Published: August 07, 2008 11:46 pm            

Tammy Taylor ‘open-minded’ about new role

With the recent election of Tammy Taylor to the alderman's seat of the town of Marion, the board can now "get back to business," said Mayor Elvis Hudson on Thursday.

"Having two aldermen to resign at around the same time, we really couldn't tend to a lot of business," said Hudson. "But now that we have five board members, we're back on track."

Taylor beat out Marion Volunteer and Rescue Fire Capt. Don Larson in a 59-28 vote during a special election on Tuesday. The two candidates were seeking the alderman's seat vacated by Larry D. Thrash, who resigned on June 26. The post is for one year (the remainder of Thrash's term).

A newcomer to the political scene, Taylor admits that she has a lot to learn. However, she said she's excited about the challenges that lie ahead.

"I've lived in Marion all my life and I care what happens here ... My mother lives in Marion, some of my grandparents and my aunt," she said. "Marion is a good town, a good community and a safe community. We're growing – residentially and commercially; I want to be part of that growth."

Taylor cites sewerage treatment as the municipality's No. 1 problem.

"We need to find somebody that can treat our sewerage system at a little more reasonable price," she said. "And maybe we can get grants to where we can get our sewerage system taken care of."

Taylor said she is going into office with an open mind.

"This is all very new to me and is going to be a learning experience. But I'm going to go into it open-minded and willing to learn," she said.

Her election to the post makes for an all-woman board of aldermen for Marion, a milestone which Hudson welcomes.

"That's a wonderful thing," he said, adding to the reference "Behind every great man, there's a great woman. And in this case, there's five."

Taylor said she hopes to help bring harmony to the board, which includes Rita Rawson, Bobbie Sherrod, Bernice Martin and Barbara Anthony.

"I hope to resolve some of the bickering, and for us to all get along and work together as one," she said.

Taylor's swearing-in ceremony has not been scheduled, however, Hudson said he may have to swear her in before then to make it official for her to serve office.

A product of the Lauderdale County School District, Taylor is a 1989 graduate of Northeast High School. She is manager of Joyce's Etc. in Meridian. Taylor and her husband, Cory, are members of Lauderdale Methodist Church.

After her first term in office is completed, Taylor said she is uncertain if she will seek re-election.

"It's possible; I would like to," she said. "I'm just wanting to get more involved in what goes on in Marion."

        

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