The candidates

James "Jim" Newell, R

* CONTACT: (662) 401-6187 or at jimwnewell@comcast.net

* DOB: January 1959

* FAMILY: Married, no children

* SCHOOL: Mississippi State University

* WORK: Chairman of a major health program, Itawamba Community College

* CHURCH: All Saints' Episcopal Church

* OTHER EXPERIENCE: Serves in leadership, outreach and lay ministries

George Witherspoon, D

* CONTACT: (662) 678-3020

* DOB: 11-29-59

* FAMILY: Married, two children

* WORK: Sales, King Kars

* SCHOOL: Tupelo High School, Jackson State University

* CHURCH: Emmanuel Church of God in Christ

* OTHER EXPERIENCE: Member of the Hole In One Golf Association, the Elks club and the Masons

Editor's note: This is the third in a series on the Tupelo City Council races. Thursday's installment looks at Ward 4.

TUPELO - With this year's retirement of three-term Councilman Smith Heavner, Ward 3 voters will choose a new representative in Tuesday's general election.

On the ballot are political newcomer James "Jim" Newell, a Republican, and previous City Council candidate George Witherspoon, a Democrat.

Newell, 50, is a longtime educator and current program chairman at Itawamba Community College, as well as an active member of his church, All Saints' Episcopal.

"I have no political office experience, but that doesn't disqualify me," Newell said in a previous interview. "I have a master's degree in public policy, so I am very knowledgeable about that process and have been teaching it for 14 years. I've also been on multiple committees in leadership positions."

If elected, Newell said he will work to improve communication among elected officials, protect and promote the South Gloster Street business district and medical complex, and spend taxpayer dollars wisely.

The Meridian native also said he will try to improve the safety and quality of neighborhoods, promote sales tax growth, lower property taxes and make sure Tupelo stays friendly to businesses and industries.

Witherspoon, 49, is a lifelong Tupelo resident and business owner. His love of Ward 3 prompted him to run for City Council in 2005 and again this year.

"Tupelo has a lot of potential, and it's going to need strong leadership," Witherspoon said in a previous interview. "I think I can make a good link in the chain and work together with other council members."

If elected, the Jackson State University graduate said he will focus on five issues he called critical for the city's long-term success: reducing the high-school dropout rate; curbing teen pregnancy; lowering taxes; supporting youth programs; and supporting the creation of small businesses.

Ward 3 is located in south-central Tupelo and is home to the Audobon subdivision, the Lee Acres area, North Mississippi Medical Center and its numerous clinics, as well as most of the South Gloster commercial district.

Contact Emily Le Coz at (662) 678-1588 or emily.lecoz@djournal.com.