Carolyn McAdams has officially been reelected to a fourth term as mayor of Greenwood following certification of ballots Wednesday.
McAdams voiced her gratitude to the citizens of Greenwood and noted that her job as mayor is not one that can be accomplished alone.
“I am extremely honored to be chosen again to lead the city of Greenwood for the next four years,” McAdams said. “It is an awesome opportunity, and it truly takes a team to get it done, as I’ve said many times.”
Kenderick Cox, a Democrat challenging McAdams for a second straight election, said he hasn’t made up his mind about what his next move might be following his defeat. “I haven’t put too much thought into it,” Cox said.
If Cox were to decide to contest the election, he would have until June 28 to file notice in the Leflore County Circuit Clerk’s Office.
McAdams received 1,604 votes, or 49%, with Cox garnering 1,510 votes, or 46%. A third candidate, Nathan Wright, finished with 157 votes, or 5%.
The 94-vote victory for McAdams was much closer than four years ago, when McAdams beat Cox by more than 700 votes.
Should Cox contest the result, McAdams said that she is prepared to fight that battle, as she has successfully done before.
“Like I’ve said in previous articles in the past, I’ve been there and done that twice, and I can certainly do it again,” McAdams said.
Only one of those cases to which McAdams referred was an election challenge -- her 2013 victory over former Mayor Sheriel Perkins that was upheld by a state court.
McAdams said that she is eager and looking forward to serving the citizens of Greenwood the next four years. There are many pressing matters on her agenda, and she said that one of the most pertinent matters she will be looking into will be the funds that are to be allocated to Greenwood from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
McAdams said that she will be meeting with Gov. Tate Reeves Thursday to discuss the plans moving forward for Greenwood to receive its share of the funds. McAdams said that improving Greenwood’s infrastructure will be one of the most important measurements to be addressed.
“This is a very good opportunity for us, and we need to make sure that we have good infrastructure and bones in the city so that when people come here, they will realize that this city has used its money wisely,” McAdams said.
McAdams said that she is thankful to have garnered the trust of the city and is ready to hit the ground running and knows that there is still work to be done.
“I appreciate everyone’s trust, I appreciate everyone’s vote, and I’m ready to get to work,” McAdams said. “There’s a lot of work to do, and I’m ready to do it.”
- Contact Drew Richardson at 581-7233 or drichardson@gwcommonwealth.com.
The original version of this article incorrectly reported that Sheriel Perkins contested both of her election losses to Carolyn McAdams. Perkins only filed a legal challenge to the outcome of the 2013 election.
