Host: Aaron Cozort
Guest: Raymond Flores
VIDEO
PRESENTING SPONSORS:
Wisdom Integrators – wisdomintegrators.com/
EPISODE SPONSOR:
Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/
DESCRIPTION
Welcome back to Southaven Business Beat! In this special election edition, we continue our conversations with local candidates. Today, our host, Kristen Engel, sits down with Raymond Flores, the incumbent alderman for Ward 6, to discuss his background, accomplishments, challenges, and future plans for Southaven, Mississippi.
Meet Raymond Flores
Raymond Flores, a long-time resident of Southaven, represents Ward 6, which includes areas from Elmore to Getwell, south of Goodman Road, all the way to the city’s southern boundary. With the recent redistricting, his ward has shifted slightly, losing Pinehurst, Brambles, and Roseberry neighborhoods. Raymond, who lives in Southern Pines, shares about his family, including his wife Tammy and their two children—a son attending the U.S. Naval Academy and a daughter at Northpoint Christian School.
Accomplishments as Alderman
Infrastructure Improvements –
Southaven has significantly increased its budget for road repair and infrastructure projects, raising the allocation from previous levels to $7-7.5 million. Even with this increase, he acknowledges more work remains.
Road Expansions & Traffic Management – Key road projects include widening Getwell Road, improving Church Road traffic flow, and working toward a long-term plan to alleviate congestion along major corridors.
Public Safety Investments – Under his tenure, Southaven’s police force has grown from 110 to 165 officers, reinforcing security in a city bordering one of the most crime-prone areas in the U.S.. Additionally, Fire Station #5 is set to open soon, improving emergency response times and lowering insurance costs for residents.
Board Unity & Decision-Making – He takes pride in fostering a collaborative city board, ensuring that discussions remain focused on what’s best for Southaven, rather than individual agendas.
What’s Next for Southaven?
If re-elected, Raymond wants to focus on several key initiatives:
Expanding Infrastructure Funding –
Southaven needs additional road improvements, and he aims to identify new funding sources to accelerate projects and expand east-west traffic solutions.
Long-Term Sewer Solutions –
The city faces a major sewer infrastructure challenge, as Memphis is discontinuing Southaven’s current waste treatment arrangement. A new treatment plant is needed, and securing funding for this multi-million-dollar project is a top concern.
Developing Southaven’s Future Landmarks –
Raymond envisions major new projects, including:
A Performing Arts Center
A Multi-Athletic Facility, similar to those in Cabot, AR, and Cape Girardeau, MO
The Importance of Voting in Local Elections One of Raymond’s biggest concerns is voter turnout. In the last municipal election, only 6% of eligible voters participated. He urges residents to make their voices heard on April 1st.
Election Day: April 1st
Polling Location for Ward 6: Polling Location for Ward 6: DeSoto Central High School Theater (back entrance)
Raymond’s Message to Voters:
“If you care about the future of your city, don’t sit this one out. Local elections impact your daily life more than presidential ones. Get to the polls and vote for the person who represents YOU!”
Final Thoughts
Raymond emphasizes that his work isn’t done—he remains focused on building a Southaven that families want to call home for generations. With his experience, leadership, and dedication, he believes he’s the best choice to continue serving Ward 6 and the city as a whole.
CHAPTERS
- Welcome to Southaven Business Beat (00:00 – 00:59)
- Meet Alderman Raymond Flores (00:59 – 01:27)
- Ward 6 Overview & Redistricting Changes (01:27 – 03:10)
- Accomplishments: Infrastructure & Public Safety (03:10 – 06:15)
- Traffic Solutions & Road Expansion Plans (06:15 – 07:55)
- Economic Growth: Getwell & Silo Square Development (07:55 – 08:21)
- Key Challenges: Crime & Sewer Infrastructure (08:21 – 10:14)
- Long-Term Solutions & Funding Challenges (10:14 – 11:30)
- Message to Southaven Voters (11:30 – 12:21)
- Why Local Elections Matter (12:21 – 14:16)
- Encouraging Voter Turnout & Closing Remarks (14:16 – 16:26)
SPONSOR LIST
https://www.wisdomintegrators.com – Wisdom Integrators
https://thefollowapp.co/ – The Follow App
https://www.purefocus.media/ – Pure Focus Media
https://www.southavenchamber.com/ – Southaven Chamber of Commerce
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