the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce's "Meet Your Candidates" political forum. Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, the nonpartisan event gave voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking local office before the upcoming primary election. Candidates for Jackson County Commission District 2 and the Jackson County School Board Districts 1 and 5 introduced themselves, outlined their qualifications, and answered two moderator-selected questions related to the responsibilities of the offices they are seeking. The evening was moderated by Courtney Larkin, while Jackson County Supervisor of Elections Carol Dunaway welcomed attendees and encouraged citizens to participate in early voting and Election Day.

Before the candidate forum officially began, current School Board Member Chris Johnson thanked the Chamber of Commerce for organizing the event and spoke briefly about the size and responsibilities of the Jackson County School District. Johnson noted that the district employs more than 500 people and operates with a budget exceeding $100 million. He emphasized the importance of responsible financial stewardship while serving on the School Board and expressed appreciation to voters for their confidence during his tenure. Johnson also recognized state leaders for their support of education, including funding for the construction of the new Grand Ridge School.

Commissioner Donnie Branch, who is unopposed for reelection in District 4, also briefly thanked the citizens of his district for their continued support.

Following opening remarks, Dunaway introduced the candidates and explained the format of the evening. Each candidate was given three minutes to introduce themselves before participating in a question-and-answer session focused on issues affecting their respective offices.

Jackson County Commission District 2

Edward Crutchfield

Incumbent Commissioner Edward Crutchfield introduced himself by reflecting on his background as a lifelong farmer and business owner. He said years of working with the public inspired him to seek public office because he enjoys helping people and working alongside residents to solve problems. Crutchfield said his goal has always been to serve the people of Jackson County rather than focus on personal accomplishments.

He told attendees that during his time on the County Commission he has worked to move the county forward by encouraging economic growth and recruiting new businesses that create jobs. Crutchfield explained that he believes expanding employment opportunities remains one of the county's greatest needs. He also described himself as someone willing to stand by his convictions while continuing to work cooperatively with fellow commissioners. Throughout his current term, he said he has maintained records of constituent requests and has followed up on issues brought to his attention in an effort to help residents navigate county government and find solutions to their concerns. He concluded by thanking those in attendance and encouraging everyone to participate in the election.

When asked what his top three priorities would be for Jackson County over the next four years while balancing economic growth with preserving the county's rural character, Crutchfield identified economic development as his primary focus. He said attracting additional businesses would create more employment opportunities for local residents while also increasing the demand for housing and strengthening the county's workforce. He indicated that continued business recruitment would help position Jackson County for long-term growth while allowing families to remain in the community for employment opportunities.

Responding to a question regarding responsible fiscal management and investment in infrastructure, public safety, and economic development, Crutchfield said county leaders must carefully prioritize available funding. He explained that maintaining funds for future needs while continuing to invest in public safety and infrastructure requires balancing competing priorities within the county budget. He added that expanding the local business community would generate additional resources that could help finance future improvements and services throughout Jackson County.

Peter "Sonny" Fortunato

Candidate Peter "Sonny" Fortunato began by thanking the Chamber of Commerce for hosting the forum before sharing his personal ties to Jackson County. Having lived in the county for decades, Fortunato spoke about his previous service as a deputy sheriff and his family's longstanding roots in the community. He said his wife works for Farm Credit, one of his sons graduated from Cottondale High School, and his family has invested their lives in Jackson County.

Fortunato explained that conversations with residents over the past several years motivated him to seek office because he wanted to better understand the needs of the people he hopes to represent. He said one issue consistently raised by residents is the condition of county roads, particularly on the western side of the county. While acknowledging the county's financial limitations, he said many citizens simply want roads that are maintained properly and regularly graded.

One proposal Fortunato highlighted during his introduction was the creation of recurring community town hall meetings. Rather than requiring residents to travel to Marianna for Commission meetings, he suggested holding informal gatherings in communities such as Graceville and Cottondale where citizens could speak directly with commissioners about concerns affecting their neighborhoods. He said improving communication between elected officials and residents would strengthen local government and provide greater accessibility for constituents.

