Supports Markham for mayor

My wife, Ann, and I are proud that our son Kenneth Dustin Markham, Ward 2 City Councilman, is a candidate for mayor of the City of Meridian, as an independent. Why not a Democrat or Republican? Because he wants to think and lead as an independent, to do what is best for all Meridianites, without the influence of either major party, just as he did as a Ward 2 councilman for the last four years.

Dustin, 32, was educated at home, Ross Collins Child Care Center, Poplar Springs Elementary, Carver Middle, Northwest Junior High, Meridian High, Meridian Comunity College, Jackson State and Cooley Law School.

He is an attorney and additionally has been a school bus driver, coached baseball and adult lady softball, promoted free swimming for youth at Velma Young Park and has been instrumental in bringing new life to Velma Young Park and its new facility.

For over 50 years, I have watched most of our brightest students become educated in our schools, colleges and universities and leave Mississippi to do outstanding things in other states. Only a few can find the jobs that will pay them what they need to remain in the state and make a difference.

Dustin has always said that he wanted to come back home to Meridian and make a difference. The schools from child care through MCC, helped to shape, educate and discipline Dustin. First Union Missionary Baptist Church taught him spiritually in Sunday School, Bible School, Male Chorus, Boy Scouts, etc. Local businesses gave him jobs and responsibilities, such as Old Navy, J.C. Penny, Carver Middle School Tutoring, etc.

Meridian has invested 18 years in Kenneth Dustin Markham and the State of Mississippi has invested, through Jackson State University, two more years. So whatever he is, we made him by investing in him! It is time for Meridian to reap the returns of our investment by giving Dustin a chance to give back to the city and the people that invested in him by electing him mayor.

Republicans asked to vote

The Republican party took a humiliating defeat from the Democrats in the last mayoral election. I was hurt and embarrassed. The Republican party had held the mayor’s office for over 20 years.

What happened? Were we too complacent? Were we too apathetic? Did we move to the county? Were we too confident that we “had it Made” and didn’t have to even try? Or, Heaven forbid, did we magically turn into Democrats?

Percy Bland recovered from a 293-vote loss from the previous election to add an additional 965 votes in for a total of 1,208 votes. Miraculous results from the Democrats. They deserve an award.

I am calling on all Republicans to hear this rally cry and register by Friday, May 5 and vote June 6 for the Meridian mayor and city council.

The Republican party is starting with a huge disadvantage. if you are not sure if you are registered, check. If you are not registered, register. If you are not sure, Google Republicans and see if you want to join us. We need you.

In these troubled times, it is nice to know you have a place to take a stand. Stand proud. Stand Republican.

William B. Compton Jr.

Republican candidate for mayor of Meridian