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What is the buzzword for this campaign?
Published Saturday, April 26, 2008
Normally, the political buzzword in triplicate just before an election is: jobs, jobs, jobs.
Apparently, the voters, and a few candidates, have realized that a single alderman or even the mayor cannot generally do much — at least not by himself or herself — to bring economic development to the area.
Their job should really be to work on making the community the best place to live and work first. Then the jobs will come as a result.
But this year, the J-word being tossed about isn’t “jobs” but it might be “junky.”
Junky, dilapidated houses are words on the lips of almost every candidate for mayor and board of aldermen.
Not surprisingly, it’s not a new topic. Few people — regardless of race or economic background — would choose to live next to an abandoned, run down property. Given the choice, almost without fail, most people would choose to live in a tidy area.
Yet, Natchez has dozens and dozens of such properties.
Over the last several days, a few of us at the newspaper have been interviewing candidates, talking to them about the issues and asking them their plans if they were to be elected — or reelected for incumbents.
On the subject of dilapidated properties, we’ve already heard a menagerie of ideas — and we’re only about halfway through talking to the candidates.
One candidate wants to have the government lease the properties from the owners, then allow nearby neighbors to allow community vegetable gardens to be planted.
Another suggested that the properties be turned over to a private agency to refurbish them for new, low-income homebuyers.
Another candidate suggested something radical: what would happen if each person running for office decided to just adopt a property and take care of the issue? It’s an interesting idea. While the candidate was, jokingly, suggesting that each work to tear it down, imagine the volunteer power out there if citizens stepped forward and formed a committee to help the city enforce the laws.
All of those are novel ideas, and maybe a couple could work, but they’ll take some time to get off the ground.
How about we simply review our existing laws first. Let’s determine if the problem in cleaning up these eyesores is hindered by poor enforcement of the existing law or a truly flawed set of rules that must be followed.
Either way, a fix doesn’t seem that difficult. Natchez is a big enough city that this shouldn’t continue to be a problem.
A couple of years of working at it and this problem could be behind us.
If the existing regulations prove to be sound and the issue is one of manpower, then perhaps we can figure out a way to get additional manpower.
City elected officials and local tourism leaders are planning on asking voters to approve a $2 per bed tax on hotel rooms. The funds are earmarked for marketing the city, but could “marketing” be considered cleaning up the ugliest parts of town?
If our blighted housing laws prove to be sound and the problem is a lack of manpower to enforce the laws, why not dedicate $40,000 of the “marketing” money from the hotel tax and hire someone to focus on the problem.
Ugly, dilapidated housing makes our area look awful to visitors. And they only have to look at the burned out structures as they drive by.
Imagine what it’s like to have to live next door to it. It’s best described in triplicate: Bad, bad, bad.
Kevin Cooper is publisher of The Natchez Democrat. He can be reached at 601-445-3539 or kevin.cooper@natchezdemocrat.com.
Comments
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 12:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry Kevin. That's where we start screwing up. The money is for marketing. Stretching the imagination to use it in other areas will only insure its defeat. 6 aldermen and a mayor will all stretch their imaginations to use this money in 7 different directions which will only remotely be capable of being considered marketing. That is what politicians do. Let's commit to using the money (assuming it passes) as it is supposed to be used. I want the rotting buildings gone as much as anyone, but this is not the way.
Again,I will offer to take photographs of various buildings and provide a list of their owner's names if you will agree to publish them. We would obviously want to use some discretion where hardship seemed to be a factor.
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 1:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Point and well taken! You are wearing your good pair of glasses this morning!
Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 2:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry Kevin. The money is for marketing.
The issue this year is jobs, jobs. and jobs! The unemployment rate has been cut in half since our last mayoral election! Your trying to make it something other than that is laughable. Four years ago candidate West promised us progress. For nearly a decade we have been governed by (more or less) the same board of aldermen. What is the difference now? We have a Mayor who knows how to move our city forward. You suggested that one person COULD NOT make a difference. I beg to differ -- look at Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Gandhi, the Dalai Lama-- or each of us who work or volunteer in our own way to make Natchez a better place for ourselves and our families to live, work and play.
