Wesson’s leaders ready to get to work

Published 8:23 pm Monday, June 26, 2017

Wesson’s newly-elected and reelected officials are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

Alton Shaw was re-elected mayor in the general election earlier this month. He defeated Rosa Harris and Marty Stroud.

“I look forward to continuing the progress our town has enjoyed over the past several years,” Shaw said. “We’re seeking out additional funding opportunities to help our community grow.”

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Stephen Ashley defeated Ric Crockett for alderman-at-large.

“I would like to say thank you to the people of Wesson for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be your alderman-at-large,” Ashley said. “Our town was built on the hard work and vision of generations and great people. Please continue to bring those ideas to the table.”

Larry Hall defeated Mike Douglas to take the Ward 1 seat for alderman.

“I hope the next four years brings many positive changes and improvements to our town. I am so honored that the people of Ward 1 elected me as their alderman and I look forward to serving them to the best of my ability,” Hall said.

Taking Ward 2 was Jarrad Ashley, who defeated John Welter and Dirk Chrestman. Ashley was very appreciative of the voters turning out despite the bad weather.

“I will do all I can to support and provide city services to each and everyone of you guys,” said Ashley. “I’m looking forward to being your voice at the table and implementing new ideas on our infrastructure.”

Incumbent Billy Ellison won Ward 3 and Michael R. King won Ward 4, both unopposed.

Ellison, who has served as an alderman for the last eight years looks forward to continued growth in Wesson.

“We were able to complete the second phase of the Old School project and also building of the town park. We also approved variances for the building of the new Family Dollar Store,” said Ellison. “I want to see the completion of the splash pad at the town park. I would also like to see us be able to complete more paving projects.”

Incumbent Michael R. King sees several challenges for the upcoming board.

“We have numerous items that need to be addressed, including maintenance and improvement of the Old Wesson School, our roads and water/sewage system, managing the day-to-day operations and personnel and all while operating under a limited budget,” said King. “Over the past four years, we have made significant improvements in Wesson and I am excited to see what we can accomplish in the future.”

Overall, there will be three new aldermen in Larry Hall, Jarrad Ashley and Stephen Ashley.

The swearing in ceremony will be July 3 at the Old Wesson School at 6 p.m.

The next Wesson Board of Aldermen meeting will be July 11 at 6 p.m. in the Wesson City Hall. The meeting will be held a week later than usual because of the Independence Day holiday.