Incoming McComb Ward 4 Selectman John Bates is following in the footsteps of two cousins who have served on city councils.
Bates, who defeated Eddie Thompson in the Democratic primary runoff, will take office July 1. That comes just one year after his third cousin Marcus Pittman, also the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Mississippi executive director, was elected to the Summit Town Council.
Both Bates and Pittman graduated from McComb High School.
“That means a lot to be with family members basically in a politician world,” Bates said. “I’m pretty sure our great-grandfather would be a proud man, Mr. Marvin Perkins, for us pursuing and working to help the city and help the people.”
Bates is also the first cousin of Frances Francis, who has served on the New Orleans city council. Both Pittman and Francis inspired Bates.
“It was just me personally, I was just inspired with those two and how those things were going,” Bates said. “And then with me as a leader in the community, I thought it would be very beneficial for me to try to run for office to help once again to bring our community as one.”
Bates said he and Pittman have both worked well with the youth. He praised Pittman’s efforts with the Boys & Girls Club.
Bates himself said he began helping 22 young men in public schools maintain a 3.4 GPA in 2018. He honored them at the Pike County People’s Choice Awards, an organization he helped restart.
“One thing that I plan on implementing with the ward that I have been placed to be over, I want to get with the community of people and work with the young people that may be less fortunate and have not reached the point of a 3.4. And start an afterschool program,” he said.
Bates said he will continue the work outgoing Ward 4 Selectman Shawn Williams started to rebuild the Alpha Center in the Baertown community.
“We’re going to utilize the Alpha Center and finish off the projects Mr. Shawn Williams, who’s done a great job, had going,” Bates said. “I wouldn’t dare not finish that off, because it was a great idea for the community in the Baertown area.”
Bates thanked his wife, Cadessa, and parents, Harry Maxwell and Rose P. Maxwell, for helping him get where he is.
While Bates’ parents have never held political office, he said they lit up Christmas lights and gave out gifts to members of the community for many years.
“Here recently with COVID they had stopped, but prayerfully, we plan to start back if God heals back this year,” he said.
Bates thanked God for putting in his spirit for what needs to be done.
“I just love helping people and doing things in the right way and trying to bring our city back to unity,” he said.
“Everyone knows that I’m a team player. Everyone knows that my motto is the dream that will come with unity with the people. Everyone knows that I am fair and that will do what’s right for the community, the people who put me in office.”
