Mayor Greg Mitchell and council member-mayor pro tempore Leavern Guy have been returned as voting members on the Mississippi Municipal League board, which could mean more leverage for the city of Picayune, the two men say.

Mitchell and Guy were selected to continue their service on the MML board, which they hope will give them the opportunity develop new ideas for and gain additional support for the needs of the Picayune and all cities in Mississippi.

“It’s an honor because we are part of the advocate group for the citizens throughout the state of Mississippi,” Guy said.

“I think it’s good that two members of a council, a mayor and a council member, (were) chosen,” Mitchell said.

Having two members of the same municipality on the MML board will give the City of Picayune more bargaining power, the mayor said.

Guy said he was asked to serve on the election committee, while Mitchell said he will serve on the education committee.

Guy hopes to be able to serve on the utility committee so he can discuss the newly formed utility authority. He said he hopes to help introduce bills that will enhance municipalities’ positions relating to the power the utility authorities hold over local governments.

“I believe my presence on the MML board is going to give me an opportunity to give support in that direction,” Guy said.

Guy said he believes he was chosen to serve on the board due to his leadership skills and professionalism. Guy also credits his knowledge of local events and the questions he asks pertaining to the community. He said he does not like to vote on topics he does not fully understand, so he asks questions to gain a better understanding.

“I bring a lot to the table and they recognized that,” Guy said.

Mitchell and Guy will attend an MML meeting in Tunica. At MML meetings, members lobby to legislators for various things that will benefit all state municipalities, Mitchell said. Lobbying sessions help build better relations between legislators and city government members, he said.