The Pine Belt Information reached out to all municipal candidates in Hattiesburg, Petal, Sumrall, Lumberton and Purvis with standardized questionnaires. These are the responses from those who wished to take part; they’re offered as submitted. The first election is about for April 6.
Ward 1
Title:Jeffrey George
Age: 27
Occupation: Mike Rozier Development – Director of Advertising and marketing & Enterprise Growth (2017 – Current)
Schooling: Bachelor of Arts – Political Science,The College of Southern Mississippi
Bachelor of Science – Financial Growth,The College of Southern Mississippi
Household: Engaged to Ms. Kimber Atwell
Political expertise: Hattiesburg Metropolis Council – Ward 1 (2017 – current)
Political celebration: Republican
Why are you working for this place?
I’m working for reelection to the Metropolis Council as a result of I would like the chance to proceed working for the folks of Ward 1 and combating for a greater future for our metropolis. Over the previous Four years I’ve demonstrated my dedication to working to enhance the standard of life for all of Hattiesburg. Whereas we nonetheless face challenges as a metropolis, we now have made unbelievable strides ahead over the previous Four years as we now have labored to steadiness our finances, spend money on infrastructure, enhance public security, and improve the extent of metropolis companies.
We’ve seen our neighborhood come collectively on two totally different events to help main funding in our colleges and our metropolis’s parks and recreation services. This stuff, and plenty of others have helped convey a couple of renewed sense of optimism for our metropolis’s future and an pleasure for the good issues to come back.
To proceed our constructive trajectory, we will need to have leaders with a confirmed observe document of working to maneuver Hattiesburg ahead – which is why I’m working to proceed serving Hattiesburg.
What are three issues the town wants that you’d implement?
I’m extraordinarily happy with the work that we now have achieved over the previous Four years to repair errors of the previous whereas additionally specializing in constructing a constructive future for our metropolis. Whereas there are a lot of nice issues in retailer for our metropolis, I imagine these are just some of the numerous issues we should always prioritize within the subsequent 4 years to assist us attain our potential.
1. Develop a long-term infrastructure plan
-Over the previous Four years we now have labored to handle as most of the rapid wants in our metropolis as potential, however now we should set up a plan to guide us into the long run. With the intention to foster funding and revitalization of our neighborhood, we might want to put a plan on paper exhibiting how we are going to spend money on public infrastructure throughout our metropolis.
2. Broaden Pedestrian Accessibility
-We should set up a plan to develop and increase our metropolis’s community of sidewalks, multi-use pathways, and bike lanes. There are numerous elements of our metropolis with sidewalks that don’t join and bike lanes that go to nowhere. We should be sure that we’re offering the infrastructure to get folks round their neighborhood and throughout our metropolis utilizing a sidewalk or bike lane. Additionally, with one among our metropolis’s best property being the Longleaf Hint, we should work to soundly join as many neighborhoods as potential so that each one of Hattiesburg can understand the advantages of the hint.
3. Set up a Wet-Day Fund
-As a metropolis, we’re all too aware of experiencing occasions of monetary hardship attributable to pure disasters, monetary downturns, or pandemics. Together with these hardships, we additionally generally encounter sudden bills which might be needed. We should be ready as a superb steward of taxpayer {dollars} to cowl these bills and proceed proving the identical degree of service that our residents are accustomed to by setting apart a rainy-day fund.
The place would you wish to see the town in 4 years, on the finish of the upcoming time period?
It’s my objective for Hattiesburg to be a spot the place each customer is worked up to spend time, each pupil is able to arrive, and each resident is proud to name dwelling. I would like every particular person, whether or not they have lived right here their whole life, or they simply moved right here to attend one among our universities, to see Hattiesburg as an integral a part of their life’s story. I do know that this can be a metropolis the place folks know your title and worth your story. A spot that welcomes creativity, fosters management, and prioritizes progress. A spot the place there may be alternative for everybody to be taught, develop, and construct a life like I’ve. I imagine that Hattiesburg can turn out to be a spot the place everybody right here has a deep-rooted satisfaction within the metropolis we name dwelling.
