Ward 3 Alderman Calvin Moton called on Indianola residents to put their “boots on the ground” to improve the city and delivered a candid message to Mayor Ken Featherstone during the March 23 Board of Aldermen meeting.
Speaking directly to department heads and residents, Moton said the city’s progress depends on everyone “putting our boots on the ground” rather than waiting on elected officials to fix every problem.
“People want change. They want better, safer environments. And I think that’s all people want,” Moton said. “But the community — you say you want change. I’m asking, do you really want change? First thing is, go vote. Start by cleaning your homes. Talk to your kids about positive things. Get them involved in sports or some type of activity. Don’t wait on the mayor or the board to make things happen.”
Moton commended the board for staying focused and positive, adding that he appreciated the city clerk’s efforts to assist the board in day-to-day operations. However, his remarks later turned toward the mayor, reflecting on what he described as a bumpy start to their working relationship.
“We started off a little rocky,” he said, addressing Featherstone directly. “I was excited about working with you. Your dad taught me in school. I thought, ‘This Ken Featherstone is going to be a pretty good guy.’ But I know I gotta learn you.”
Moton acknowledged that he had considered not bringing up certain frustrations publicly but chose to “keep it basic.” He said he had initially perceived the mayor’s personality as “like a Trump person,” suggesting “ego” as a barrier to better collaboration.
Moton continued, “That’s my thought. I’ve been talking to other people in the community, too. They’re like, ‘We voted for Ken. Now it seems like there’s a change.’ People just want better for the community. Do the right thing. Sometimes our ego gets too high — we gotta bring it down low.”
Moton added that some voters had previously questioned Featherstone’s attitude during the campaign but said he still wants to see city leaders work together to “stay focused on the goal” of progress.
After Moton finished, Featherstone responded briefly.
“OK. Wow. Anything else? Alderman Moton, my phone number is still the same,” Featherstone said. “Any time you want to talk — let’s talk.”
The exchange drew quiet attention from attendees and underscored both ongoing tensions and hopes for renewed cooperation among city leaders seeking to move Indianola forward.
Meanwhile, the board advanced several key items on the night’s agenda. Following a motion by Ward 1 Alderman Alex Deason and a second by Ward 2 Alderman Keith Spealman, the board voted 3-2 to join the Delta Law Enforcement Task Force. Deason, Spealman and Moton voted in favor, while Ward 4 Alderman Johnny Phillips and Ward 5 Alderman Rodreigus Young opposed.
Featherstone also recognized several contributors for their service during Winter Storm Fern, presenting “Excellence in Emergency Preparedness” and “Volunteer Service” awards to the Department of Public Works, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Steve Knight of Knight’s Trimming and Pruning LLC.
In other business, the board recognized the retirement of Assistant Police Chief Earnest Gilson. Police Chief Ronald Sampson presented Gilson with his service badge, and aldermen unanimously approved a motion allowing him to purchase his duty weapon at fair market value under state law. The claims docket, totaling $181,435.62, was also approved without opposition.
City Clerk Teresa Nolden also asked the board to consider a contract with Mississippi Court Collections Inc. for the collection of unpaid municipal court fines and fees. Aldermen voted unanimously to approve entering into the contract.
Municipal Court Clerk Stephanie Washington and IT consultant David Westrope briefed the board on updates to the city’s timekeeping system, outlining options between switching to a cloud-based system or repairing existing equipment. Aldermen voted to postpone the decision until cost comparisons could be completed.
The meeting concluded with the board entering executive session to discuss personnel and litigation matters.
