Any group, especially a governing body, needs to have a formal reporting procedure. In an informal setting, chaos can erupt, and as we have seen sometimes with our present council, no better example can be given. All of us want to drive on safe and maintained streets, without having to go each week to get yet another alignment for our cars. The city cannot afford not to commit itself to a minimum budget for street paving, our economy and success as a major manufacturing, shopping and residential community is dependent on good usable streets. Although, Tupelo has done a more than adequate job of street maintenance, it would serve our interest more to study the task forces' proposals and in my opinion allocate more funds to this issue.
Annexation is almost certain to be an issue facing the next council and mayor.
While Tupelo needs to grow and provide more usable space and a larger tax base for its citizens, I can imagine that there are many Lee County residents who cringe at the thought of paying higher property taxes just to belong to the city. I believe that this issue is one that would have to be analyzed on a case by case issue. If elected, I would really like to hear what each resident of Tupelo and of the areas proposed to be annexed had to say with their concerns. The issue will likely come up again in the next four years. Personally I am of the belief that alcohol sales should be allowed seven days a week.