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What is this?
photo by Ben Hillyer
Whether it is, clockwise from top right, the city entrance on 61 South, the Natchez Trace Parkway, thriving industries like DynaSteel, broken sidewalks, antebellum houses, vacant industrial buildings, shopping downtown or streets in need of repair, all create a lasting impression of Natchez for visitors and residents alike.
That first impression sticks, what's ours?
Published Sunday, December 21, 2008
NATCHEZ — You look good.
It’s the final thought as you pass by the bathroom mirror on your way to a long-awaited first date.
But it’s not your opinion that matters in this case.
You’re about to have your chance — your chance to make that first impression.
First Impressions Report
Click here for a pdf of the Natchez First Impressions report produced by Mississippi State University.
“It’s crucial,” said Virgil Culver of Mississippi State University. “When we meet someone for the first time, we know what we think of that person.
“It’s then a matter of building on that first impression or finding something else that can make up for it.”
Culver is no dating expert, but he does claim extensive knowledge on first impressions of a different kind.
Culver, director of the Mississippi State Community Action Team, has led studies on the first impressions given off by nearly 60 Mississippi towns and cities.
“We come in and are able to tell someone, ‘Here’s what visitors see. Now, what do you want to do about it?’”
Culver and a team of 10 other people toured Natchez in May, at the prompting of Natchez Downtown Development Association Director Carrie Lambert.
The group’s members presented their first impressions at a community meeting in October.
The rest is up to the community.
“If we could push, we’d say, ‘What are the top one or two issues you think the community really wants to work on?” Culver said.
The issues
Miss-Lou residents don’t hesitate long when you ask them what Natchez needs to do to improve.
Top hits on nearly every list are growth, jobs and entertainment for young people.
The area doesn’t have activities for children, resident Antoinette Rankin said. And it doesn’t have jobs for those children when they grow up, resident Wesley Snell said.
“This is a retirement town,” Snell said. “There are no factory jobs, or jobs for young people.”
Without those jobs, money isn’t turning over like it should, and bigger developments won’t come, Vidalia resident Louise Hester said.
“Natchez is not updated,” she said. “It needs more big stores and restaurants.”
Those concerns aren’t new ones to Mayor Jake Middleton. He knows they are problems that need solutions, but he believes change begins one person at a time.
For example, to recruit major industry, we simply need to clean up our image, Middleton said.
“We have many entrances into Natchez,” he said. “A little effort just by individual store owners could improve looks.
“(Appearance) is very important to someone who is coming to visit and looking to see about the possibility of moving an industry here. You don’t get but one chance to make a first impression.”
The report
Culver’s group — which calls itself First Impressions — gave comments on community entrances, downtown, retail shopping, industry, housing, schools, churches, tourism and civic groups.
The First Impressions group that visited Natchez included residents from Jackson, Starkville and Brookhaven.
Some team members spent one day in town, others spent two.
They spent some time with tour guides and city officials and some time on their own.
Each team member writes his or her own report and later submits it to Culver’s office, where everything is compiled into one report.
Their comments include positives and negatives.
What they liked
The First Impressions report on Natchez comments repeatedly on the beauty of the town and the friendliness of its people.
It highlights the importance of tourism and commends the city for preserving so many historical sites.
“Natchez has so much to offer as a tourism destination,” Culver said recently. “People still think of Natchez as one of the places to visit in the United States. It still has that charm.”
And improvements downtown over the years are definitely noticeable, team member Cliff Brumfield said.
“What impressed me the most was the developments in the downtown area,” said Brumfield, who is the director of the Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce.
“Improvements are being made to hold on to the best of Natchez’s past while preparing for the 21st century.”
Other positives the team included in their report were the river, historic houses, the Natchez City Cemetery, trees and gardens.
Constructive criticism
Natchez has too many areas in need of repair, the report says.
From dilapidated houses to broken sidewalks and cluttered entryways, parts of town just need a good cleaning, team members said.
A lack of industry is hurting locals and the economy, and tourism is great but solely focused on history, the report says.
“The (tourism) challenge is managing it and preventing it from becoming cheesy and overly nostalgic, like Gatlinburg,” the report says.
Downtown is one of the best parts of town but also holds great opportunity for improvement, Culver said.
Better signage, clear crosswalks and smooth sidewalks are listed as ideas.
And finally, several portions of the report point to the need for an attitude adjustment. From the “garden club mentality” to lingering racial tension, some of the area’s biggest challenges may be mental, the group said.
The first step
The work of Culver and his team ends when the report is presented to the town. And though the Mississippi State Community Action Team is happy to help once goals are identified, the group does nothing to poke or prod a city into movement, Culver said.
The study is the spark for the fire the community must burn.
Middleton said having outsiders look in could provide a great starting point for the community.
“Sometimes we ride up and down the street and don’t pay any attention,” he said. “It takes someone coming from outside looking to offer some constructive criticism.”
The city hasn’t yet made a plan for the next step, but Middleton and Lambert said they intend to take that step.
“We talked about getting some people together and trying to focus some of the committees and city departments on what we needed to do,” Middleton said. “We thought about going out to property owners and asking if they’d pick up litter. Asking, ‘What could you do as an individual?’”
Lambert said she has been in touch with a group from the Mississippi Development Authority about having a January community meeting. MDA acts as a counselor for the city, she said, offering advice and guidance.
Lambert envisions getting civic groups, city committees and local boards all on board, divvying up responsibility and making change.
“Everyone needs to take a little bit out,” she said.