Collectively, over the subsequent 4 years, we are going to work to create proactive plans that can handle the infrastructure challenges we face. We’ll spend money on our future and help our subsequent technology by partaking all members of our neighborhood to play an energetic position within the growth of our youth. We’ll work to turn out to be a mannequin metropolis for public security that units the usual for neighborhood collaboration and neighborhood enchancment. We concentrate on financial growth by working to develop small companies, entice new employers, and guarantee there may be alternative for all who name Hattiesburg dwelling. There may be countless potential for our metropolis and it isn’t as much as one man or girl to drive that – we should all do our half in making Hattiesburg the place that we all know it may be.
Why ought to residents vote for you?
Over the past Four years, I’ve labored each day to serve the residents of Ward 1 and the Metropolis of Hattiesburg to the very best of my potential. I’ve established a document of taking a hands-on strategy to make sure piles are picked up, potholes are patched, and no a part of Ward 1 is ignored. I’ve made it a precedence to be clear with these I symbolize and accountable for the choices that I make. And most significantly, I’ve labored to ensure that the issues of my constituents are heard, issues are solved, and outcomes are delivered in a well timed method.
Now, with my Four years of expertise on the Metropolis Council, I imagine that I’m essentially the most certified candidate to serve and symbolize the folks of Ward 1. The imaginative and prescient I’ve laid out for the way forward for Ward 1 and our metropolis is constructed based mostly on my love for Hattiesburg and my perception within the potential of our metropolis. I promise to voters that I’ll proceed the collaborative, service-oriented work that I began throughout my first time period and I work every day to enhance Ward 1. I’ll proceed to use my expertise, ardour, and power to make Hattiesburg a greater place to stay, work, be taught, and play.
Ward 2
Title: Deborah Denard Delgado
Age: 69
Occupation: Group Guide
Schooling: Bachelor’s in Political Science, Grasp’s in Historical past, Jackson State College
Juris Physician in Legislation, Texas Southern College
Household: Married to John Delgado; two youngsters: Britton Loftin and Zachary Denard
Political Expertise: Incumbent, Hattiesburg Metropolis Council, Ward 2 (2001 to current)
Political Get together: Democrat
Why are you working for this place?
I’m working to proceed the mission of complete redevelopment of Ward 2, generally known as Twin Forks Rising, in addition to the highest of the road illustration of the pursuits of the folks of my district.
What are three issues the town wants that you’d implement?
1. The Metropolis wants a car to guarantee fairness in all elements of presidency operations, notably within the supply of metropolis companies and the remedy of workers.
2. The financial disparities within the Metropolis of Hattiesburg should be attacked as a illness that should be eradicated. Within the subsequent time period I might promote financial empowerment for all residents with a plan consisting of motion packages solely designed to get rid of the disparity in our metropolis.
3. The Metropolis must spend money on social packages designed to handle problems with crime in our metropolis. As a result of policing alone has not been profitable in lowering crime, funding is required to assault the foundation explanation for crime.
The place would you wish to see the town in 4 years, on the finish of the upcoming time period?
I wish to see Twin Forks Rising in redevelopment overload and a modified panorama in East Hattiesburg.
Why ought to residents vote for you?
Residents ought to vote for me as a result of I’m a fierce advocate for the rights and effectively being of our citizenry.
Title: Charlie Johnson
Age: 28
Schooling: Hattiesburg Excessive Faculty (2011)
College of Southern Mississippi (2016)
Household: The Lover household from Hattiesburg, The McNair and Johnson household from Gulfport, MS
Political celebration: Democratic
Why are you working for this place?
I’m working for Ward 2 Metropolis council to guarantee our neighborhood has full illustration. As a Hattiesburg Ward 2 native, I’m passionate concerning the success and way forward for our metropolis. Every citizen and neighborhood in Ward 2 will obtain equal consideration.
What are three issues the town wants that you’d implement?
There are a number of issues in our metropolis that requires rapid motion and implementation. The highest Three tailor-made particularly to Ward 2 are:
1.Enhancements to our drainage system inflicting main flood points that impacts our roadways and constructing constructions
2.Developing Fireplace Stations 2 and 5
3.Finishing ongoing and new tasks in a well timed trend.
