Local businessman and former Mayor Percy Bland formally announced he will seek election as mayor of Meridian Friday at a rally with supporters at City Hall.

 

Bland, who made history as the first Black mayor of Meridian, previously served as mayor from 2013 to 2021, when he was defeated by current Mayor Jimmie Smith.

 

“I just made my announcement today in front of people here telling them my plans over the next two, three months, what I want to do and what I want to share with them as far as my message of why me to be the next mayor of this city,” he said.

 

As crime in the Queen City continues to be a top concern, Bland said he sees a lack of visibility from city leaders and wants to change that. As a candidate and potential mayor, he said he wants to bring solutions to the table.

 

Crime, however, is not the only issue in Meridian, Bland said, and supporting small businesses, revitalizing neighborhoods and helping all areas of the city are also goals of his campaign. Reaching those goals, however, will take more than the mayor’s office, he said, open communication with the City Council and the community is needed in order to see success.

 

“No matter if we don’t always agree with the City Council, we’re going to communicate the things that are important to them and to us,” he said. “We’re going to find common ground solutions, and we’re going to work together to solve the problems of this city.”

 

The qualifying period for candidates began Thursday and runs through 5 p.m. Jan. 31. Primary elections are slated for April 1, with the general election following on June 3.