Aldermen reflect on past term
An outgoing alderman encouraged the new mayor and board to stay focused on progress as the current board held its final meeting at City Hall last Tuesday, ahead of the new officials being sworn in next week.
After approving the agenda, board members took time to reflect on their service over the past four years, expressing gratitude to one another and city leadership.
Mayor-elect Jim Fulton, a Republican who has served 12 years as Ward 2 Alderman, said he’s eager to start the transition and ready to embrace the challenges that come with the role.
“We’ve remained professional, and hopefully we will continue that way for the betterment of this city,” Fulton said. “We’ve had a good working relationship and have agreed to disagree, but at the end of the day, we all work for this city.”
Republican Ward 1 Alderman Justin Clearman, who did not seek re-election, said he would remain just one phone call away and encouraged city leaders to stay focused on progress, particularly with the Vision Neshoba initiative.
“The whole goal is to leave it better than you found it, and I believe we are there four years later,” Clearman said.
Alderman-at-Large James Carson Waltman, a Republican, took a moment to recognize outgoing Democrat Mayor James A. Young, who is wrapping up 16 years of service.
“I’ve seen firsthand your heart, wisdom, and commitment that you’ve brought to this role,” Waltman said. “You’ve led with integrity, a steady hand, and always kept the best interest of this city and its people at the forefront. Your leadership has left a lasting mark.”
Mayor Young shared a few words of gratitude, reflecting on how unexpected his path to public service had been.
“Thank you, guys,” said Young, who is an ordained Pentecostal minister. “It’s been good with God’s help. He’s been good to me.”
He added with a smile, “When y’all see me riding through on a Harley, please don’t give me a ticket—I’m only going to goose it one time.”
Independent Ward 4 Alderman Shaun Seales praised Young’s leadership and mentorship over the years, saying he had learned from him how to stay humble and lead by example.
“You have shown me how to conduct myself and how to be respectful to the community,” Seales said. “To the new administration, I can’t wait to work together. It’s bigger than us. It’s for the greater good of the city.”
The new board will be sworn in at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 30, at City Hall.
Serving through June 2029 will be Mayor Jim Fulton, Republican Ward 1 Alderman Bert Turcotte, Republican Ward 2 Alderman Mark Cheatham, Democrat Ward 3 Alderman Darnell Horne, Ward 4 Alderman Shaun Seales, and Alderman-at-Large James Carson Waltman.