Reynolds Sworn In As Mayor, Reports First Week Will Be Busy

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WATER VALLEY – Tommy Reynolds took office Friday afternoon, three days after winning a special election for mayor in the city. His first remarks as mayor followed the administering of the oath of office by Water Valley Municipal Judge Trent Howell. Reynolds expressed appreciation for all of the city workers who work to make life habitable in Water Valley with electricity, water and other essential services. He also cited strong potential for the city, stressing that progress will only come by working together.

The newly elected mayor cited Benjamin Franklin’s speech that America should be presented as a “’city upon a hill” when he pointed to the future of Water Valley.

“We can be that city upon a hill in this state – if we will do it. The potential is there, but it is up to all of us to make it a reality. We have some challenges to meet. Any one of them can sink us, if we let it. It is not going to be easy, but we can do it,” Reynolds told the crowd.

He also said Water Valley has earned recognition across the state for progress made in recent years.

“The truth be told, there is no place in this state that is in a more Goldilocks position than this town. We are getting good publicity around this state, and even in this region of our country. That is important, we will certainly succeed,” he continued.

The 10-minute inauguration address also included activity already underway for different projects including raising $60,000 in private donations to build a splash pad in the city, one of his campaign talking points.

“Hopefully we can get other private donations and, by that basis, make it a reality. If that is suitable,” he told the crowd in the packed boardroom.

Reynolds said engineers were coming to the city Tuesday as part of an multi-year effort to secure federal grant funding to combat drainage and flooding issues in the city.

“It looks like we have potential for receiving several million dollars to work on flood needs in Water Valley. Is that guaranteed? No, but the engineers are coming,” Reynolds said.

“I ask for your help, I ask for your prayers for these aldermen, city employees and the city attorney. And I ask for your prayers for me,” Reynolds told supporters at the close of his remarks Friday.

New Chapter

Reynolds, 69, starts this new chapter after serving 44 years as a state representative. He was first elected in 1979 and served through 2023, giving him the distinction at that time as the longest-serving state representative in office alongside District 103 Representative Percy Watson, who was also elected in 1979.

Monday night, Reynolds reported on his first full day as mayor, an itinerary that included meeting several hours with City Attorney Daniel Martin to get up to speed on various issues in the city. Reynolds also said he talked with the city’s park director, Rachel Daniels, and Water Valley Main Street Association director Alyssa Benedict.
Reynolds said Tuesday’s agenda including each alderman going through their wards with flood control engineers to discuss drainage problems in the city. He also was the guest speaker at the Rotary meeting at noon.