Welcome back to Southaven Business Beat! In this special election edition, we continue our conversations with local candidates. Today, host Aaron Cozort sits down with John David Wheeler, the alderman for Ward 5, who is running unopposed in the upcoming election. They discuss his background, accomplishments, challenges, and plans for Southaven’s future.
Meet John David Wheeler
John David Wheeler has been a homebuilder for over 35 years. When the 2008-2010 housing downturn hit, he pivoted to the restaurant industry, founding Memphis Barbecue Company in Horn Lake. A competition barbecue champion, he has won Memphis in May twice and continues to compete, most recently winning the rib category with his son in 2023. In addition to his restaurant, he recently opened a butcher shop near Mesquite Chop House in Ward 5.
Accomplishments as Alderman
John David Wheeler has served on the board for eight years, and his primary focus has been public safety and smart growth:
🔹 Expanding the Police Force – Since his election, Southaven has increased the number of police officers by nearly 50%, ensuring better safety for the growing community.
🔹 Public Safety Investments – His leadership has helped open Fire Station #5, improving emergency response times.
🔹 Strategic Development – He has prioritized responsible city growth, supporting projects that improve quality of life, such as Silo Square, while maintaining Southaven’s appeal and safety.
Current Challenges in Southaven
Wheeler sees growth management as a key challenge:
✅ Selecting the Right Projects – With limited land available, the city must be strategic in approving developments that will benefit the community.
✅ Maintaining Competitive Police Staffing – The city offers some of the highest police salaries in the county, but recruitment and retention remain challenging.
✅ Traffic & Infrastructure – Ensuring that new developments do not worsen congestion, especially in key areas like Getwell Road and Church Road.
What’s Next for Southaven?
John David Wheeler is focused on long-term economic and infrastructure improvements:
📌 Hotel & Convention Center – A major convention center is being built near the Landers Center, expected to bring business tourism and economic growth.
📌 Amphitheater Growth & Events – Southaven’s amphitheater has become a regional entertainment draw, and future investments will enhance its impact.
📌 Traffic Management – Expansion of Getwell Road and efforts to spread traffic across multiple corridors will help keep up with Southaven’s population growth.
Why Local Elections Matter
John David Wheeler urges all residents to vote, emphasizing that local government affects daily life far more than national elections:
“Everyone votes for the president, but that vote doesn’t affect your streets, schools, or safety like local elections do. Turnout last election was only 11%—we can do better!” – John David Wheeler
Final Thoughts
John David Wheeler is running unopposed, but that doesn’t mean this election isn’t important. With his business experience, community investment, and commitment to safety and smart development, he remains dedicated to shaping Southaven’s future.
📢 Make Your Voice Heard – Vote on April 1st!
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📌 CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Welcome to Southaven Business Beat
00:55 – Meet Alderman John David Wheeler
01:19 – Business Background: Homebuilding & Memphis Barbecue Company
02:36 – Accomplishments: Police Force Expansion & Public Safety
03:31 – Challenges: Growth Management & Traffic
04:32 – Future Plans: Convention Center & City Development
06:30 – Traffic Solutions & Getwell Road Expansion
07:36 – Message to Southaven Residents
08:25 – Importance of Voting in Local Elections
09:45 – Southaven’s Growth & Why It Matters
10:25 – How Business Owners Can Engage with the City
11:35 – Ways to Connect with Local Government
12:16 – Closing Remarks & Call to Vote
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