Vicksburg Ward 1 Alderman Thomas “T.J.” Mayfield is one of the youngest sitting members of a municipal governing body in Mississippi, and he is using his age to his advantage as he works to relate to the next generation of local leaders.

“I am closer in age to you than I am to the mayor,” Mayfield, 31,  said Wednesday to a group of children and teenagers from Vicksburg Family Development on a visit to Vicksburg City Hall.

Mayfield gathered the group of young men in the Robert M. Walker Building, where the Board of Mayor and Aldermen hold regular meetings.

“What that means is, I want to represent y’all,” Mayfield said. “With issues that are going on, I can’t help you unless you tell me what’s going on. I told you I’m closer in age to you to let you know this is possible. You can accomplish anything that you want. Fifteen years ago, I was in (your) seat.”

Mayfield, who has made connecting with the city’s youth a top priority since taking office seven months ago, spent the better part of an hour Wednesday answering questions from the group.

“Never let anyone tell you what you can’t do,” he said in closing.