The place would you wish to see the town in 4 years, on the finish of the upcoming time period?
My agenda consists of Innovation, Transparency, Renovation, Schooling, Security and Growth. Our metropolis has the potential to be one of many best cities within the nation to stay, go to, work and obtain a public schooling.
In 4 years, in 2025 , I wish to see the outcomes of brief time period targets and tasks achieved within the areas of profession growth, security, infrastructure and well being enhancements
Why ought to residents vote for you?
When I’m requested why residents ought to vote for me, three traits come to thoughts: Reliable, Decisive and Decided.
As a reliable particular person, Ward 2 residents can belief and depend on me as their elected consultant.
As a decisive particular person, Ward 2 residents can rely upon me to make the very best selections to enhance our communities.
Final however not least, I’m decided to work onerous for all residents of Ward 2. I’ve the flexibility to efficiently community and create partnerships with companies and people to get our neighborhood the place it must be. I’m decided to convey new concepts to the Metropolis of Hattiesburg that can positively profit EVERY citizen and customer of the place we name dwelling.
Ward 3
Title: Carter Carroll
Age: 69
Occupation: Laptop Gross sales – Retired and Hattiesburg Metropolis Council Member
Schooling: Hattiesburg Excessive Faculty, BS from the College of Southern Mississippi
Household: Spouse, Libby Carroll; Son, Rob Carroll (Spouse – Rockie Carroll); Daughter, Katie Carroll and three (3) Granddaughters:
Audria, Riley and Avery
Political Expertise: 21 years of Hattiesburg Metropolis Council, 11 years as Council President
Political Get together: Republican
Why are you working for this place?
Advocating for the residents of Ward Three and Hattiesburg offers me nice pleasure. This can be very gratifying to work with neighborhoods on their wants and issues, and to finish main tasks such as Midtown District and the bridge on South 28th Avenue. I wish to proceed to work with our Mayor and Metropolis Council to make sure every space of Ward Three receives the companies and a spotlight it deserves.
What are three issues the town doesn’t have or wants that you’d implement?
A much-needed inexperienced house in Ward Three, Midtown Inexperienced will probably be a neighborhood park for people and households to take pleasure in a strolling path, picnic space, playground, and so forth.
Not a glamorous want however an ongoing very important necessity – infrastructure enhancements! Paving streets and roads, repairing bridges, extra lighting and improved drainage in lots of areas will at all times should be addressed.
Covid has re-introduced many to the fun of strolling and bike using! New secure bike and strolling trails and extra sidewalks would profit not solely college students headed to highschool, however adults using or strolling for pleasure.
The place would you wish to see the town in 4 years- on the finish of the upcoming time period?
Hattiesburg has constantly been forward of the sport. Many surrounding areas look to us for not solely new approaches to municipal points however modern concepts! I don’t see that ever altering. The Hub Metropolis will proceed to be a ahead pondering, progressive metropolis. Working along with the administration and
Metropolis Council, I do know we are going to meet no matter want, concern or problem comes our manner within the subsequent 4 years.
Ward Three will proceed to be an impressive place to stay and work. New properties will probably be constructed. Our neighborhoods will probably be secure and thriving. New companies will find right here. Financial Growth will flourish and small companies will prosper. Households will probably be having fun with the finished Midtown Inexperienced picnicking, taking part in on the playground, or listening to an impromptu live performance on the stage.
Why ought to residents vote for you?
Residents ought to vote for me as a result of for the previous 21 years, I’ve made working for Hattiesburg residents a precedence. I’ve a confirmed track-record of bringing complete tasks to completion, whereas sustaining and addressing the every-day wants of our residents in Ward Three and past.
Previous metropolis issues I’ve labored on: redistricting, smoke free Hattiesburg, a number of twister recoveries, infrastructure, Katrina restoration and Midtown. Extra lately, working with our administration we now have initiated a brand new Public Security Complicated, restored our metropolis’s bond ranking, raised the minimal wage for metropolis workers and funded an annual step elevate for our Hattiesburg Police and Fireplace Division officers. 1.5 million spent in every ward on paving and extra to come back! I’ll proceed to convey my expertise to the desk for the residents of Ward Three.
