My name is Jeff Lossett and I humbly ask for your vote for City Councilman of Precinct 1 for the great City of Picayune. Precinct 1 includes many beautiful neighborhoods such as Millbrook, Garden District, The Woods, Woodland Heights and the surrounding areas.

I believe there has to be a conservative way of managing the city’s finances. During the months following Hurricane Katrina, the city received emergency funds from different sources and watched tax revenue explode. Now, we, the city, are in the middle of a financial crisis. Over the years we have seen the city’s debt rise, property and sales tax increase, but there has been limited, if no, improvements done to city streets, water, or sewer systems. I strongly believe that there needs to be accountability placed upon the people handling the finances. I will do my part to see that the city’s money is spent wisely and in a responsible manner.

I also feel strongly that there needs to be transparency between the citizens of Picayune and the city’s business. I will do my part to make sure that decisions are made in the best interest of the public and deliberations will be handled and conducted in an open and honest way.

I believe the major task confronting the City Council is obtaining well qualified individuals to serve in city administrative positions and on our school board. It is the responsibility of the City Council to get the right individuals appointed to these positions and allow them to run the city and schools without outside interference from other elected officials. I pledge to do my part in looking for and obtaining the right people to serve as city manager and serve on our school board.

My wife Kristy and I have been life long residents of Picayune and are raising our son Ethan here as well. We are both graduates of PMHS and attended the University of Southern Mississippi. I am currently employed by the Pearl River County Tax Collector/Assessor. I feel my experience in the tax office can bring a new look into how finances should be managed, and how the budget should be handled. My wife, Kristy, is employed at Stennis Space Center. We are members of New Palestine Baptist Church, where I am Sunday School director and a deacon.

I take pride in where I live. I enjoy the small town atmosphere and can think of no place better to raise a family. I will do my part to help take the city in a new and different direction. I humbly ask for your support and vote in the Republican Primary on May 5.