Candidate: Mike Crook

Friends of Freeport:

I am a candidate for Freeport City Council Seat 5. 

Kasey Cuchens, current Seat 5 Council Member is not running for re-election.

About Me:

I am a businessman who works with physicians on natural solutions for health problems and I also invest in and manage our real estate.

My wife, Patty, and I bought the historic house, located at 242 Madison St, near 4 Mile Creek, in March 2017. We’ve been restoring it this past year and are planning an open house sometime this fall. So many neighbors I’ve met are interested in seeing what we’ve done with it and they have fond memories of the old house “back in the day”.  We originally became aware of the area through our families vacationing on the coast going as far back as 45 years ago. When the “Captain’s House” became available, we knew this would be our forever home.

Upon moving here I registered to vote and voted in the last Freeport election. In fact, I was the first vote cast (early voting) in that election as I did not expect to be back in town until after the polls closed.

When we chose Freeport to anchor here and grow with our community, I knew I’d be involved in forming the policies for the future of our community. From the beginning I’ve formed relationships with our Mayor and Council Members and offered help and advice coming from my experience as the opportunity presented.  I’ve volunteered by serving in the Town Planters and alongside with men from Destiny Worship Center where we’ve helped those in need clean up their property and beautify our city. I teach a small group on the subjects of Healthy Living and Healing at Destiny Worship Center, 6:30 pm - 8 pm Wednesdays. I also receive City Council meeting agenda packets and attend or listen to all Council meetings and various county meetings in order to keep up with what’s happening in our City and County.

I can see where our community is headed and I’d like to serve as a great part of the team of elected officials that are entrusted to lead us into the future.

Why me?

Throughout my adult life, I’ve been actively involved in my community in Mississippi.  With experience in both public and private sector I’ve seen growth patterns similar to what is forecast for Freeport and Walton County.

Once elected, this is what you can expect from me as a team member leading our city.

1. Get our finances on track.

I was a financial planner during the first 13 years of my career.  I served as a county auditor and treasurer and city alderman in one of the fastest growing counties in Mississippi. During my time as an alderman we underwent expansions of the water and sewer systems. I’ve run a business most of my adult life and had the responsibilities of planning and executing a budget. Freeport needs to tighten its policies and procedures to save money and prevent problems in the future. I can help with this and have this unique qualification over any other candidates in the race.

1. Manage our community development.

Walton county is listed as the sixth fastest growing county in the nation. The same thing that attracted my wife and I to locate here is attracting others from across the nation to come here as well. Many new friends will anchor themselves in Freeport along with us and grow with our community. New friends and growth bring change and challenges. I’d like to proactively gather public input and formulate policies and procedures now so Freeport will be ready when major growth hits. I was part of a community that grew to over 50,000, serving on planning commissions and city boards as an elected official and took part in implementing smart growth.  A key to success is defining what our community wants and setting a direction for the future.

3.    Bring Economic Development

We all want the conveniences of life nearby and great high paying jobs as well.  Attracting strong economic development doesn’t just happen. Strong top tier businesses that will benefit our community are recruited by cooperative efforts made by many facets of government and private sector.  I’ve been a part of this process.  I was the County Auditor and Treasurer when various plants like Nissan were recruited.  I know what it takes to get that done.  I have experience in bringing the conveniences of big box stores and other amenities to a growing community.

I want to take this opportunity to ask for your ideas and input about our city government and to ask for your vote.  My cell is 601-906-5759.  Please feel free to text or call me.