The Pine Belt News reached out to all municipal candidates in Hattiesburg, Petal, Sumrall, Lumberton and Purvis with standardized questionnaires. These are the responses from those that wished to participate; they are presented as submitted. The primary election is set for April 6.
Lumberton Mayoral Race
Name: Tina Speights
Occupation: Self-Employed, MS Curriculum Writer Advisor for MS Board of Cosmetology
Education: PRCC 2007 Cosmetology Program and 2018 PRCC Instructors Program
Political experience: Alderwoman-at-Large, City of Lumberton
Political party: Independent
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for this position to build on the progress we've made while serving on the Board of Alderman, the board worked together to help revitalize the City of Lumberton by making tough decisions, rolling up our sleeves, balancing the budget, and spending money in our community, while partnering with other agencies like the Lamar County Board of Supervisors and Representative of District 15 to make Lumberton marketable so that Lumberton will be on the path of growth so we can ensure the citizens the best quality of life.
What are three things the city doesn’t have - or needs - that you would implement?
I would like to see continued growth, a stable tax base and recreational outlets for families. I think the citizens doesn't realize the amount of power they possess or should possess with their elected officials. I would implement an open-door policy that includes all the citizens of Lumberton and they would decide what the city doesn't have or needs to move forward. The people have the power.
Where would you like to see the city in four years, at the end of the upcoming term?
In my first term my platform was “Let's Move Lumberton Forward” my platform as Mayor will be "Still Moving Forward” and we will. In the next four years, Lumberton will be the shining jewel of Lamar County. I see an increase in population, improved infrastructure, more businesses, restaurants, new houses, recreational activities and the revitalization of Main Street.
Why should residents vote for you?
During my years as alderwoman at large, I used my experience and expertise to help Lumberton recover from the mistakes of the past. I want the citizens of Lumberton to vote for me because Lumberton need a Mayor that not only listens but has the ability to work with other to transition us into a city that seeks to serve everyone. We have faced many challenges but we never gave up. Instead of blaming others, we worked together to rebuild Lumberton. In order for us to rise, we must rise together. I should be elected for Mayor because I am a woman of great integrity, and a caring honest leader. I am an official with a vision and without a vision a people will perish.
Lumberton Aldermen Race
Alderman-At-Large
Name: Sandy Kee
Age: 65
Occupation: Legal assistant
Education: High school graduate
Family: Married to Chuck Kee for over 46 years – two children – Tyler (Marlee) Kee and Leslie (Brian) Sullivan and eight grandchildren
Political experience: none
Political party: Independent
Why are you running for this position?
It is my desire to represent all the citizens of Lumberton with honesty, integrity and dedicated service and to have a safer and better community in which to live.
What are three things the city needs that you would implement?
1. Provide our Police Department and Public Works Department with the staffing, equipment and resources to do their jobs more effective and efficiently.
2. Hire and retain qualified personnel and restore medical insurance benefits for all employees
3. To have our annual budgets presented, voted and implemented by the new fiscal year along with the annual audits.
Where would you like to see the city in four years, at the end of the upcoming term?
I would like to see Lumberton regain its reputation as a safe, livable and well maintained community. Also, to have increased economic growth with the access to job opportunity and with that, increasing the City’s tax base.
Why should residents vote for you?
I believe it is important that we listen to our citizens and to be responsive to their questions and concerns with an open and honest city government dedicated to improving the quality of life for our community.
As an Alderman, we are all responsible to the citizens who elect us to do what's in their best interest for Lumberton. If elected, I will be your Voice and representation for all our citizens.
Ward 1
Name: Elain Robinson-Clark
Age: 50
Occupation: Nurse
Family: Mother of three and grandmother of two
Political experience: I have no Political Experience.
Political party: I tend to vote as a Democrat.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for this office to bring change and hope to our city and community.
What are three things the city doesn’t have - or needs - that you would implement?
If elected to help repair infrastructure, implement a community resource for jobs and offer training, invest in the Younger Generation.
Where would you like to see the city in four years, at the end of the upcoming term?
I would like for the city to be filled with life metaphorically speaking. That's why my Campaign Slogan is "There's Life In The Valley."
Why should residents vote for you?
The residents should vote for me because I have a Vision for The future of our city.
