Mark Grubbs was elected the new mayor for Magee on June 3. He beat out opponent Jim Snider by a vote of 299 to 125. Grubbs won the Republican nomination in April running against Joe Worrell, 220 to 183.
Grubbs ran on a platform that included accountability, transparency, interdepartmental cooperation, economic development, and revitalization.
Mayor Elect Grubbs is a lifelong Magee resident serving as alderman of Ward 1since July 2021. “As someone who has spent my life in Magee, I know the challenges we face, but more importantly, I see the incredible potential our city has.” With a strong work ethic, a commitment to progress and a vision for a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous Magee, as the new mayor Grubbs is ready to bring the energy, accountability, and leadership the city needs to move forward.
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; more Chamber of Commerce funding; and provide more city government transparency by holding himself and city employees accountable. “I am going to be as transparent as I possibly can be within the law.”
Grubbs has several goals he plans to implement within the first 90 days as new mayor including simple cleaning of things like stop and street signs or replacement if necessary and weed eating. He added, “Little things make a big difference in the public’s eye.”
In addition, one of Grubbs’ priorities is weekly department head meetings to be held every Monday morning. He also plans to work with the new board and Brett Duncan with Prince CPA to determine possible funding for new hires including public works and a full-time grant writer. “I believe we have funding to hire a couple public works employees.”
The city is now in compliance with the State Auditor’s Department for the years 2020-2024. Once in compliance for 2025 the city may apply for several grants, state and federal, the reason for the grant writer.
He also spoke to the lack of state inmates now available to assist the city since the satellite prison closed. Now housed in Mendenhall, Grubbs plans to meet with Sheriff Paul Mullins to see that Magee gets steady help from the inmates.
Having seen the success of the airport board after its creation Grubbs plans to recommend the creation of a Parks and Recreation board. “That area (sports plex) has gone down. I agree it has and some of that has been in my tenure. It needs oversight.” He added he would like to see the current steep bleachers removed and replaced with something more appropriate along with coverings for shade.
The mayor elect will have an open door policy, adding he is not the type to sit behind a desk all day. Grubbs plans to shadow his department heads in his first few weeks so he knows how each department works. “If you aren’t boots on the ground and not out here you won’t get what’s fully going on in the city.”
Grubbs continued, “You have to surround yourself with good, smart people. If I surround myself with the right people and work with this new board which I know I can, things in Magee can turn around. But it won’t happen overnight. But we can start immediately with the small things.”
Grubbs sees himself as a servant and was relieved and humbled to win this election. “I don’t have an agenda. I’m here to help. But I would like to ask the public to be patient. Just know we are going to work to make Magee better.”
