In running for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep.Jim Barnett could bring a little southwest Mississippi influence toleadership positions at the state level.

With his work to make the Mississippi School of the Arts areality, Barnett has helped Brookhaven land a major economicdevelopment tool for this community.

As speaker, Barnett would wield the power to influence thecourse of events for not only Brookhaven and rest of southwestMississippi, but the entire state. The power to further tort reformefforts, control state spending and enhance educationalopportunities would all be in Barnett’s grasp. Of particularinterest to the rest of the state is his ability to draw opposingsides together for the common good. Also to be considered is hisdesire to remain speaker for a single term. That’s an issue thathas plagued the state over the years as others have refused to stepaway from the powerful seat.

We believe Barnett has the ability to handle the speaker’s rolewell, provided he gets past a general election opponent inNovember. Members of the House will decide who the next speakerwill be in January.