Mayoral forum held by East MS Realtors Tuesday

MERIDIAN, Miss. - The East Mississippi Realtors held a forum today for the three Meridian Mayoral candidates running for office. East Mississippi Realtors President Jerome Kittrell was the moderator for the event and questions came from the realtors. Democrat Jimmie Smith says cleaning the city will be at the top of his list if he is elected.

“We need someone who is going to lead the city in the right direction. Making sure that infrastructure is strong, that our city is clean and making sure public safety is there and I don't think we've had that in prior administration as good as it should be," said Smith.

Topics of discussion were based on duties as mayor, finances for the city as well as economic development. Running as an independent, Weston Lindemann plans to represent the city as a whole.

“Just my experience on the council as an independent voice and mind with the citizens of Ward 5 really carries over quite well into being an independent mayor of the City of Meridian," said Lindemann. They know the details of what I intend to do, but when you see the candidates speaking side-by-side I think the choice becomes pretty clear."

Republican Robert Ray says he is looking to address crime, streets and the school system as part of his campaign.

“I believe we can get a lot of things done in the way of orderly living in Meridian," said Ray. "This is what we’re after. I think that will go a long way in straightening the city of meridian out.”

All candidates say they are looking forward to campaigning within the next month. The general election will be June 8th.