Photo: Republican candidates and supporters gather after Thursday night’s candidate forum at the Southaven Board of Aldermen board room. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
Mar 14, 2025- DeSoto County Republicans heard Thursday night from a number of candidates running for mayor or alderman in the upcoming April 1 primary vote.
The Southaven Board of Aldermen board was the venue for the gathering, hosted by the DeSoto County Republican Women. Candidates were grouped by city and given three minutes each to introduce themselves and briefly explain their reason for running.
The only mayoral primary represented by appearances from the candidates came from Horn Lake, where Dave Young and Danny Klein appeared. The third candidate in the primary race, former mayor Nat Baker, did not participate.
Klein talked about his work as a DeSoto County Election Commissioner, Horn Lake Planning Commissioner, and his current role as an Alderman-at Large. He currently serves as an area manager for the DeSoto County School District.
“I am proud of what we have accomplished,” Klen said about his role as an alderman, adding his main areas to work on as mayor include public safety, infrastructure and beautification.
Young noted his endorsement from former Gov. Haley Barbour and stressed the importance of settling the addressing the future needs to determine where sewage from his city and Southaven goes for treatment.
“Horn Lake’s time is here,” Young said. “I get things done.”
Both are current aldermen on the Horn Lake board.
Alderman-at-Large candidates Heather DuPree and Ben Piercy appeared at the forum. DuPree stressed her service, saying, “It’s not if you serve, but how you serve.” Piercy talked about his work as a licensed professional counselor and working in public service.
“We need to do the best we can within our budget limitations,” Piercy said.
Former alderman Donnie “Chigger” White is also running but did not participate.
Ward 4 candidate Dylan Smith talked about infrastructure, roads and sidewalks, along with his desire to see Horn Lake develop a town square and a community center. “I will always be available to my constituents,” Smith said.
Kirby Carter, also running for Ward 4 Alderman, talked about the need for more communication and more presence in the community from city leaders. “I will work hard for our future,” Carter said. “You can never over communicate.”
Others appearing at the forum from Horn Lake were Ward 1 candidate Bill Adelman and current Ward 6 Alderman Robbie DePree. It was DuPree, who with Republican Women president Betty Farmer, stressed that Horn Lake was the only city in the county where Democrats were challenging Republicans in every race. “We can’t have that,” DuPree said.
Olive Branch candidates for alderman who spoke were current Alderwoman Pat Hamilton, her Ward 2 opponent Dr. Cynthia Manzo, and Ward 3 candidates Mike Hutchins and Dion Jones.
“I’m excited about what we’ve accomplished,” Hamilton said about her 16 years in office, pointing to the city having the lowest millage rate in the county and its public safety. Manzo wants to work for Olive Branch to be a family-friendly city and to work to continue the city’s growth.
Hutchins spoke about his support for small business and for the police department in crime prevention. Jones, who was a city councilman when he lived in Roanoke, Texas, spoke about his belief in transparency and integrity. “I know what it takes to grow,” Jones said.
Former police chief Don Gammage, also running in Ward 3, did not participate in the forum.
Hernando’s Ward 5 is where two candidates running for the seat appeared at Thursday’s forum. Current Alderwoman Beth Ross listed city accomplishments in her four years on the board, including the purchase of a third ambulance, construction of a new animal shelter, emergency fund balance increase, and purchase of the Hernando Civic Center in 2023.
“I have brought a sense of planning and budgeting,” Ross said.
Her opponent is Kit Kitchens, who noted that Hernando is facing growing pains while working to remain its safe, ‘slice of Mayberry’ style of living. “We must run our city like a business,” Kitchens said.
Alderman at-Large candidate Lauren McLendon also said Hernando needs to continue protecting the small town charm the city enjoys.
Ward 1 Alderwoman Natalie Lynch and Ward 4 Alderman Chad Wicker also spoke briefly.
Southaven GOP candidates who appeared Thursday were Judy Jenkins-Lewis (Ward 1), Timothy Putt (Ward 1), Scottie Montgomery (Ward 4) and Kevin Tackett (Ward 6).
Jenkins-Lewis addressed property value, police support and the need to revitalize the city’s Main Street area. Putt wants the city to improve its infrastructure. Montgomery suggested a counseling service be instituted for police officers, adding, “We can’t let Memphis crime come down here and run our city.” Tackett said communications are lacking by the city government with its residents. “I’ve got a cell phone and I know how to use it,” Tackett said, who also said the city needs to budget more money for its police department.
April 1 is the primary election date and if any runoff votes are needed, the runoff election date is April 22. The general election is June 3.
In-person absentee ballots continue to be accepted through 12 noon on Saturday, March 29 at City Clerk’s offices for the primary election. City Clerk’s offices are also open on Saturday, March 15 and again on Saturday, March 22 until 12 noon to accept in-person absentee ballots.
