I want to formally announce my candidacy for re-election. I am running as an Independent candidate and although you will not see my name on the ballot in April my name will be featured on the ballot in the June election.
I take my position of Alderman/Vice Mayor seriously and pride myself on being available to not only the citizens that reside in Ward 4 but all the citizens of Winona. Many of my constituents will tell you I’m only a phone call away.
While seeking my first term my motto was “A voice for the community” I still hold true to that today and will continue to be a voice for our community. I didn’t go into this making promises, but with the mindset to listen to the concerns of the citizens and assure them that I would get back with them with an answer, whether it be yes I can have this particular task done or no I can not do this task at the moment and let them know the reasons why.
Some of the concerns of citizens that I have addressed since being in office are infrastructure improvements that includes properties being brought up to code, streets being paved, culverts being installed, getting street lights replaced and upgraded, as well as having city ditches cleaned and properly kept up. I work closely with our water/sewer, street, police, fire, and recreation departments to get their input on how I can serve them in making their department and workload easier. I want them to know that I value their opinions. They all work long hard hours, and our community would not thrive without them.
I have learned and accomplished a lot but I know that I have more to learn and offer our community, so that’s why I’m seeking re-election. During this term I have attended MML conferences and small town conferences in Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Madison, and Jackson. where I have received elective CMO credits that help me attain knowledge on how to properly help run a municipality. I have also attended several water association conferences to gain better knowledge about our water system and how we can better it. I know that is one of the biggest concerns of the citizens but things of this nature takes a lot of time and money to fix.
I have received Board Management training hours and certification from Mississippi Rural Water Association to serve on our water board. I have also attended a Federal Resource Workshop on Municipal Government where agencies like USDA, EDA, MDOT, NRCS, and HUD were in attendance to educate on what grants are available to apply for our municipality.
I was elected to serve the people of the community and if re-elected I will continue to serve the citizens of our town. In order to lead, you have to be willing to serve. My family and I appreciate all the support and love that we have been shown. So, remember during the June Election vote to re-elect Charles Harris Jr. Ward 4 Alderman.
