STARKVILLE — Two more candidates threw their hats into the ring Friday for Starkville’s upcoming election, including one incumbent and one new face.
William Pochop will run as an independent in Ward 5, submitting his qualifying paperwork Friday to the city clerk’s office.
Pochop, 35, is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but he’s been in Starkville since he arrived at Mississippi State University in 2008, where he earned a master’s degree in sports administration. After graduating, he worked for the Parks Department for seven years, elevating to athletic supervisor. He now works as a financial representative at Modern Woodmen of America.
He said he believes his experience in government and focus on helping residents makes him a good pick for the seat, and he said his enrollment as an independent candidate represents his willingness to work with anyone for the benefit of the city.
“I’m running as an independent because my emphasis and purpose in running is to be someone people can confidently call on to get things done,” he said. “As an independent they don’t have to worry whether I believe in this or that. The purpose of an alderman should be to be available to help people in their ward and throughout the city.”
Qualifying for municipal elections began Thursday and will run through 5 p.m. Jan. 31. Party primaries are April 1 and the general election is June 3.
Ward 3
Incumbent Jeffrey Rupp will run for a second term as a Republican in Ward 3.
Rupp, 64, was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, but has an extensive history as a Mississippi political representative, serving as mayor of Columbus for five years before moving to Starkville in 2006. He said his 20 years of residence in Starkville, along with a master’s degree in public policy from MSU, make him especially qualified for the board.
He was first elected to the board of aldermen in 2021.
“I feel very firmly entrenched and qualified,” he said. “I want to give back and to serve, service is important. … We’re doing exponentially more paving than we’ve ever done, we’ve kept taxes down and we’ve recruited new business. There’s lots I’m happy about but there’s always more to do.”
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
