The Meridian Municipal Democratic Election Committee was informed about Ward 5 Councilman John Harris’ career move shortly after he accepted the job at MUW in Columbus. Harris informed the Committee that he will be a full time salaried employee at MUW, but he will maintain his residency in Meridian and will continue to reside in the same place that he has lived for the past three and one half years.



“The Meridian Municipal Executive Committee for the Democratic Party supports Mr. Harris in his statement regarding this matter and will stand with him in the upcoming general election on June 02, 2009,” stated James L Gardner, Sr., chairman of the Committee. “Mr. Harris has served Ward 5 well as a council member,” Mr. Gardner continued, “and he has sought input from many of us within his ward and the city in general, along with doing his research and searching his heart prior to determining his vote on what he believes to be the best for Ward 5 and the city of Meridian during his current term. Our new mayor will need Mr. Harris’ strong conviction and continued steadfast loyalty to the city of Meridian to govern effectively.”





Melba Clark, chairman of the Lauderdale County Democratic Executive Committee and a member of the Meridian Municipal Democratic Election Committee stated, “There are many full time employees of Meridian who live outside the city, policemen for example, who work eight hours a day every day. Being a city councilman is not a full time job. I have every confidence that Mr. Harris can continue to serve the residents of Ward 5 in the same excellent manner that he has done so for the past four years. I support him 100%.”