Comments
Posted by 2008 (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 1:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a retirement town,” Snell said. “There are no factory jobs, or jobs for young people.” Unfortunately, Natchez is NOT a retirement town. The medical facilities in this town are not adequate to the Natchez population, let alone elderly people with ongoing ailments. Most people go to Jackson, McComb or Baton Rouge for more than emergency room care (which can take hours to even see a Dr.). The biggest segment of this countries population is over 55+, what does Natchez have to offer them?
Posted by amyrenene (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 6:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There are programs such as meals on wheels, homemaker services, and the senior's center, Inspirations. Not everyone qualifies for these programs, however. I wish there was more to offer to the elderly in this town. There is just not enough funding, and Medicare cuts the benefits every chance they get as well.
Posted by homegrown (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 6:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
just give it a couple more years. young people could less about old homes. with no place to park in town, you will get people who just park at the river boats and that money goes out of town.
Posted by Idefinitelymight (Tom Scarborough) on December 21, 2008 at 6:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is there a copy of this report available to the general public to read?
Posted by kevinmiers (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The report is available at www.natchezdowntown.blogspot.com (click on FIRST IMPRESSIONS on the right side of the page about half way down)
Posted by Idefinitelymight (Tom Scarborough) on December 21, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks!
Posted by BHillyer (Ben Hillyer) on December 21, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have also put a link to the report in the story above.
Posted by timefertruth (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
First off why does Natchez need somebody from another town to
tell them what their first impressions are? Are the city politicians
again not listening to their own tax payers?
Answer to first question:
City officials have blinders on when it comes to anything but
down town Natchez. Simple as that and they will continue to
have those blinders on untill the average tax payers stand up
together and rip them off of their faces.
Answer to question #2:
Natchez officials tend to concentrate on the people that can
line their personal pockets with money!
Untill the officials and money grubbers in Natchez are forced
out of bed together, Natchez will continue to go to hell in a
hand basket.
Natchez officials spend more time on stupid ordinances, and
crazy pipe dreams, The #1 most important thing to be spending
their time on is JOBS Good paying JOBS, not minimum wage
jobs like what is offered through the tourism industry,Jobs that
people can actually make a decent living with.
if officials want a feel for what Natchez impessions are go talk
your average tax payer that does not live in one of those big
old houses, or have old money running out of their backsides.
One thing officials and the money grubbers forget is that
employees are the ones who make their money for them or as
the old saying gos you got rich by making money off of the
sweaty backs of others.
Natchez has a big problem with their officials they tell their tax
payers one thing and then do another, for those who don't
know what that is called, it is called lying, and tax payers
need to call their officials out when they lie to them.
but all I have said is on deaf ears, so Natchez might as well be
advertised as follows.
FOR SALE:
City of Natchez Mississippi
Home of great old houses and Deaf politicians, ran by rich old
money grubbers who don't want to come into this century.
Attractions:
Run down old buildings, high society snobes, a convention
center paid by tax money that cannot be used by the average
tax payer!
OTHER EXCITING ATTRACTIONS:
HIGHEST GAS PRICES IN THE AREA.
HIGHEST RETAIL PRICES IN THE AREA.
HIGH TAXES.
INCOMPETENT POLITICIANS.
MURDER.
RAPE.
DRUGS.
THEFT.
LYING.
CHEATING.
ONLY MINIMUM WAGE JOBS.
NO NASTY INDUSTRY.
NOTHING FOR KIDS TO DO.
GAMBLING BOATS THAT TAKE THE MONEY OUT OF TOWN.
PROSTITUTION.
OH AND DON'T FORGET WE ARE BUILDING A PAVILLION.
IN 5 YEARS THIS TOWN WILL BE EMPTY SO LAST ONE LEAVING
TURN THE LIGHTS OUT CUT THE GAS OFF AND SET UP AN
AUTOMATIC FEEDER FOR THE COUGER!
Posted by msfixit (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Y'know, I keep hearing complaints about the fact (and I agree) that there is nothing for young people to do in town, specifically children and teens. My question to all and sundry is "What is the city supposed to do about this?" There's all this talk about a recreation complex, but as far as I can tell if you don't play a game with a ball--and neither of my kids had the least interest in this--you are out of luck. Any other kid-friendly sites would need to be developed privately. A water park, a skate complex, mini-golf, etc all are the rypes of faciltities that are developed by entrepreneurs or groups of investors. Sure, the city can help promote them, but it takes a private individual to get them started. Is there anyone out there who can step up to the plate? I'd love to do it myself, but a teacher's salary isn't conducive to that kind of outlay. While we're at it, how about trying to put some pressure on the company that owns the alleged movie theater at the Mall to turn it into a facility that's actually pleasant to visit? I've written letters. Has anyone else? People love to gripe about how "they" ought to do something,but I would like to offer the thought to all that we are "they". Get involved instead of just complaining. I apologize in advance for any typos in this comment, but I'm typing without my glasses.
Posted by timefertruth (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
msfixit
not to say that you are wrong but instead of the costly information center, convention center, that money could have been used for building a rec center, go cart track, or anything else geard towards kids in Natchez.
let me tell you about a very small town in missouri that has a big new park center it has a updated library indoor swimming pool, theater, weight room, gym, indoor and basketball court, stage that local kids can go to with their community bands and have their own concerts, right outside it has ball fields, playgrounds, volleyball court, pic nic area,walkin and running courts, and about a mile from there they have about 4 acres dedicated to nothing but soccer fields.
Now all this was paid for by tax money and grants, this little town has less population than Natchez, these people thought it was more important for the kids to have a place to go than to have this mess they are putting in Natchez that by the way is not paying for it's self.
It is not that Natchez couldn't afford it, it was that they didn't think the kids were important enough to get it, look at all the tax money n
Natchez just throws away, and apparently are still throwing away.
