Espy will fill the seats of what he described as “two of most controversial boards in town” – the Clarksdale Public Utilities Commission (Clarksdale Municipal School district) and the Clarksdale Public Utilities Commission (Clarksdale Public Utilities Commission). James Hicks (current president of the public utilities commission board) will be retiring in October. The term of Kenneth Gooden, a school board member expires in February. Espy stated that the process was “reshaping Clarksdale’s dynamics.” Espy said that his process was “reshaping the dynamics in Clarksdale.”
*Incumbent James Hicks
*Freddie Davis
*Anna Jones Candidates for the CMSD board:
* Incumbent Kenneth Gooden
*Cedell Brownlee
*Zedric Clayton
*Yokeyna Miller The CPU election will take place on April 13th at the community forum at 5:30pm at the civic auditorium. Voters must reside within the city limits. Clarksdale High School will host the CMSD election on February 28th at 9:00 AM. Clarksdale High School will host 10th, 11th and 12th graders. Espy’s process is different from the usual way that boards and commissions are filled. This usually involves a nomination from the mayor followed by an approval vote of the city council. Even though it’s unconventional, a constitutional law expert said that the proposed selection process is legal because it seeks input and advice from the community in a formalized manner. Matt Steffey, a Mississippi College School of Law professor, said that it is not uncommon for elected officials to host meet-and-greets or community forums. One could argue that the mayor is not performing his duties and substituting judgment to another person. “I think the courts will be reluctant to intervene in an elected official’s attempt to make it more democratic.” So how does it work? Tarra Slack is the city’s personnel Director. To be eligible to run for office, candidates must have a valid driver’s license, a current resume and sign a release form for background checks. They also need proof of residence. This is in accordance with Mississippi state laws that require eligible people to be qualified voters and residents. Candidates cannot be employees of the state, city, public utility, or school district. The Mississippi School Boards Association states that school board members must have a high school diploma. Each candidate will be interviewed by a committee that is selected by the mayor’s office. Then, the list of five candidates will be narrowed down to five. The April 13th community forum will host a debate between candidates for the seat on the public-utility commissioner. The paper ballots will be cast immediately afterward. Officials from the city said that this vote is not an official municipal election. Slack stated that the candidate with the most votes will be elected to fill the seat. In an additional debate at the school, applicants for the school board seat will have to beat Clarksdale High School students. Details have not yet been disclosed. Clarksdale’s new superintendent, Joe Nelson Jr., described the process as “a little different”, but stated at the meeting that it would prove to be an educational process for students. Espy said that the public is looking for more checks and balances, and should be able to participate in the accountability process. “No one said that change would be easy. He said that Clarksdale is taking bold steps to make it happen. *Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include the names of the candidates and the dates for the elections.