Instead of lecturing us on dilapidated buildings, you need to go to the building that the Democrat owns on the corner of Franklin and Wall, and make a difference there. As far as the Democrat goes, it is apparent that you don't make available the dollars or the manpower to spruce up your own building. Why would we line up behind you and your ideas of trespassing on to private property? As I recall, you blasted the Board of Aldermen for doing just what you are now advocating.
Jobs are the issue. West is accomplishing them; instead of giving him credit, you want to make something else the issue. Shame on you.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh boy!!! Already planning to spend the wanted approved tax money on something else...This is why people will vote against the tax hike!!!!
Have west go in and bulldoze them all down.. That wouldn't cost $40,000.00.....
Take some of the money from the casino's pay for it if West doesn't want the job.
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kevin...I'll chime in a support OldGrandDad, hitormiss and fire39212 on this one, the tax is for marketing and marketing only...otherwise, it will and should fail.
hitormiss...OMG, are you seriously comparing PW to Abraham Lincoln, MLK and Gandhi, etc. That's preposterous on its face. His role in politics has been primarily divisive, not inclusive as the the others you cite were.
Vote for inclusion, fair play and common sense...Vote for Chick!
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
On another note...OldGrandDad...here's another good use for inmate labor...tearing down the dilapidated houses and maintaining the resulting lots as gardens for the good of the neighbors and for supplying their own food at the jail.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good idea sammohon....Or let the inmates plant and work the garden for elderly people to enjoy that aren't able to raise a garden... So many elderly people have lived from a garden now aren't able to plant or work a garden and they miss that food.....
Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sam,
You need to read Kevin's editorial and then my posting again. I was not comparing PW to anyone. I was disputing Kevin’s point the one person could not make a difference, giving examples of Abraham Lincoln, MLK and Gandhi, etc. Your anti West minded jumped to the wrong conclusion.
My point again, one person can make a difference. Volunteer in our community.
Also, as for your inmate labor idea, Louisiana used inmate labor at the Governors mansion until the Romer administration. The inmates used at the mansion were considered to best reformed.
During the Romer administration, one of these inmates left the mansion and killed someone. The practice of using inmate labor stopped. I do not advocate using inmate labor especially around the elderly and children.
Posted by oldsaw (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hitormiss,
The Dalai Lamma gives me nothing I want. Give me a break!
Samohom,
Graning is the inclusion candidate? He taught in a private school and has voted Republican every time. Inclusive?Please.
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
oldsaw...Chick also played and coached at the collegiate level at public universities! He had to be a leader to create teams from sometimes very disparate players. He had to work with other staff and administration from all walks of life and was very successful doing so.
He put together a business team for AFLAC in this area that was very diverse and successful. He has proven his ability to bring people together in a positive way unlike PW whose divisiveness is well documented. If you knew him, which you obviously do not, you would know that he is always looking for progress through consensus.
I don't know how Chick has voted in the past and neither do you. He is running as an independent, but I can say that Republicans have been the more inclusive party than the Democratic party. If you want personal success and responsibility, smaller government, fiscal conservatism...we'll take you!
If you want the government to tell you how to live and to take your money and spend it because they know better than you how to spend your money, by all means be a Democrat. If you want your vote taken for granted, because you WILL be forgotten after the election, by all means be a Democrat. If you want a continued lack of self-determination, personal responsibility, public doles, etc. by all means be a Democrat...there's your sign!
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hitormiss...you are correct, one person can make a difference...it's one reason I post so often...from the standpoint of history, however, one person can make a difference for either good or ill...so far, PW's contribution has been more negative than positive.
As for the inmate labor issue...Buddy Roemer's decisions aren't exactly a shining standard, but be that as it may...lightening may fall from the sky, airplanes crash occasionally, trains derail, sometimes inmates allowed on work release are poorly vetted or do something stupid...is it cause to throw the baby out with the bath water? I say NO! These people should repay their debt to society with good works rather than sitting around in air-conditioned cells watching TV and eating three squares a day that we pay for.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thats correct sammohon......
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Alright Sam, here's one that needs the work:
300-pound inmate complains Ark. jail doesn't feed him well
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/O...
And in other news, Al Sharpton threatens New York City, Bill Clinton opened his mouth and two women reported having sex with a ghost for over a year. The women would have reported the situation sooner but apparently the sex was pretty good.
