The following information was provided by the candidate.
DEAR SOUTHAVEN…
What a ride this has been! In 2013, I made the decision for the first time in my life to enter the world of public service. I had never held an elected office before and honestly, never had any political aspirations. I sincerely offered myself to you to help our city that was in the midst of some serious problems. You chose me to be your Mayor and we quickly moved past those problems and brought back our great name by restoring trust with unparalleled transparency. With your support and along with our Board and team, my business-minded, sound financial managerial approach has proven to serve us well.
During the last eight years, I’ve worked extremely hard for you to make you proud! It’s so rewarding for me to report to you that our city is thriving in every way! We are enjoying tremendous success right now with all the vital signs for continued success. It will always be special to my life to know that my vision, disciplines, and actions will pay dividends to our city for many years to come. I’ve done what I told you I would do and have continued to under-promise and over-deliver.
We have great momentum at this time! My priorities of public safety, operational efficiency, aggressive infrastructure improvement, revitalization, beautification, and recreational enhancement will continue to make our city more economically attractive, leading to continued financial stability and ultimately making our city an even better place to live.
It’s been a tremendous honor for me to serve you for the last eight years! Thank you for the opportunity and support you gave me to lead our city. Today, I humbly ask for the opportunity to finish what we’ve started by officially applying for the job as Mayor of Southaven for another four years.
Most sincerely and respectfully,
Darren Musselwhite, Your Mayor
Darren Musselwhite
What is our plan for the future?
Continue with our proven successful plan, of course! We can expect another great four years for the City of Southaven as we have all the vital signs for continued success. Our priorities of public safety, aggressive infrastructure improvement, revitalization, beautification, and recreational enhancement will continue to make our city more economically attractive, leading to continued financial stability, and ultimately making our city an even better place to live.
Specifically…
PUBLIC SAFETY
Police Officer Expansion Plan
Fire Station #5 Implementation
Completion of Fire Hydrant Expansion Plan
AGGRESSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT
Getwell South Widening Project
I-55 Widening Project with Church and Star Landing Interchange Enhancements (Contingent upon MDOT and Federal Funding)
Continued Widening and Extension of Arterial Roads as Funding Allows
Street Resurfacing Budget Increase to $4 Million Annually
Continued Drainage Improvement Plan
May Blvd Pedestrian Bridge Completion
Completion and Addition of Pedestrian Trails and Bike Lanes with Connectivity
Main Street Decorative Lighting Project
REVITALIZATION & BEAUTIFICATION
Monument Signs
Landscaping Projects to Continue Street and High-Profile Area Beautification
Wrought Iron Fencing on I-55 Ramps
PARKS & RECREATION ENHANCEMENT & EXPANSION
BankPlus Amphitheater Seating and Concession Expansion*
Indoor Tennis (8 New Courts at Snowden Grove)*
Pedestrian Trail Enhancement and Expansion at Central Park, Saucier Park, and Neighborhood Parks*
Dog Parks at Millford Park and Snowden Grove*
Track & Field Facility at Central Park*
Adult Softball at Cherry Valley (research and design phase)*
*contingent upon tourism tax extension
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
General Recruiting and Development according to Zoning throughout the City
Continued Industrial Expansion and Development
Metropolitan District Capitalization
Snowden District Capitalization
Continued West End District Revitalization
FINANCIAL STABILITY
Continued Development Efforts which Increase Sales Tax Revenues and Stabilize Property Tax Millage Rates
Continued Net Reserve Fund Policy
Continued Aggregate Debt Reduction
Continued Excellence in Financial Reporting with Transparency and Disclosure
Note: Primary Election Day is April 6. Voting hours are from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. To learn where to vote, visit the DeSoto County website or call 662-469-8007.
