In an effort to help the public make informed decisions in the upcoming Consolidated Election April 4th, we at WROY/WRUL News asked candidates in the contested races for the City of Carmi to fill out a short questionnaire.
Lee Hicks
Carmi-White County Unit #5 Board of Education
- Tell us a little about yourself.
I am currently the pastor at Trinity Assembly of God in Carmi. Raised in a military family, I am originally from Clarksville, TN. I have been married to my wife, Robin Hicks, for 26 years and am the father of two sons, Nate Hicks (CWCHS graduate) and Drew Hicks (local owner and operator of Drew’s Barber Den). Both are married.
I have been an active member of the Carmi Ministerial Association for the last nine years and am also an active substitute school teacher. I also served for two years as the Key Club director for Carmi-White County High school.
Education: B.A. Central Bible College/Evangel University, Springfield, MO.
- Why do you want to serve?
I’m not looking at this possible opportunity in the sense of “running against someone”, but rather, as a possible opportunity to further my involvement and investment in our student body. I plan to do whatever possible to partner with all our staff within our schools.
As for a long term goal, I’d truly like to see and be part of visionary team that sees the need for an active vocational program and that would work diligently with other regional high schools in a partnership.
3. What are the biggest issues you see facing your desired position? How do you plan to address these issues?
- Obviously, the biggest challenge for the School Board is the overall budget.
- Fairness in hiring and pay increases.
- Conflict management.
I have personally always made it a practice to make decisions without prejudices. We must be equally fair to all those concerned and make it a top priority that each person is heard and acknowledged. However, at the end of the day, any decision made must be supported by all who make them.
4. What sets you apart from the other candidates? Why should voters choose you on April 4th?
I bring a vast amount of life experiences to the team:
-Brought up multicultural
-Raised in a military while my father was enlisted
-Law enforcement background (father retired from law enforcement after retiring from the military) I personally served as a nationally certified police chaplain for three years in Union City, TN.
-Traveled to several countries including living in Germany for three years
-Served both as a volunteer and an employee for tow hospice agencies
-Senior pastor for sixteen years
-Substitute teacher for ten years
-Student mentor for twenty eight years
- As a pastor, I have served as chairman of all deacon meetings and have presided over all business meetings. I have overseen several building projects and numerous committees.
- As a pastor, I’ve learned to work with people from all walks of life including but not limited to the following diversities: religious, political, economical, and educational.
If I am elected by the people to serve on this board, I will do my best to represent the needs and concerns of all of those in our community. Thank you for your time.