Asked about his top three priorities for the next four years, Fortunato said he believes Jackson County should continue encouraging carefully managed economic growth while protecting the county's agricultural heritage. He praised the efforts of the county's Tourist Development Council, saying commercial growth—including new businesses that generate tax revenue—helps support county services. At the same time, he emphasized that agriculture remains one of Jackson County's defining industries and said county government should continue looking for ways to support local farmers through policies and ordinances that address their needs. He also referenced concerns raised by farmers regarding damage to agricultural equipment while traveling county roads and suggested those concerns deserve attention.

Fortunato concluded his response by saying every county commissioner should view improving the quality of life for Jackson County residents as a primary responsibility. He reiterated his belief that maintaining regular communication with citizens through town hall meetings would help elected officials better understand local priorities and make more informed decisions.

When answering how he would balance responsible fiscal management with investments in county services and infrastructure, Fortunato said he has followed current budget discussions closely and believes county leaders should continue studying successful practices used by comparable rural counties. If elected, he said he would like to visit other counties and meet with their administrators to learn how they have addressed similar financial challenges.

Fortunato also emphasized preserving Jackson County's rural identity while protecting its history. He expressed concern that historic buildings and landmarks should not be forgotten because they reflect the county's heritage and identity. While recognizing that financial resources are limited, he said preserving historic assets remains an important responsibility alongside maintaining balanced budgets and providing essential services. He concluded by reiterating his appreciation for Jackson County's agricultural roots and the importance of protecting what makes the county unique.

Following the County Commission candidates, attention shifted to the race for Jackson County School Board District 1, where incumbent Cephus Granberry and challenger Christopher King outlined their backgrounds, educational philosophies, and approaches to student achievement and fiscal responsibility.

Jackson County School Board District 1

Chephus Granberry

Incumbent School Board Member Chephus Granberry introduced himself as a lifelong resident and proud product of the Jackson County School District, sharing that he graduated from Grand Ridge High School in 1989 after attending Jackson County schools from kindergarten through graduation. Throughout more than three decades with the school district, Granberry said he has served in numerous capacities, including bus driver, computer operator, paraprofessional, administrative assistant and, now, school board member. Even while serving on the School Board, he noted that he has continued volunteering as a school bus driver because he believes remaining connected to students and schools helps him become a more effective leader.

Granberry described his philosophy of leadership as one rooted in service before recognition. He said strong schools are built through relationships, opportunity and unity, adding that those principles guide every decision and vote he makes as a board member. He pledged to continue promoting accountability throughout the district while expanding educational opportunities for every student. Granberry emphasized that parents deserve to be heard, employees deserve respect, students deserve every opportunity to succeed, and community members deserve confidence that their elected School Board is operating openly and honestly. As he seeks another term, he said he remains committed to serving Jackson County's students and families because he believes strong schools are essential to healthy communities.

The first question asked candidates how they would improve educational outcomes while preparing students for college, technical education, military service and the workforce. Granberry responded that one of the district's greatest responsibilities is ensuring every student has opportunities to explore different career paths before graduation. He said exposure to a variety of educational and workforce opportunities allows students to make informed decisions about their futures because not every graduate follows the same path after high school.

Granberry pointed to several initiatives already underway within the school district. He noted that the district recently secured funding for a new Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program to support students interested in military service. He also highlighted the district's continued investment in Career and Technical Education programs and partnerships with Chipola College's workforce development programs. In addition, he referenced new agreements with Chipola's fire academy and emergency medical services programs that provide students with additional career pathways. According to Granberry, these efforts help prepare students not only for college but also for direct entry into the workforce through technical education and specialized training opportunities.

Asked how he would prioritize spending while maintaining educational quality and supporting teachers and staff, Granberry said every budget decision should begin by asking one fundamental question: how will the expenditure benefit students? He explained that school boards must evaluate every purchase carefully to determine whether it directly contributes to student learning, safety or overall success.

