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.
Purvis Mayoral Race
Name: Roger H. Herrin
Age: 57 years old
Occupation: Southgate Timber Company (Forestry) , Mayor of Purvis
Education: Purvis High School, PRCC, USM
Family: Wife is Ashley Herrin. Son Nathan and three step-children Madison, Austin and Abigail.
Political Experience: I have served as Mayor of Purvis MS for 28 years.
Political Party: Republican always have run in office as independent
Why are you running for this position?
I've lived in Purvis my whole life, 57 years. Purvis is my home. We have made incredible strides in this town since I've first became mayor. We work with any kind of group or organization that wants to have projects, and we incorporate in our own projects. We take any opportunity to take advantage of all state and federal funding for infrastructure; sidewalks, asphalt, etc. I always want to continue to work with and rely on our county supervisors.
What are three things that the city doesn’t have or needs that you would implement?
We have spent over $150,000 on beautification projects within the last two years and we are continuing with other projects. We work with several civics groups, Women club, Street Festival Association, Dixie youth, Wounded Warrior Project, VFW and many church groups, etc. and will continue to work with these groups and more. I would like to upgrade our current wastewater facility and city hall.
Where would you like to see the city in four years, at the end of the upcoming term?
In 4 years, at the end of the upcoming term I would like to continue moving as we are by not raising taxes and keeping our millage rate and water bills down and to continue to provide our employees with health insurance and a safe working atmosphere. Keeping our police department intact, and to keep helping our citizens and to keep our open door policy to help all citizens with their issues large or small.
Why should residents vote for you?
I have served as mayor for 28 years and none of that would be possible without my five alderman who through the years have had the same vision and leadership as I do. There are still many projects to be done and I am well experienced to face the challenges of the future.
Name: Jeremy Reid
Age: 36 years old
Occupation: disabled veteran (in the processes of being licensed substance abuse counselor)
Education: Attended Southeastern Louisiana University
Family: 2 Children. 15 year old son and 10 year old daughter. (divorced)
Political experience: Political newcomer.
Political party: Independent (registered republican)
Why are you running for this position?
Purvis is a great place to call my hometown. However, we can be so much more. I want to encourage participation from our local churches and other civic organizations in our town. There are several opportunities for things such as federal and state grants that are not being taken advantage of.
What are three things the city doesn’t have - or needs - that you would implement?
Purvis needs to do a better job in fostering the relationship with our local small businesses, neighboring municipalities, churches and civic groups. We need to be applying for more grants and explore all avenues of additional funding for future growth that is not a burden on our tax payers. Town beautification is an area we also need to improve in.
Where would you like to see the city in four years, at the end of the upcoming term?
I would like to see Purvis maximizing our relationships with our local churches, civic groups, and neighbors. We need to learn from our similarly sized towns in the area and implement their good things and steer clear from the areas they have made mistakes. In the next four years I would like to have a program set up to recognize our outstanding citizens who go the extra mile and continue to make Purvis such a great place to live.
Why should residents vote for you?
The reasons to vote Jeremy Reid are simple. Leadership starts from the top. Our current mayor has done well for Purvis over the last 28 years in office, However, it is time to transition to looking toward the future for Purvis. I am the person to foster the relationships needed to move us forward. It is relationships and partnerships that will move Purvis forward and not the same old same.
