Only a few chairs remained empty with several people standing in back at the recent political forum held at the Magee Community House on March 11. All mayoral and aldermen candidates for the City of Magee were invited to participate.
Sponsored by the Magee Courier/Simpson County News, the event was opened by publisher Marlan Jones, who explained the guidelines for the first part of the forum. Each speaker would be allotted five minutes to introduce themselves and say why they are the best candidate for the position. The remaining time was devoted to a question/answer session.
Mayoral candidates presented first. Jim Snider spent most of his allotted time telling the crowd how much he appreciated their attendance and that it restored his faith in civic mindedness. He then recalled the days when families dwelt together in the kitchen, making memories growing up. He concluded with the thought that an important decision is to be made in the upcoming election and to think about what they want their leadership to look like.
Joe Worrell moved to Magee in 2001, retiring from the US Army in 2006. Not long afterwards, he went to work for the city in the Public Works Department before moving up to building inspector. Worrell plans to use the 15 years experience working for Magee to the best of his ability as mayor if elected. He wants to see it better, cleaner and growing. In addition he wants to get the Magee Police Department (MPD) and Magee Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) involved with the Simpson County School District.
Mark Grubbs is a lifelong resident of Magee and is currently alderman of Ward 1. He said he wants to see Magee thrive. Grubbs has a background in supervisory management, policy and procedure, and knowing how to work with people to get the job done. He also wants to see Magee attract new business and strengthen business growth by creating a business friendly environment including working with the Simpson County Development Foundation and Main Street Magee, investing in infrastructure and maximizing resources for police and fire departments, increasing Chamber of Commerce funding, and providing more city government transparency by holding himself and city employees accountable.
Incumbent Mayor Dale Berry has served two terms and is a lifelong resident of Magee. He emphasized all the various businesses that have opened in Magee under his tenure in downtown as well as along Highway 49 as well as other advancements. According to Berry, annual sales tax collections have increased from $2.1M in 2018 to $3M in 2025, and internet sales tax collections from $125,000 to $525,000. He said Magee VFD maintains a class 5 rating and the MPD offers some of the highest salaries to officers for a city this size. City sports contribute significantly to the financial base as well, he said. New construction at Magee City Park is scheduled to begin within 60 days. Lastly, Magee has participated in the development of Marvin Jackson Park and McLaurin Historical Society.
Running unopposed, Sue Honea stated that she will continue her efforts as alderwoman-at-large. She developed a Cemetery Committee that stays active to keep Magee Cemetery clean and assisted in the formation of the Magee Development and Improvement Committee. This group is tasked with beautification efforts in downtown Magee. Honea closed with comments regarding McNair Springs Park and said efforts need to be made to bring more attention to it and its offerings. Her goal is to serve the citizens of Magee regardless of the ward in which they live.
Allyson Allen Berch is a lifelong resident of Magee and is running for Ward 1 alderman. She and her husband Dennis have three grown children who have chosen to make Magee their home. Berch serves on several civic organization boards in various capacities. She believes Magee has a lot to offer its citizenry as well as businesses and would like to see the hometown community spirit that once prevailed restored. Berch said she is committed to addressing and resolving critical issues facing Magee such as infrastructure, providing appropriate equipment to both MPD and MVFD, increasing transparency, and address crime.
Lifelong Magee resident Beth McCall Moore is a candidate for alderman of Ward 2. She is running, she says, because some areas in Ward 2 are in decline. Moore has experience in organization and problem solving from her career as a dental school instructor, she said. One of Moore’s main concerns is property value decline. She also stated that Ward 2 needs a voice and she can be that voice.
Lawana Thompson is running for alderman of Ward 2 as an incumbent, having won a special election following Alderman Matthew Hickman’s death. She said that she grew up in state government learning how to make budgets and address staffing concerns. Thompson told the audience that if they want to be a part of the solution to the problems plaguing Magee, they should get involved by attending the various meetings held by the city. She added that the board takes seriously how they spend tax payer funds. In addition, Thompson noted infrastructure must be addressed and dealt with.
Rachael “Suzie” Bourn is a candidate for Ward 3 alderman. She and her husband are transplants to Magee and have decided to make it home. Bourn teaches at Mendenhall High School and serves on the city’s Airport Commission. Previous careers include agriculture and sales. During her five minutes, Bourn said she wants to do good things in Ward 3 and Magee and said that anyone to call her regardless of what happens April 1.
Julian Harper is running for alderman of Ward 4 and is a lifelong resident of Magee. He has been involved with civic organizations along with City of Magee sports. Harper is running for alderman, he said, because he believes leadership is about service, not power, and assuring every voice is heard. Current Ward 4 alderman Patrick Brown, who is retiring, is a close relative to Harper, who says that if elected, he plans to utilize Brown’s wisdom and expertise. He too wants to see improvements in infrastructure, safety, community engagement and transparency.
Melinda Green is running for alderman of Ward 4 and is a self proclaimed “go-getter” who does not stop until she gets what she sets her mind to. Green is the director of Jackson Crossing, and her main focus is the elderly population. She loves Magee and Simpson County and primarily works in the background rather than the forefront. Green has been successful in securing grant funding for various projects and says she will bring that expertise with her if elected alderman of Ward 4.
To watch the live stream of the political forum in its entirety including the question/answer session, go to the Facebook page of Magee Courier/Simpson County News.