Granberry said school leaders should continually review district spending with fidelity, asking whether a particular expense is truly necessary or whether students and employees can succeed without it. While acknowledging that budget challenges are unavoidable, he emphasized that every taxpayer dollar should remain focused on improving educational opportunities for students. By keeping students at the center of every financial decision, he said the district can ensure limited resources are used as effectively as possible while maintaining educational excellence.

Christopher King

Christopher King introduced himself as a lifelong Jackson County resident whose professional background combines accounting, financial management and higher education leadership. A graduate of Marianna High School, King continued his education at Chipola College before earning both a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from Troy University. He is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in both Florida and Alabama.

King shared that he and his wife, Stephanie, have raised their family in Graceville and that he currently serves as Vice President of Finance and Development at the Baptist University of Florida. In that role, he oversees the university's business office, information technology, facilities, food service operations and financial reporting. His responsibilities include maintaining budget compliance, protecting institutional assets through internal controls, negotiating employee benefits and contracts, overseeing major construction projects and helping maintain the university's accreditation.

King said those experiences have prepared him to address the complex financial responsibilities facing the School Board. He identified three priorities if elected: improving overall student achievement, ensuring teachers feel supported and strengthening community engagement. He added that healthy schools contribute directly to healthy communities and that graduates who remain in Jackson County strengthen the local economy. King also stressed that maintaining and increasing student enrollment will play an important role in sustaining the long-term health of the school district. He concluded by asking voters for their support while reiterating his campaign theme of being "rooted in community and focused on students."

Addressing the question of improving educational outcomes and workforce readiness, King said student achievement begins with providing high-quality, state-approved curriculum delivered through standards-based instruction. He emphasized reading as one of the most important building blocks of education, explaining that students who learn to read effectively gain the skills necessary to learn across every academic subject.

King credited educators, including his wife who serves as a reading specialist, with demonstrating the lasting impact that strong literacy instruction has on student success. He encouraged continued investment in state-funded reading initiatives to ensure those gains continue throughout the district.

Turning to workforce readiness, King highlighted Jackson County's partnerships with both Chipola College and the Baptist University of Florida. He said those institutions provide students with valuable educational opportunities while recognizing that not every student intends to pursue a traditional four-year college degree. For that reason, he emphasized the continued importance of trade schools, workforce training programs and technical education that prepare graduates to become productive members of the local workforce.

In response to the budgeting question, King acknowledged that making financial decisions is rarely easy, drawing upon his more than two decades of experience overseeing budgets as a comptroller and vice president of finance. He explained that effective budgeting requires attention to both expenses and revenue, rather than focusing exclusively on reducing costs.

King said increasing student enrollment remains one of the most important ways to strengthen school funding. He connected that goal to broader county development, noting that families considering relocation often evaluate school quality alongside parks, recreation and other community amenities. He argued that strong schools help attract both residents and businesses, making education an important component of economic development throughout Jackson County.

King added that his professional experience managing personnel costs, employee benefits, food service operations, deferred maintenance projects and major capital construction would provide practical financial expertise as a member of the School Board. He said those experiences have equipped him to evaluate district budgets carefully while balancing educational priorities with responsible fiscal management.

Following the District 1 race, the forum concluded with presentations from the three candidates seeking election to the Jackson County School Board District 5 seat. Each candidate discussed student achievement, workforce preparation and the financial priorities they believe should guide future decisions of the School Board.

Jackson County School Board District 5

Phyllis Daniels

Phyllis Daniels introduced herself as a lifelong resident of Jackson County, where she and her husband, Leland, have lived and raised their two sons on the family's farm in Bellwood. Daniels said public education has been a central part of her life for decades, both professionally and personally. During a 40-year career with the Jackson County School District, she served in a variety of roles, including teacher, coach, bus driver, school administrator and district-level administrator before retiring in 2022.

