Spraggins supporting Hewes for Gulfport mayor [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 to run a second time himself.

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

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, the only candidate to announce so far for the 2013 race.

Spraggins said that Hewes understands the city and its needs. Also, He believes 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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