Agreeing DeKalb County roads need improving, the two candidates for road supervisor outlined their visions for a smoother ride.

“I see several problems,” said candidate Danny Hale during the Smithville Review candidate forum. “We’ve got a lot of things that need doing. We’ve got ditches that need cleaning out, pot holes that need fixing and roads that need replacing.”

Hale said hard work will be the key to maintaining and restoring the county’s roads and that to help in getting the money needed for the work, he will be vigilant in getting state and federal funds through grants.

“We need to get every dime we can get,” Hale said.

Hale pointed out he has 22 years of experience in road work and he wants to put that experience to work as road supervisor.

“I want to give back everything I can to the community,” he said, noting he will head a transparent office. “I have a lot of plans and I can make a difference.”

His opponent, Jimmy Sprague echoed Hale on the road conditions. “Our roads aren’t up to the standards we deserve,” Sprague said, noting he has been transportation director for the schools where he oversees 36 buses and hears of all the issues with roads from the bus drivers. “I have an eight-year plan because it can’t all be done in four years.”

The former Army Ranger said he will begin with an assessment of roads and then do work on the poorest first, being mindful to do projects in each district. He added that even the good roads need work, keeping the water off them and cleaning out the ditches.

Sprague noted he will have an open door anytime so he can hear the issues residents have about their roads.

The road supervisor forum can be viewed in its entirety on video by going to www.smithvillereview.com and scrolling down or going to the multimedia section. It is free to view.