Daniels explained that her campaign centers on three primary goals: ensuring safe learning environments for students, providing a strong educational foundation that prepares graduates for successful careers, and creating a workplace where teachers and staff members feel valued, respected and supported. She said that throughout her career she consistently advocated for both students and employees, and she intends to continue doing so if elected to the School Board.

She pledged to remain informed on district issues, describing her decades of experience in school operations as an important asset when making policy decisions. Daniels also promised to remain accessible to constituents, use taxpayer dollars intentionally, advocate for public education and approach every decision with common sense.

Speaking about her family's long connection to the school district, Daniels noted that three of her five grandchildren currently attend Jackson County schools while two more are expected to enroll in the coming years. She explained that either she or an immediate member of her family has been enrolled in or employed by the Jackson County School District continuously since 1966. Reflecting on her years in education, Daniels said she always tried to treat students the way she hoped others would treat her own children. Although educators are not always able to give stakeholders the answers they want to hear, she said she has always tried to conduct herself with honesty, fairness, courtesy and diligence. Those same principles, she said, would continue guiding her service if elected to represent District 5.

Asked how she would improve educational outcomes while preparing students for college, technical education, military service and the workforce, Daniels pointed to her previous experience as Director of Career and Adult Education. She recalled helping establish a fifth-grade career fair designed to introduce students to skilled trades and blue-collar professions at an early age. Through that initiative, students rotated through numerous career stations representing different industries, giving them opportunities to explore occupations they may not have previously considered.

Daniels said career awareness should begin well before high school and that schools should provide pathways for every student, regardless of the direction they choose after graduation. Students planning to attend college need a solid academic foundation, she explained, while those entering technical fields require strong workforce preparation. She expressed support for expanding career and technical education programs, noting that workforce certifications and Advanced Placement success not only benefit students but also generate additional funding for school districts. Ultimately, Daniels said the goal should be to provide opportunities that allow every student to graduate prepared for the future they choose.

Responding to the question regarding budgeting priorities, Daniels said she believes every financial decision should begin with one central consideration: the classroom. While acknowledging that schools depend upon many employees, including cafeteria workers, paraprofessionals, custodians and other support personnel, she emphasized that classrooms remain the heart of the educational system.

Daniels said teacher salaries, curriculum and classroom resources should receive primary consideration because effective instruction depends upon providing educators with the tools they need to succeed. She acknowledged that additional information gained while serving on the board could influence specific decisions in the future, but based on her current understanding, she believes every budget discussion should ultimately focus on strengthening classroom instruction and improving student learning.

Michael "MJ" Jackson

Incumbent School Board Member Michael "MJ" Jackson began by expressing gratitude for the opportunities the Jackson County community has given him throughout his life. He said serving on the School Board has been one of his greatest honors because the position is not about politics but about serving children, teachers, families and the future of the community.

Jackson shared that he and his wife, Julie, have been married for 36 years and that becoming a husband, father and grandfather has reinforced his belief that every child deserves a safe learning environment, a quality education and every opportunity to succeed. Prior to joining the School Board, Jackson spent 31 years at Sunland in several administrative and behavioral services positions and another 20 years in management with Walmart, experiences he said allowed him to work with people from every part of Jackson County.

His commitment to public service also includes leadership roles as president of the Jackson County Gator Booster Association, president of the Grand Ridge Parent Teacher Organization, chairman of the Jackson County Planning Commission and vice president of the Marianna-Hopkins Group. Jackson said those experiences have taught him the importance of collaboration, listening and putting people first.

Reflecting on his current term, Jackson said he has made it a priority to attend football games, FFA banquets, graduations, award ceremonies and other school events because he believes visibility and accessibility matter. He also noted that he has earned both Certified School Board Member status and Master Board Certification through the Florida School Boards Association because he believes effective leaders should continue learning alongside the students they represent.

Looking toward the future, Jackson identified school safety as one of his highest priorities, saying parents deserve confidence that every reasonable step is being taken to protect their children. If reelected, he pledged to continue leading with honesty, transparency, accountability and respect while supporting educators and placing students first in every decision.

