This election year, LincolnHerald.com is offering candidates a unique chance to speak directly to you. We believe it's important for voters to hear firsthand from each candidate about their vision, experience and why they are the best choice for the role.

In this article below, you'll find answers to five key questions that reveals this candidate’s platform and priorities. We encourage you to read their responses to gain a deeper understanding of their plans and perspectives, helping you make an informed choice when you head to the polls.

1. What key issues are you prioritizing, and what steps are you taking to address them?
2. How does your background, values, education, and experience prepare you to represent the community effectively?
3. What makes you the best candidate for this position and how do you differentiate yourself from your opponents?
4. What long-term goals do you hope to achieve if elected to office?
5. What sets you apart from other candidates, and why should voters choose you to represent them?

The following is the candidate's response, written in her own words:

1.        What key issues are you prioritizing, and what steps are you taking to address them?

Making Lincoln County Schools the best choice for beginning teachers and seasoned education veterans is always a top priority. Lincoln County Schools recipe for successful recruitment and retention is the hometown feel that our community provides and the continued support employees receive. I will continue to advocate for competitive pay for all LCS employees because it takes every single department to make the system thrive.

2.       How does your background, values, education, and experience prepare you to represent the community effectively?

As a proud Lincoln County native and member of the Board of Education for the past four years, I'm tuned in to the culture of our residents. I'm dedicated to ensuring that Lincoln County Schools reflects who we are locally through efficient budgeting and policy.

3. What makes you the best candidate for this position?

4. How do you differentiate yourself from your opponents?

5. What long-term goals do you hope to achieve?

(Answers 3,4, and 5 combined)

As the only candidate for District 3, I am focused on expanding the work I began in 2020 which includes ensuring that school safety is always of paramount importance, growing relationships with key organizations, employers and colleges to create more opportunities for LCS students to find their "E" (Enrollment, Enlistment, and Employment) and fostering collaboration between the Board of Education and staff members.

Christina Sutton, for Lincoln County Board of Education, District 3