Since becoming Indianola's mayor one year ago, Ken Featherstone has had an enlightening journey. With a year under his belt, he has learned more about the role and its many responsibilities. These include navigating the complexities of local government.
Because Featherstone had no experience in politics, he had to adapt quickly to the local government's procedures.
“I had to learn and learn fast,” Featherstone said. “ The citizens of Indianola expect to have the best possible representation no matter what experience level I have." Seminars on municipal government and connections with other politicians eased the transition for Featherstone.
"The Mississippi Municipal League (MML) conferences have been extremely helpful," Featherstone said. "Peer support and advice from neighboring mayors have also been helpful."
Featherstone believes that the most valuable lesson he learned in his first year in politics was to remain steadfast regardless of the outcome. Faith has become a stronghold for Featherstone as he persists.
"A 'no' response requires more innovation and prayer," Featherstone said. "I find myself praying to God, more than ever, for greater grace. I pray for grace, for favor, and for God to open doors I can’t open and close doors I can’t close."
Featherstone admits that he dealt with a great deal of frustration during his first year. When reflecting on that year, Featherstone says that if he could do anything differently he would trust his faith even more. "The joy of the Lord is my strength" is a scripture that Featherstone says got him through many tough times.
"I got away from quoting it to myself and it created an atmosphere of strife and anxiety," Featherstone said. "I quickly repented for forgetting who God is to me and who I am to God. I am in a better place spiritually now. However, I should have been in this place the whole time. After all, I have dealt with worse and God didn’t let me down then and He won’t let me down now."
Featherstone says he is also in a better place with his colleagues on the Indianola Board of Aldermen after establishing common ground.
"The Board of Aldermen were apprehensive towards me as well; however, I feel that once they recognized my commitment and that we share common interests regarding most issues their demeanor changed."
This common ground allowed them to work together effectively to organize community clean-ups to combat littering. Several volunteers helped city lawmakers pick up trash in each ward. When it comes to community service, Featherstone believes it is vital to lead by example.
"In order to get community ‘buy in,’ I have to be the example of the type of citizenry I expect. You can ask someone to help pick up trash; however, when they see me out there picking up trash, it gives me more credibility. People tend to follow leaders who don’t mind getting dirty."
To help ensure an even better-looking city, Featherstone plans to focus on enforcing codes and ordinances in the coming year. "Many citizens have abandoned vehicles and equipment sitting in their yards that create 'eye sores'," Featherstone said. "We have to do better with enforcing our codes and ordinances. This blight causes property values to diminish."
Featherstone plans to secure a CPA firm to assist the city with its incomplete audits. The City of Indianola needs to complete audits dating back to 2018. By securing a CPA firm, the city will be able to ensure that all of its financial records are accurate and up-to-date. In addition to being compliant with current regulations, this will provide insight into their financial history.
Public safety and violent crime issues will continue to be addressed by the mayor. He began by focusing on messaging with 100 Days of Nonviolence, which pledged 100 consecutive days of nonviolence. Although the violence was ongoing, the number of gun-related homicides drastically decreased according to Featherstone. In addition to securing new leadership for the police department, the administration has increased officers' salaries as well. Featherstone says the police department has changed policies and tactics that have reduced violent crimes. "We now hear less random gunfire," Featherstone said. "This was done by a number of different measures."
As a way to combat crime in the city, Featherstone says they focus on problem areas and work with other agencies. Featherstone wants mobile surveillance trailers (MSTs) to help with crimes, speeding, drag racing, and even illegal dumping.
As mayor, Featherstone believes his responsibility is to be visible and accessible. Featherstone, an avid sports fan, can be seen cheering among the crowd at school sporting events.
"Our youth have to know that their leaders support them," Featherstone said. " Secondly, it means a lot to the community to see their mayor side-by-side rooting with and for them. Our city has carried the burden of segregation for generations. In order to unify our city, all sides of Indianola need to have their mayor present and accounted for. "
Featherstone plans to continue to take steps to improve public safety and violent crime, complete city audits, and manage day-to-day operations to ensure Indianola is a thriving community.