This little town also has a beautiful school system, an adult education center, career center right at the school.
What most people are trying to say when they as you call gripe about things in Natchez is that they want more for their tax money besides stuff that is not needed or usable to the public.
what they are saying is that they are tired of getting the past shoved down their throats, tired of feeling like second class citizens, and tired of their education system not giving them their moneys worth, I am gonna take a chance here and ask you to be honest and tell me if you think there is some teachers in Natchez that don't need to be teaching because I myself know of a few, nobody wants to come to Natchez to teach so many times are kids are taught by some under educated, non proper english speaking and rude teachers, now I am not talking about all of them but I do know for a fact ther are some in the high school.
Be Honest now.
THIS IS FOR THE KIDS OUR FUTURE!
Posted by 2008 (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There are programs such as meals on wheels, homemaker services, and the senior's center, Inspirations. writes amyrenene; these services are available to people with little or no income, you have to be at poverty level/medicaid to be eligible for most services in this town like homemaker services. senior center must be mobile, meal on wheels must qualify. None of the services are for seniors who make alittle to much from SSI or have their own homes ie: any assets no matter how much. Most families are left to juggle homecare, jobs and their own families. Who can afford over $6,000 a month every month for a nursing home, unless you qualify for medicaid and have 0 assets.
Again I say: Because of the business practices and small groups of outdated, no growth, living in the past, selfish, short sighted organizations stuck on their own agenda’s, nothing ever gets done. So many people complaining all the time about the problems here in Natchez and yet nothing changes month after month year after year, Why are these organizations allowed to continue running this town? You don’t like it…stand up and take RESPONSIBILITY to make the necessary changes, how can such a small minority hold this town hostage.
Families with children need to learn to make time for their families, Families DO NOT have disposable income for entertainment in this economy, how obvious is that.
Posted by jerryjoe (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree there is nothing for kids to do in this town. In another sense most kids these days are lazy and would just rather sit in front of the tv and play xbox or playstation. Or they get their parents to go to the store and buy them the next 60$ game and the parents don't mind because it keeps them out of their hair. Get outside and do something with your kids. What do you think they would do way back when there wasn't a mall and video games to play.
MSfixit you are right about the movie theater I Would go alot back 5 or 6 years ago but that place is just horrible now. You can't enjoy a movie without kids on the phone that have been abandoned by their parents at the mall. Or somebody talking the whole movie. Talk about overpriced Cokes and Popcorn.
Posted by msfixit (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To Timefortruth--yes, there are a number of teachers in any school system who need to go to the house. They make all of us who are really focused on the good of the kids look bad, too. I worked in Natchez-Adams for a number of years, then went to a private school, and then, when I realized I needed a job that paid an actual salary, I went to Concordia Parish. There were teachers in all of those settings who do not need to be in a classroom. I've been a teacher for more than 30 years, so I've seen a good share of great, good, and truly awful teachers in that time.
Because my kids had absolutely no interest in sports of any kind, I spent the time when they were still at home volunteering with groups who tried to bring in arts-related activities and camps for kids. These activities were all free when they were offered because we did get grants and corporate sponsorship, but even with extensive publicity very few kids participated. That is also my point, we as public have the responsiblity to put our actions where our mouths are--write letters, harass elected officials, volunteer in community development organizations, or organize ourselves. Walk the walk, don't just talk the talk.
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, what can I say that already has not been said? The biggest statement of affairs is that in 1980, the census of Natchez was 28,000 and now it is around 16,000....these people either died or had to leave to make a living.......Welcome to Natchez...if you want to change anything...LEAVE...the powers that be will not let you change anyting unless it makes money for them.
Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
timeforthetruth - You seem to have a preety good grasp on the problems (which I would mostly agree with you on), and you seem to have pinned down the problem as being the leaders of this city ( which I don't agree with you on). So I have a serious question for you. What have you done to solve these problems? People are always eager to point out problems, some even offer solutions, very few actually put out an effort to actually correct these problems.
Posted by 6bufgal7 (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
With sheer joy, finally a place to state my views of Natchez, that will, hopefully, be read by somone who will do something.
As the comments already posted have covered a lot of my same thoughts, I will address only two.
First of all, in the article, is stated "And finally, several portions of the report point to the need for an attitude adjustment. From the "garden club mentality" to lingering racial tension, some of the area's biggest challenges may be mental, the group said." How true. In the 40+ years I've lived in the area, I have coined this phrase. "If you have old money, you are "IN" whether you are the biggest drunk or prostitute or whatever. In this old money crowd, they own buildings all around town, which are deterioriating, and don't care, because they don't have to sell them, nor do they care enough about their community to put them to good use.
Second.The discussion of something for the children has been going on for too many years. I noticed in the Democrat recently that the Mayor put together a budget of needs for Natchez to propose to the Federal Government. It consisted of $3 million+ for recreation. WHAT? If the full pocket people would just look around, there are numerous places in Natchez to "fix up" to provide for children and teenagers activities. Look at the old Sears building. It could be made into a place for say, seven to 12 year old. Games to play, Educational classes, and a hot dog stand.
For one entrance fee, a bracelet on their arm, the children could stay at least four hours. Each hour the color of the bracelet could change to indicate when time is up. Then there is the old "five and dime" building in Trace Town. Same scenario for the four to six year olds.
Then there is the old building in Magnolia Mall. It could be made into a place for 12 to 16 group with items of interest to them. Same approace as described above. Then, I'm sure there is a place somewhere for the 16-20 crowd.
