White County Commission Q11 Candidate Responses

The Main Street Journal – Sparta has been listening to the community. Over the past several weeks, readers have submitted questions they want answered ahead of the 2026 election—and we’ve taken those directly to your County Commission candidates.

Here is your eleventh question, and answers from those candidates who chose to respond.

There are times when roles of the governing body are in opposition to one another. What actions would you take to help resolve this matter?

BRYAN COLE: I know we are not all going to agree, especially if doing our job like we are supposed to. Not everyone is going to think alike, but I hope that we could talk it out and come to a compromise.

ANDY DAVIS: Anytime you have a group of people making decisions, there are going to be disagreements from time to time. That’s just part of the process.

The first thing I would do is listen. A lot of conflicts can be worked out when people take the time to understand where the other side is coming from.

I think it’s important to stay respectful, keep the conversation focused on the issue, and remember that everyone at the table is there to serve the people of White County.

I’d also look for common ground. Most of the time people may disagree on the approach, but they’re trying to solve the same problem. If we keep the focus on what’s best for the county, it’s easier to work toward a solution.

At the end of the day, you may not always get everyone to agree, but you can make sure the discussion is fair, respectful, and focused on doing what’s right for the community.

ERICK DILDINE: There are going to be times when members of a governing body don’t agree, and that’s not always a bad thing. We don’t want anymore yes men. Different perspectives can lead to better decisions if they’re handled the right way. The key is how those disagreements are managed.

First I will fallow the golden rule we were all taught as children also , I believe in listening. Every commissioner was elected to represent their community, so their perspective matters. Even if I don’t agree, I want to understand where they’re coming from before trying to find a solution.

Second, I believe in keeping the focus on the people we serve. When disagreements happen, it’s important to take a step back and ask, “What is best for the families of White County?” That helps move the conversation away from personal opinions and back to what really matters.

I also believe in working toward common ground. Not every decision is going to be unanimous, but most issues have some level of compromise if everyone is willing to work together in good faith. Being respectful, staying professional, and keeping communication open goes a long way in resolving conflict.

My faith also guides me in situations like this. I believe in treating others with respect, leading with humility, and doing my best to bring people together rather than divide them.

At the end of the day, my goal would be to help create a working environment where differences are handled with respect and decisions are made with unity in mind, always putting our community first.

JAVIER ORTIZ: Disagreements are part of leadership. I believe in:

• Open communication

• Respectful conversations

• Focusing on solutions, not personal differences

At the end of the day, we all serve the same community.

WILL RANDOLPH: The legislative body is designed to be in opposition to the Executive and Judicial Branches in some cases. This facilitates the proper checks and balances as intended by our governmental systems and rightfully limits the power of that government. In that context, it is important to be courageous enough to uphold the intended role. That said, it can be done with tact and decorum. Respect for the roles of government and the functions of those roles are foundational to cooperation in leadership and effectiveness in responsible governance. Over 300 years ago the Discourses outlined this foundation concept and it still rings true today.

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