OCEAN SPRINGS, MS – Ward 1 Alderman Jennifer Burgess has made bold claims about her role in city operations, portraying herself as a driving force behind Public Works projects and negotiations with the MDOT. But according to Mayor Kenny Holloway — and state law — those claims don’t hold up.
While Burgess has told voters she’s creating work schedules for city departments and influencing state-level transportation projects, the reality, as clarified by the mayor, is that such tasks are not part of her job and are legally prohibited for aldermen. Instead, her statements appear to be election-season rhetoric designed to inflate her role far beyond what the law allows.
Mayor Sets the Record Straight
Burgess’ recent social media claims have garnered the expected praise from constituents, but according to Mayor Holloway, these claims misrepresent the role of an alderman. “The Aldermen do not have any input into the priority or way the work will be done,” the mayor said. “Department heads report to me and not to any aldermen.”
In one Facebook post, Burgess claimed credit for “bringing MDOT to the table” to address her concerns about turn lanes and redesigning parts of Ocean Springs Road to her specifications. In another post, she boasted about submitting detailed lists of culverts and ditches to Public Works and working to create maintenance schedules for the department.
“I go through my Ward to make sure my work orders are getting completed and identifying any new work orders that need to be submitted,” Burgess wrote in a text message, but Holloway was clear these directives come from his executive branch, stating, “Only I can direct the staff.”
The Law: Legislative vs. Executive Authority
Mississippi law, as well as local ordinances, defines aldermen as part of the legislative branch, tasked with setting policies, passing ordinances, and representing constituents during official Board of Aldermen meetings. Administrative tasks, such as overseeing work orders and negotiating with outside agencies like MDOT, are reserved for the executive branch, led by the mayor.
(RELATED: Self-Appointed Authority: Alderman Skirts State Law by Taking on Unauthorized Roles)
Even if Burgess were to claim her actions were authorized by the mayor, state law prohibits such delegation. The roles of aldermen and the mayor are clearly defined, and aldermen are explicitly barred from directing city employees or participating in administrative decision-making.
The actions Burgess takes responsibility for are not just misrepresentations; they reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the separation of powers. Aldermen are elected to represent their constituents in legislative policymaking, not to manage city operations or act as liaisons with state agencies.
Local Reactions: A Divided Public
Burgess’s claims and the mayor’s clarifications have sparked debate among Ocean Springs residents, with opinions ranging from cautious support to outright criticism.
Greg Tharp expressed conditional approval. “If it’s altruistic and she is sincerely greasing the skids to do what inert, inefficient DEI hires won’t do, in order to help others… then that’s one thing,” he said. “If she’s influence peddling for personal gain, throw the book at her.”
Others, like Joe Jewell, were less forgiving, framing Burgess’s actions as a blatant overreach. “Aldermen have no legal authority to do this. This is pure arrogance,” Jewell wrote on Facebook. “I find this odd as elections are about to occur and she has a citizen-first opponent.”
The mixed reactions pinpoint the tension surrounding Burgess’s narrative. While some residents appreciate the appearance of proactive leadership, others see her claims as a calculated move to sway voters during election season, despite legal and procedural concerns raised by the mayor.
A Campaign Strategy?
Some see Burgess’ statements are less about governance and more about votes. By projecting an image of being highly active in city operations, Burgess may be attempting to appeal to voters who value a hands-on approach. However, the mayor’s clarifications — and the legal framework — show that her job is legally limited to legislative actions within official Board of Aldermen meetings.
Burgess’s repeated claims could also erode public trust, as voters may feel misled about her role. If aldermen begin stepping outside their legal boundaries, it not only undermines the separation of powers but also risks creating confusion and inefficiencies in city operations.
The Ward 1 Alderman seat, currently held by Burgess, is being challenged by fellow Republican Steve Tillis and more may show their faces. Candidates have until the end of January to officially enter the race.
All of the elected positions in Ocean Springs are up for grabs in the upcoming 2025 citywide elections.
