Norwood eager to continue serving District 4 residents

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
July 21, 2003
Joe Norwood said he believes that losing to Q.V. Sykes four years ago in a District 4 Lauderdale County supervisor race was the best thing that ever happened to him.
Norwood said he learned a lot from that 1999 race. He defeated Rickey Harris in a special election Nov. 19 after the District 4 seat was left vacant when Sykes died of cancer.
Norwood said he hopes to use that knowledge again when he faces Harris in the Aug. 5 Democratic Party primary. The winner of that race will meet independents Cedric E. Parks, Harry R. Routt and Susie VanDevender in the Nov. 4 general election.
While Norwood has been learning the ropes of a Lauderdale County supervisor the past eight months, he said he's also had to campaign again against Harris.
Harris' phone number has been disconnected and he could not be reached for comment.
Norwood said he wants to continue to serve District 4. He said residents in District 4, which includes a majority of Meridian residents, need more basic services including better roads and drainage.
Norwood said city and county officials must work together to fix the problem.
Norwood said he's learned a lot in his eight months of service, including how long it takes to get projects done.
He said he's also looking forward to crafting the county's budget in the coming months.