Get to know your candidates — Floyd County Board of Supervisors
In an effort to inform Floyd County residents as much as possible before they vote in the Nov. 4 General Election, Floyd Times reached out to local candidates with an Election Questionnaire. Minimal editing has been done in order to include candidates’ complete thoughts.
The following are responses from Darren Marshall, who is running as a write-in candidate for the Indian Valley seat on the Floyd County Board of Supervisors. Incumbent Supervisor Jerry Boothe of the Courthouse District and Walter Phillips, also running for the Indian Valley Supervisor seat, had not responded to Floyd Times’ questionnaire by the time of publication. Should their answers be received, they will be added.
Q: How would you describe your vision for the future of Floyd?
Marshall: “My vision for the future for Floyd is a county is a place that has not changed in landscape. I want our county to remain the beautiful place it is now. But I want to see all citizens receiving the services they deserve. Full and faster county coverage by EMS, roads fit to drive on and a waste management system that is clean and convenient.”
Q: How long have you lived in Floyd County? What does the community mean to you personally?
Marshall: “I have lived in Floyd County, specifically Indian Valley, since I was a small child. Indian Valley is my home, my community, the place I have chosen to raise my kids and run my business. I want the very best outcome for this area.”
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Q: How do you introduce yourself to voters? What are the main things you want them to know about your priorities?
Marshall: “Hi, my name is Darren Marshall, I am here to represent you, a citizen, and make sure your concerns are voiced to the best of my ability.”
Q: What are some issues or reasons you decided to run for public office?
Marshall: “I really want to see improvements on the issues listed above. My main reason is preserving the beauty and community of Indian Valley.”
Q: How do you foresee national politics playing a role in local politics?
Marshall: “National politics seem to sway voters on many issues, even the small ones. Cuts in federal programs and funding, along with changes in federal policy can cause chaos in how local funds and policies are applied.”
Q: What are some of your goals if elected?
Marshall: “Ensuring fiscal responsibility of the county government and seeing that Indian Valley residents are heard.”
Q: Local and state elections typically draw fewer voters than national elections. How do you encourage voters to make their voice heard?
Marshall: “It is true that local and state elections draw fewer voters but local elections are so important and ones in which individuals can make the biggest impact on their own localities. I encourage everyone to not only vote but to participate in community events, civic clubs and communicate with their local representatives.”
Q: How have you been campaigning/how do you plan to campaign?
Marshall: “Since deciding to run as a write in candidate, I have been using social media to communicate my platforms. I had the pleasure of working with Finn Graphics in the Town of Floyd to print yard signs. I plan to go door to door in the community beginning this week to continue to network with voters. I will also be attending local events to both support my community and be available to discuss the issues with voters.”
Q: What is one other thing that you want the community to know about you before heading to the voting booth?
Marshall: “I am invested in the Indian Valley community. My family has been here for generations. My children attend school at IVES. I was a volunteer firefighter from 1999 till 2021, serving as chief from 2005-2018 and again in 2021. I started Marshall’s Auto Sales and Service in 2004 as a one-man shop. I have since expanded into multiple locations and employees.”
Early voting for the Nov. 4 General Election begins Friday, Sept. 19. Find other important dates and information about registration here. Find sample ballots for Floyd County voters here.