Magnolia's Municipal Candidates Provide Thoughts on Magnolia and Its Way Forward: Part 1

In less than two weeks Magnolia will basically decide its next set of leaders for the city for the next four years.

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.

On Tuesday, April 1st, the Democrat Primary for Magnolia will be held at the Community Center. With the exception of Ward 4’s Alderman, Joe Cornacchione, all other candidates are Democrats. This makes the April 1st Democrat Primary extremely important in determining the city’s future leadership.

Earlier this week, the MAGNOLIA GAZETTE sent a series of four questions to each candidate running for a Magnolia municipal office:

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 questions were sent to all candidates running for a municipal office for the City of Magnolia. We will run half the responses this week and half next week. So, read both editions to make an informed decision!

Thank you to all that responded to the MAGNOLIA GAZETTE’S request! 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 have provided responses to the questions by each candidate (unedited) on the following pages. Enjoy, and most importantly get out and vote on April 1 for the candidate that best represents your wishes and desires to make our city of Magnolia prosper.

Becky Magee Ward 1

1) As a lifelong resident of Magnolia, I’ve always been passionate about serving our community. I ran for office to be a voice for Ward 1, ensuring residents’ concerns are heard and addressed. My love for this city and commitment to its growth continue to drive me.

2) Magnolia needs strong economic development, unity among its people, new industries and jobs, improved infrastructure, and better recreational opportunities for children. I will work to attract businesses, foster community engagement, secure funding for infrastructure projects, and create safe, enjoyable spaces for our youth. I want to see Magnolia thrive again.

3) I will continue holding meetings, attending community events, and staying available via phone, email, and social media. Listening to residents and advocating for their needs is my priority.

4) With experience, a proven track record, and a deep love for Magnolia, I have the dedication and leadership to continue moving our community forward.

Chad Williams Ward 1

1) For one the citizens inspired me. I love and respect all citizens of our city, and I get the same back. I’ve been asked by several citizens however I waited for the right time. I waited to hear from God and here I am running to represent the citizens of District 1.

2) One I would like to see R.U.S.H (Recreation, Unity, Safety, Healthy, healthy roads, healthy living conditions, healthy upkeep of property.) I plan on encouraging the citizens of district 1 to have zoom calls, group calls or text. This will give them a voice and would eventually bring the citizens together as we discuss the matters that plague our city and district.

3) By reaching out, asking questions, door to door and hearing them out. I would give the citizens my contact information, this will give them access to me. 4) I’ve been in leadership for over 15 years. As Pastor of the Pleasant MB Church, I’ve learned how to listen and make plays for the betterment of the congregation. Learning how to deal with conflict. I believe myself as being a visionary and a great communicator. I believe this is what the citizens of District 1 need.

Cheryl Grady Ward 3

1) Magnolia is one of the most historic cities in our state and I was super excited reading about how Magnolia was a trailblazer. Being a graduate of South Pike, I have always loved Magnolia and I would love to see this city reflect on what’s in the community’s heart. I visualized the hotels, restaurants, opera house, theater, skating rink, attractions, newspaper company (Magnolia Gazette which is still operating) and the train station that were previously here in this city. I would love to see all of those attractions mentioned in the city of Magnolia during my time! I have always loved Magnolia and want to see it thrive. I am running for Alderman, Ward 3, to assist Magnolia in capitalizing on areas of opportunity to build businesses and to strengthen public attraction.

2) Economic growth and development, public safety and youth empowerment are the greatest obstacles in our dear city. However, in order to attract potential investors, we must recognize and strategize for growth. During my campaign trail, I heard citizens in Ward 3 voice their concern about the unsafe/broken sidewalks, lack of streetlights (making it easier for criminals to operate), vacant and underutilized spaces, inadequate police staffing and their rate of pay, and the amount of youth involvement. My goal is to use this position to vote for platforms that will keep our streets safe to travel, our businesses flourishing, and supporting programs that offer diverse activities beyond the regular curriculum. 3) “Trust and reputation take years to build, but only a moment to destroy”. It is important to have all constituents’ issues, interests and/or concerns heard. Therefore, an online platform, mobile phone, periodic review sessions and engaging in feedback are necessary and nonnegotiable. I will also be available at all town hall meetings. I do understand that all forms of communication are primary aspects for sharing ideas.

4) As a dedicated advocate with years of experience in leadership and assisting members of the community, I have the essential skills and expertise to excel in the role as an Alderman in the city of Magnolia. Having faced and overcome challenges in various areas of my life, I am confident in my ability to adapt and thrive in any environment. I’ve earned a Master of Health Administration degree, a B.S. in Business Management, a graduate of Fort Knox, KY basic camp, a licensed cosmetologist, and acquired a college diploma in medical billing and coding. My diverse background has been instrumental to my career path. I have cultivated a reputation as a collaborative contributor who provides superior support with reliable information. I love advocating for others. I advocate for patients on a daily basis and would love to represent Ward 3. I decided to run for Alderman because the citizens of Ward 3 needed adequate representation.

Darrell Pounds At Large

1) Magnolia is more than just where I live-it’s home. I was born and raised here, and I’ve spent my life watching this community grow, change, and face chal-COME SEE DR. LAMPTON AT THE FRYE/MAGNOLIA CLINIC BUILDING LOCATED AT 111 MAGNOLIA STREET!!! DENNY’S RIBBON CUTTING MAGNOLIA’S MUNICIPAL CANDIDATES PROVIDE THOUGHTS ON MAGNOLIA AND ITS WAY FORWARD: PART 1 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 Brown 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 Responded Responded Responded Responded Responded No Response No Response Responded No Response Responded No Response Responded