This year, Brookhaven voters will choose their preferred candidates for the offices of mayor and the board of aldermen. 

Monday, March 3, is the deadline for residents to register to vote if they want to participate in the Primary Election, Tuesday, April 1. Primary Runoff Election Day is Tuesday, April 22, and the General Election is Tuesday, June 3. Candidates elected will begin their terms July 1.

Each of the 18 candidates for various offices was sent an identical questionnaire that asked: assessment of the current occupant’s effectiveness (including self-assessment); transparency and accountability; pressing issues; how their role would improve the City and Lincoln County; and why voters should elect them to the position. Each was given the same deadline for submission.

Responses from the candidates will be published in groupings by the office or seat for which they are running — mayor, Ward 1 alderman, etc. Candidates are listed with the incumbent first, followed by challengers in alphabetical order by last name. Answers are presented as they were submitted by the candidates.

Candidates for mayor are incumbent Joe Cox and challenger Larry Jointer. Cox is running as a Republican, and Jointer is running as a Democrat. Following are their responses.

 

Joe C. Cox

I am Joe C. Cox. I am a resident of Brookhaven Ward 4.

Current Occupation: City of Brookhaven; Mayor; 2013-current; Joe Cox Insurance Services; Owner; 1983-current

I am seeking re-election to continue serving as Mayor of the City of Brookhaven.

How would you grade your success to this point in this office? Do you plan to keep things going in the same direction, or change course?

I am grateful for the progress we have made while serving as your mayor and have great confidence in our city’s future as we continue shaping Brookhaven with a forward-thinking vision and sound fiscal responsibility. Know that I remain steadfast in building a stronger, better Brookhaven for all residents, leading with fairness, and bringing viable, cost-effective solutions to the place we call home.

We have maintained a balanced budget for twelve consecutive years, kept expenses under revenues, obtained various grants, completed our multiphase City-Wide Paving Project across all wards, worked toward addressing the perpetual need for expanded and improved infrastructure, and been effective stewards of taxpayers’ money.

Brookhaven has a thriving, growing economy, is fiscally sound, and maintains steadily increasing sales tax receipts. Together with our Board of Aldermen, we have made much progress. Our comprehensive, multiphase Street Paving Plan included 23 streets being paved in 2024, and with over 23,000 vehicles per day using the Boulevard east of Interstate 55, Phase One of our multiphase Brookway Boulevard Project is already underway.

We have seen exceptional accomplishments in economic development with businesses investing $250M in our Industrial Park area and a recent $9M retail business expansion project, along with new and expanding privately owned developmental properties by local, regional, and national retailers and medical providers. In 2024, the city issued 56 new business licenses and renewed 717, creating new job opportunities for our residents. Workforce development programs have proven essential in helping ensure jobs are filled with well- qualified, trained employees with the skills needed to succeed. Our businesses are thriving due to the entrepreneurship and resilience of our business owners, and the Chamber’s Tourism promotions attracting out-of-town visitors.

The city’s most recent water inspection report reflected a perfect overall capacity rating, ensuring safe, clean drinking water for our citizens. Extended services and improvements made to our well-maintained water infrastructure further enhances fire protection preparedness for residents, while helping maintain a low fire rating. In turn, this reduces insurance premiums for homeowners, business owners, and renters.

The information above demonstrates that our city is on the right course. Moving forward, I will continue focusing on strengthening our local economy, addressing ongoing infrastructure needs, maintaining fiscal responsibility, promoting transparency and accountability, and fostering economic and workforce development. Later this year, with the appointment of a new chief of police, measures will be implemented with the goal of reducing crime and improving community safety. Details will be announced at an appropriate time.

How would you address transparency and accountability of this office?