Name: David Kent Crider
Age: 65
Occupation: Funeral Director/ Bus Driver Ms. Gulf Coast Community College, former Police officer and Paramedic
Education: Bachelor’s degree: Music University of Southern Ms. Graduate Ms. Police Academy class 101 Forrest General Hospital National Registered Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic Associates Degree Mortuary Science Ms. Gulf Coast Community College
Family: Mother and Father Buster and Jane Crider, Brothers Brent Crider and Lee Crider, Children: Kyle Crider, Tabitha Marlar, Justin Crider, Nicole Butt and Elizabeth Hillman-Crider.
Political Experience: 7 yrs. Alderman Ward 1, Mayor 1 yr.
Political Party: Independent
Why are you running for this position?
I feel that there are some unfinished projects that I would like to finish. With my connections and the city expanding I feel the projects can be finished.
What are three things the city does not have or needs – that you would implement?
While alderman I lobbied the MS Health Dept for a stand-alone emergency room. Due to the size of our City was I unable to find a parent hospital that would oversee the facility. I would also like to work toward trying to implement animal control in our city.
Where would you like to see the city in four years, at the end of the upcoming term?
I would like to see our city continue to grow with jobs and economic development.
Why should residents vote for you?
I feel I have a proven track record as an alderman that will work for the residents. This saw mill will get the ball rolling down the hill and I would like to see our city continue to grow with the momentum.
Ward 3
Name: Jonathan F. Griffith
Age: 50
Occupation: Resolution Specialist
Education: B.A. and M.Ed.--William Carey University
Family: Walter (deceased) and Sylvia D. Griffith; brother Bobby and Lynn Griffith of Jackson, MS; sister Maggie and Derek Shaheed of Purvis, MS
Political experience: Alderman, Ward 3, City of Lumberton (Incumbent)
Political party: Democrat
Why are you running for this position?
Prior to running for office, I became involved in politics as a concerned citizen. I started a political blog to keep citizens informed and to hold elected officials accountable. There is no other candidate that has more knowledge about our code charter municipality, has been more dedicated to the community, or has had as many years serving the community as myself.
I believe that every citizen of Lumberton deserves representation while having access to elected officials. Through my blog and my social media presence, I am the most accessible board member.in Lumberton.. I am seeking the privilege of continuing to serve as Alderman of Ward 3 so I can be a voice for the voiceless and make sure everyone is represented at city hall. I have proven that I am an ambassador, a champion, a connector, and an advocate that will serve the residents of Ward 3 with honesty, and integrity.
What are three things the city doesn’t have - or needs - that you would implement?
When I look at Lumberton, I see nothing but opportunities. Over the past four years, we have made tough decisions to position Lumberton for growth and development.
Currently, we’re working tirelessly to fix the water billing system. In addition to working on our billing system, I want to make sure we continue to invest in the Parks and Recreation Department because it's vital that we provide an outlet for children to be children.
I would like to have at least 7 full time police officers and provide them with take home cars.
I also want to make sure the Public Works Department is given the tools/resources/leadership needed to maintain our top-rated water system.
Where would you like to see the city in four years, at the end of the upcoming term?
I am looking forward to the revitalization of the City of Lumberton. During my four years in office, we have marketed the City of Lumberton and have successfully secured a billion-dollar corporation that is investing millions to build a facility in Lumberton that’s paying an average of $42,000 a year. Those jobs will be a great boost to our local economy. Over the last four year, we built the momentum of Lumberton and I want to continue to ride the wave of success that was generated during our term so that we can attract even more businesses to this great city.
Why should residents vote for you?
Four years ago, I ran for office knowing that Lumberton was in dire financial straits. Despite the many obstacles, I wanted to serve because I believed that I could make a difference and together we strengthened the financial stability of Lumberton. Serving as Alderman of Ward 3 has been the most rewarding, and challenging job I have ever had but I am looking forward to continuing to make tough fiscal decisions that help make Lumberton a better place. I have worked hard to understand the complexities associated with this position and the responsibilities associated with this position.
I am running again so I can continue to serve as the representative for the people of Ward 3 that will continue to lead Lumberton forward. It took four years of hard work, long budget sessions, and tough decisions to position Lumberton for revitalization and we need bold, clear leadership to continue this process and no one seeking to serve Ward 3 is more experienced, dedicated, passionate, or determined to lead Lumberton forward than me. A vote for Jonathan Griffith is a vote for a better future for the City of Lumberton!