And I have always wondered why the sacred "bean field" cannot be utilized for baseball, football, soccer, fields and leagues formed for all to be involved in. Take a look at Traceway Complex in Clinton! So use that sacred "bean field" for this kind of park and name it the Bean Field Ball Park, put up a sign acknowledging and describing its history. I certainly hope "the powers that be" read this and act. Natchez doesn't need $3 million to accomplish this. If the "old money" people want to have a safe, clean, pretty place to surround them, then they need to become involved. There are all sorts of tax breaks available for them, if they would become involved. Just a long time reader of the Democrat and observer of the City of Natchez.
Posted by timefertruth (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mike8427
Well Mr. Mike as for what I do is this: I work 60 hrs a week in summer with my full time job in the summer, in the winter I work over 100 hours a week at full time job, when I am not working full time I am doing side jobs, now this full time job is one of those jobs that you may call overworked and under paid, now this job intails working directly with the public so that means I see how people live, in turn I hear all the stories about the struggles these people are having.
Now all the hours of work are to keep us off of welfare and keep a roof over my families head, now when I am not working I have been going to juvenile court pressing charges on lets just say people who are determined to steel what I have around my house or the latest breaking in my house.
Now All this leads to me not being able to spend time with my family, which in turn makes me miss out on a lot with them plus makes me worry about what my kids can get into.
Now, are elected officials were elected to run this city in a prosperous manor and not to squander our tax money, and they were also elected to to serve all the people in this city not a chosen few, I get paid to do my job and they get paid to do theirs, the only way somebody else does my job is if I don't do it and that does not happen, but if the tax payers have to do their job and the elected officials job then why do we need to be spending money on elected officials after all they are supposed to be educated.
For what I would do if I had the ability and finances, I would start firing elected officials starting with the out of touch mayor
and hire people who had common sense, people with compassion and people that would look at Natchez as a whole not just down town, I would listen to what the tax payer has to say, I would make some kind of an amendment or what ever you want to call it to where anything that had to do with tax payers money had to be voted in by the majority of the tax payers.
I would set up a tent prison like they have in Texas and make the prisoners stay in those with nothing but the disney channel on the tv. I would make them work and loose all luxuries. as far as I am concerned if you break the laws you loose your rights.
I could set here and tell you that I would do a lot of different stuff but lets face it I am not rich, or a politician. that is not my job my job is to take care of my family and to do the the job I get paid to do, I am not an elected official I did not make tax payers a lot of promises that I never intended to keep, if politicians can't do the job they said they could do then they need to step aside and let somebody that can do it step in.
NOW MR. MIKE LET ME ASK YOU A SERIOUS QUESTION:
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?
Posted by pride (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe the nafta trade agreement needs to be abolished . That started this whole funneling of America's manufacturing jobs . That's so insane . Taking jobs overseas to places like China whose labor costs is pennies on the dollar . Then turn around and expect to sell back to America , to people who've lost those jobs . Who's to blamed ? look no further than the nearest career politician . Hell is going to be full of crooked politicians . Nothing but a bunch of spineless parasites !
Posted by dottie (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
timefortruth Not only did you say a mouth full, you
said it well. More power to you.
Posted by goodoleboyslikeme (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
“We have many entrances into Natchez,” he said. “A little effort just by individual store owners could improve looks.
“(Appearance) is very important to someone who is coming to visit and looking to see about the possibility of moving an industry here. You don’t get but one chance to make a first impression.” (Mayor Middleton)
I think one of the most important "entrances" a business may use to gather a first impression of Natchez is overlooked, and that is the internet/web.
Were I an industry/business taking a first look at Natchez, I might be visiting this site, or others, and searching for stories that are business related, school related, crime related, etc.
The way a town looks when you drive in creates an important impression, but that is a somewhat superficial thing. Sidewalks can be repaired, businesses can clean up storefronts, signage can be limited.
On the other hand, reading frequent reports of businesses having costly conflicts with the historical group ,or with the town boards seemingly blocking progress at times - these first impressions hit a prospective industry well before the car drives into town and the feet hit the pavement. Same with crime, with schools, with hospitals failing due to poor leadership or management etc.
Just saying there's more than one level of first impression. And there may be more that needs fixing to make Natchez attractive to new industry than meets the eye.
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
But it is still shrinking...because of the backward thinking of the people in power.......damn tourism...make it a small part of the Natchez equation, and look for bigger industry to replace the dead ones in town now.
Posted by msfixit (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 5:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SoWhat, you have an excellent point. Though we may lament it, the days of America as a manufacturing powerhouse are over, and consumer hunger for cheap consumer goods is what did it. Manufacturing jobs will remain, but they will be largely smaller and specialized. The future will be in tech jobs and information processing, but those jobs require an educated population of workers to draw from, which is something that is sadly lacking around here. There are enough quality teachers available that the level of education could be improved, but not without a significant turnaround in the attitude of students and parents that once again places a high value on academic performance. It is difficult to convince a kid to work hard in school when he sees the local drug dealer (who may also be his/her parent) raking in money, or when he sees the local thugs who do quite well for themselves through stealing anything that is not nailed down.
The age of union wages and benefits is also passing quickly. We have seen what happened here with Titan Tire, and then IP when the unions' lack of willingness to make concessions torpedoed sales which could have kept these plants open. Now there are no jobs when there could have been at least some jobs. We're about to see a repeat on a much larger scale with the Big 3 automakers.
