Bill Crawford, former Meridian businessman and founder of The Montgomery Institute, will sign copies and discuss his new book, “A Republican’s Lament: Mississippi Needs Good Government Conservatives,” from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Jean’s Restaurant in downtown Meridian.

The public is invited to attend. Copies of Crawford’s book willbe available for purchase.

A native of Canton, Crawford got involved in Mississippi politics in the 1970s. He credits Meridian political giants G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery and GilCarmichael as having a profound influence on his political worldview. In his new book, he also talks about how their “good government conservative” ideas continue to have influence long after both men have passed away.

“A Republican’s Lament” tells of Crawford’s dedicated efforts to implement Carmichael’s vision, his keen observations of Mississippi’s struggles, and his critical commentaries over the past half century.

A graduate of Millsaps College with a master’s degree from Mississippi State University, Crawford enjoyed a unique and diverse career. He served as a banker

, vice president of Community and Workforce Development at Meridian Community College, editor and publisher of three weekly newspapers and founder and president of The Montgomery Institute. He served as a Republican in the state House of Representatives, was a member of the state College Board, served as deputy director of the Mississippi Developmen

t Authority, was a member of the PERS Study Commission and the Task Force on Contracting and Procurement for the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

After retiring in 2021, he currently lives in Jackson with his wife, Lynn, and continues to write a syndicated newspaper column.