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Cauthen, Eidt right for the job
Published Sunday, November 4, 2007
On Tuesday, Adams County voters will head to the polls with a difficult job on their shoulders.
Locally, two candidates each in supervisors District 1 and 2 are on the ballot. All are good men with good intentions.
Selecting a leader, however, one must look at the whole person; examine their strengths and their weaknesses. We’ve talked to the candidates, met with them individually and followed their actions through the campaign.
We believe the choices are clear when all of the facts are considered.
In District 1, long-time supervisor Sammy Cauthen earns our endorsement. Despite a vocal group who seeks “change” on the board, few of their reasons for change have held much water with us.
Critics have challenged Cauthen’s travel expenses while at the same time criticized the current board for not getting anything done with regard to jobs.
We think Cauthen brings much to the table in terms of experience, know-how and contacts within state and national government. Those are invaluable, and we’d be foolish to let those drop. His travel expenses are not outrageous, especially if you consider his involvement in helping to lobby for our area.
Perhaps one of Cauthen’s best attributes, which often goes unnoticed, is his easygoing nature and ability to remain calm and levelheaded under fire.
We urge residents of District 1 to strongly consider whether or not the county is in a better position today than it was four years ago. We think it is and we think Cauthen has been a catalyst for change.
In District 2, challenger Joe Eidt earns our endorsement because of the skills he brings to the table. His background in sales and his personality make him uniquely positioned to be able to work together with others of differing opinions, backgrounds and motivations to hammer our solutions.
It’s easy to just always disagree with the majority. Armchair quarterbacks and sideline critics are easy to find.
Finding team players who can bring all sides together and find solutions instead of just complaining all the time is much more difficult.
We think Eidt can do this and do it well.
His dedication to the area is well known as is his commitment to working with others to do what’s best for all, not just what’s popular for a small group.
We hope the voters of District 2 will give Eidt, a hometown man with hometown values, a chance on Tuesday.
Regardless of which candidates you choose, we urge you to vote on Tuesday and vote with your head and your heart.
Comments
Posted by frogprincenessntz (anonymous) on November 4, 2007 at 3:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr Watts has been fighting an uphill battle for the last four years. He has consistently tried to serve the people of his district and the whole county. Yes, he has argued and fought to keep the county on solid financial footing and on track for the future. If the county is in better shape now than it was fours years ago, he has to be given some of the credit for that. The voters are not stupid. They know the ones who are putting their power "clique" in front of what is best for the citizens they are supposed to be representing. The only way Mr. Eidt can bring all sides together with this group intact, is to go against the best interests of the people and join them. JMO(just my opinion)
Posted by olderthandirt (anonymous) on November 4, 2007 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As I recall, I believe the Natchez Democrat endorsed Philip West for Mayor.Look at what we got! Folks, think for yourselves on Tuesday. It's a very important vote.
Posted by lambchop (anonymous) on November 4, 2007 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have to disagree with the N.D.'s selections. Cauthen needs to go! Cauthen worked well when first elected, but too many years and too much self gratification. Trips that were unnecessary. He ALWAYS votes with Grennell and Campbell. Mike Lazarus should make a good "servant of the people" as Cauthen is only a servant to Grennell and Campbell and himself. I acknowledge Cauthen has done good things, but just being level headed is no reason to maintain him on the payroll. He takes too much and gives too little. Watts also needs to remain on the board -- he has shown that his promises were worth keeping. He has to fight (along with Spanky) for anything and everything. Financial responsibility --- Seems too many people don't know about that - Look at Binky Vines for that answer -- It is our TAX DOLLARS that are being spent and the citizens of the District One and Two deserve the best. Side note: If Eidt is elected, I think he too would make a good member. BUT, let's give Watts another 4 years. Good luck!
Posted by dancingpig (anonymous) on November 4, 2007 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In "barbershop" conversations with people who represent a diverse cross-section of our community, I would have to say that most agree with all four of the above comments. Vote your conscience, vote for the best interests of Adams County, but VOTE! Good luck to all of the candidates.
Posted by supermom (anonymous) on November 4, 2007 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
VOTE, VOTE,VOTE!!!!! If you dont' vote, you have no right to complain about who isn't doing a good job! If you don't know who to vote for, then you can always vote against the one you think isn't doing a good job!
Posted by Natchezman39 (anonymous) on November 4, 2007 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In the paper you asked the question" Is Natchez better off than four years ago?" I would agree that Natchez is turning around. But, Sammy has been in office for twenty plus years. Ask yourself this question. Is Natchez better now than twenty years ago or even ten years ago? Sammy likes to take credit for getting jobs to come to Natchez but doesn't say anything about the number of jobs Natchez has LOST in terms as Supervisor. He gives none of the credit to the work force of Natchez. As far as companies looking at Natchez. I believe in the people of Natchez and know WE need some new leadership to get Natchez back on track to what we all know Natchez can be. Please go vote for the right man for the job. Mike Lazarus is that man.
