Meridian prepares for mayoral vote
By Staff
Four mayoral candidates will face off Tuesday in Meridian's mayoral election. The polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Refer to the right side of your voter registration card; your correct ward and voting location will be written in blue. Voters with questions can call City Clerk Ed Skipper at 485-1945 or 485-1946.
Name: John Robert Smith
Age: 52
Family: Wife, Kelly, one son, Randolph, and one daughter, Kennedy
Education: Meridian High School (1967); University of Mississippi, bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry (1971); University of Mississippi, bachelor's degree in pharmacy (1974)
Party Affiliation: Republican
Previous political experience: Meridian City Council 1989-1993; Mayor 1993 – present
Occupation: Pharmacist
Organizations: U.S. Conference of Mayors; Amtrak Board of Directors; Chairman, Great American Station Foundation; Member, First Christian Church; Member, American Pharmaceutical Association.
Years in Meridian: Lifetime resident
Name: William Hugh Johnson
Age: 55
Family: Single
Education: Master's degree in political science, University of Southern Mississippi
Part affiliation: Democrat
Previous political experience: Has been a candidate for mayor four previous times.
Occupation: Former tavern owner. Currently cares for elderly mother.
Organizations: None
Years in Meridian: Lifetime resident
Name: Charlie Haynes
Age: 57
Family: Wife, Pam, three daughters, Virginia, Tammy and Susan, one son, Asa, six grandchildren
Education: Meridian HS (1962); Livingston State Teachers College, majors biology, English; minor in secondary education (1966).
Party Affiliation: Independent
Previous political experience: Board of Directors of the Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce, president of Greater Picayune Area Chamber of Commerce in Picayune, Miss.
Occupation: 30 years in retail management, presently serves as a staff evangelist/family crisis counselor.
Organizations: DeMolay, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Board of Directors Picayune Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors Kings Academy Christian School.
Years in Meridian: Lifetime resident
Name: Bill McBride
Age: 68
Family: Wife, Vi, four sons, Mike, Benny, Bill and Hal, two daughters, Lesa and Dana, and 26 grandchildren.
Education: Maben High School (1950), associate's degree in general education from Meridian Community College (1983).
Party Affiliation: Independent
Previous political experience: Chairman, Lauderdale County Tourism Commission from 1997-1999.
Occupation: Retired from U.S. Navy as master chief and U.S. Postal Service.
Organizations: Rose Hill Cemetery Restoration; East Mississippi Gardeners' Program; volunteer, State Games from 1998-2000; member; Central United Methodist Church since 1979.
Years in Meridian: 28
