My decision to enter this race to become the next mayor of Laurel was made with a great deal of input from Laurel residents, my advisors and family, and with much prayer and reflection.

I enter this race because I have a vision for our great city ... a vision for a city in which we can all take pride. A vision for a city that is safe and clean, where there are good jobs and abundant opportunities, where our children are educated, and where future generations can say with pride that we did a good job protecting their future.

My plan for guiding our city is simple:

1 - develop a team approach to governing with the City Council

2 - create a city-wide Council of Neighborhoods

3 - build partnerships to create jobs

4 - upgrade city services

5 - encourage strong work ethic and pride from city employees

6 - energize city government

7 - create an atmosphere which restores pride in our great city

Pride is important in this city and its residents ... and to me. I say with pride that I am a graduate of Oak Park High School. That’s the education foundation I used to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee State University. That’s the same pride I have used to continue my education by taking technical, administrative, and professional classes.

Those classes have served me well in planning, programming and budgeting in my role as a current elected official and will be of value to me as your next mayor.

As a candidate for your mayor, I have the physical stamina, the motivation and drive, the ambition and enthusiasm, the leadership capacity and the endurance to effectively and proficiently manage the municipal organization of our great city.

Every aspect of my life in Laurel and Jones County, as well as my career, have led me to this moment ... the moment when I ask you and my fellow citizens to provide me the opportunity to serve you as your next mayor. I have worked in the public and private sectors. I have worked at the Mississippi Employment Security Commission, the Head Start Program in Laurel, and Delphi Automotive Systems here in Laurel.

The citizens of this great county have allowed me to serve 19-years on the Board of Supervisors ... and I thank them.