Ward 4
Title: Mary Dryden
Age: 69
Occupation: Former Secretary, Financial institution Teller, and Mortgage Mortgage Closing Assistant; Instructor within the Hattiesburg, Forrest County, and Petal Faculties
Licensed Skilled Counselor/Marriage and Household Therapist
Enterprise Proprietor.
At present serving Hattiesburg in a second time period as Councilwoman for Ward 4.
Schooling: Graduate of Hattiesburg Excessive Faculty, acquired a B.S. in Elementary Schooling and a M.S. in Counseling Psychology from the College of Southern Mississippi and Particular Certification in Gifted Schooling from William Carey College.
Household: Married for 50 years to Steve Dryden; with two youngsters: Jamie Dryden (Jennifer), and
Dr. Christy Dryden Tatum (Joseph); 4 grandchildren and a really particular canine named Socks.
Political Expertise: Elected in 2013 and re-elected in 2017, to the Hattiesburg Metropolis Council.
Political Get together: Unbiased.
Why are you working for this place?
As a local of Hattiesburg, I really like this neighborhood. It’s the place of my start, my schooling, the place I met and married my husband, raised my youngsters, and labored as an educator and counselor. My objective continues to be to attract folks collectively in a typical function and shared imaginative and prescient of a neighborhood we’re all proud to name dwelling, the place we really feel secure dwelling and dealing, and the place we now have all the sources essential to say, “Life is sweet.”
Through the previous eight years, we as a council have addressed some very difficult issues efficiently similar to repairing the aerators of the lagoons and eliminating the horrible odor Downtown. I efficiently pushed for the substitute of water and sewer strains and drainage enhancements, and we now have essential tasks nonetheless within the works that I may help convey to fruition. I labored with our arts neighborhood to assist set up the Neighborhood Arts Middle and with the Hattiesburg Downtown Affiliation to convey new residents, companies, and vitality for a thriving Downtown space, selling particular occasions like Dwell at 5, the Farmer’s Market, Midnight on Major Road, Fourth of July at Chain Park, and the Avenues’ Halloween Parade. We’re happy with our First Responders, and the Hattiesburg Fireplace Division and Hattiesburg Police Division have grown. The HPD has moved to a clear, wholesome surroundings till the brand new Legislation Enforcement Complicated will be accomplished. We’ve additionally achieved improved lighting on our streets and alleys all through the town to extend public security. Through the previous 4 years, over $1.5 M have been spent to pave streets in every ward of the town, with extra to come back.
What are three issues the town wants that you’d implement?
Our metropolis wants: (1) a course of for registering single-family residential rental properties in addition to monitoring vacant property, establishing requirements for upkeep and accountability by property house owners, which is able to improve the worth of surrounding properties and neighborhood satisfaction; (2) extra help for the expansion and retention of our Hattiesburg Police and Fireplace Departments, encouraging the event of relationships between officers and neighborhoods as an essential step in attaining a way of security for our neighborhood; (3) redevelopment of the 16th Part corridors of Broadway Drive and West Pine Road by way of cooperation with the Hattiesburg Public Faculties District management.
The place would you wish to see the town in 4 years, on the finish of the upcoming time period?
Along with engaging in the beforehand said wants, my imaginative and prescient for Hattiesburg on the finish of the subsequent time period is a unified neighborhood, the place folks of all ages take pleasure in fellowship with others and share related attitudes and respect for each other, embracing our variety, having fun with ample alternatives for schooling, work, recreation, leisure, and well being care with emotions of satisfaction for our metropolis, its neighborhoods, and an exquisite, thriving Downtown.
Why ought to residents vote for you?
Over the previous eight years, I’ve developed relationships with residents, neighborhood associations, metropolis workers, and our metropolis’s and enterprise neighborhood’s management that guarantee my potential to seek out artistic options to issues and enhance our neighborhoods by way of infrastructure enhancements, paving roads, and supporting regulation enforcement, our medical neighborhood and the humanities neighborhood. Continuity is very essential for Hattiesburg at the moment as we get well from a pandemic. We’ve a mayor and council working effectively collectively to perform nice issues. Let’s preserve it going.