We're entering an era when it is going to be increasingly difficult for anyone outside of the professions or skilled trades to make those $20-30 an hour salaries. What we don't need are politicians raising our taxes. What we do need are people who are willing to step forward as private citizens to work on solutions to the problems in Natchez either through existing groups or through new groups formed by people with an interest in tackling a specific problem. Then, those groups need to work together rather than at cross purposes (something the First Impressions report pointed out quite clearly). Does this take time and effort? Damn right, but it can be done once you decide your priorities. I've worked as many as 3 jobs to make ends meet, but I made the time to work on civic projects of interest to me and benefit to my family. I still do, since I don't have money I consider it important to put my time where my mouth is.
Posted by firstlady (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I recently visited a medium sized town in Missouri. They have placed an emphasis on the downtown area and have made it possible for buildings to be renovated as lofts, restaurants, etc. Some of the community is fuming because downtown is seen as the "uppity" area. I think that downtown is important to any city, but so are good schools, quality healthcare, and a thriving economy. I am willing to do my part to make Natchez the best place to live. I think that everyone can play a small part. Just let me know what I can do to help. We can do this together. Natchez, just like the rest of America, we need change, too!
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 8:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Timefertruth, You hit the nail on the head....You really should run for mayor!!
Posted by firstlady (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All I can say is that I love Natchez. My hometown is Gulfport,Ms, but I have lived in Natchez for a long time. I think that it is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Just as I said before, we all need to work together to create an even better place to live.
Posted by jerrip (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was in Natchez visiting this weekend. We went to a few stores in town. I could not believe how rude people were blowing their car horn as I was waiting on a parking space. This did not just happen at one place but several. Whatever happened to being nice in letting the person get out of the space before you are pulling into it. I left Natchez almost 20 years ago and move to the big city. Natchez has went downhill since I left.
Posted by reneef (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I grew up in Natchez and I love the town (and hope to move back some day). Does it have problems ....yes. I don't think it is all the elected officials. There was not a large amount for children and teens to do when I was growing up in the 70's and there is less now. What I did see as an adult was several things tried and none worked. The kids that wanted to use it in the manner it was designed where not able to because of the other kids that either tore it up or large groups of kids that were looking for trouble. Most entertainment complexes for kids and teens are not financed by city/county government. They are done by individuals and they are not going to invest in something like that as long as kids are not going to use it as it was intented.
As far as appearences in Natchez - Yes the city/county government is responsible for the appearence of city/county property but the other areas are the responsibility of the property owner. Perhaps the anger and disgust I have read above should be directed at them instead of the city/county who has no control of the situation.
I have read on many articles the downgrading the "Garden Club" , "Antebellum" and "Tourist" crowd. Complaining about everything being done their way.
Perhaps you should take a lesson from them. They grouped together and spend a lot of time and effort into achieving their goals. Instead of waiting on someone else to improve things for you ... get together and see what you can accomplish.
Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 10:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Timeforthetruth, I take your caps at the end of your blog that you want to yell at me for some reason. I wasn't attacking you, I was asking you a serious question, and I was hoping to get a real answer or a solution for these problems you identified. Instead you gave me a long story on what you do for a living and what you WOULD do, not what you HAVE done. Well my answer for what I have done is very little, I just have to be honest. I have voiced my opinion (much like you), but that is mostly it. We need to start taking our opinions and voicing them at the alderman/supervisor meetings. That would be much more effective than us blindly making comments on a message board, don't you think? Us sitting here trading stories isn't doing any good and that was my point to you.
Also FYI, the tent prison isn't in Texas, its in Arizona.
Posted by presby (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 11:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ms fixit were you at IP? We made lots of concessions,were you an employee at IP? What helped shut it down for the most part was it was 50 years and half of the workforce were young deadheads...that,s the real reason..Don,t talk about something you weren,t personally involved in,gave up concessions for or voted on the union hall to give up.
Were you at the IP union halls and meetings??
Posted by ntznana (anonymous) on December 21, 2008 at 11:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
natchez is a beautiful town if you are just looking at the outside. not a great town to live in on the inside though. no new jobs, recreations, no new resturants, or stores and the schools, a joke! the school system does need some serious attention, i would rather my children get a GED thatn put up with the crap that goes on there. as far as recreation thats a BIG JOKE!!! what is there for the kids to do? hang out at the mall n get in trouble? or cruise by walmart? hey i got one better drugs, or other crime's! what a joke! we need to have more recreation's for the youth! i have drove out of town and even out of state to take my kids to go do something like shopping, and to the mall, face it natchez mall sucks!!! (with the exception of the new store, actually one geared towards the teens). maybe Mayor Middleton should get up and spend a weekend riding around natchez for himself and get out and talk to some of the youth and he would realize the need for youth recreation in the area and not have to have outsiders tell him we need it. maybe some of these abandoned buildings and lots could be redone and turned into youth recreational spots. not just becoming delapidated and another eyesore to the visitors!
Posted by EnKiKur (Marty Ellerbe) on December 22, 2008 at 12:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All you union bashers, listen up! Unions are not to blame for the fleeing of industry from these hallowed shores of waving grains. NAFTA and GATT are far more to blame, along with high tax rates. Use some sense, even a minimum wage worker can't compete with a dollar a day Chinese or Indonesian peasant.
Another thing about those unionized factory jobs. The workers there are held to very high production rates, which means it is all ___holes and elbows on the assembly line and though the workers may be performing the same task over and over you do get better at it over time. Those workers are worth every penny they are paid.
I know there must be quite a few of you out there who have worked offshore or inland oilfields, on the boats and survey jobs and you know how often it happens that you have had to work extra very hard hours for no overtime pay and sometimes no extra pay ("we pay you by the day not the hour). If any industry can get people to work under those conditions they will do it happily. The average worker is just meat, no matter how dangerous the job is.
How about complaining about NAFTA, GATT, and the World Trade Organization when it is time to vote? Apparently the only alternative is to have 2/3 the people working for the government and the other 1/3 of us working to pay the taxes to pay the 2/3.
