Our Prayers Are With The Compretta Family

Compretta killed by parade float

Compretta was a business owner and civic activist who had held numerous community leadership positions. His father is a veteran state legislator, attorney and speaker pro tempore of the Mississippi House of Representatives.

Expressions of sorrow flowed in Sunday as news of the accident spread throughout the Coast and statewide. Rep. Billy McCoy, speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives, issued a statement expressing sorrow at the state government level, saying the Legislature is a small and close family that grieves and shares in the hardest of times.

"There can be no tougher time than this," McCoy said. "We send our love and concern from the bottom of our hearts to the Compretta family."

Bay St. Louis Councilman Jim Thriffiley, who knew Compretta from childhood and taught him at St. Stanislaus College Prep, praised him as a tireless community advocate with a deep concern for the people of Hancock County.

"His service over the years is unbelievable," Thriffiley said. "The time and energy he gave, and the committees he served on, showed a deep commitment and dedication to the whole community."

Bryant's Recommendation for Pro Tempore

The Clarion Ledger published the following the morning:

Lt. Gov.-elect Phil Bryant has recommended state Sen. Billy Hewes, R-Gulfport, to serve as the next president pro-tempore of the Senate.

Traditionally, Senate members vote based on the lieutenant governor's recommendation. The president pro-tempore leads the Senate in the absence of the
lieutenant governor.

Bryant also recommended Kevin Upchurch, who is currently deputy executive director for the state department of finance and administration, to serve as secretary of the Senate.

Bryant says he is leaving the election of the Rules Committee members in the hands of the entire body.