In announcing my candidacy for election to the office of Mayor, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the citizens of District #47, for giving me the distinct honor of serving you in the legislature as a state representative from 1988-92, and as a state senator from 1992, to the present. I am again seeking your vote of confidence to serve as your mayor for the next four years. As a senior member of the Mississippi Legislature I have served on many committees and boards and made many friends that will be of great benefit to the service I will be able to give to Picayune.

I have received much satisfaction from working diligently to help each and every one of you. I pledge to you once again that I will be open to you and your opinions. I will voice your concerns and work very hard to turn your problems into solutions.

I am the father of four children, Dodd, Phillip, Gay and Gina. I am a former teacher, coach and school administrator, a Korean veteran when I served with 138th Engineers from Picayune. I hold an Associates Degree from Pearl River Community College, a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of Education Administration from William Carey College.

Our responsibility is to meet the needs of our people. We must continue to improve the city in all phases. Our employees will be the key to our success. They must have the support from the administration, which they will have. We will have a support group for our policemen, firemen and the families of the men and women who put their lives on the line each day.

When I am elected your mayor, I will resign from the Senate because we are taught you cannot serve two masters at one time. This will allow my replacement in the senate to gain seniority in the legislature.

Life may be a challenge, but if we work to help each other, there is no doubt that we will have a second-to-none community. I will be open and sensitive to your opinions and concerns, as my voting record in the Legislature demonstrates. I have always had the interest of the people as my utmost priority.

When you go to the polls to vote on May 5, and again in the June general election, I encourage you to evaluate my experience and give me the opportunity to continue to serve and meet your needs. Your vote and support will always be remembered and appreciated. Thanks again for the privilege that you have given me to serve you.