Tagert to retire from MDOT post

TUPELO (WCBI) – Northern District Transportation Commissioner Mike Tagert is calling it a career – at least in that spot.

TAGERT

Tagert announced his decision not to seek a new term Tuesday.   He says he is proud of his accomplishments in the office he has held since 2011.  Tagert says he even though he is stepping away from the transportation post he does hope to continue in some type of public service role.

BELOW IS HIS OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

TUPELO, MS – Northern District Transportation Commissioner Mike Tagert announced today he will not seek re-election for his term ending January 2020.

“Mary Love and I would like to let you know that I will not be seeking re-election as the Transportation Commissioner for North Mississippi,” he wrote in an open letter to friends and supporters. “It has been an absolute honor to serve the good people of North Mississippi in this capacity. We are forever grateful for having been given this opportunity to serve and work for you.”

Tagert has served in the post since he won a special election in January 2011. He was overwhelmingly re-elected in 2011 and 2015.

“At the completion of this term, I will have served for nearly a decade in this position,” Tagert said. “While there will always be improvements needed in our transportation system, I will leave this post knowing that we have made the most of our resources. We have exercised fiscal responsibility in the name of public safety and economic development.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity that I’ve had to work with the very dedicated public servants in state government,” Tagert said. “It has been a tremendous privilege to work with my colleagues at the Mississippi Department of Transportation, our legislature and state leadership to develop a safer and more comprehensive transportation system that will ultimately improve the long-term infrastructure framework needed for growth.”

Though he will be leaving the commission at the end of the term, Tagert said he is not done with public service.

“Once my time in this position concludes, I do hope to remain in public service in some capacity,” he said.

Tagert said he is making the announcement well in advance of the March 1 qualifying deadline to provide plenty of time for potential candidates to consider the race.