Former lawman seeks mayor post
Retired city-county lawman Kenny Laughter, seeking the office of mayor of Hernando, early on sought out service to his community. It’s in his blood. At age 18, he started serving the public by volunteering for ambulance duties for the city of Hernando.
“My parents both started volunteering as EMTs for Hernando in 1978, and my grandfather served the people of DeSoto County for over 20 years as deputy sheriff,” said Laughter, 43.
Safe streets and streets in good repair, and getting development rolling, are among his top priorities, the conservative Republican says of his first campaign for elected office. He’s the sole challenger to Mayor Chip Johnson, a fellow Republican seeking a third four-year term.
“The major challenges for Hernando, as I see them, are the streets and drainage — they need repairs,” he said.
As to economic development, Laughter said, “we have two industrial areas, and some buildings are empty.”
As mayor, Laughter said, he wants to focus “on Hernando’s public safety. With our population growing, Hernando only has one ambulance.”
Responsible stewardship of city funds and resources also lead his list, he says.
“In running for mayor, I’ve looked into saving money on many t hings,” said Laughter. “I love the location of our many parks. But I truly believe we have to ask ourselves: Do we want our taxes raised to build more parks, or would we want our tax money to go toward the streets, drainage and public safety?”
He’s been active in the community.
“For five years, I coached recreational baseball,” he said. “Three of those years, I was commissioner for the baseball league.”
Laughter also served on an advisory board with teachers and parents for school security and incident command, and during his career he received more than 30 advanced law enforcement and administration Leadership certificates.
He said his call to help people “naturally evolved into the decision to attend Branell College, where I received my degree as a medical technician. At age 21, I became determined to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps, and I joined the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department.
“My job as a deputy was the path I took, and I fell absolutely in love with serving the people.”
He said he’s got “many ideas that are no cost to our taxpayers,” and urges voters to visit Age: 43 Office sought: Mayor of Hernando Political affiliation: Republican Background: From family of public servants; first race for public office Career: Retired deputy and police officer Education: Public schools, Branell College, professional certifications Family: “Married to my best friend, Melissa ‘Missy’ Laughter” Website: kennylaughter formayor.com. his website: kennylaughterformayor.com.