When we moved here (1970), Highway 12 was two-lane and there was no Walmart. The population has grown from 11,000-plus to 25,000-plus. MSU has grown from 10,000-plus to 23,000-plus. We’ve witnessed many changes.

Starkville has prospered from Lynn Spruill’s vision. She’s a proven, able leader; we don’t need a new mayor who’ll require on-the-job training.

She has extensive governmental experience: She served on Addison, Texas’s city council (3 years) and as its mayor (5 years); she served as Starkville’s Chief Administrative Officer (8 years) and mayor (8 years).

Spruill is accessible: She attends the Community Market, sporting events, and ribbon cuttings. She’s active on social media and is available in her City Hall office. She posts her cell number and responds promptly whenever contacted.

She’s Starkville’s cheerleader: She writes newspaper pieces, speaks to clubs, and supports local organizations.

Spruill believes in collaboration: She coordinates with MSU’s Entrepreneurship Center, the Partnership and LINK. These partnerships expand opportunities for our community. She helps develop tomorrow’s leaders through the Mayor’s Youth Council.

Under her tenure: A $33 million ongoing investment is enabling improved water, sewer, and electric capacity, and 67 miles of streets were repaved ($20 million). A $300,000 investment in security cameras has aided public safety (60 currently, 20/2025, 20/2026). A new Needmore community center was recently completed.

Spruill pushed for Starkville’s excellent recreation facilities: The Sportsplex and Cornerstone Park enable tournaments to bring out-of-town families to Starkville, staying in hotels, eating in restaurants, and shopping in retail stores. The economic impact has been substantial.

Tennis courts at McKee Park were converted into pickleball courts and are now used extensively daily. ML King Center has seen major improvements: expanded splash pad, added pavilions, improved track, lights for football field, added bathrooms, improved basketball courts, and a disc golf course authorized.

Spruill didn’t plan to run for a third term. Her desire to see major projects to completion led her to run again.

Plans are in process for the redevelopment of Main Street and the beautification of Hwy. 182. McKee Park is undergoing a redevelopment to include an amphitheater, splash pad, dog park, and playground areas (for 2025 completion). She’d like to realize a Rails to Trails project.

With myriad dining, cultural, and sporting opportunities, Starkville is a great place to live. Let Mayor Spruill continue to lead us on an upward trajectory.

Wanda Thorne

Starkville