As of last week, in some municipalities across this state, round two of the municipal elections for 2025 with party runoffs concluded. These runoffs followed the April 1 primary elections, and now the General Election ballot is set for Tuesday, June 3. It is important to keep in mind these municipal elections not only set the direction of a community for four years, but it can also be for generations.
While I look forward to serving the next four years and appreciate the confidence in the citizens of North Carrollton in allowing me to do so, municipal elections across Mississippi will have consequences as all elections do. It’s not only to that city or town but across the state, because when local officials join for a common cause, it gets attention. Trust me, I’ve learned that over the years.
The Mississippi Municipal League's Annual Conference is scheduled every summer in June, however in election years such as 2025, it’s going to be in July to allow the new officials to participate. MML is a powerful group and there is an array of issues that the municipal league made up of mayors, councilmen, and aldermen across this state lobby for in efforts to serve the communities back home. It is a known fact that cities and towns across Mississippi have a mayor and some five to seven councilmen, that makes for a strong organization. Through the years there have been issues that MML has lobbied from Infrastructure needs, taxation plans, and an array of local options.
Municipal elections are as local as it gets and this level of government has a lot to do with fire services, law enforcement, street maintenance, water, and sewer operations. Most municipal officials agree that another key component of their jobs also includes dog issues, blight, and garbage collections. While it is a fact that municipal government won't be dealing with supreme court appointments or handling foreign policy or issues of that nature, but the everyday services that involve a citizen and their neighbor down the street, the response of municipal government is important. There are always the unexpected, tornadoes and flooding that require acting fast and networking with others.
Through my time in municipal government I have learned, this is the place where you can help people directly in your community and put forth an effort to working with others on different levels of government to help your community. That involves dealing with people from your community and other people including the county Board of Supervisors, MML, state, and federal officials to get the goals achieved to make a better future for the municipality you are elected to serve.
It’s important to lead with courage and have a servant’s heart with determination for the future, and working together makes a difference. Voting will take place across Mississippi Tuesday, June 3 in many cities and towns. A dedicated public servant that works for others and with others will make a difference for your community and across this state.
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton, is a member of the Mississippi Municipal League board of directors, and serves on the MML education committee