When answering how educational outcomes and workforce readiness can be improved, Jackson said school leaders must recognize that every student learns differently. Drawing on his experience working with individuals who required specialized behavioral support, he explained that schools should identify each student's individual needs early and provide timely interventions that help them succeed.

Jackson said teachers need adequate tools and resources to work effectively with students who require additional assistance. Rather than expecting every child to progress at the same pace, he believes schools should provide individualized support that allows students to learn according to their own abilities while continuing to move toward academic success.

Addressing budget priorities, Jackson said students, teachers and paraprofessionals represent the foundation of every successful school. While acknowledging the important contributions made by many other employees, he said those three groups form the core of the educational system.

Jackson emphasized the importance of creating an environment where teachers can focus on instruction while parents feel confident sending their children to school each day. He said supporting educators and maintaining safe, productive learning environments should remain central considerations whenever financial decisions are made by the School Board.

Danielle Walker

Danielle Walker introduced herself by explaining that, unlike many candidates, she approached the campaign from the perspective of a working parent rather than a career politician. She described herself first as a Christian whose faith guides her decisions before identifying herself as the mother of three children currently enrolled in Jackson County public schools.

Walker has served the community as a physician assistant for approximately 20 years, providing healthcare to families throughout Jackson County. She emphasized that she has no intention of leaving that profession, explaining that she entered the race because she believes the School Board would benefit from having an active public school parent participating in district decisions.

With children in elementary school, high school and nearing graduation, Walker said she has firsthand experience with the challenges families face within today's public education system. She explained that her decision to seek office developed after numerous conversations with teachers and working parents who expressed concerns about the future of local schools, particularly teacher retention. Walker recalled hearing educators discuss leaving Jackson County for higher-paying positions elsewhere, prompting her to ask who would teach future generations of students if those departures continued.

She also shared that two of her children currently receive educational accommodations through Individualized Education Programs and other student support services. Those experiences, she said, have reinforced her appreciation for public education and the individualized services available to students with varying educational needs. Walker emphasized that while every family should have the freedom to choose public, private or home education, public schools remain the only practical option for many families, including her own. She concluded by asking voters to support what she described as the perspective of a working parent seeking to represent other working families throughout Jackson County.

When discussing educational outcomes and workforce readiness, Walker praised many of the workforce development opportunities already available within Jackson County. She pointed to partnerships with Chipola College that allow students to pursue automotive technology, welding, healthcare and other technical fields while still enrolled in high school. She also recognized ongoing efforts involving JROTC and healthcare training programs designed to connect students with future careers.

While expressing support for those initiatives, Walker said she believes additional attention should be given to improving academic achievement. She advocated for educational decisions based on evidence rather than tradition or changing trends. Drawing comparisons to the medical profession, she explained that medicine relies upon evidence-based practice and believes education should follow the same philosophy by adopting curriculum and instructional methods that have demonstrated measurable success in improving student performance, particularly in reading.

In response to the budgeting question, Walker acknowledged that declining enrollment has contributed to financial challenges facing school districts across Florida. She explained that when students leave public schools for homeschooling or other educational options, districts lose significant funding, making it increasingly difficult to maintain programs and competitive salaries.

Walker identified teacher retention as one of the district's most pressing concerns and suggested School Board members continue evaluating administrative structures and organizational efficiency to determine whether resources could be redirected toward improving teacher compensation. She emphasized that many of the questions she asks come directly from conversations with community members and parents rather than from inside district administration. Walker said she believes elected board members should be willing to ask difficult questions, gather information and seek solutions that keep quality teachers in Jackson County classrooms because, without teachers, the public education system cannot succeed.

The forum concluded after candidates answered the final questions, providing voters with an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking local office before the upcoming primary election. Throughout the evening, candidates discussed topics ranging from economic development and fiscal responsibility to workforce preparation, student achievement and teacher support. As early voting approaches, Chamber officials encouraged residents to remain informed, participate in the electoral process and cast their ballots in the races that will help shape the future of Jackson County.

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