Best Recent Hattiesburg Mayor

[lamarrebel]

I've only lived in Hattiesburg for the past almost four years, so I really can't make a great comparison, but I'd like to hear who most of you think the best Mayor is that Hattiesburg (i.e been most effective with the City Council, moved the City head in terms of economic growth, crime prevention, infrastructure improvement, etc) has had over the past twenty years. and why?

[beggingforrelief]

Bobby Chain utilized his name and position to get money for downtown projects. He was the first to have a real vision for rebuilding hattiesburg. His down side was he was not personable towards people. Utilized straight forward communication.

Gomer Dale (G.D.) was an ole country boy who was a dramatic change from Bobby. Nothing really came out of his tenure.

J. Ed Morgan was probably the most energenci mayor we have had. He had a personality and had insight what the city needed. Could cross racial barriers when it came to city needs. His downfall was who he utilized as CAO. Greg Mims was brought on board to be his hatchet man. But IMO he has been the most progressive mayor minus a few things that were done.

Johnny DuPree was a good supervisor and was pro-cative in his beat. When he was elected I thought he might continue his good ways. BOY WAS I WRONG! DuPrees lack of leadership is exhibited by his choices as directors, Magoo-Commadore, Wynn, Fiero, Myers they all speak for themselves. His tenure has had one main effect on the city, RACIAL DIVISION BETWEEN ALL RESIDENTS.

[jmack]

I think Bobby Chain was a great Mayor. Downtown was in shambles and full of vacant buildings until he was elected. Buildings were renovated, new sidewalks built and downtown began its comeback. He was tough but a great leader. I feel about him as I do Shelby Thames. The people who don't like leaders like that are the ones who don't like someone looking over their shoulder to make sure they are productive.

[AlphaMale]

I agree Hawkeye. G.D. was a good man.

[Wayward]

Bobby Chain understood that downtown Hattiesburg was the anchor for regional growth and development. He had the vision to begin an economic redevelopment strategy. His personality is both a strength and a weakness. Strong enough to make things happen but also strong enough to create some resentment ... an unfortunate combination for many visionaries. In this case, the net result was progress. He gets a Thumbs-Up from me. :yes:

[lamarrebel]

I guess my problem with Chain and the problem many have on here is that he still seems to think that he is more relavant or powerful than he actually is. The apparant role behind Hattiesburg First in the Republican primary for Mayor this year is a clear example.

He is many ways is like Kirk Fordice minus the postive aspects of Kirk's personality and charisma.

Morgan, on the other hand, I have issues with on a personal basis....which I won't post on here, but probably similar to what many of you have heard. I wasn't around during his tenure so I can't judge.

I have also heard positive things about DuPree's terms as a Supervisor, but am utterly disappointed in his showing as Mayor. I like Eddie Myers, who is a holdover from several administrations, but many of the others aren't high on my list. It seems in many areas patronage and incompetence rule the day!

[Wayward]

My point was not so much what Bobby Chain may or may not think about himself ... but more his legacy as Mayor. Personality conflicts or no personality conflicts, he was the catalyst for downtown redevelopment. We see the benefit today ... and even better ... the catalyst has now flipped from the political arena to the business community. :yes:

[Kimberly]

Off topic-

THere you are Wayward! Good to see you safe.

[Wayward]

Off topic-

THere you are Wayward! Good to see you safe.
Hello Kimberly,

Actually, the message you saw is from back a while ... but my family and I are safe. Still no utilities at our house so we remain on refugee status outside the Hattiesburg area. Just came upon a "phantom" wireless Internet connection so my notebook and I are back in business ... at least for now. I'll try to find a thread to announce my evacuee ... but on-line status. :)

Wayward

[lamarrebel]

I hate the term "refugee" and actually agree with NBC's decision to start calling those who fled the storm evacuees or storm victims.

Well..what do you know...Mayor Williamson ended up winning this with Mayor Johnny coming in last. I've never met Williamson, but he is the only one of the four that I have never heard people in the community bash.

[speedice]

GD was a good mayor, and he was well liked. Bobby Chain may have lined his friends pockets, but he did rebuild much of the city. Ed Morgan was the type of man people cross the street to avoid. He had an oily way about him. Then there's Johnny DuPree.

I've known Johnny as a personal friend for 22 years. Back when we met, he was a department head at Sears in the Cloverleaf Mall. He was honest, straightforward, and was easy to count on. When he was elected to the school board, he fought hard for the school. As a city councilman, he had a few bad times, but he still the same guy I knew, right through his first loss in the election for mayor.

On the day he was inagurated, we spoke. I knew the good Rev had influenced him, but I had no idea his first term would be as big a disaster as it was. He's not the same quality man I knew, and I wouldn't have voted for him if I could the 2nd time around. What's more, I told him why. We really aren't that good of friends anymore, but I still hope and pray for the best for him and his family.