Billingsley leads by example
From Glenn Billingsley’s viewpoint, he wasn’t elected mayor of Coldwater just to lead the town. He was chosen to serve it.
After two consecutive terms on the Coldwater Board of Aldermen, Billingsley earned the mayor’s seat in July 2021 and hit the ground running to make good on the promises he made on the campaign trail.
“My goal is always to be a beacon of light in the community and serve the citizens of Coldwater,” said Billingsley, who celebrated his 53rd birthday Jan. 25. “I want to change the culture of this town and remind everyone they mean something to someone else. There is no big ‘I’ and little ‘you’. We are all in this together working toward a common goal.”
In only seven months as mayor, Billingsley is leading Coldwater not only with words and paperwork but by example. And he hasn’t been alone in his efforts. Vivion, Billingsley’s wife for the past 23 years, has been by his side every step of the way with a servant's heart to bless others selflessly.
The couple coordinated a food giveaway in November and prepared over 50 boxes filled with traditional Thanksgiving staples such as turkeys, hams, and various canned goods that were delivered to senior citizens in Coldwater.
The Billingsley’s turned it up a notch during in December and collected enough toys to ensure 80 to 100 children in the community had a reason to smile on Christmas morning. They also hand-delivered gifts and hugs to every child at Clen Moore Head Start Center while dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus.
“We have been blessed, so we want to be a blessing to others,” Billingsley explained.
Billingsley said in October the town partnered with First Baptist Church in Coldwater for Halloween Trunk or Treat on the square and over 1,000 people attended. The annual Christmas parade in December was the one of the biggest in the town’s history with over 70 entries. He said several community-wide cleanup days are being planned for the near future.
“We want all citizens involved in what we are trying to accomplish and that means coming together to make positive changes,” Billingsley said. “That was my vision when I ran for mayor, and I still believe that.”
A 1988 graduate of North Panola High School, Billingsley has lived in Coldwater the past 29 years and is not afraid to roll up his sleeves to ensure the town he loves is headed in the right direction.
Several new businesses have plans to open soon including a truck stop near Interstate 55 and a supermarket on Highway 51. Billingsley said the town was recently approved for almost $900,000 in grants that will be used for improvements to the lagoon and wastewater treatment plant, as well as overlaying asphalt on several streets in Coldwater.
“One of the grants is fully-funded for $450,000 and does not require a match,” Billingsley said. “That means the burden of extra charges won’t be placed on our citizens.”
He was in Jackson for the legislative session in January and made fund requests to add handicapped ramps around town and upgrade sidewalks and lighting.
Billingsley has no intentions of slowing down even though the last seven months have been busy and filled with opportunities to serve the citizens he represents.
“We have big plans for Coldwater, and we are excited about what lies ahead,” Billingsley added. “Teamwork makes the dream work, and we are all in this together.”
