Potential voters packed the Sunflower County Courthouse Tuesday night as the three candidates for the Indianola mayor’s seat squared off in a public forum moderated by local and state partners.
Hosted in collaboration with GAP Leadership, The Enterprise-Tocsin, Indianola Chamber Main Street and the Puff & Politics Podcast, the event drew a standing-room-only crowd eager to hear candidates share their visions for the city’s future.
Transparency, Economy, Youth and More
Candidates Ken Featherstone (incumbent), Hollis Myrick and Steve Rosenthal fielded questions on topics ranging from government transparency and economic development to public safety and youth opportunity. The forum opened with a call for open dialogue and civic engagement.
“Last night’s forum was about more than politics—it was about giving the people of Indianola a voice. By bringing candidates together in partnership with Puff and Politics, The Enterprise-Tocsin and the Chamber, we created a space for open dialogue, accountability, and civic engagement. This is how communities grow stronger—when leaders and residents sit down, listen, and work together for a better future,” said Dr. Shequite Johnson, one of the event organizers.
Transparency and Accountability
Transparency in city leadership was a recurring theme. Each candidate detailed their approach to increasing openness and accessibility at City Hall.
Myrick emphasized community involvement and pledged to make his office as responsive as possible, sharing, “I believe in being present and available, whether it’s at church meetings or community events.”
Featherstone highlighted the need for better processes, referencing his past to demonstrate accountability: “We paved a number of different streets and created a hotline for citizens to report service issues. Listening to people and responding quickly can rebuild public trust.”
Rosenthal advocated for innovation in funding city improvements, noting the importance of using available tax resources and federal support wisely.
Economic Vision
On economic growth, the candidates pointed to jobs, small business support, and infrastructure as critical issues. Rosenthal discussed earlier efforts to raise the city’s minimum wage and attract manufacturing jobs, stating, “Automotive manufacturing could be a gamechanger for Indianola. We need real opportunities that match our workforce.”
Myrick called for nurturing existing businesses and investing in local entrepreneurs, while Featherstone reminded voters of past partnerships that led to tangible job creation and improved streets.
Youth Engagement and Public Safety
As questions turned to public safety and youth, the candidates agreed on the need for more programs and safe spaces for young people.
Myrick pressed for expanding youth activities and mentorship in schools.
Rosenthal cited successful after-school training programs and youth engagement initiatives.
Featherstone pointed to reductions in violent crime and new technology like ShotSpotter to address gun violence, along with expanding support for both sports and arts opportunities.
The Road Ahead
Johnson closed the night with a call for ongoing civic involvement: “From the dialogue last night, it’s clear there is a lot to consider and a lot of work ahead. All three candidates shared valid points, and I urge community members to watch the live recording and do their own research and not listen to the noise. We have to get this right—for the future and betterment of Indianola.”
As the race heads toward Election Day, each candidate promised to remain accessible and responsive.
The entire debate may be viewed on The E-T’s Facebook page, as well as Mario Robinson’s (event organizer) Facebook page.
