We did it. We made it to a new year.
We also made it through a presidential election.
So, it’s a time for new beginnings.
One of those beginnings is the opportunity for our elected state leaders to do the business of the people.
Our January 2025 issue of the magazine is our annual legislative issue.
Readers can find the senators and representatives who represent our members in Jackson on the local pages of our publication.
The inclusion of the legislative pages is a public service we take seriously each year.
For our cover story this month, we decided to visit with two of our longest serving Mississippi lawmakers.
State Sen. Dean Kirby (R-Pearl) and State Rep. Percy Watson (D-Hattiesburg) have been serving their constituents for decades.
That kind of public service takes dedication, commitment, and a robust desire to aid Mississippi’s residents.
Watson has been a state representative for 45 years while Kirby will mark 34 years on the job this year.
Not only do these two legislative veterans call each other friend, they have a special relationship with the state’s electric cooperatives.
Watson has constituents that are members of Pearl River Valley Electric and Dixie Electric. Kirby counts members of Southern Pine Electric as constituents. Kirby also serves as a board member for Southern Pine.
Kirby and Watson serve as sincere examples of the best in state leadership — an assertion proven by their continued re-elections over the years.
We hope the new legislative session that kicks off this month is one of hard work, compromise, and aligned visions designed to move Mississippi forward.
Happy New Year from the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi.
We hope you enjoy this issue.