Learn something about your world. Look up First Impressions and see where it comes from. It comes from some Marxist professors at the University of Wisconsin and it is nothing more than another way to enact Agenda 21 without the Kyoto Protocol having to be legally ratified by blind congressmen. First Impressions just prepares the people for a lower standard of living. Just look at it- it is kind of like those silly time-killing games a first grade teacher makes up to keep the class occupied.
Down with NAFTA, GATT, the WTO! Unless you want to live in a country where every little town thinks it is going to be a tourist mecca ruled by busybodies spending their time figuring out how big signs should be and how many cars can park in your yard keep blaming the unions and anyone who makes a nickle more than you for the ever encroaching poverty surrounding us all.
Posted by bombingeight (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 2:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here is something from the Memphis Commercial Appeal concerning population loss from that city
“The Great Migration: Taxpayers pouring out of Shelby County”-
Those leaving outnumber arrivals; incoming residents, on average, earn less than those who have left
She cited familiar complaints with Memphis: intractable racial divisions, the high cost of air travel and a lack of forward thinking."
The dreadful state of the education system in Memphis was also discussed in the article.
There seems to be a common refrain.
Posted by msfixit (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 3:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Presby, I wasn't there,but plenty of family was, and I got to hear about what went on up close and personal.
Posted by timefertruth (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 5:51 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by mommytobe (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 6:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree that they need something for teens and young adults to do. But me being 19 myself, I know that's easier said than done. Most kids these days aren't interested in anything besides sex, drinking, and partying.....and they're starting these things MUCH earlier than you all think. It's really sad. Kids don't care about bowling, golfing, etc. So what the community can actually do that would catch their attention is beyond me.......unless they had a club for teens and people under 21 (that doesn't serve alcohol). Baton rouge does and that place stays packed. But then again, you have people that are going to try to bring in drugs and crap like that. I dunno......maybe they'll figure out something.
Posted by presby (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah well you weren,t there you just heard..a lot of people that worked there tried hard to keep the plant open. But if you have 10 mules pulling and 10 mules loafilng then you can,t make much headway with your wagon. Old age and workers than didn,t care is what shut IP down.We made concessions right to the end.
Posted by huggybear1156 (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
presby, well said about IP. Good reasons ; I have one more which I personally believe is the main culprit ; but I'll keep it to myself. Thankfully the IP mill I am currently working at is still running and doesn't seem to show the signs of ' my reason ' starting to happen. I just hope it has the 10 years left that I need to retire.
As to the First Impression stuff ; I lived in Morgantown area age 7 to low 20s, then moved to Vidalia for another 23 years. Just got back yesterday from a visit. Town always looks pretty ; like the new Liberty Road bridge etc ; but the Industrial Park needs some more tenants ; BIG ONES. Funny to see a D&D rig at IP drilling by the old parking lot where I used to park my truck. Overall I'm impressed by the hard work being done to continue growth even in the face of so many obstacles like no industry.
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All the posts are right on time basically, problem is, what's going to be done about it? More than likely, nothing. I said this then, during West's rerun for Mayor, and I will say it now, NO ONE MAYOR will make these big changes needed for Natchez. The TRUE powers that be won't allow for what you all speak. They are comfortable with Natchez being the way it is and don't want Natchez to change because Natchez in its current state, works for them. I can't count how many times myself and my classmates would love to come back to Natchez but we need to make money to more than just survive, but to live.
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
http://natchezdemocrat.com/news/2008/dec...
Posted by msfixit (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mommytobe, for years Natchez did have such a weekend place as you describe--it was called the Duncan Park Canteen, and was run completely by volunteers from the Junior Auxiliary. Friday night was set aside for the Junior High, and Saturday night for the high school crowd. Kids could dance (most of the time there was a live DJ), shoot pool, play ping pong, or just sit around and talk. Simple food was sold. There were a few rules: no alcohol, tobacco, or vile language, and if you left the building you weren't allowed back in that night. In the early 80's it got to be such a hassle trying to keep out the kids who only wanted to drink and do drugs, the club quit sponsoring it. I spent many hours there as a teen (I met my husband there) and later on many hours as a volunteer. In addition summer programs were offered in photography, ceramics, gymnastics and other activities. That was when I was still in high school and I don't know if Mr. Floyd, who ran the place during the day, was paid by the rec dept. or by the Jr. Auxiliary. I really wonder if something like that would go over today if it was as strictly policed as it was back then.
Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The first time I visited Natchez, the first thought that went through my head was GARBAGE!!!!
Posted by pbnj (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the Natchez entrances could use some attention. Whoever it was that said "why do we need someone from out of town to tell us about our city" because if it were someone from Ntz then it would not be a first impression.
Posted by presby (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Like i said..age and nits that wouldn,t work,workers that layed out every saturday,missed a lot of work,didn,t pull thier load,let somebody else do the work,that,s what close d IP. And the workers that were worthless were not held accountable for their actions, We all know who they are.
Posted by Bobaloo (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Zoo's cost millions..... tough order. Alexandria is also on the list of ones close to Natchez and has quite a lot of different and rare animals.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Man missed timefertruth's post AGAIN:(....Geezzzz...If you try to keep up with him and hardcorps that's a hard job lol..
Posted by timefertruth (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The bad thing about them removing me this time is that I did not say anything bad I was just answering mike and fire.
what I said was Mr. mike I do not hollar at anybody it does not do any good and it is a waste of time and if capitols mean hollaring then ( oops ).
and to fire was I could not run for mayor because I would not get elected because my election sign would probably say elect timefertruth for mayor but just because you have money I will not kiss your A@%.
