Notable Accomplishments in 3½ years

Created a mayoral phone log at City Hall to ensure that I will answer/return all calls.
Engaged with US, MS, Panola County officials and industrial executives to secure funds and grants, attended and continue to attend meetings in Washington, DC, and Jackson, MS.
Active member of Northwest Mississippi Mayors and subscribe to grant-finding email chains.
Collaborated with State Treasurer to identify individuals with unclaimed money from the state treasury and communicated with them.

Attended a seminar on conducting legal and efficient meetings led by Dr. Jason Camp of the MS Municipal Government Development.
Initiated live streaming of regular city meetings for greater transparency to ensure citizens who cannot attend meetings can see and hear matters being discussed.
Ensured meeting minutes and agendas are available on the city website.

Secured free Wi-Fi at Patton Lane and Trussell Parks.
Suggested improvements with grant availability in the fall of 2023 for tennis courts, including new lights and repairs; however, the Board chose not to pursue grant funding.
Extended city dump hours and always attempted to keep City Hall open during lunch hours.
Connected Lehman Roberts to Batesville gas lines, boosting revenue.
With the assistance of the Job Corps, new wrought iron fencing was erected at Patton Lane Park.
Play areas at Patton Lane and Trussell Parks were upgraded; a pickleball court was marked at American Legion Park.
Encouraged and supported programs at the Batesville Public Library.
In concert with The Humane Society, plans for an animal shelter are underway.

During the first weeks as Mayor, I identified and eliminated unnecessary cell phone expenses of $8,000 per year for almost 10 years.
I was astonished to discover that city business licenses had not been paid or renewed for several years; therefore, action was taken to renew licenses and collect payments.
Modernized payment methods.
In part of my efforts to reenergize the Batesville Civic Center, all lights were replaced with LED bulbs saving Batesville an estimated $50,000 annually.

Led efforts to re-energize the Batesville Civic Center (BCC), including hiring a new director with a diverse array of marketing skills who schedules activities and events for all ages.
Hosted successful "Legends of the Gridiron" that attracted business leaders' support.
From the stage of the re-energized BCC, country legend Clint Black proclaimed during his live show, “Batesville is now on the map!”
Re-energizing the BCC included not only long overdue interior and exterior improvements for building safety, cleanliness, and aesthetics, but also equipping and furnishing the facility with wall-mounted, large TV screens for uses requiring the installation of highspeed TVIFiber as well as upgrading the parking areas with stripes and overdue lights, improvements at trailer spaces, and installing streetlights on Civic Center Drive.

To promote ongoing safety, I have organized and attended meetings with BPD, Panola County Sheriff, Panola County Emergency Director, and MS Homeland Security to discuss and implement safety measures.
Worked on replacing streetlights with cost-efficient LED bulbs that provide more light in city parks and along streets.
After discovering that many of the security cameras around town did not work, I insisted on their repair or replacement; however, I was met with Board resistance. Unfortunately, some security cameras remain inoperable.

Fostered new business growth and development creating job opportunities with the help of Panola Partnership.
Remain focused on population growth and increased housing.
Engaged with Panola Country, State of MS and US elected officials and organizations to enhance the infrastructure, etc., of Batesville.
Instrumental in securing a $50 million new shopping center for Batesville.
Passionately pursued the development of the NWCC aviation school at the Panola County Airport.
Encouraged the construction of the Batesville Mounds Museum to house artifacts excavated from these mounds that date from Early to Middle Woodland (ca. AD 1-400).
Secured Corp of Engineers assurance to stop the Tallahatchie River erosion from the Mounds.

Participated in a panel discussion with the mayor of Starkville, MS and Dr. Fox’s health study team.
Encouraged Dr. Ervin Fox to offer the RURAL Health Study to young adults from Batesville and Panola County.
The RURAL Health Study offered free comprehensive examinations.
Continue meeting with and encouraging medical doctors/services to locate in Batesville.