Local Aberdeen residents react to the former mayors guilty plea

ABERDEEN, Miss. (WCBI) – This weekend former Aberdeen Mayor Maurice Howard posted a video on Facebook saying he would resign one day, real soon, but he told WCBI it was only a rumor.

Howard had to resign on Monday after pleading guilty to a felony.

Now, the Monroe County town is looking for a new leader despite this tarnish, some people tell WCBI they are hopeful.

James Terry owns several businesses and buildings in downtown Aberdeen and has for decades.

He sees new mayoral leadership in town as an opportunity.

“It’s always a bad look on the city. But I will say from a business owner and a pastor in Aberdeen, that Aberdeen has a lot to offer, and I hope that people don’t look at this and see the bad side of it,” said James Terry, Terry’s Flooring and Design. “I believe at this point we should be able to move forward, get a good mayor in here that can push forward, and lead us to great things and build our city back.”

Police Chief Henry Randle sees the situation from both law enforcement and political point of view because he’s also elected to office.

Randle says politicians are and should be held to a higher standard.

“We don’t do things where things may stain our name or our city, but unfortunately situations happen and we can always bounce back from it,” said Randle.

Randle believes the news of the mayor’s guilty plea will pass and the town will be okay.

“We’ve got to understand and forgiving, as well, and once this takes place and everybody sits down and has a good heart about moving forward, I think that will take place,” said Randle.

Another reason for better news is business. Terry, who is also a preacher, says he will remain in Aberdeen.

He believes this is a time to keep the faith.

“Anytime you have a minister involved in something like this, it gives a bad reflection on churches and ministers, but I believe we have some great churches in Aberdeen and I believe he doesn’t represent everybody in Aberdeen,” said Randle.

Aberdeen aldermen either did not return our calls, declined to comment, or declined an on-camera interview.

Ward 4 Alderwoman Carolyn Odom told me she’s glad this over, she hates it for Howard’s family, and what goes around comes around.