Video: Newly Elected Aberdeen Mayor Speaks About His Future Plans

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ABERDEEN, Miss. (WCBI) – There is officially a new mayor in Aberdeen.

After a Democratic Party run-off Tuesday, Maurice Howard snagged the win by 10% over his opponent, John Allen.
“I’m blessed, I’m happy, excited,” said newly elected Mayor, Maurice Howard.

That’s how Howard feels after his big win.

The 32-year-old is the youngest to serve as Mayor in Aberdeen.

“That’s exciting in itself, to know that the people here in Aberdeen thought enough about me, even in my youthfulness to say you know what, maybe this is what we need. Somebody that’s energetic, motivated, driven,” said Howard.

Howard leads a local church, Ministry In Me.

He says he plans to continue serving as pastor, along with his new role as mayor.

“My faith is my life, that’s the most important thing. I’m rooted in what I do as far as my faith is concerned. As well as I serve there, I’m going to serve as well here and going to give it my all to make sure this city grows,” said Howard.

Howard says one of the issues he’s ready to tackle is improving the image of the city.

“Aberdeen has to have reconstructive surgery. We have to begin to reconstruct our image, the city of Aberdeen has a persona, a reputation and we want to make sure that we change the reputation of our city by cleaning up our streets, working with Bro. Henry, our law enforcement to make sure they have everything they need to be a productive police force,” said Howard.

On May 3rd, Howard will be sworn into office, then he will lead his first city council meeting following that.

“Four years from now, two years from now, this city wont be recognizable and I speak that with boldness and certainty because I have that type of faith,” added Howard.

Howard will also be working with a nearly completely new city council board.
Just one councilman was re-elected to another term during this election.