If you live in the city of Columbus, Starkville or West Point, you have a right and a responsibility to fulfill tomorrow; that is to vote.
In all three municipalities voters will be choosing a mayor. In Columbus incumbent mayor Democrat Robert Smith will try to beat back perennial candidate, Independent Thom Geiger. Starkville voters deposed incumbent Dan Camp in the primary and tomorrow will choose between 66-year-old Republican activist Marnita Henderson and attorney and political newcomer, Parker Wiseman, a 28-year-old Democrat. In West Point Democrat incumbent Scott Ross faces a challenge from Independent Harold Lathon.
Two council seats will be determined tomorrow in Columbus. Ward 2 incumbent Susan Mackay faces a challenge from Joseph Mickens, Sr., and in what is perhaps the most closely watched contest in the city, Jay Jordan faces Kabir Karriem in a race in which may have a photo finish.
In West Point all the selectmen races have been decided. Such is not the case in Starkville. In addition to mayor, voters there have choices to make in five out of seven alderman races.
Voters in Caledonia have choices as well. Former mayor George Gerhart is challenging incumbent mayor Bill Lawrence and 10 candidates are vying for five board of alderman slots. Voting will take place at the Town Hall.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cast your vote, then tomorrow evening view the results at www.cdispatch.com
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.