GOP candidates mingle with voters at the Depot

A Republican meet and greet last week was both highly informative for the community and a success in its own right, organizers said.

The meet-and-greet for District 18 Senate and Republican municipal candidates was attended by about 60 voters.

The voters gained firsthand insight into the personalities and viewpoints of each candidate running in the city and state government races, thanks to the Neshoba County Republican Women group which hosted the event.

The evening began with casual conversation over a potluck dinner at the Depot on Wednesday. Anticipation and curiosity filled the air as attendees waited for the candidates to take the stage.

The crowd stood for the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Deidre Tubby, with everyone patriotically joining in. State Rep. C. Scott Bounds then opened the speeches as the guest speaker.

Each candidate was given three minutes to introduce themselves, share their experiences and dedication to the community, and outline their key goals if elected.

Republican mayoral candidate Jim Fulton highlighted his 100% attendance at regularly scheduled board meetings during his 12 years as Ward 2 Alderman, emphasizing his commitment to the citizens who elected him.

“It is my goal to work for the board of the Community Development Partnership and its umbrella organizations to create jobs, support small businesses, and recruit industry,” Fulton said. “Philadelphia has so much to be proud of, and we must capitalize on this by being proactive in every aspect. We must show that we welcome new business.”

Republican alderman candidates in attendance included: Ward 1 candidates Cody Pilgrim and Bert Turcotte; Ward 2 candidates Bill Griffis and Mark Cheatham; Ward 3 candidates Hunter Thrash and Kenneth L. “Kenny” Hillman; and Alderman-at-Large incumbent James “Carson” Waltman.

Ward 3 candidates Brad Smith and Phillip Smith were not present.

Candidates in the special election for the District 18 Senate seat, Neshoba Countians Lane Taylor, Jackson “Ike” Melton, Marty Sistrunk, Lindsey Kidd, and Mark Forsman of Winston County were all in attendance.

Due to time constraints, only one audience question was allowed following the candidates’ speeches.

Mississippi Republican Party Political Director Ty Martin of Neshoba County asked Senate candidates to clarify which party they intend to serve under if elected, since the race is nonpartisan.

Taylor, Melton, Sistrunk, and Forsman stated they would serve as Republicans, while Kidd, who identifies as a conservative, said he would remain independent.

“No matter what party you vote for, please get out and vote,” organizers said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s presidential, or if there’s only one office on the ballot, please encourage everyone to vote—that’s a right we are given, and we need to take advantage of it, because not every country has that right.”

The Republican Women’s organization encouraged attendees to contribute to community projects if they felt led to do so.

Donations to the club to help support local initiatives such as installing a baby box at Neshoba General’s emergency room for mothers who choose to surrender their infants safely, as well as other projects supporting the CPC-Pregnancy and Family Resource Center and The Refuge of MS special needs adult day program.

For those unable to attend, several candidates have shared their campaign intentions, backgrounds, and plans on social media.