I'M A BAD BOY ABBOTT!
Posted by 2008 (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
why not hold a town hall meeting, with a represenative (1) from each society, club, organization or agency that is holding up progress in this town. again why are they allowed to hold this town hostage with their NO PROGRESS agenda's. Why are Natchez citizens so afraid to call them out, who cares how old their families are, who cares how much money they have, who cares who they are, if we wait till they are all dead to make changes their won't be anyone left in town.
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I like people like you, Timefertruth. I may argue with them sometimes, but I like them.
Posted by timefertruth (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think if these old money old timey people want to keep natchez in the past then all the tax payers ought to gather them up and do to them what the people in the past use to do.
TAR AND FEATHER THEM AND RUNNUM OUT OF TOWN.
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Timefertruth, I think they deleted your last post, because you used certain language that they don't approve of. It definately can't because you stepped on their toes, because people do it all the time.
Posted by msfixit (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You know, people--I hate to sound like a cynic (even though I am), but the situation in Natchez is no different than it is in 99% of the rest of the world. We follow the Golden Rule--Them as has the gold makes the rules--and I don't know what or how this is ever going to change. The bottom line is that most of these "old money types" are taxpayers, too, and because we are largely a property tax based system, they pay a substantial amount of the taxes that keep Adams Co. and Natchez going, because they own the property, and the property they own is considered more valuable. This class warfare crap has got to stop (from both sides) if we're ever going to get anywhere here. I've been called riff-raff by some of these types myself, but that doesn't stop me from doing what I can to make corner of Natchez better.
Posted by Bobaloo (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
if only we played the blame game less and the take action game more...
Posted by Idefinitelymight (Tom Scarborough) on December 22, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am still perplexed why so many in the community place the blame for the lack of economic opportunity at the feet of the garden clubs, the preservation commission, and the "hysterical society." What you folks seem to be conveniently forgetting in all of your bitter invective is that these groups are trying to preserve the historical integrity of a part of town that represents a pretty small percentage of the overall Natchez business footprint available for development. Industries are not clamoring to establish operations in the downtown area; none of the kinds of jobs many of you are rightly calling for are being turned away because of any efforts to preserve the one real asset we do have at this point. If you read the report of this group, they positively gush over the beauty and uniqueness of our downtown, and the necessity of preserving it. No--lack of economic opportunity is not the fault of preservationists or of the proponents of tourism.
Large swaths of Natchez and Adams County are zoned for business and industry, and are wide open for development. There is ample space for businesses to set up shop in high traffic, high visibility locations, largely unhindered by the kinds of ordinances intended to safeguard the historical integrity of downtown. Yet Natchez cannot seem to attract investment. Why?
Rather than screeching at the bluehairs and the nabobs, it might more useful to take a look in mirror to find the source of the problem. Want to improve our schools? Take your kids out of the private academies, enroll them in our public schools--I would bet that improvement in the school system would be quick and dramatic. Then you will see companies begin to consider Natchez/Adams County as a place worthy of investment. Stop trashing your community. Get involved and participate in community activities and offerings. It's a better option than all of the sniveling and b--ching that goes on in these forums.
Posted by timefertruth (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
msfixit
You are 100% right. But I think what the average stuggling tax
payer is trying to say is this.
Mr./Mrs. Money Person we are tax payers too and we are tired of
being subjected to you telling us how we should live, We are tired of you buying off the politicians to raise our property taxes so you can fund a million dollar building with our tax money and then not allow us to use it.We are tired of you telling us how our houses and property that we alone pay taxes on should look,We are tired of you buying up houses in our neighborhoods and turning them into hud houses and which causes our property values to go down.We are tired of you buying houses and turning them into section 8 rental rental property which lowers our property values,We are tired of you treating us like we are beneath you because we can't afford fancy name brand clothes.We are tired of you demanding that you get serviced before the person before you just because of who you think you are,We are tired of you thinking just because you have money you are above the law,We are tired of you glaring at us with those eyes of disgust when you see us in a store after a hard dirty days work buying our groceries before we go home for the day,We are tired of you giving us a bunch of sand about not cashing your two party checks even though there is a sign right in front of your eyes that says it is against store policy,We are tired of you forgetting that if it wasn't for people like us you would not be making the money that you have.
We want you to realize that we cannot afford a brand new fancy $60,000 Rv but we do want to stay in nice Rv parks when we are on vacation.
We want you to realize just because do not wear size 2 clothes that we are lazy and don't take care of ourselves,We want you to realize that size 2 people aren't the only people in the world and to put more ranges of sizes in your shops,We want you to realize that we are working class American citizens and we demand to be treated with respect no matter how much money we have, we want you to realize that you are not the only people in Natchez and that we are the majority and we are tired of being ignored.
Just so all of you know I am a white male and I don't think that a womans place is at home barefoot and pregnant although I do listen to people and I have heard the saying time and time again from bigger women in the stores around Natchez that they do not carry clothes for bigger women they cater to the petite.
Just had to clarify that, I do believe if a woman can do the job and do it right let her do it and pay her the same as a man, I have had female bosses, female employees that could do their jobs better than some men.
I think I have about hit it all !
Posted by timefertruth (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HECK YEA !!!!! THAT'S WHAT I AM SCREAMING!!! GETUM DRAGONFLYDAY !!!!!
Posted by Bobaloo (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
so, timefertruth, who is "we" and who is "you" that you refer to? I can't tell that either one refer to "me". so, who is they?