Title: Brad Parker
Age: 31
Occupation: Excessive Faculty Counselor
Schooling: Bachelor of Arts in Worldwide Relations, Michigan State College;
M.S. Faculty Counseling, College of Wisconsin – Whitewater
Household: Married to Dr. Leah Pope Parker
Political expertise: no earlier
Political celebration: Democrat
Why are you working for this place?
The choices we make popping out of this pandemic and over the subsequent 4 years are going to be actually essential for the long run success of the town. Hattiesburg has so most of the attributes that drive prosperity within the 21st century (two nice universities, a number of hospitals, proximity to different inhabitants facilities and room to develop), however proper now the connections should not being made. We’re nonetheless experiencing super mind drain; our college students can keep native and get an excellent schooling however have to depart after commencement to discover a fulfilling job or a metropolis that gives the standard of life they’re searching for.
I’ve lived in cities which might be doing this rather well, and I do know what we have to do to be aggressive. As a member of the Metropolis Council I’ll assist to convey all of these items collectively to make our metropolis right into a vacation spot for the good-paying jobs that make for long-term prosperity.
What are three issues the town wants that you’d implement?
Attempting to assist college students stay engaged with faculty all through this pandemic has made me understand that we have to dramatically enhance our web infrastructure. Considered one of my predominant priorities will probably be to offer residents and companies entry to inexpensive and dependable high-speed web.
One other one among my huge priorities is bettering our strolling and biking infrastructure. Including and/or sustaining sidewalks, crosswalks and bike lanes will elevate dwelling values and enhance high quality of life for everybody, along with making the town extra interesting to newcomers and younger households.
We’re additionally missing a complete, city-wide plan for sustaining the water and sewer system as an entire. We won’t afford to proceed with a piecemeal strategy to sustaining our water system.
The place would you wish to see the town in 4 years, on the finish of the upcoming time period?
I wish to see extra productive connections between the town and the schools, main enhancements in our water/sewer, strolling/biking and web infrastructure, and a authorities that’s far more clear.
Why ought to residents vote for you?
I ask the residents of Ward Four to vote for me as a result of I imagine my contemporary perspective and skill to seek out widespread floor amongst totally different views is what the Council wants to assist us come out of this pandemic higher than ever. I’m dedicated to creating the town authorities extra clear and offering extra avenues for residents to have significant enter in how our metropolis is run.
Title: Dave Ware
Age: 49
Occupation: Licensed Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Schooling: Graduate of Jones Faculty, The College of Southern Mississippi and Xavier College
Household: Married to Amy Jo Ware; 4 youngsters Keaton, Payton, Olivia and Ashton
Political expertise: Ward Four Metropolis Council Consultant (2006-2013), Vice President (2008-2013)
Political celebration: Unbiased
Why are you working for this place?
Over the previous 12 months, I’ve been approached by neighbors, mates, and neighborhood leaders asking if I might contemplate in search of elected workplace once more. These discussions led me to ask myself this similar query.
On the time I used to be serving on the Board of Administrators of the Hattiesburg Downtown Affiliation, however actually felt that I might do extra for my neighborhood. After discussing this with my spouse, Amy Jo, my household and spending time in prayer, I really feel referred to as to hunt a job I’ve beforehand held, representing Ward Four on the Metropolis Council.
In brief, I’m working as a result of Ward Four residents have requested me for a similar responsive management I provided in my earlier two phrases.
What are three issues the town wants that you’d implement?
The Metropolis wants responsive leaders with budgeting experience, expertise, and relationships to offer momentum to our downtown redevelopment and the flexibility to speak with all residents to help with the distinctive challenges of various neighborhoods.
As Councilman from 2006-2013, I labored diligently on the finances, instituted the town’s transition to automated sanitation and curbside recycling, and elevated transparency by way of digital Metropolis Council agendas. I collaborated with native builders to create financial incentives to rehabilitate and redevelop downtown Hattiesburg alongside Entrance Road.
