Magnolia Municipal Candidates Provide Thoughts on Magnolia: Part 2

Last week the MAGNOLIA GAZETTE printed “Part 1” of the responses of many of the City of Magnolia candidates concerning four questions asked.

We continue those responses for the remaining candidates that responded in this week’s paper.

The questions posed to each of the candidates running for a Municipal office follow:

1) What inspired you to run for this office? 2) What do you see as the biggest challenges facing our community right now and what do you plan to do about it? 3) How do you plan to make yourself accessible to your constituents and represent their interests?

4) What qualifies you as being the best candidate for the position you are running for?

The table below provides a status of each candidate’s response to our questions.

Thank you to all that responded to the MAGNOLIA GAZETTE’S request!! And again, for those that did not respond, you missed a great opportunity to share with citizens of Magnolia your plan for governing Magnolia if elected.

We are now less than one week from the Primary elections which will decide many of the new Alderman and Mayor for the City of Magnolia. Every registered voter in Magnolia will have 3 choices on the ballot - the Mayor, your Ward’s Alderman/Alderwoman, and the Alderman at Large position. Come out to the Community Center and cast your vote on Tuesday April 1!!!

We have provided responses to the questions by each candidate (unedited) on the following pages. Remember to read “Part 1” of this article in last week’s Gazette also in order to make a fully informed decision on your vote. Enjoy, and most importantly get out and vote for the candidate that best represents your wishes and desires to make our city of Magnolia prosper.

Tammy Witherspoon Mayor

1) I wanted to be the change I wanted to see.

2) The biggest challenge facing our community is blight (abandoned properties). Although this a challenge for cities all over the world and is a long legal process. I would like to see the city implement strong ordinance that holds property owners accountable for neglect. Forming neighborhood groups that can organize clean-ups and maintain vacant lots is a way to get the community engaged. Volunteers can collaborate with local authorities to maintain and repurpose vacant lots, transforming them into community gardens, parks or other beneficial spaces.

3) I have an open door policy at City Hall. If I am not available appointments can be made.

4) I am the sitting Mayor. I served 2 terms as selectwoman for the City of McComb. I served 2 terms as Mississippi State Senator where I still have relationships. LEADERSHIP MAT-TERS.

Jennifer Jones Knox At Large

1) My name is Jennifer Knox and I am running for Alderman At Large in Magnolia, MS. I am inspired to run because it’s always been in my heart to serve people. And it’s also fulfilling a family legacy as well. My grandfather the late Rev. Alton Witherspoon Sr. was the first black elected official in Magnolia, MS. My father the late Rev. James Jones Sr. was also an alderman on the City Board in Magnolia as well as Mayor pro-ten.

2) Our biggest challenges in our community is the lack of unity. Where there is division there isn’t room for progress. We have to have leadership that can work together to lead our community in the right direction.”Teamwork makes the dream work.”

3) If given the opportunity I will have an open door policy. I am here to serve my community and be an advocate for the citizens in Magnolia. I will be your voice and I will work to the best of my ability to serve you to speak up for your concerns to listen to your concerns.

4) What qualifies me for being the best candidate is my ability to work with all people. My ability to bring adventure and compassion to our City. My heart and compassion for our youth and our elderly is my hearts desire. I love to see people in Unity and working together. There is so much positive energy that I will bring to the table and that’s what makes me the best candidate because it’s in my heart to be a service. I have the compassion, the heart, the knowledge and all the tools that’s necessary to lead my community to greatness. My husband & I are already working in our community we are the owners of a youth football & cheer organization. And I am also a certified Community Life Director for Consulate Healthcare in McComb, MS. My 18 year medical career were I have been serving so many people and families in there time of need. This is my daily routine serving others and I enjoy every minute of it. It’s a natural thing and it’s most definitely my calling.

Dorothy Dillon Ward 2

1) I want to be involved in our community events and I want our city to move forward. I am committed and I care about our city.

2) We need infrastructure addressed, loud music and animal control in our city.

3) I plan to attend all meetings. When there are issues from citizens the board should address them. I will always have a listening ear for our citizens.

4) I’m a lifetime citizen of Magnolia. I’m very enthusiastic, honest, loyal and compassionate toward everyone.

Joseph Cornacchione Ward 4 (Unopposed)

1) I initially ran for office years ago for several reasons. The town was mismanaged by the administration under Sam Owens that put the citizens of Magnolia at the highest rate of debt per capita in the State of Mississippi. Living next to the City Hall, Police Station and the Fire department, saw first had things that needed to be changed. I have a large investment in this community and want to see the town prosper.

2) The biggest challenge now is to fight the folks who are in office now from littering the town with mobile homes; and the devaluation of property not only to mobile homes, but abandoned / neglected properties.

3) Being recently retired, I am very accessible and have always been transparent. Most folks that know me can find me. I also have a FB page for transparency.

4) Besides having a vested interest in the community; my record speaks for itself. I may at times be outspoken, but I vote and support what is best for the community. COME SEE DR. LAMPTON AT THE FRYE/MAGNOLIA CLINIC BUILDING LOCATED AT 111 MAGNOLIA STREET!!! MAGNOLIA MUNICIPAL CANDIDATES PROVIDE THOUGHTS ON MAGNOLIA: PART 2 by Terry Jackson, GAZETTE City Editor - tdjackson56@att.net

Tammy Witherspoon Marvin Brumfield Darrell Pounds

Jennifer Jones Knox Becky Magee Chad Williams Charles White Clarence Burton Jr.

Dorothy Dillon Theresa B. Weatherspoon Cheryl Grady Gloria Burton Martin

Joseph Cornacchione MAYOR ALDERMAN AT LARGE ALDERMAN WARD 1 ALDERMAN WARD 2 ALDERMAN WARD 3 ALDERMAN WARD 4 RESPONSE CANDIDATE POSITION Responded and Printed in Part 2 Responded and Printed in Part 1 Responded and Printed in Part 1 Responded and Printed in Part 2 Responded and Printed in Part 1 Responded and Printed in Part 1 No Response No Response Responded and Printed in Part 2 No Response Responded and Printed in Part 1 No Response Responded and Printed in Part 2