Rogers Wins Runoff

By David Howell

Editor

WATER VALLEY – Persistence paid off in last Tuesday’s special election for Herbert “Herbie” Rogers after he won the run-off for alderman-at-large with 56 percent of the 450 votes cast in the runoff.  Rogers ran unsuccessfully twice last year for mayor and was among six candidates competing for the city’s at-large alderman position on Feb. 27.

Taylor Trusty led the ticket in the first round for alderman-at-large on February 27 with 29 percent of the vote, followed by Rogers with 19 percent of the vote. With no candidate receiving a majority of the votes in the election, the race advanced to a run-off on March 20 and Rogers received 252 votes and Trusty 198 votes. 

“I was very pleased with the support that I had this time. I had people who were making phone calls, people who were texting and people who were praying for me,” Rogers said about his victory. His campaigning also included knocking on voters’ doors and mass mailing a letter seeking support for his candidacy. 

Rogers will be sworn in on April 3 to fill the vacancy for alderman-at-large to fill the vacancy, succeeding  Donald Gray, who won a special election for mayor back in January.

Rogers acknowledged he will have some on-the-job training when he is seated. He also said he has identified a few key priorities. 

“When I take office as alderman-at-large I want to make sure the decisions that we make or made for the people, not just individuals who want something. I want our policies to best suit the entire town,” Rogers stressed. “I also want all of our meetings to be professional,” he added, referring to the city board meetings.

Rogers had a lengthy career at BorgWarner. He is a member of Velma Fire Department and former chief of that department and serves as Deputy EMA Director in the county.

Citing his background as a longtime first responder in the county in connection with those roles, Rogers said his priorities include enhancing the fire department and police department.