As mayor, my commitment to transparency and accountability is demonstrated through maintaining an open- door policy for all residents to ask questions, share ideas, or bring concerns to my attention, ensuring public records are accessible in the City Clerk’s Office, and keeping our community informed through city meetings, media platforms, and the city’s website. This commitment is upheld by adherence to Mississippi law, ethical guidelines, and a dedication to honesty, fairness, and integrity. Monthly Brookhaven Board of Aldermen meetings are open to the public, providing residents the opportunity to hear the city’s business firsthand and voice their requests or concerns to the mayor and city council members collectively. These meetings are live- streamed on YouTube, allowing those who cannot attend in person to stay engaged and informed. Coverage of city council meetings, city projects, and policy announcements is provided by The Daily Leader via print, online, social media, and email.

It is important to note that, in compliance with Mississippi Code Section 25-41-7, certain topics, including personnel matters and litigation, are discussed in executive sessions instead of public meetings. Additionally, the city is restricted from commenting on ongoing litigation and contracts that are under negotiation, and it is both appropriate and necessary for businesses to make the initial announcement regarding their arrival or expansion plans in our city. I value the input of our citizens and the collaboration with board members, ensuring that follow-up meetings are scheduled promptly to address concerns in a timely manner.

What are the most pressing issues in this office and how would you address them?

The challenge is that we have more work to do, and always will, but I remain steadfast in serving the needs of our city with fairness, integrity, sound decision-making, and cost-effective solutions, all while adhering to Mississippi laws.

-Economic Development: This is an ongoing necessity and continuous work in progress. While Brookhaven has made exceptional strides in economic development investments and seen growth from new and expanding privately owned properties, including local, regional, and national retailers and medical providers, it is crucial that we remain diligent in fostering growth for the prosperity of our city and the well-being of all residents.

-Street Paving and Maintenance: While working to ensure equitable distribution of funds across every ward, the Board of Aldermen acts judiciously and diligently to address street infrastructure needs throughout the city, maintaining and paving streets within their respective wards as funding becomes available. The total amount spent on street paving, both completed and planned, since 2016 is $8,632,525.58. These funds were sourced from local, state, and federal allocations, as well as grants. We have paved over 143 streets in previous years. Our local engineers assess and recommend streets for paving based on a range of factors. Funding formulas for paving projects are established by the state and federals governments and grants and are adhered to by the city to ensure resources are allocated in alignment with specific needs. I remain committed to seeking additional funding to help meet the city’s perpetual infrastructure needs and ensuring that resources are allocated fairly and within budget.

-Crime and Safety: First, let me be clear: I am pro-law enforcement and strongly support funding of the police. I am fully aware that our law enforcement officers risk their lives daily in the line of duty, and I am sincerely appreciative that they have chosen to serve and protect our citizens. The Board of Aldermen has taken significant steps to ensure the Brookhaven Police Department is supported and adequately funded, including approving pay raises and acquiring body and vehicle cameras, radar detectors, computers, updated data, technical equipment, and personal protective gear for officers within the department. Additionally, the City of Brookhaven has partnered with Lincoln County on several safety initiatives, such as modernizing the 911 call system, allowing first responders to better serve and protect the public. Currently, the Board can approve the budget for the Brookhaven Police Department, but they do not have the authority to direct leadership or increase the number of units on patrol. Later this year, with the appointment of a new chief of police, measures will be implemented with the goal of reducing crime and improving community safety. Details will be announced at an appropriate time.

How would your role in this office improve Brookhaven and Lincoln County?

The phrase “As the city goes, so goes the county” highlights the interconnected relationship between a municipality and its surrounding county area. As the county seat, the City of Brookhaven serves as the focal point for commerce, businesses, restaurants, tourism, transportation, emergency services, infrastructure, public utilities, community activities, medical care, schools, a library, and performing arts — each contributing to county-wide progress.

The office of mayor plays a crucial role in the current and future success of a municipality, and by extension, the entire county. A mayor must have the proven ability to shape Brookhaven’s future with a forward-thinking vision and sound fiscal responsibility while effectively overseeing and managing the city’s daily operations.

This includes maintaining strong infrastructure, fostering economic development and job growth, and providing sound public services. These efforts are vital to both Brookhaven and Lincoln County, contributing to the overall quality of life for residents.