Throughout this time, I had a hands-on strategy aiding Neighborhood Associations by reorganizing dormant associations, coordinating efforts with the town, and prioritizing neighborhood assembly attendance.
The place would you wish to see the town in 4 years, on the finish of the upcoming time period?
1.We have to instantly concentrate on pandemic restoration by rising alternatives for many who wish to be vaccinated, serving to closed companies reopen and prioritizing how the town spends cash from the latest Covid-19 stimulus handed by the federal authorities.
2. To achieve our potential, we should have interaction our residents by way of energetic neighborhood associations to handle legal exercise, inform residents of upcoming tasks and permit a discussion board for all voices to be heard.
3. In Ward Four particularly, we should prioritize public security, downtown redevelopment and continued water and sewer enhancements all through our neighborhoods.
Why ought to residents vote for you?
I’ve skilled troublesome finances conditions, collaborated with builders on massive downtown tasks and labored instantly with Ward Four neighborhoods to seek out options to difficult conditions.
We want a Metropolis Council consultant who has proven actual management in these areas. I’ll convey management, expertise, and responsive illustration to the folks of our Ward. As a resident of Ward Four for over 20 years, the place my spouse and I raised and educated our 4 youngsters, I’m asking in your vote for Ward Four Metropolis Council.
Ward 5
Title: Nicholas R Brown Sr.
Age: 38 years outdated
Employment: Sanderson Farms Inc. 2005-2006 Administration Trainee Program.
Walgreens 2007-2009 Administration Trainee Program.
Proprietor of Brown Garden Service, LLC since 2009 and JR Brown Transport, LLC since 2020.
Schooling: Graduate of The College of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in Enterprise Administration with an emphasis in Administration Info Methods.
Household: Married to Evette Taylor-Brown; One youngster Nicholas Brown Jr.; Mother and father are Frank and Josie Brown; sister Monique Brown.
Political Expertise: I’ve served on the Metropolis Council of Hattiesburg because the Ward 5 councilman for a little bit over 3.5 years as a Democrat, and I’m working as a democrat once more for the 2021 election.
Why are you working for this place?
There are a number of causes that I’m working for this place. At the start, there may be unfinished enterprise to be taken care of in Ward 5. Another excuse is lots of my constituents have requested me to hunt re-election. Additionally, there are a lot of tasks in Ward 5 that should be accomplished which were began below my time period. Final, there are a lot of tasks arising that we now have on the desk for Ward 5. Rebuilding the Timberton Softball Complicated is prime precedence for me if re-elected. I additionally wish to proceed bettering infrastructure in Ward 5.
What are three issues the town wants that you’d implement?
Three issues the town doesn’t have that I might work to implement is a state-of-the-art leisure heart, extra industrial growth in Ward 5, and extra family-oriented venues right here in Hattiesburg on the non-public and public sector aspect. I journey totally different states to get concepts, and we want issues like putt putt golf, arcade leisure services, go kart tracks, an amusement park, and a water park. These are just some concepts, and with us being the hub to many surrounding areas I imagine that most of these venues would thrive in our space. Final, I wish to work by way of the private and non-private sector to develop useful resource facilities that may assist our youth with creating abilities, trades, and serving to with their schooling. So as to add, we have to work with our native universities to convey again summer season packages like NYSP.
The place would you wish to see the town in 4 years, on the finish of the upcoming time period?
In 4 years I wish to see the town transferring in a constructive path spreading sources all all through every Ward. I additionally wish to see extra growth and development within the East and South East of Hattiesburg. We additionally should guarantee requirements are being coated. The residents of Ward 5 ought to vote for me as a result of I’m a folks’s person who cares about them and their wants. I’m a tough employee that can work at getting what we want in Ward 5. I’ve essentially the most expertise and can make the very best selections based mostly on what our neighborhood wants, not feelings or self-gain. I really like folks and really feel that I’m the very best candidate for the place. I additionally really feel that we now have made nice progress in Ward 5 over the previous 3.5 years. In conclusion, the very best is but to come back in Ward 5, and we’re going to get it achieved collectively as a neighborhood! Teamwork will make the dream work in Ward 5!
