Former Gulfport mayoral candidate supports Hewes [The Sun Herald, Biloxi, Miss.]

July 17--GULFPORT -- Retired Brig. Gen. Joe Spraggins has decided to support former state Sen. Billy Hewes III for mayor rather than run a second time himself.

"He's a good guy and he will make a good mayor," said Spraggins, who retired from the Air Force National Guard and now works in business development in Gulfport. "I just want to get behind him."

Chief Administrative Officer John Kelly also was considering a run for mayor, but said Monday that he decided against it awhile back.

"I did a lot of praying about it," Kelly said. "My wife and I discussed it. Quite frankly, I could never get comfortable with the idea of saying 'yes' to it.

"My whole professional career, when I've had to make big decisions, I've always made a point to pray about it. I'm just thankful I've always gotten guidance from somebody much bigger than I about what I needed to do."

Kelly said he called Hewes to let him know that he would not be running. Hewes is the only Gulfport mayoral candidate so far to announce for the 2013 municipal election. He also has the support of council President Ricky Dombrowski.

Spraggins posted about the race Monday on Facebook, telling his friends: "I am working on Billy's campaign committee to support him for mayor. Billy has worked for South Mississippi in Jackson for over 20 years and will be a great asset to Gulfport as mayor ... "

Spraggins lost the Republican primary for mayor in 2005 to Brent Warr, who was elected and served one term.

Spraggins, Harrison County's civil defense director during Hurricane Katrina, is looking for volunteers to help with an Aug. 23 fund-raiser for Hewes.

Spraggins said that Hewes, also a Republican, understands the city and its needs. Also, Spraggins believes that Hewes' legislative experience will help the city with state leaders.

Hewes also has worked for 27 years in the insurance business. He and his father, a former Gulfport councilman, have combined insurance and real estate businesses in Orange Grove. The Heweses are descended from Gulfport's first mayor, Finley B. Hewes.

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