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow...3,000 calories ain't enough for that guy?...I haven't been able to consume 3,000 calories since I was 17 and I played four sports.
Nothing Al Sharpton or Bill Clinton do or say surprises me anymore...they're just bucking for attention, but the ghost must've been quite accomplished to keep two women satisfied for so long!...LOL.
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on April 27, 2008 at 8:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was kind of in favor of the “bed tax” until today’s article in the ND!
If the ND thinks it would be okay to divert $40,000 for a special project, just imagine what the elected are thinking.
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The piggies that squeal the loudest get the most slop thrown to them. Sadly, the Democrat is starting to squeal long before we even have the slop in the bucket. That's not doing our proposed tax any favors. But, somehow I feel like they know that. I wonder what's up.
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
oldsaw...I forgot to mention that the high school Chick taught economics at in Oak Ridge TN is a public school not a private school as you stated.
gemcull and OldGrandDad...I, too smell a rat in the tax op-ed posted today...what were they thinking? Just the suggestion of diverting the funds can scuttle what was otherwise a good idea. The op-ed definitely looked like a not-so-well disguised torpedo intentionally fired at the tax referendum!
Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Democrat's staff is very transparent. As I stated this morning, shame on Kevin.
Posted by Incognito (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 11:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/042520...
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 27, 2008 at 11:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
incognito...what has Bill Moyer's interview with Rev. Wright go to do with the topic at hand?
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 12:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Probably about as much as dilapidated houses have to do with marketing. (insert little yellow smiley face here)
Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 6:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The houses aren't the problem with Natchez. The streets and sidewalks are.
Where's my broom, I am for a clean sweep of ALL the current politicians--and most definitly including PW--C Ya Phillip!
Posted by SayItRight (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What happened to property owners being responsible for their own property and it's condition?
"If" they are paying their taxes on it just for a tax write-off, then they must have enough income to need the deduction. And if the value of it is considered high enough to garner enough credit on their tax return they could certainly improve it or tear it down and use the expense to benefit even more. Are they insuring these properties and for what values if so?
If they can't afford to take care of it but are paying taxes on it, why keep it? If they aren't paying their taxes are there people in Natchez who are buying these properties due to the liens on them? If it is in a location where they likely wouldn't have a buyer who could develop it, it seems as if there could be a non-profit program developed to acquire these properties cost efficiently, improve them and use them for better purposes.
I like the idea of gardens for the community. With the rising cost of food this would be great. People need to know how to be more self-sufficient these days and growing and tending a garden would be great projects for schools, churches, and civic and community organizations. Why wouldn't the garden clubs be interested in partially sponsoring this in some manner since beautification is one of their interests?
Now would be a good time to explore grant money for this type of project that would include participants of all different types of people to bring the community together instead of just griping about how it looks and nothing getting done. If the people around them have pride in their area and hate the way they look and want to do something about it, I think they can. The city or county wouldn't have to use tax money to do this if enough people truly wanted to find a solution.
Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sammohon, What in God's name makes you think that Granning is qualified. He was a coach, nice guy yes, mayor NO.
Only one person is truly qualified, the ONE SINGLE successful business owner and 17 year politician. That would be JAKE 08. PLEASE, obviously Granning is your friend, but please vote qualifications and not who you are close to.
LET"S FACE IT PEOPLE, if you laid out the three candidates on paper to an unbiased person without giving their name, JAKE MIDDLETON would win by a huge margin. Open you eyes people, only one candidate has all the qualifications, JAKE 08.
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The "help wanted" section is looking pretty good! Usually it's a little scarse.
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow - People on the blog agreeing that Kevin really really missed the point. The tax is for marketing ONLY! - no more diversions, no rehabbed houses with a little plaque saying Mayor so and so fixed it up under his administration.
Glad people agree!
Some solutions for distressed houses could be: Historic structures could be given to the Historic Natchez Foundation - many have in the past and many have found investors that have returned them to the tax roles and into good condition.
Houses unable to be saved could be torn down and the land donated for Habitat for Humanity or other groups.
The Mayor (of Choice) could spearhead volunteers for non profits,( and find grant money) and get new houses constructed, and deserving low income families into decent housing that they owned.
