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
Having served as an alderman for 12 years, Raymond highlights some of his proudest achievements:
🔹 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: DeSoto Central High School Theater (back entrance)
“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!” – Raymond Flores
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.
📢 Make Your Voice Heard – Vote on April 1st!
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📌 CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Welcome to Southaven Business Beat
00:59 – Meet Alderman Raymond Flores
01:27 – Ward 6 Overview & Redistricting Changes
03:10 – Accomplishments: Infrastructure & Public Safety
06:15 – Traffic Solutions & Road Expansion Plans
07:55 – Economic Growth: Getwell & Silo Square Development
08:21 – Key Challenges: Crime & Sewer Infrastructure
0:14 – Long-Term Solutions & Funding Challenges
11:30 – Message to Southaven Voters
12:21 – Why Local Elections Matter
14:16 – Encouraging Voter Turnout & Closing Remarks
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