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4 seeking Sandersville mayor's office [Laurel Leader-Call, Miss.](Laurel Leader-Call (MS) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) July 01--SANDERSVILLE -- Four candidates have qualified to run for mayor of the town of Sandersville. Former Mayor Walter "Buzz" Jack will face challengers Marie Cotten, Jimmy Hill and Bryan Rowell in the July 19 special election. "All of our candidates run as independents," said Town Clerk Paula Byrd. "These are the individuals who met the deadline." A special election for mayor was mandated after Jack resigned from office to comply with Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) of Mississippi regulations which state that an individual who is retiring from one agency covered by PERS cannot be employed at any other PERS covered agency if he or she wants to receive retirement benefits. After 35 years of service, Jack retired from his position as a teacher in the Jones County School District. "It's not my fault that the ruling came down the way it did," said Jack, 57. "I promised the people in the town four years of service. "I feel like I want to continue the remaining two years of my administration." Rowell, owner of a local marketing and technology consulting business, said it's time for a change in Sandersville. "It's time for a younger presence," said Rowell, 25. "I know this is Mr. Jack's first term as mayor, but we have had the same people in office for many years." Jack had previous experience in the town administration prior to becoming mayor. He served on the Board of Alderman under two different mayors from 1989 to 1997. "The young people are the future of the town," said Rowell. They need a voice." Cotten refused an interview and attempts to reach Hill were unsuccessful by press time. However, Hill was Jack's opponent in the 2009 election. When the final vote was counted, Jack had defeated Hill by a 157 to 42 margin, or 79 percent to 21 percent of the 199 total votes cast. "I believe Sandersville has been on the upswing since we have been in office," said Jack. "The accomplishments we have been making are a combination of the work done by mayor, board (of aldermen), police chief and two clerks all working together for the betterment of the town. "It's been a great team effort, one I hope continues." Rowell is critical of the town leadership. He said the mayor and board of aldermen don't really appreciate the business the casino has brought to the town. "The police chief is pulling people over going and coming," said Rowell. "The mayor is directly responsible for what the chief does. "Things will be different in my administration. We'll let the casino know how much they are appreciated." ___ To see more of the Laurel Leader-Call or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.leadercall.com. Copyright (c) 2011, Laurel Leader-Call, Miss. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com, e-mail [email protected], or call 866-280-5210 (outside the United States, call +1 312-222-4544) |