Moss Point State of the City Address

Tonight, the highly anticipated State of the City Address kicked off for the City of Moss Point. There were several things on the table for discussion.

Moss Point resident Willie Scott said, “I think communication is key to us resolving any differences we may have.”

Moss Point business owner Debbie Steiner said, “I hope to find out that the city is in a better condition than we’ve been led to believe.”

The conference room at the Pelican Landing Convention Center filled quickly as residents anxiously waited to hear from Mayor Mario King. “My hope is that he will enlighten us as to the things that have actually happened versus what you’ve been told or heard through other media markets. I just think that him doing this tonight, I think people will get a better idea of what really has gone on and it will make all of us feel better about the city,” said Steiner.

Mayor King says though the pending lawsuits and veto are hot topics, the most important issues on the table tonight are progressive leadership skills, decision-making practices, and city finances. “Everybody knows in the past, our finances haven’t been as popular and I haven’t been the best, but tonight we’re gonna address where we are and how we’re going to try to continue moving forward.”

“I think Mayor King has done a good job so far with everything that he’s implemented and tried to do for the city. Sometimes your hands are tied when you have a limited budget and I think for the amount of money he’s had to work with, I think he’s done a very good job,” said Steiner.

The State of the City Address had a question-and-answer portion where those in attendance had the opportunity to write down a question that the mayor would answer.

Mayor King says it is important to keep an open dialogue with residents. “When it comes to the City of Moss Point, it’s my ability and my job to be transparent and open with the constituents. This is their community. This is their City Hall. I am their mayor. So, I want to be a mayor for the people and continue to deliver that exceptional service that we’ve been doing.”

The mayor says he hopes people leave the address with a better understanding of his leadership and the methods used to increase the city’s success. “I hope that we have more engaged citizens and I hope they’re engaged in the positive things. I hope Facebook facts aren’t real facts. The key takeaway is that this community is small and can be one where we are need each other and we all play a role. I want everyone to understand the role that they play and be engaged.”