Posted by eagles (anonymous) on November 4, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with the Natchez Democrat. They have a right to their opinion, just as we do. I hope that Eidt and Cauthen win. I think they are the best candidates for their positions. Get out and vote, people. Let yourself be heard where it counts! Go JOE!!!
Posted by bethmacg (anonymous) on November 4, 2007 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is about this time each term that we hear about all the wonderful things that each incumbant has accomplished. Before you vote, please look at the history of each candidate.
Joe Eidt has been serving this community for more than 25 years. He is endorsed by some outstanding Adams County residents -- Ken Beasley and Sissy Eidt -- who have known him all of his life, and believe that he is the man for the job. He is endorsed by his peers - Porky Smith - and a representative -- Sally Mullens Jones -- of the mother's of the youth he mentored and coached over the past twenty years.
Today he is endorsed by the Natchez Democrat, whose editorial staff usually chooses the BEST candidate for the position in each race based upon the FACTS.
The "barbershop" talk I have heard says "Eidt is the man for the job." The church talk I have heard says "Eidt is the man for the job." The business talk I have heard says "Eidt is the man for the job." The family talk I have heard says "Eidt is the man for the job." Even those who are supporting Watts say that they would vote for Eidt if he wasn't running against Henry. That is a lot of support! And for a good reason. JOE JOE EIDT IS THE MAN FOR THE JOB! ---- VOTE JOE EIDT III, SUPERVISOR DISTRICT TWO.
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on November 4, 2007 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sammy has been around to see the demise of Armstrong, Manville and IP. Let's move on without Sammy!
Posted by nursediane (anonymous) on November 5, 2007 at 5:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As I read the front page of the Democrat the other day I was amazed at the powers Joe Eidt claims to have. He states that he can make 5 people of different races, religions, financial backgrounds and education all agree on every issue that is brought before them. I have 5 people in my family, and we can’t all agree on the same thing all the time. He doesn’t reveal his secret, but I’m guessing that he is either a hypnotist or has some strong mind controlling drugs. In any case, he is wasting his skill on Natchez. He needs to be where he can really make some major changes! I think Natchez and Adams County would be best served by someone who doesn’t make such foolish and unattainable promises. Henry Watts has served as District 2 Supervisor for the past 4 years. He has kept his promises to the voters by voting to lower property taxes, voting no to supervisor pay raises, unnecessary spending and travel expenses. Why didn't the other supervisors vote for these things? He doesn’t even charge the county for the gas he uses in his vehicle when he is doing county business. He is trying to cut spending while bringing new business into the area.
I am not related to Henry, and I don’t know Joe Joe, but I do know that Adams County doesn’t need a magician to give us a show, we need someone who has our best interests in mind and can represent the voters in his district. I will be voting for honesty and integrity, not smoke and mirrors. I hope you do the same.
Posted by bethmacg (anonymous) on November 5, 2007 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, well... what an attitude nursediane! Negative, Negative, Negative. This is the very reason we need new leadership in Natchez. Joe never claimed to be a magician. He has just proven over the past 25 years dealing with all types of people, from all socio-economic levels, races, genders, and religious beliefs that "fighting" and negative behavior never wins in any situation! Foolish promises, he has never made. Postive statements for the future... yes! Sounds to me like Watts supporters are grasping at straws to pull out a victory by making false and negative accusations. Sad, so sad.
Posted by bethmacg (anonymous) on November 5, 2007 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You know what would be really, really nice? Is for everyone, including the supporters of different candidates, to realize the true issues here. If each commentator would get in your car and drive 60 miles to the east, 60 miles to the south, 60 miles to the north, and west, one would find economic growth in each county/parish. It is true that no one person is going to make or break Adams County. However, with a positive attitude and a willingness to work together and even compromise, when needed, Adams County could join the rest of the world by inviting and making it attractive for industries of ALL sizes. Otherwise, the commentators who get online every day and comment about every story, every leader, every situation, in a negative way, are going to have a whole lot to talk about!
Posted by eagles (anonymous) on November 5, 2007 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are a very smart woman, bethmacg! I agree with everything you say, 100%. I do know Joe and I DO believe without a doubt that he can (and WILL) make a difference. I've never heard him claim to make everyone agree and I've had many conversations with him. I think he will be fair to the people of this county and I truly believe he is the best man for this job. I know candidates love to make promises around election time. One of them is to "cut spending". As a taxpayer, I'm all for that. However, I also believe "you get what you pay for". I know that just because something "saves you money" now, doesn't necessarily mean it's best in the long run. It can (and usually does) come back and bite you in the butt. Be careful who you vote for, people. We shouldn't scream for change, complain about our local government, then turn around and vote for the same people again! If you truly want change, let's make that happen. VOTE FOR JOE!!!
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on November 5, 2007 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GO JOE!!!!!!
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