A New Voice For Laurel Brings New Hope as Marian Allen is Sworn In As City Councilwoman of Ward 7

HATTIESBURG, Miss (THN News) - The new “talk of the town” for a change is good gossip, a fresh sense of hope for a city who is looking to go higher with the election of one of the city’s biggest pillars in the community, Marian Allen, Executive Director of the Laurel Jones County Black History Museum & Arts.

Sworn-in to the highest office in the community, the new Ward 7 City Councilwoman appears to be ready and overjoyed to get to work fighting to uplift the city called beautiful.

“I am truly honored and humbled to have been elected as your city councilwoman.” -Marian Allen, Ward 7 City Councilwoman, City of Laurel

Filled with excitement and joy, Councilwoman Allen said, “This position is not just a title. It is a commitment to serve you and to work tirelessly for the betterment of our community.”

Newly sworn in City of Laurel Council Member of Ward 7 Marian Allen stands outside the City Council Chambers in Laurel, MS.

One of the biggest issues in Laurel is the amount of crime and violence that’s recently taken hold of the city. Insomuch, Mayor Johnny Magee has decided to go in a different direction for who’s going to lead Laurel’s law enforcement agency, refusing to reappoint Chief Tommy Cox.

One of the first big test to her new role is confirming a police chief to take over so hopefully crime can start to go down.

Newly elected Laurel City Councilwoman Marian Allen stands next to the Former President of Laurel City Council Thaddeus Edmonson.

Her new powers include oversight over the city budget, advise and approve any of the mayor’s appointments to lead any department or sit on any board, set the city policy through passing ordinances & the power to investigate any part of the city’s government, holding the city accountable to its citizens, including the power to summon people to testify on record before the council and provide any requested data.

Before being sworn in as a member of the city council, as Councilwoman Elect, Marian Allen picked up trash on the weekend within her Ward, helping to keep Laurel both beautiful and clean.

Newly elected Laurel City Council Member Marian Allen talks with City of Laurel Executive Director of Housing Ailrick D. Young Sr.

A big focus of Councilwoman Allen’s first term is not only safety but also housing as she aims to bring more affordable housing into her community while also addressing the city’s homeless community.

“As I step into this role, I want to share my vision for our community. Together, we will focus on enhancing public safety, improving our local infrastructure, and promoting sustainable development,” Councilwoman Allen said.

City of Laurel Councilwoman Marian Allen poses with Laurel Public School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Eubanks at The City of Laurel Inauguration.

Outside of crime and housing, perhaps one of the biggest if not the biggest part of her agenda in her first term is supporting Laurel Public School District, as she is a big supporter of Dr. Michael Eubanks, Superintendent of Laurel Public School District. Councilwoman Allen believes education is key to advancing any community toward.

Councilwoman Allen sung high praises & support for Dr. Eubanks.

“Laurel Public School District no doubt has one of the best if not the best superintendents in Mississippi! Dr. Eubanks has taught my kids well and all around the community you hear of the awesome job he’s doing to make our school district excel. I look forward to doing anything I can to support the Laurel Tornados!” she stated.

Newly elected City Councilwoman Marian Allen celebrates her moment of being sworn-in with longtime friend Dee Moye, Principal of The HMG Firm.

“This is her moment. She definitely deserves it. Nobody but God gets the glory. She stayed faithful to God. He alone has rewarded her,” said longtime friend Dee Moye, Principal of the powerhouse HMG Firm, which brings 1,000’s of jobs each year to the City of Hattiesburg.

The HMG Firm hosts the state’s largest job fair each year in downtown Hattiesburg through its economic division as well as serves as parent company to other companies and organizations.

“She’s been fighting for the community of Laurel a mighty long time. It’s in her heart to serve her people. Whether it’s a meeting with a state official or President Trump’s friend United States Congressman Mike Ezell, you will always see Councilwoman Allen networking trying to find innovative ways and opportunities to bring back to the city of Laurel.

City of Laurel Councilwoman Marian Allen poses with longtime friend Circuit Court Judge The Honorable Dal Williamson as he signs her Oath of Office.

That’s all before she was elected. Imagine what she will do now that she’s official sworn in. That’s the kind of fight you want in a leader!” Principal Moye said.

Councilwoman Allen is also seeking to increase job growth, stimulate the economy, and support the existing businesses in the city of Laurel.

The Councilwoman passionately stated, “I am dedicated to creating a vibrant economy that supports local businesses and provides job opportunities for our residents.”

Mayor Johnny Magee and The City of Laurel City Council Members posing after being sworn in.

Yes, Marian now has the power to continue to make a huge impact for Laurel, MS but now with way bigger platform.