Lofton for Mayor

Continuing our work for a better, brighter tomorrow!

* * * VOTE JUNE 3, 2025 * * *

Who am I?

I'm a Husband, Father, Son, Brother and Friend who strives daily to show others who I am by the way I live. I do my best to set positive examples and leave every person, place and thing better than I found it. I'm a listener and a worker, and I believe that the only way to effectively lead is to lead by example.

I believe:

Our community is filled with tremendous potential. Our citizens, our schools, our churches, our families and our community spirit create an environment that fosters success and encourages positive growth.

I believe:

Successful growth and development requires comprehensive, long-term planning. Until all citizens are equally and effectively served, geographical expansions requiring the provision of services to new areas seem ill advised. Significant opportunities for development inside town should be supported.

I believe:

Well trained, managed and experienced employees are the key to efficient and effective services. Employees need clear expectations, consistent management and a department head with decision authority to maintain daily operations.

I believe:

The best leaders don't try to do it all. They surround themselves with people who are experts in their respective fields and provide these individuals the support they need to get the job done.

I believe:

Our town can sustain business and industry that creates good paying positions, allowing more citizens the option of working locally. New businesses can complement existing businesses and contribute to the general good of our town and people.

What about your education?

My degrees include:

2005-The University of Southern Mississippi, PhD in Higher Education, with Forensic Science emphasis
1997-William Carey University, MEd in Education Leadership, with Mathematics emphasis
1996-The University of Southern Mississippi, BS in Mathematics
1994-MS Gulf Coast Community College, AA in Mathematics

Do you hold any professional certifications or licenses?

Current Certifications/Licenses:

MS Department of Education, AAAA License in Vocational Education, Math, Science and School Administration
State of Mississippi, Board of Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training, Certified Law Enforcement Officer
Basic Certified Municipal Officer by MS Municipal League

What good can you do as Mayor?

Maintaining operations is a baseline, but in 2021 we also...

Oversaw completion of projects initiated by previous administrations but left unfinished

Phase 1 of the Highway 42 Sportsplex
Mack Graham Road, Sidewalks and Parking

In 2022:

Began the complete overhaul of the only park owned by the Town at that time, ending with a project recognized as the best in Mississippi for a population under 10,000
Accepted approximately $1,000,000.00 in Grant funds to be applied primarily to maintenance and repairs of the Town Wastewater System

In 2023:

Initiated the construction of an award winning, ~$2,700,000.00 complex at the Highway 42 Sportsplex to serve Tennis, Soccer and Pickleball enthusiasts
Accepted a $500,000.00 legislative appropriation for additional sportsplex expansion
Accepted the gift of Beam Park from the Beam Family to the Town of Sumrall

Finally, we wrapped up 2024 with this:

Executed a Ward 4 Drainage project at a cost of approximately $300,000, in which 75% of the cost was paid through grant funds
Announced $2,685,000.00 in grants as the culmination of our efforts to bring generational improvements to our Town with additional grants for business, recreation and community connectivity.

Have you ever worked full time?

Beginning in 1997 as an Instructor and/or Administrator:

Sumrall High School
Pearl River Community College
Lamar County Alternative School-Jefferson Todd Center
MS Gulf Coast Community College-Perkinston
Jones County Junior College (dual roles)
Walthall County Career Technical Center (dual roles)

Have you ever worked full time outside of the classroom?

Beginning in 2002 as Law Enforcement and/or Administrator:

Sumrall Police Department-Patrol Officer/Assistant Chief
Mississippi Office of Homeland Security-State Training Coordinator
Jones County Junior College-Director of Campus Safety (dual roles)
Walthall County Schools-Director of Career Technical Center and District Emergency Manager (dual roles)

How does your work experience relate to what our town needs?

Related Law Enforcement Duties:

Communicate effectively with peers and constituents
Read and understand detailed documents, laws and grants
Prepare and present legal documents and testimony
Provide services to all citizens in difficult situations calmly and effectively
Develop working relationships at the local, state and national level

How does your work experience relate to what our town needs?

Related Education and Administration Duties:

Treat all constituents in a fair and equitable manner
Prepare and present content to diverse audiences
Manage employees and service providers locally and statewide
Develop protocols fostering success and growth

Other than work, what are you involved in?

Community Activities and Participation:

First Baptist Church Sumrall, Member
Bowie Lodge #434, Master Mason
USM Alumni Association, Lifetime Member
USM Foundation, Aubrey K. Lucas Society
Mississippi Professional Educators
Southern States Police Benevolence Association
Chairman, Board of Directors, MS Division of the International Assoc. for Identification

The Platform

Serving The Community

United By A Common Goal

Joel has been part of this community for many years, working tirelessly to make it a better place-a positive place to live, to work and to raise a family.

United By A Common Goal

Joel knows the value of being connected. That's paid off so far as we have worked to improve the Town. Help keep his connections and experiences to work for you.

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United By A Common Goal

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William Joel Lofton For Mayor