Published: November 09, 2008 12:19 am      

Casandra Sloan announces candidacy for mayor

With the enthusiasm of fans at a hometown football game, local residents gathered at Dumont Plaza Saturday to support Casandra Sloan as she announced her candidacy for the upcoming Meridian mayoral race.

Accompanied by the famous theme songs from the "Rocky" movies – "Gonna Fly, Now" and "Eye of the Tiger" – the afternoon rally was spirited as a crowd of more than well-wishers waved banners and repeatedly shouted Sloan's campaign theme "Together We Can Make It Better."

"Our eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord," said the Rev. William C. Brown, referring to the recent election of the United State's first African-American president, Barack Obama.

"And it's in this spirit of change and freshness that we welcome, that we receive and that we endorse Casandra Sloan as the next mayor of Meridian," said Brown, whose words invoked cheers from the crowd.

"This is the season of freshness and Casandra Sloan represents freshness," Brown continued. "Casandra is offering our great city a great personality that embraces fresh vision, fresh intelligence and fresh leadership ... She will bring freshness to the economic and social life of Meridian; and her freshness simply says, 'We can do better.'"

The high-spirited momentum of the occasion continued as others took to the podium to show their support of Sloan. Lifelong friends, neighbors, colleagues and church members spoke of her kindness, dedication to helping and serving others, as well as her work ethic and knowledge of business and economics. And when Sloan took to the podium, she expressed her love for her hometown and the sincerity behind her seeking office.

"I am not running because someone asked me to. I am running because I have a vision for this city," she said. "And let me assure you that I have the ability and the capability to see it through."

Her vision  includes three major components. First, providing decent paying jobs. And to do this, the city's education system must continue to be improved, Sloan said. 

Strengthening Meridian's infrastructure is her second focus. The mayoral candidate said while building a downtown parking garage, renovating city hall and the Three-foot project are important, several other issues demand a sense of urgency.

"While approving these things, we were putting our children out of the mall with no options," she said.

Revitalization of downtown Meridian is Sloan's third objective.

"I envision it the way it once was – with barber shops, boutiques, restaurants," she said. Not only will these entities provide employment, but also attract business to the area.

In addressing concerns about her experience – or lack of – Sloan said that she has "broadened her perspective and has become quite knowledgeable of Meridian's industry" through her job as manager of Manpower, a worldwide employment service.

"I have developed, executed and managed multi-million dollar budgets, put together sales strategies and I know what it takes to win," Sloan said. "I access the needs of businesses everywhere, and I've provided them with qualified employees ... I have presented proposals to Fortune 500 companies and closed the deal."

Throughout her presentation and in closing, Sloan asked one thing of the group.

"I'm asking you to walk with me and not behind me," she said. "And together, we can make it better."