(EDITOR’S NOTE: Larry Watkins has announced his candidacy and released this statement.)

My name is Larry Watkins. I am a candidate for the Picayune City Council Precinct 1  on May 7. I am a former state representative and serve as city councilman for Precinct 1.

I have been a lifelong resident of Pearl River County. I graduated from PRC and received B.S. degrees in Business Administration and social studies from USM. I graduated from William Carey College with a M.Ed in mathematics. I have been married for 36 years to the former Bonnie Clark, and we have two daughters, Suzanne and Janet.

I was a mathematics instructor and coach at Picayune and PRC school districts. I have over 40 years experience as a self-employed concrete building contractor.

 I was an organizer and member and secretary-treasurer of the board of the Center Water association.

I am a member of the USM Alumni Association, Carriere Masonic Lodge, Mississippi Professional Educational Association, and American Cancer Society chairman, and block crusader for the Heart Fund, Leukemia Society, and March of Dimes. I was president of the Lion’s Club, Eastside P.T.O. and PRC Home Builders’ Association and chairman of Mississippi Home Builders’ Association Government Affairs Committee, and member of PRC Planning Commission.

I have been a member of First Baptist Church of Picayune and Union Baptist Church. I have served as deacon, chairman of the finance committee, chairman of the Kindergarten Committee, Sunday school director, training union director, brotherhood director, nursery worker, and Sunday school teacher.

Accomplishments during my term: City Wide Paving Project; Drainage Project on Cooper Rd.; local contractors able to bid and receive work; gas lines, water lines, and meters replaced; 63 businesses started or expanded; county assists with paving Cooper Rd; police and fire departments continue to upgrade; expansion of Public Works Department; traffic signals upgraded along Highway 43 N., Hwy 11, and Memorial Blvd.; turn lane to be built at Adcox Rd. and Hwy 43 N.; lights on Hwy. 43 N. will be installed; new City Hall built without tax increase; city administrators have soundly managed taxes; grant to improve Daniel St. Park and bridge; city gas prices reduced; new Highland Community Hospital.

My experience as councilman for District 1 and as state representative combined with my business experience and articipation in local activities uniquely qualify me to be your voice and representative on the Picayune City Council.

Please re-elect Larry Watkins.