Candidates discuss their plans for city
Two independent candidates face off Tuesday in the special election for Olive Branch's Ward 5 alderman seat.
Janet Aldridge, 50, and Dianne Black, 62, are running for the seat previously held by Mark Aldridge. Mark Aldridge died of a heart attack in May.
The winner will serve the remainder of Mark Aldridge's term until July 2021.
Voters can cast their ballots from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Fire Station 3, 7750 Hacks Cross Road.
The Commercial Appeal asked each candidate to provide some biographical information and answer three questions.
Janet Aldridge
Aldridge, the widow of Mark Aldridge, is a lifelong resident of Olive Branch. She is a mother of three and grandmother of three. She works for the UroCenter in Memphis.
Q. Why did you decide to run?
"I'm running for alderman to honor my late husband that passed away last month and to continue his hard work for our beautiful city. I feel Mark loved and worked so hard to make the right decisions for our beautiful city."
Q. What do you think are the biggest issues in Olive Branch?
"The biggest issue is growth both residential and commercial. Growth is inevitable. It's the job of the alderman to make sure it's beneficial and substantial growth."
Q. What would you like to accomplish if elected?
"I hope to help Olive Branch remain the wonderful hometown we've always known while adapting to accommodate our citizens."
Dianne Black
Black has been married to James Black Jr. for 44 years. She is the mother of five and the grandmother of three. Black is a licensed cosmetologist and has owned The Hair Fashions in Olive Branch for 36 years.
Q. Why did you decide to run?
"The reason I am running for alderman is that I love Olive Branch and want to be at the table helping to make important decisions for the citizens of Olive Branch, for now and for the future. I will work faithfully toward our promising future."
Q. What do you think are the biggest issues in Olive Branch?
"The biggest issue I had with Olive Branch was that the main streets needed repaving with better markings. Fortunately, that problem is being resolved at this present time."
Q. What would you like to accomplish if elected?
"As alderman, I will be an advocate for my ward. I will be vigilant. As alderman, I will vote 'yes' towards any issues that are in favor of keeping our city as safe as possible by hiring the proper number of police officers and first responders that are needed for the population growth. I promise to be in favor of top salaries for those officers and first responders. I will work toward keeping our streets safe, balancing our budget and making sure that funding is properly appropriated."