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

The Primary Election is 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 Alderman of Ward 6 are incumbent Andre’ Spiller, Alan Trey Henderson, and Burnell Robinson. All three are running as Democrats. Following are their responses.

Spiller

I am Andre D. Spiller Sr., and I am a proud 9th-generation native of this community. With deep roots and a strong commitment to our neighborhood, I am running for re-election as Alderman of Ward 6. I am dedicated to continuing the progress we’ve made, and I’m focused on furthering the needs and interests of our community. Together, we can make our ward an even better place to live, work, and thrive.

As I run for re-election as Alderman of Ward 6, I believe that success should not be measured by personal accomplishments but by the prosperity of the citizens in our community. My focus will always be on moving Ward 6 forward, with an open mind to new ideas and perspectives that will help Brookhaven grow, evolve, and embrace change. However, in all our progress, we must remain grounded in the values and morals that have made this community strong. Let us also not forget the city workers who make the day-to-day operations happen throughout the city. Their dedication and hard work are the backbone of our community, and I will continue to support them as we work together to keep Brookhaven moving forward. 

I have always been transparent in the decisions and actions I take regarding policies and procedures. I hold regular ward 6 meetings to listen to my constituents and keep everyone informed. I encourage all citizens to attend board meetings or watch the live streams to gain a clear understanding of the issues at hand. I offer digital and social media platforms. In the future, I hope to incorporate town hall sessions, fostering a more responsible and engaged environment for all. 

As I look at the future of Ward 6, I believe the most pressing issues that need addressing right now are public safety, the condition of abandoned houses, and our roadways. We must continue to fight crime through community policing, enhancing visibility, and increasing hires for more proactive law enforcement. Abandoned houses and dilapidated buildings pose serious safety risks, and I propose offering these properties through a purchase program or community revitalization projects to bring new life into these spaces. Additionally, we must focus on improving our roadways and addressing flooded areas to ensure the safety and quality of life for all our residents. Finally, we must be committed to offering something meaningful to our young and seasoned people in the community. It’s crucial that we provide opportunities, support, and guidance for the next generation, ensuring they have a bright future and a reason to stay and thrive here in Brookhaven.

I will continue to look for ways to improve the City of Brookhaven and Lincoln County. One key way to do this is by fostering a working relationship and partnership between the Board of Aldermen and County Supervisors. An open line of communication and community engagement is essential for creating a successful city-county collaboration, which will ultimately make for a Better Brookhaven.

We are boots on the ground in Ward 6, and we are making things happen. But of course, there is always more work to be done. There is nobody more passionate and dedicated to this community, and nobody who enjoys serving Ward 6 and the City of Brookhaven more than I do. The residents of Ward 6 deserve to have their voices heard and be represented by someone who listens, someone who truly understands their concerns. 

I am the son of Mrs. Betty McBeth Spiller and the late Mr. Andrew Spiller. Growing up, my parents always taught me valuable lessons that have guided me throughout my life — to be truthful, to listen more and speak less, and to always keep my word. These values have shaped me into the Alderman I am today.

As your current Alderman, I’ve focused on listening to the needs and concerns of the people in Ward 6. I believe in providing honest and transparent answers and doing my best to address any issues in our community. My goal has always been to be a man of my word. When I promise to resolve something, I follow through, whether it’s an issue within the ward or helping citizens from other parts of our town.

I am proud of the work I’ve done so far, and I’m committed to continuing to serve with the same honesty, integrity, and dedication that my parents instilled in me.

I’m proud to call Ward 6 my home and am grateful for the support of my family throughout my time as Alderman. My family has been an integral part of my life, and their encouragement has helped shape my commitment to serving this community. 

I believe that being a part of this community, both as a resident and as a parent, gives me a unique perspective on the issues that matter most to our families. Whether it’s improving local infrastructure, supporting small businesses, or enhancing public safety, I understand the needs of our residents because I live those experiences alongside you.

In addition to my family, I am deeply committed to the values of service and connection. I volunteer in various local initiatives and often spend time with neighbors to hear their concerns and ideas. These interactions continue to inspire me and strengthen my resolve to make Ward 6 a place where we all feel proud to live.

Growing up, my father often asked me, ‘Do you want your blessings on the front end or the back end in life?’ As a young boy, I didn’t fully understand the question, but as I grew older, it became clear. What he was teaching me was that hard work and dedication upfront will lead to rewards and success down the line.

This philosophy has guided my approach to serving Ward 6. As your alderman, I’ve focused on putting in the hard work now listening to your concerns, addressing issues head-on, being your voice and working to improve our community. I believe that the results of this effort will not only benefit us today but also pave the way for a stronger, more prosperous future for everyone in Ward 6.

I am committed to continuing this approach if I am re-elected. I will keep working hard on the front end, so together, we can all enjoy the blessings that come from a thriving and united community on the back end.

Henderson

My name is Alan T. Henderson; I live in Ward 6 and am running for the office of Alderman Ward 6. I am a Records Clerk for The Brookhaven Police Department. I am a native of Brookhaven and a graduate of Brookhaven High School, class of 2016. I went on to further my education at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, where I received my Associate of Arts in 2018; from there, I went on to attend The University of Southern Mississippi, graduating with a Bachelor of Liberal Studies with a minor in Communications in 2021. I am currently attending Belhaven University studying for my Master of Public Administration. 

My vision for Ward 6 is centered on one simple yet powerful principle: “Putting the Community First.” This means prioritizing the needs and voices of our residents in every decision made in our ward. I am committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered to participate in shaping our community’s future.

– Community Engagement: I will establish regular town hall meetings to listen to your concerns and ideas. Every voice matters, and I want to ensure you have a platform to be heard.

– Public Safety: Our neighborhoods should be safe for families and children. I will work closely with local law enforcement and community organizations to implement effective strategies that enhance public safety.

– Infrastructure: Everyone deserves a place to call home. I will advocate for beautifying and maintaining our neighborhoods by paving uneven roads, providing flashing lights on railroad crossings, and fixing drainage lines so roads will not flood out during storms.

My reason for running is that I am committed to public service and the empowerment of all citizens who live in my community. I am a disabled man who will like to be remembered as a leader and visionary who did not let his circumstances keep him down in life. I will also like to highlight that there are a lot of citizens in the community with disabilities and I will be the one to advocate for them in making the community more accessible in every way possible.

Robinson

My name is Burnell Robinson Sr., and I am excited to announce my candidacy for Alderman of Ward 6. With over 30 years of experience in public service and management, I am deeply committed to the well-being and advancement of our community.

I offer valuable leadership experience as your candidate. I have served as Chairman of the Housing Authority Board, where I gained a clear understanding of housing challenges and the critical need for safe, affordable homes. My time as a past member of the FCA Board and former President of the Lincoln County Ministerial Alliance has strengthened my ability to collaborate and lead in diverse environments.

I’ve always believed in transparency, accountability, and equity. My management experience allows me to navigate complex challenges while promoting trust and respect for all. Additionally, for 16 years, I have been honored to serve as the Pastor of Crump Chapel Church, where I have worked to restore the church campus and uplift the community.

As your Alderman, I will use my experience to create an inclusive, supportive, and thriving environment for every resident of Ward 6. Together, we can make real progress and build a brighter future for our community.

I want to hear from YOU! I invite you to share your ideas and concerns as we work together to improve our city. Your voice matters, and I am here to listen, advocate, and act on behalf of our community.

Check other print issues of The Daily Leader for other candidates’ replies, or visit carpenter-media.go-vip.net.dailyleader.com.