‘A Stink Bomb on the Way Out’: Mayor-elect Thompson blasts mayoral pay cut

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Mayor-elect Willis Thompson said that the decision to reduce the salary of the mayor’s office effective June 30 was “politically motivated and emblematic of misplaced priorities within the current leadership,” in a statement released this afternoon.

“It’s no surprise when a defeated politician drops a stink bomb on their way out the door, but it still leaves a mess to be cleaned up,” said Mayor-elect Thompson. “I’m focused on issues like eliminating our $1.5 million garbage deficit and cleaning up our streets so local businesses can thrive.”

Thompson said that everyone involved has to be questioned, and that his administration will focus on solutions, not petty politics.

“As mayor, I will focus on solutions to our problems, not petty politics at the 11th hour after already being defeated in an election. It’s time to restore integrity to our budgeting process, support our city employees, and deliver the services Vicksburg residents expect and deserve,” he said.

The decision was made in this morning’s city board meeting to reduce the current salary of the mayor from $126,000 to $106,000, a $20,000 reduction in pay.

The City Ordinance will go into effect June 30, one day prior to Thompson’s first day in office.