Mayor Barker Launches Community Office Hours

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Mayor Toby Barker held his first office hours Tuesday at T-Bones. The Mayor wants to bring the local government as close to citizens as possible. He said this sit down event is an opportunity for people to talk about things going on in their neighborhoods and communities.

“I have the most talented team of people who love Hattiesburg and who love to work hard. We want those department heads that are often in the areas with the most complaints and the most needs to be available. I think people will hopefully see a very transparent administration with us. We are always going to strive to do the right thing. If we mess up we will apologize and try to change it but, more than that we want to hear the people say they have ownership over the destiny of their community,” said Mayor Toby Barker.

Office hours will be once a month in different locations throughout the city, after lunch hours.

Press Release Information from the City of Hattiesburg:

Each month, Mayor Barker will set up "office" at a local business or community venue. Staffers from the Mayor's Office will also be in attendance.

“One goal for our administration is to meet and interact with people where they are,” said Barker. “These monthly office hours in the community will allow us to hear from our residents and hopefully foster an open and authentic perspective of local government.”

The following dates and locations have been established through the end of 2017.

• Tuesday, Oct. 17 at T-Bone’s Records & Café (2101 Hardy Street) // 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

• Thursday, Nov. 2 at Southern Seafood (1005 E. Hardy Street) // 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

• Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Dis & Dem (1-27 Lake Forgetful) // 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.