Mayor Errick Simmons delivered the 2020 State of the City Address on Thursday night at the E.E. Bass Cultural Center.
There was not an empty seat in Jake and Freda Stein Hall as local officials and residents gathered to hear of the City of Greenville’s progress in the past year and what it has to look forward to.
The evening commenced with local boy scouts carrying the flag and Washington County Voices of Inspiration rendering a moving musical selection of “Hallelujah, Salvation, and Glory.”
Washington County Economic Alliance executive director Will Coppage gave the introduction for Simmons, reflecting on the first time he’d met Simmons shortly after moving back to Greenville.
“I do not know if you still have it, but that day, you wore a very limey, green, three-piece suit,” Coppage joked, “And at that time, I truly enjoyed getting to know councilman Simmons.”
“I saw him as a young leader who wanted positive change for Greenville and more importantly, I saw he had an impeccable sense of style,” Coppage said.
Coppage said kidding aside, Simmons has opened his eyes and he “knows for a fact” the community’s eyes have been opened as a result of Simmons’ service as mayor.
“Mayor Simmons ran on a platform of ‘One people, one goal, and one Greenville’ and while we all know one person cannot go at it alone, Mayor Simmons has rallied to enhance us with the tools to work together to raise our community to thrive in this new decade,” he said.
Coppage spotlighted longtime businesses, which he said have been fixtures in the economy and community of Greenville, and encouraged the celebration of the accomplishments that have been made in the community thus far.
After emerging to deliver his speech, Simmons said to Coppage, “Will, I think I may still have that green suit in my closet; it represents the love that I had for Greenville then, it represents the love I have for Greenville now.”
Laughter and applause followed and Simmons took the opportunity to thank those who made the evening’s State of the City address possible, which included sponsors and venue officials.
“Tonight, I stand confident in saying the state of our city is strong,” Simmons said proudly. “When you gave me your vote four years ago, you demanded fiscal responsibility and I’m proud to stand before you tonight to say we’ve had four balanced budgets.”
Simmons highlighted factors, such as a tax increase, an increase of water and sewer rates and the implementation of charges for trash pick-up may not have been ideal.
However, he said they were needed to meet critical infrastructure needs and to provide other safeties.
Simmons also said there were over $110 million in new investments during the administration’s first term and some of those investments have come by way of agricultural manufacturing giant Nufarm and Tru by Hilton hotel.
Other endeavors Simmons pointed out included the new federal courthouse to be constructed in Stein Mart Square, often called a “legacy project,” South Delta Plaza, the newly renovated Wendy’s on Highway 82, the soon-to-open Kentucky Fried Chicken also on Highway 82 and the redevelopment of the old Sears and Roebuck building.
In highlighting the new federal courthouse, a $40.1 million investment, the mayor applauded the commitments of the late senator Thad Cochran, senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, Congressman Bennie Thompson and the federal judiciary in the northern district of Mississippi to the endeavor.
Simmons gave recognition to the mayor’s youth council and their service in assisting nonprofits which assist the elderly, poor and others in need such as Hearty Helpings Food Pantry and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
“Tonight, we dedicate this state of the city address to you, our fellow city-appointed and elected officials, businesses, religious leaders, business leaders, development professionals, developers, educators, churches, social and civic groups, organizations and every resident, every partner, every friend and every supporter whose contributions make Greenville a better place to live, work and play,” he said.
Simmons emphasized the unity of the Greenville community during tumultuous times such as the 2016 and recent flood events, the loss of Greenville High football player Jeremiah Williams, relief efforts for Hurricanes Irma and Harvey, the Vicksburg water crisis, the closing of The Salvation Army, and the most recent EF-2 Tornado that damaged and destroyed several homes along Lake Ferguson Road and businesses and homes damaged by straight-line winds.
During and in the aftermath of those events Simmons said he has seen true Greenvillians exemplifying “one Greenville.”
“Diversity, inclusion and equality for all are critical pieces for the vitality of our city,” he said.
After the address, those in attendance enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and other small bites as well an opportunity to engage with the mayor, local officials and other attendees.