The city and county have successfully collaborated on several projects, particularly those focused on citizens’ safety, for the betterment of Brookhaven and Lincoln County. I remain committed to fostering economic and workforce development and ensuring a strong infrastructure as we continue moving Brookhaven forward. 

What are your reasons for seeking this office and why should voters elect you?

It has been an honor to serve as Mayor of the City of Brookhaven since 2013. During that time, great accomplishments have been made to meet the needs of each ward and our city overall without increasing taxes. I love my hometown and am deeply committed to its success and growth, and to the well-being of our residents. I am seeking re-election to continue the work we have started and build on the significant progress we have achieved.

The responsibility of the office of mayor is to manage the day-to-day operations of the city and serve as the official spokesperson for the city. As chairman of the Board of Aldermen, the mayor also advises and oversees the Board, consisting of six aldermen and one alderman-at-large, who make motions and policies. The City of Brookhaven is a business with 150 employees and a $26M combined budget. My 42 years as a small business owner, combined with 12 years of service as your mayor, have equipped me with the management experience, knowledge, and skills necessary to effectively carry out the duties of mayor.

My proven experience, accomplishments, and principled leadership are demonstrated through increased economic and workforce development, strong infrastructure, sound decision-making in managing the city’s daily operations, fiscal responsibility through maintaining a balanced budget for twelve consecutive years, and successful contract negotiations. By remaining in office, I can continue advancing our progress and implementing long-term plans and solutions.

The June 3rd general election will determine Brookhaven’s mayor for the next four years. I am asking for your support and vote to re-elect me as your mayor to ensure we keep our city moving in the right direction. Allow my proven experience and trusted, principled leadership to continue building a stronger, better Brookhaven for all residents and future generations.

Please share any family, personal information you’d like to include.

After prayerful consideration, along with the support of family and friends, I announced my official candidacy for re-election as Mayor of the City of Brookhaven on January 2, 2025. My wife, Angie, a retired teacher with Brookhaven School District, and I, a father, grandfather and local business owner, understand the importance of strong values and a flourishing, family-oriented community for the livelihood of our families and small businesses. I pledge to continue serving all residents with honesty, fairness, and integrity, while being proactive in addressing the city’s needs and bringing viable solutions to the place we call home.

I am asking for your prayers, support, and vote in the April 1st primary election and the June 3rd general election, with the June 3rd election determining your mayor for the next four years. Allow my dedicated experience and principled leadership to continue serving you as we work together, united as one city, with common goals, sharing a vision for the future.

 

Larry Jointer

My name is Larry Jointer. I live in ward 5 and I’m running for the office of Mayor. I’m the Pastor of the St. James Baptist Church.

My assessment of the current administration is the lack of citizen involvement with our city government. I would find a way to incorporate the citizens in the growth of our city as we move forward together.

I would grade the success of this office from poor to fair. It could be much better. I would change direction, because doing the same thing year after year and not getting better results is not good.

To address the issue of transparency and accountability is very important. A leader must be open and honest to the people of the city.

Safety is the issue that we that we are most facing in this time. Selecting a good police chief is going to be very important. To address this issue I would be very selective in presenting a person to the Alderman.

My role in this office would be improved by working together with the citizens and the county board to create unity.

My reason for running for this office is to bring about a city of unity and encouraging all citizens to be involved in the forward movement of this great city.

I’m married to Diane Freeman with 5 Children, 11 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Graduated Co-Lin High School. Attended Sawyer business college in Los Angeles Ca. Graduated AP Clay Bible college. I completed an 18-hour Certificate Program in Biblical Studies at Belhaven University. Graduated MLEOTA In Pearl, MS. I have been the current Pastor at St James Baptist Church for 30 years.

I look forward to being the Mayor of Brookhaven for all the citizens. I ask that you vote for me, and let us together make a difference in our city and help move the city forward.

Check carpenter-media.go-vip.net.dailyleader.com for other candidates’ replies as they are published.