ENDORSEMENT: Keith Campbell for Pearl Alderman At-Large

Staff Posted On June 5, 2017

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The citizens of Pearl, Mississippi, have been held hostage by the big spending Brad Rogers administration who’s ratcheted up the debt and spending every year going back to 2009.

Outsider candidates have had success in this year’s elections so far. In District 1 David Luckett defeated big-spending incumbent Terry Ishee, and in District 3 Johnny Steverson defeated big-spending incumbent Becky Tullos Jones.

Now, the citizens of Pearl have the opportunity to replace big spending Rogers lackey John McHenry with common sense conservative challenger Keith Campbell.

It is this publication’s position that Keith Campbell is the best option for the at-large Alderman in Pearl on tomorrow’s election, but in case you hadn’t had the chance to get to know him, Mr. Campbell penned the following letter to the voters of Pearl. Please give it a read and consider it as you vote tomorrow.

Dear Voter,

I hope you will take a moment to read why I have chosen to run for Alderman at Large and you will prayerfully consider voting for me Tuesday, June 6, 2017, in the general election to represent “you” for the next 4 years.

As a resident of Pearl for the past 39 years I have seen the growth of our City and the opportunities we have been given. While our tax base and property taxes have increased over the past 8 years we continue to lack any progress “within” our city and the neglect has taken its toll on our citizens, our property and the infrastructure needed to support our growth.

With slightly above, equal to and mostly less than our City’s revenue and equal or smaller populations, the surrounding cities in Rankin County have left us behind with improved infrastructure, investments in parks and recreations, reduced debt, increased cash reserves through smart planning and conservative budgets while maintaining their growth and family friendly communities. Please consider these facts as you cast your vote Tuesday, June 6th.

The current Alderman at Large has consistently joined with the current Mayor in blaming the administration in office prior to 2009 and has voted 99.99% with his spending and tax agenda regardless of what was in the best interest of our city and its citizens for the past 8 years.

During the incumbent’s 2 terms we have endured a 29.07% property tax increase (2014) with additional increases from required revaluation of real property. Our water bills have increased approximately 33.9% (basic water ^35.9%, local sewage-garbage ^21.49%, WRUA ^140%). We are the largest contributor of the 7 member WRUA, contributing 34% of wastewater or “flow” which is impacted by storm water infiltration caused by poor drainage, lack of maintenance and neglect of our basic infrastructure. There has not been a dedicated road improvement/infrastructure plan since 2006/2007 while the budget has increased over $6 million dollars in the past 7 years. Our sales tax revenue has increased 36.83% from 2009 to 2016 yet our City has received multiple credit downgrades since 2010. We still do not have the Greenfield/Patrick Farms Fire Station #5 that was erroneously stated as the reason for the tax increase in 2014, yet we have paid for new fire trucks and personnel to man that Station. Recently our current Board, in a 4-3 vote supported by the incumbent, gave away millions over 5 years (with no obligation to do so) to the wealthy that would have gone to our Parks & Recreation as structured by the prior administration in the Braves/Bass-Pro/Bloomfield development agreement. Do you think an administration that has been out of office since June 30, 2009 is at fault for these results?

The good people of this City deserve responsible leaders that are willing to be respectful, transparent and accountable to those who have placed their trust in them. You have a choice to let your voice be heard with your vote tomorrow, Tuesday, June 6th !

With 37 years’ experience in the financial sector, I will use my knowledge and skills in working to repair our City’s credit rating and rebuild cash reserves. This is imperative to meet the requirements of revenue participation enabling the city to obtaining favorable financing so we can begin to restore, rebuild and maintain our infrastructure. I pledge to be responsible with taxpayer dollars and if elected, will answer to you with full expectations to be held accountable for my votes.

I pledge to listen and act on your concerns while working with our new Mayor and Board to restore trust, transparency, unity and honesty to our city government. Together we can rebuild, restore and grow our City while promoting a business friendly environment and retaining our family friendly community.

“Our Senior citizens are our foundation and they deserve our support and respect. We are responsible for what they left us. Our Children are our future and we will be held accountable for what we leave them. Let’s build a better Pearl together, for our past, our present and our future.”

Sincerely,

Keith Campbell