A mayor can and has made a difference (for better or worse). This election is important, the choice is not easy, I would hope that race was not going to be a factor, but it will be. I know Phillip has made mistakes, (who hasn't?) and his legacy with the Natchez Public School district will make him unpopular. Although he can get some blame for the dismal test scores in NPS, the reality is mostly black schools can have excellent academic results. Jackson has some level five high schools, with a very high black to white ratio. Natchez should be able to have great high schools too. Chick's ideas for the high school sound promising and I would like to see the entire business community, the parents, and the staff work to make NPS a great school district.
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
eagle1...Chick has many attributes which make him attractive as a mayor not the least of which is having cronies in local, state and federal government and 17 years of power with very little to show for it. Sometimes it is good to get away from the "Good Ole Boy" system Jake has been a part of.
Your right, he was a coach, a successful one at the collegiate lever (no mean feat), and is a very nice guy, so he knows how to get disparate people to work together toward a goal. It also gave him experience in dealing with higher education.
He is also a successful businessman of many years with AFLAC starting there presence in this area and recruiting many clients and sales associates to the program. So he knows about business.
He is an alumnus of Georgia Tech, one of the best universities academically in the country. He was an educator teaching economics in public school at the high school level. So he knows the public school system and economics to boot.
Jake and PW both suffer from the fact that if you aren't part of the solution then your part of the problem. Chick is untarnished.
Now he's not going to give any more specifics than absolutely necessary at this point nor should he...it would only allow PW and Jake more time to prepare for him when they have to face him in the general election. But be ready, when the general race begins Chick will be out there and will be innovative, forceful and unifying...he has the capability to ideate and then persuade people towards goals...this is precisely the kind of mayor we need.
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 7:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sam - Jake won't beat West, If Chick is to win he better start outlining his plans and ideas. Chick will have to pull some support from West, that won't be easy. Big Ideas could make it happen, without them we will still have West.
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 8:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
natchez1...in real estate, it's location, location, location...in politics, it's timing, timing, timing.
Rest assured, Chick has plenty of ideas, maybe not so grandiose as those of PW and Jake, how could they be without putting us into insolvency, but when the time is right you will get the specifics. He will speak his convictions and you will have no doubt about who or what you're voting for!
BTW, I like you, was pleasantly surprised so many people actually agreed on one issue...d'ya think Kevin planned it that way?....NAH...
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
(Natchez1) As usual, the blacks of Natchez need to wake up and realize that PW is looking out for himself and not his own! Some of them are finally reaiizing that now and I hope that anybody should be for all of natchez and I made add Adams County!
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
West is a political animal, he knows how to campaign, get the vote out and survive. He would not run if he was not confident of a win. I see very few members of the black community that are likely to defect. I think he has also impressed enough in the white community to gain a few more votes. - I am not saying he can't be beaten - it just won't be easy.
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
rushinghjr...while I agree with you that PW tends to be self-agrandizing, I don't think the race card should be played at all! The candidates have agreed amongst themselves to refrain and make this a clean campaign, I think we as citizens should do so too...let's keep it a campaign of issues.
Folks, regardless of race, are quite capable of seeing through the fog of politics. To be told by someone else what to do is patronizing and insulting. I prefer to rely on the wisdom and common sense of the common man.
Sorry, but I call'em like I see'em.
Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
rushinghjr,
Your statement, "As usual, the blacks of Natchez need to wake up" was uncalled for. Are there any African-American's on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club with you or any children in the club? What would they think of your statements?
Race should have nothing to do with the decisions we face in Natchez. You don't live here and don't vote here. Quit poisoning our community with your insults.
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 11:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hitormiss...now we know who you really are, Ms. Ogden...you could have saved us all the suspense by just posting under your real name like I do, but I guess I expect too much sometimes...we happen to agree on this particular issue, wonder of wonders!
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
(HitorMiss) As usual, you are still the same! You will never change! What I say is still none of your business as I have stated to you before, but you, as usual can't see past your nose! Apparently this is normal for you and your liberal friends of your "type!" You are still hitting and missing as usual-you need to go to a higher octane and go with Middleton in the first round and the then move to to a premium with "Chick" in the winning round! Oh by the way-as long as I live and pay taxes in Natchez and Adams County, I can speak and say whatever I please as you do! More for you later!
Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 11:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sam,
Your assessment is laughable. What’s your deal man? Sorry wrong again.
