A new face took part in the Tuesday meeting of the Kosciusko Board of Aldermen.
In one of the closest elections in recent memory, Taylor Casey narrowly defeated James Culpepper 109-100 for the Ward 1 alderman position. Rebecca Mikell received only seven votes.
Casey, who was only one vote from a runoff, will finish out the term that was left vacant after after the death of former alderman Marvin "Pop" Lawrence in March.
"It is going to be some big shoes to fill, replacing Mr. Pop Lawrence; everywhere you go you hear about the Lawrence family and the good they have done in the community," Casey said. "I just want to try to live up to that standard."
Casey, as alumnus of Kosciusko High School, attended Mississippi State University with a degree in agricultural economics and a Master's in business administration. He is employed by the Mississippi State University Extension Service and serves as the Attala County extension agent.
"I am relieved the election is over, especially with it being a real close election," Casey added. "At this point I am ready to get started in the position, serving the people of Kosciusko."
