Percy Bland, William Compton and Dustin Markham, candidates for mayor of Meridian.

The Meridian Star asked candidates for mayor of Meridian to respond in guest columns to four questions based on input from our readers. Their responses have been published on this page in advance of the June 6 election.

Today, Democratic incumbent Percy Bland, Republican William Compton and independent Dustin Markham respond to the question: What can the city do to address blight, make the city’s gateways more attractive and improve the city’s image?