n The high school English teacher has lived in the city for the last 25 years.

By Emily Le Coz

Daily Journal

TUPELO - Political newcomer Patricia "Patsy" Griffin wants a seat on the City Council in Ward 1.

Griffin, 47, qualified as the sole Democrat in the race for the west Tupelo ward, which has three other candidates. Current Ward 1 Councilman Dick Hill is not seeking re-election.

The school teacher and mother of two said she wants to bring fresh perspective and new ideas to the council, which she described as being run by the same people every term.

"It's time for something different," she said. "And I want the city to be a better place for my children."

Born in California, Griffin was raised in Pontotoc and has lived in Tupelo for the past 25 years. She teaches English at Shannon High School and sells real estate part time.

She has no political experience, but said that's the point of her campaign. If elected, Griffin said, she'll be able to truly represent regular residents because she will be one of them.

"I'm an average person concerned about the city," she said. "And I've just always wanted to do this."

Her goals include lowering taxes and making wiser use of municipal dollars. Too much is spent on wasteful items and services now, Griffin said.

She also wants to increase police presence in residential areas, improve traffic flow along some of the city's busy thoroughfares, establish an open dialogue between City Hall and Tupelo residents, and seek consensus on the council.

Griffin described herself as being passionate about education and animals. She said she'd like to see the city give more support to the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society and the public school district. She also said she would seek ways to improve quality of life here, especially for families with children.

Griffin graduated from North Pontotoc High School and attended Itawamba Community College, the University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University. She has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in English education.

The candidate is married with two children and attends Harrisburg Baptist Church. She also serves on the Northeast Mississippi Board of Realtors.

For more information about her campaign, contact Griffin at pgriffin@onecallinc.com.

Contact Emily Le Coz at (662) 678-1588 or emily.lecoz@djournal.com.