Rushinghjr,
You live in St. Mary Parish.
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 11:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hitormiss...see, I said basically the same thing you did to rushinghjr, but I did it in a nice non-confrontational way...and he hasn't come at me...YET...LOL...you've learned too much from your boss...you're like a chihuaha, constantly yapping, but no real threat...learn something, argue without rancor...otherwise, you just tick people off and gain nothing.
rushinghjr...you can be a bit strident let's cool off and re-engage in healthy debate.
Now that all have been sufficiently chastised...let the games begin!
Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 28, 2008 at 11:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sam,
Retired, no boss. I am looking forward to seeing how the elections turn out. We are a week out. Want to make any percentage predictions in the first round?
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 12:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sam) How's this from the 1st round: Middleton with 50 % and What's His Name with 50%? Sounds good!
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 12:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hitormiss...then I was certainly wrong in my guess as to your identity, but I know it now...LOL.
My prediction for the primary is West 64% and Middleton with 36% with a pretty good size turn out of around 40%.
What do ya think?
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 12:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sam - I think the turnout is too low and West will get a little under 60%
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 5:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What this editorial is saying is that the Democrat thinks the city should use 40,000.00 to hire yet another city employee to focus on getting rid of the dilapidated houses.
Maybe Natchez should becoming a sister city to Youngstown, Ohio. Youngstown is dismantling itself to return the land to green space in recognition of the fact that it's steel industry isn't coming back and no other industry is interested in locating there. Youngstown is also serving as a model for other rust belt towns wanting to dismantle and move on in accordance with Sustainable Development. This has been underway in Europe, especially in Germany for some time now and is the trend favored by the UN planners of Agenda 21.
This process of dismantling should go quickly in Natchez once it gets started, as so many Natchezians have already placed their faith in government by appointed board and in grant money; I understand good grants are available for cities participating in the return to green space.
I think it would be a good idea for the dilapidated houses to be left standing for now as a vision of what the future of Natchez will likely be, and as an incentive to the young people to study hard and try to learn something that will allow them to make a decent living in the planned compact cities of the future.
Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Neither one of ya'll is close. It's obvious who ya'll are for by coming up with those numbers, absolutely baseless and ignorant prediction. It will be a fair turnout with the race being VERY close. West is not going to get any where near 60% of the vote, that is utterly ridiculous. I think Middleton has an extremely good shot at beating West. If Middleton can't, Granning certainly can't as an independent. But, I do think Middleton has a legit shot.
Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 9:49 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 2:06 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 2:28 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
(Eagle1) You have some good "insight"! It will be very,very close from what I understand "on the street"!
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Eagle1 - Sue Stedman got virtually all the white vote, despite being a Republican. She played up the fear of a black mayor. We have had Phillip for 4 years and the world did not end, white people still work for the city, and things are better than before he was elected. (Even if you think he had little to do with it.)
Middleton can't play up the race fears, and has a limited resume, he will have a hard time getting enough support. Yes he will get most of the white voters but that will not be enough. Phillip will get a big turnout as he knows how to get the vote out. I am not seeing the urgency in the White community to make sure they vote. It will be a big turnout but not as much as last time.
As for Granning, Independents can win, but they have a disadvantage with no party support. I think he is the better candidate and as he will be the final chance he may be able to rally the anyone but West troops.
I think West will beat Middleton but it will be a little tighter between him and Granning. If Granning is to win I would like to see a bigger platform and more ideas.
Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 5:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sam,
I think the turnout will be about 50%. My prediction is the vote will be about 60-40, West.
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hitormiss...you may well be right on the breakdown...I had considered that West does have a limited amount of the white vote to go along with the black vote which will, I believe, be almost monolithic.
Considering the population breakdown is 54.5% black to 43.9% white with the rest of various persuasions, I figured him to beat Middleton by about 10% points in the Democratic primary which will be more heavily weighted toward the black vote than the white vote.
Those percentages will change, however, during the general election, when republicans and independents both groups being predominantly white, will be able to vote.
I don't mean to and don't condone playing the race card, I only mention race as a demographic fact and am looking to history for the probable political breakdown...just one man's opinion.
Natchez1...at least have the courtesy of spelling "Graning" correctly or I shall be forced to taunt you by replacing the "i" in your candidate's name with an "e"...LOL. No offense intended Jake, sorry couldn't resist the joke.
