Justin Mauldin on the Issues

Protecting Our Values & Freedoms

Carthage is more than a dot on a map, it’s a community built on faith, family, freedom, and personal responsibility. I believe those values are worth defending, in our homes and in our halls of government. Our rights don’t come from politicians. They come from God, and the Constitution protects them, not the other way around.

Fiscal Responsibility


It’s your money and your government. You have the right to know where it goes. The people of Carthage work hard for every dollar they earn, and your town government should treat those dollars with the same care and common sense you do at your own kitchen table. I’ll control spending and require clear justification for every dollar in the town budget. No blank checks. No surprises.Your tax dollars deserve the same respect you give them. I’ll make sure every dollar the town spends is justified and accounted for.

Water & Sewer Infrastructure


It’s not glamorous, but it matters. Carthage’s water and sewer system are aging, and the city has already been working through major upgrades to repair, replace, and modernize critical lines and equipment. Those current projects and the budget that supports them have to be managed carefully, with strong oversight, clear timelines, and responsible spending. I’ll make sure every utility dollar is used wisely, projects are done right the first time, and we pursue every available grant opportunity so the cost doesn’t fall entirely on the citizens. And just as important, we won’t only focus on what’s in front of us today. We’ll keep an eye forward and continue improving our water and sewer infrastructure so Carthage stays reliable, affordable, and ready for the future.

Supporting Local Business


A thriving Carthage starts with thriving local businesses, both on the square and every corner of our town. I’ll work to cut red tape and make sure our town government is a partner to business owners, not an obstacle.

Public Safety

Our police officers and first responders put it on the line every day for this community. They deserve a mayor who has their back with the staffing, the pay, and the resources to do their jobs well and get home safely to their families.

Transparency & Open Government


You deserve to know what your town government is doing and why. That means open meetings, access to public records, and honest answers instead of runaround or jargon. My door will be open, my phone number will stay public, and if you have a question or concern, I want to hear it directly. At the end of the day, government doesn’t belong to the mayor or the council, it belongs to the people of Carthage.