Video Summary - Ward 5 Debate Forum

Summary of “Ward 5 Debate Forum” (Clinton)

Beverly Oliver emphasizes continuity and experience, citing long-term ties to Clinton and leadership in schools, parks/recreation, and community organizations.
- Her stated priorities include: public safety (fire/police), schools, infrastructure improvements, and economic growth.
Hayden King positions himself as offering a younger/alternative perspective, focusing on economic development—especially attracting more restaurants and retail similar to nearby cities such as Madison, Flowood, and Pearl.

King argues Clinton needs a long-term, practical economic plan, suggesting leaders consider what “works” and avoid being overly restrictive with incoming businesses.
- He points to available land (e.g., areas along Highway/Hamstead Boulevard) and proposes 4-, 10-, and 20-year plans.
Oliver presents her approach as more project- and capacity-driven, citing current development momentum such as:
- Rising Springs/MC area
- amphitheater plans
- a potential boutique hotel She also argues hotel demand is already supported by frequent local training and tournaments. Her strategy includes cultural and economic catalysts, including:
- the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 exhibit (“Never Forget” mobile exhibit)
- a possible traveling Smithsonian exhibit
- conservation/attraction initiatives such as arboritums, trails, markers, and improved online user-friendly visitor navigation

A major theme is infrastructure—especially roads and drainage.

Oliver says residents’ most common complaints include:
- Roads: she cites paving costs and notes limited miles paved last year, using grants.
- Drainage: she describes collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and utilities, plus a multi-year drainage assessment expected to produce results “this spring.” She also references maintenance guidance such as ditch cleaning by property owners.
King says constituents report flooding, caved areas, and chronic ditch/water problems, sometimes feeling city responses are legal/deflection-type. He also claims some streets have reportedly not been paved for decades.

King proposes making Old Town more active by repurposing/building into existing or empty spaces, shifting from offices toward restaurants/retail serving Mississippi College students and families.
Oliver emphasizes youth-and-family amenities and exposure, including:
- more tournaments/events
- development of first-time family housing (referencing rooftops buildouts)
- multi-purpose sidewalks
- parks improvements funded via the 2% vote
- enhanced parks programming (pickleball, lighting, fields) and downtown retail (e.g., clothing and gift shops)
- churches and sports as key attractions

Both candidates address staffing losses and retention challenges.

Oliver says the city operates within budget cycles, notes support for police/fire training and equipment, and argues salaries are being adjusted while acknowledging smaller-city funding limits (contrasting with larger-city realities). She adds that fire pay needs attention and references a retiring/long-serving fire figure.
King responds that firefighters may not receive enough appreciation/salary to compete, emphasizing raising pay sustainably and improving retention.

King calls for additional transparency beyond current methods, specifically suggesting:
- live streaming work sessions and budget meetings
- improved resident communication, including periodic mailed recaps
Oliver argues the city is already fairly transparent, citing:
- streamed meetings
- online/social media updates
- newsletters/apps/text platforms
- resident access She also emphasizes her engagement with HOAs and consultation with experts on technical issues.

Oliver highlights completed and ongoing upgrades, including:
- playground replacements with ADA compliance
- pickleball development
- lighting improvements
- restroom renovations She also notes cost constraints (e.g., lighting replacement) and the use of phased funding.
King reports issues he observed, especially:
- drainage/water problems at Traceway fields
- restroom concerns
- potential need for additional facilities in specific neighborhoods (mentioning Trailwood Spanish Oaks)

King says it’s something to “potentially look into,” though he is unsure of the process and acknowledges legislative hurdles.
Oliver argues it would likely be too costly and complex, pointing to existing governance structures, the school system, and the need for major research and funding.

King pledges to be hands-on, commits to researching and answering questions, and returns to his economic development focus—connecting with retail/dining leadership.
Oliver emphasizes her leadership background, service to constituents, and her approach of listening and voting with community input, along with a healthcare/service-oriented commitment to Clinton’s growth.