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry, Natchez1, I wasn't thinking, I shouldn't have said Middleton was your candidate...I was thinking of eagle1 at the time...my mistake.
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sam - Who is my candidate?
I am trying to vote for someone based on the best for the job, not based on race.
Middleton, has truly failed to impress me - I would hate to vote for him just because he is white.
Chick - I know Chick better than I know Jake and I've always liked him. I only know him socially and not from a business standpoint. His resume is quite good, but he is not tested politically and does not have the Jackson contacts that Phillip can pull. As I have written several times now Chick will really have to say sometime visionary (and possible!) to win. So far Chick scores points for being a realist by saying he'd cut any wasteful spending and see what new revenues come before we spend them. He though has not outlined anything particularly tangible with the schools - and he will have a hard time making much impact, as the mayor has very limited "pull" with the Natchez Public Schools.
Phillip may get my vote despite his many mistakes, he has done OK - he does play golf a lot - but by all accounts Jake is fond of the game too.
I have been shocked with the lack of campaign materials I have been sent this year, I got a card from Jake but nothing else - I missed the chamber's debate (although I saw a bit of it on channel 4). I have seen no other debates or forums announced. Normally a candidate tries to get 4 pieces of mail to the voters before an election - we only have 6 days left for Jake to really inspire - I can't see it happening.
Chick still has time. He needs to raise money or reach into his own pockets to get the word out. Phillip has almost 50% of the voters already - Chick will need a good (white) turnout, a good message and some luck to win.
Posted by CitizenSane (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 8:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Old Grand Dad,
Don't forget to take pictures of the Mayor's sister's abandoned antebellum house on North Union Street. On the corner across from the Natchez Children's Home. It's literally falling apart. An eyesore. A danger.
It could be a wonderful house and great asset to the neighborhood. But, they're just letting it rot!
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
natchez1...jeez, I said I was sorry.
Just a couple of points...
Golf...what a skeleton in the closet, for Philip, for Jake, and y'know, I'm not sure, but I'll bet Chick plays a good game too. So what, unless it interferes with their job as mayor, who cares? If that's the contention then state it.
As for being politically tested or having friends in Jackson...this is it, the test...see how he performs...friends in Jackson are only as good as "what have you done for me lately?"...PW has no real pull anymore, he has nothing anyone up there wants.
I'll bet you get some campaign material now...LOL. I'll send Chick right over!
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CitizenSane, Thanks. Actually I have heard about that particular one many times.
On another note - I'm sure there are prissier sports than golf. But other than cricket, I'd be hard pressed to name one. I guess we should have run more candidates. Oh the shame, the shame........
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OldGrandDad...Badminton, just thought I'd remind you...LOL.
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I will see Chick tomorrow - I thought Chick was a golfer but unlike the other two he has not been pictured winning a golf tournament recently in the Democrat.
PW - did manage to pull in some favors in Jackson - to get the hotel tax passed. No small feat. The black caucus is quite powerful and they seem to regard him being Mayor of Natchez as an asset.
When he was elected Mayor he received numerous proclamations from Black Mayors from all across the country.
PW could be a great mayor, he will never get universal support because of some of his pre-mayor actions. Quite frankly if he started to walk on water he could not get universal support in Natchez.
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
natchez1...you will be amazed, I agree with every point you made in you last missive. Talk to Chick he can't reveal everything yet, but I think you'll find him to be cut from the cloth we need to make the suit from. Tell him he needs to work on his handicap so he can some publicity...LOL.
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sam - LOL -
I look forward to seeing his proposals. Looks like Jake's campaign is fading. Not enough money found I guess. Maybe all the money is being concentrated with Chick. He will need it.
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Politicians make strange bedfellowes!
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 10:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
rushinghjr...surely you're not suggesting that natchez1 and I...LOL
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 29, 2008 at 11:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
CitizenSane i had heard that house belonged to her....Wonder why he hasn't made her do anything with it? Where is hitormiss to explain why??? I guess maybe he is hoping to get reelected and get some grant money for her to fix it up or take that tax money he hopes will pass to let someone else fix it up......I have to say i almost was for that tax till the artical.....
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on April 30, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
(Sam) Never in this lifetime?
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