Why I originally ran for Alderman: Back in 1989, the county was embroiled in a dispute over the location of a new high school. The Mayor at the time and the Alderman-at-Large had filed a lawsuit to have the school built in Ridgeland. This was at a time of tremendous over-crowding in the schools and I believed that we needed the new school regardless of where it was located to adequately provide for our children. It’s ironic that during a prior term there was again a problem with the location of a new high school. This time I was the one who had to consider a lawsuit to get the new school built in Ridgeland because our citizens had supported the bond issue based on a high school being built here.

Goals set: My major emphasis has always been the development of a sense of community in Ridgeland. People need to be proud of the way their hometown looks and have a sense of ownership in their community. Initially, we began by developing a sign ordinance. This was followed by an architectural review committee and landscape ordinance. As a result, the City of Ridgeland today is a more aesthetically pleasing place to live and work.

Accomplishments I have enjoyed: The major accomplishments during my time on the Board of Aldermen have been achieved through a good relationship between the Mayor and Board to begin long range planning. This planning in the transportation area, for example, has led to the receipt of millions of dollars in federal funds to help with various thoroughfare projects in the city. The highlight of my term of service would have to be seeing the dream of a high school here in Ridgeland become a reality.

Vision for the future: Over the past seventeen years, I feel that we have laid a foundation for a progressive community that has become one of Mississippi’s premier cities. We have enhanced quality of life for our citizens while providing a business-friendly environment for economic development. There is a delicate balance between these two elements and I believe that the City has excelled in both areas. In the future, I would like to see the citizens of Ridgeland become more involved in our community. They have ideas to share that will augment what has already been started. Through their involvement in sharing their input and volunteering their time to the various activities and committees in the City, I believe that Ridgeland can reach her full potential.

Education:
B. S. in Accounting Mississippi State University (1969). Graduated with special distinction.

Experience:
Treasurer, Make-A-Wish, Mississippi Chapter (2007)
Alderman, City of Ridgeland (1989 - present)
CPA (1970 to present)
Head of State Agencies Division, State Department of Audit (1974-78)
Instructor, Belhaven College, evening session (1980-83)
Comptroller, Belhaven College (1990-1995)

Professional Memberships:
Past president of Mississippi Society of CPA’s, Central Chapter
Member of American Institute of CPA’s

Political:
Alternate Delegate to 1988 Republican National Convention
Member of Mississippi Republican Elected Officials
Member of Madison County Republican Women

Personal:
One son, Tripp Davis, senior at Delta State University (swimming & scholastic scholarships)
Resident of Ridgeland since 1980
Past officer  - Jackson Ladies Tennis Association
Past Board Member & Treasurer - Sunkist Swim Team
Church affiliation - Church of the Highlands