Although she has earned the reputation of being a “bulldog” by successfully representing clients in the courtroom, Leigh Ann Darby, now wishes to serve and fight for Tate Countians in the capacity of District 1 Supervisor.
A native of neighboring Panola County, Darby hails from a lineage of public service. She believes her history and background qualify her for the task at hand.
“I grew up in Sardis, Mississippi and attended South Panola High School. Upon graduation in 1991, I attended the University of Mississippi during the regular fall and spring school semesters and Northwest Mississippi Community College during the summer terms graduating with a degree in accounting in 1994. I then attended the University of Mississippi School of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctor Degree in 1998,” said Darby.
Although she had a set idea of plans for her future, Darby said life took a different course. “The semester before graduating from law school, I did an internship with our then presiding Circuit Court Judge Andrew C. Baker. This internship was one of the first defining events of my career. Up until that point, I was set on continuing my education by pursuing a master’s in law degree in taxation, but Judge Baker soon convinced me that there was a better way to spend my days practicing law. He then pointed me in the direction of Kirk Moore a local attorney in Senatobia. Shortly thereafter all my plans changed and in 1998 I moved to Tate County and began working with Kirk Moore in my present office directly across the street from our Tate County Courthouse,” she said.
Darby said the decision to stay in Senatobia taught her a wealth of life lessons.
“This employment opportunity became the second most defining event in my career. While working with Kirk, I quickly learned how to practice law which is something they do not teach you in law school. I also learned how to run a business which is not always easy. I learned that hard work matters and service to the community can be one the most rewarding things in life. Over the last 24 years I represented clients on all types of issues and have tried to do my best in every case,” said Darby.
As someone who practices law, it’s not a stretch for Darby to help craft laws and ordinances as Supervisor for Tate Countians.
“As my legal career has continued in Tate County so has my desire to give back to my community. I grew up in a home where my father, Richard Darby, served as Mayor of the City of Sardis for twelve years prior to his retirement. From an early age, I learned by example what it means to be a public servant and work for the advancement of all citizens,” said Darby. “There is room for improvement in Tate County - we can make Tate County a better Tate County - a more desirable place to live, work and raise families. It is my belief I can be an asset for that improvement.”
Darby said she knows what is expected of her and is willing to take on the challenge.
“I know what will be expected of me - time, commitment, energy, hard work and sacrifice and I will meet these expectations if elected. As an attorney in Tate County, I am hired by individual families to resolve issues for them that are usually upsetting and overwhelming. As a Supervisor, I will have the opportunity to help our citizens as a whole resolve issues that are upsetting and overwhelming with in our community. With my business experience and education, I believe that with the consorted effort of the board members we can establish a county budget that better serves the citizens of Tate County which would allow for the reduction of taxes while at the same time the enhancement of services,” she said.
When it comes to improving the lives of Tate County residents, Darby believes transparency is a key component for success.
“Transparency is one of the biggest things I would like to see as your Supervisor. As a resident and taxpayer of Tate County, I believe the citizens of Tate County should be afforded more information prior to our Board taking actions which will affect each of us. I think community input is invaluable when it comes to spending tax dollars and making major decisions that affect the citizens of Tate County,” she explained. “I understand many citizens cannot be present at Board meetings, but I would like to see all Board meetings live-streamed so those citizens can see and hear first-hand what is going on in the County. This will improve the accountability of your elected officials.”
Darby said she plans to be transparent and available to all residents.
“If elected your Supervisor, you will be able to call or come by my office. I will be available daily to the citizens of Tate County,” she said.
Darby is married to Bryan Sinquefield, a lifelong resident of Tate County.
“Bryan was raised in Strayhorn and attended Strayhorn Elementary School until the eighth grade. He graduated from Coldwater High School and works for Simplot. I have two children Darby, 16, and David, 14, who are also lifelong residents of Tate County and attend Magnolia Heights School,” she said.
Darby said she has the full support of her family in this endeavor.
“Before qualifying to run, we as a family discussed the sacrifice that would be required. Win or lose an election is not easy on a family, but our family is committed to Tate County and willing to endure those sacrifices for the benefits Tate County will have if I am elected Supervisor,” she said.
Darby is asking for votes as District 1 Supervisor in the Tuesday, August 8 Republican Primary.
