Waveland votes for mayor today

Election season may be over for most of South Mississippi, but one very important vote is on the ballot for Waveland today.

Waveland residents have three choices for mayor: incumbent Mike Smith, Jay Trapani, and Tommy Longo.

Current Waveland Mayor Mike Smith is seeking his second term. Smith says he wants to continue the growth of Waveland with projects he’s already started such as a new community center, a town green, and enhancing downtown and Coleman Avenue.

Also on the ballot is Tommy Longo. Longo was born and raised in Waveland and served as mayor from 1998-2010. He held the city together after Hurricane Katrina. Since leaving the mayor’s seat, he has been traveling and helping mayors across the country with disaster relief.

Longtime Waveland businessman Jay Trapani is also running for mayor. Trapani is the executive director of Hope Haven, a children’s advocacy center. He wants to use his 35 years of business experience as mayor.

Smith said, “If they will put a little bit more trust and faith in me since I’ve been here 31 years, we will certainly see a double difference.”

Longo said, “I felt why mentor and put my efforts around the country when I should be doing it right here at home.”

Trapani said, “I think it’s just time for an aggressive business man who understands the inside workings of government.”

There is also an alderman vote on the ballot for Waveland residents. The polls close at 7 p.m.