Grand Junction, a City Divided?

On Thursday, October 27, 2022, a candidate meet and greet was held in Grand Junction, less than two weeks ahead of the November 8, 2022, midterm election.

Grand Junction’s incumbent mayor, Curtis Lane, is being challenged in the November election by mayoral candidate Nakita L. Prewitt. Mr. Lane has served as mayor of Grand Junction for 16 years. He also served as an alderman for six years before being elected mayor.

In addition to mayor, Grand Junction voters will have the opportunity to select three alderman on their ballot, and only three individuals are running for those open positions, Benjamin P. Allen, Steve Luellen, and Robert “Red” Webb.

All three alderman candidates, as well as incumbent Mayor Curtis Lane, and his challenger, Nakita Prewitt, were in attendance along with Hardeman County Mayor Todd Pulse, Representative Johnny Shaw, and Hardeman County Commissioner Joseph Jenkins. The community center was packed full of citizens interested in what each candidate had to say.

Mayoral candidate Nakita Prewitt spoke about the things she wishes to bring to Grand Junction, which include a grocery store, programs for youth, a parks and recreation program, and new businesses. The tension in the room started to grow as Ms. Prewitt answered questions from citizens. One resident repeatedly questioned Ms. Prewitt on her qualifications for mayor and expressed dissatisfaction with each of her responses. The audience’s questioning quickly led to the appearance of a racial divide in the small town of 338 residents.

With tension already heightened, an individual spoke up and pointed out that even the seating in the room was racially divided. An alderman reminded those in attendance, “We do not vote black or white, we vote right or wrong.”

In an attempt to bring everyone back together, Ms. Prewitt stated, “We’re not looking at black or white, but who’s going to take this town to the next level.” She continued, “We’re a dying town. We need new ideas and new leadership.”

When Mayor Lane took his turn to address those in the audience, he shared with them that he came to Grand Junction with experience and qualifications, having served on several government boards and his family has been in Hardeman County for over 200 years. He next voiced disgust at the notion of anyone thinking he is a racist.

“I love Grand Junction. I love the people in Grand Junction, and when someone tells me I’m racist, I take offense to it and I don’t appreciate it!”

Mayor Lane reminded those in attendance that Grand Junction has the lowest tax base of any local municipality, “by not foolishly spending money”.

He also spoke about some of the things he has accomplished including obtaining over 4.5 million dollars in grant money over the past six years for the library, Lafayette Gin, new fire truck, and water projects among others.

Representative Johnny Shaw encouraged citizens to attend meetings and communicate their concerns all throughout the year, not just at election time.

“You have a good person serving as mayor and a good person running for mayor. Neither one of them can do anymore in Grand Junction than you support them to do.” Shaw continued, “All of our cultures and backgrounds are different, but it takes people working together.”

Shaw concluded with a plea, “Please work together!”

Hardeman County Mayor Todd Pulse also encouraged the town to work together.

“You don’t build a house from the roof down, but from the foundation up,” said Pulse. “The foundation is everyone working together.”

Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Election results will be shared by Hatchie Press, as they become available, on the evening of November 8, 2022.

You may see the full sample ballot here.

Read more information about the November 8, 2022, election.

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