Posted by presby (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It doesn,t matter about zones,land..like the Industrail park that Natchez bought and rebought..a lot of gulleys only good for deer hunting,a D-9 Caterpillar dozer couldn,t go in and out of the gulleys..they knew that when they bought it. Everybody robbin the taxpayers..that,s the way it is around here and always will be..at least the thugs confess every now and then.The higher ups just go on Automouth and automatically give a thousand excuses.
Posted by reneef (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 10:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am hearing a lot of complaining about what other people are doing but nothing about what you have done or are going to do. Is SOMEONE ELSE suppose to do it all for you? It is not city governments responsibility to provide entertainment for your children. It is their job to HELP draw businesses to the area. That is not going to happen until you get over the us/them mentality and all try to do something for the area.
Posted by timefertruth (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 10:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bobaloo.
We refers to the lady who works at the convenience store that is
raising three kids by herself with no insurance and no husband
and trying to keep a roof over their heads making minimum wage,
or the senior citizen that is barely getting by on social security
and can only get $10.00 a month in food stamps or I think it is
$12.00 a month now, they got a little raise a year or two ago,
or the person who lost their house because the mortgage
company called in their loan or because they lost their job,or
the person who just got their property reevaluated by the tax
assessor and now are paying higher property taxes even
though the values of homes and property is going down all
over this country, or the person who the city has cut their water
off because they could not afford to pay their bill and
wondering why the water price has not went down after the 10
yrs went by and the water price was supposed to go back down
after the new wells were paid for or what happen to the free
water for the month of December that was promised by the
mayor.
You refers to the politicians who are not doing what they
promised, performed their jobs properly, budgeted wisely so
taxes would not have to be raised, fought to make sure that we
did get the nissan plant built in Natchez, And the people who
are constantly shoving tourism down our throats, or pushing
stupid ordinances in our faces,the people who keep denying
that there is a gang and drug problem in Natchez the people
that keep thinking tourism is the miracle that will save Natchez,
the people who think that what the minimum wage worker has
to say means nothing and that they have no idea what they are
talking about, the people who think it is better to layoff an
employee rather than not give himself a $100,000 raise, this is
to the people who think an employee should come beg for a
raise they deserve instead of just giving it to them because
they have a good work ethic and have never missed a day.
you refers to the people that pay someone a salary and then
work them way over the hours the salary is worth just because
they don't have to pay them overtime.
If you treat your employees good then you will have a
dedicated employee forever, but if you treat your employee
like the only life they should have is working for you then you
will have a large embarrassing turnover in employees.
Posted by timefertruth (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 10:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FOR EXAMPLE: I believe it was peer ball bearings has been in
business for years and treated their employees like family and
in turn had an employee turnover of almost ( 0 ) they had
dedicated employees that performed their jobs with quality and
and care the owners decided to sell the company and instead of
taking the money and running they decided they wanted to
show their employees appreciation for all the years of
dedication and quality they would give these employees
bonuses, they based these bonuses on years of service, the
bonuses ranged from $10,000 to over $40,000, these people did
not forget that if it was not for their employees dedication and
quality they would not have had as good of a business that they
had.
The biggest problem in this country is that most businesses
have an uncaring attitude towards their employees, and that we
have problem with a generation coming up that thinks that
they should get high pay right off the bat instead of earning it,
but that is for another time.
Sorry about that 3000 caracter limit on this thing.
Bobaloo let me know if that helped you out any.
Posted by Bobaloo (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 10:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
yes. it helped. thanks.
Posted by timefertruth (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
misfixit
sorry left out the word not on line 16 between are and lazy gotta learn to proof read better, OOPS
Posted by Bobaloo (anonymous) on December 22, 2008 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
timefertruth,
I don't necessarily disagree with what you are saying. All valid and astute points.
I do feel that, while not a miracle fix, tourism is a viable industry here and should not be forgotten, abandoned or hated. Maximized not marginalized.
Yes, many, any and somethings need to be added to the asset value here. Embellish what we have and strive for more in areas that we don't have.
Probably easier said than done huh?
Posted by timefertruth (anonymous) on December 23, 2008 at 5:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you Bobaloo
Sometimes I may be a little harsh but I am not saying get rid of
tourism, what I am trying to get through to city officials and people
like the hytserical society is that when you have so many people
complaining about the same things then obviously there is a
problem and it is right there out in the open and being ignored.
If Natchez powers to be don't open their eyes to the present
day they will have a historical little town minus enough tax
payers to run it, people are leaving Natchez because of lack of
jobs, below average educational system, crime, high taxes,lack
of interest in what the average tax payer has to say.
Truth be known I am one of those people that are leaving, I
have lived in Natchez for 15 years, thank god I sold my house
before all this mortgage stuff happened, someone above made
the statement about the school system not being what it should
be they are right to many problems and way behind, I am taking
my family to another state where the city caters towards kids
education, and where decent jobs still prosper.
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on December 23, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is from another post that I had written to Bobaloo the other day. Here are a few Ideas for the people in charge of Natchez.....ANYBODY LISTENING??????
How about going after a few stores like Lowes and Home Depot....there is always someone in Natchez fixing up old houses...and try calling on small industries that need 100 or less workers....like power transformer manufacturers, the one in Crystal Springs does well( people will always need electricity), give them the same tax incentives to move to Natchez that they do people like Rentech. AND LET THEM PUT UP THE SIGN THEY WANT WHEN THEY MOVE IN !!!!!!!!!
THEN, get kids back into trade schools in Natchez. Natchez had one of the best trade schools in the state and it seems that now all they have is a trivial amount being taught. Try teaching computer repair to some high school students that are not heading for college. IDENTIFY the kids that are more likely to drop out or fail and let them learn how to lay bricks...build houses....teach them AutoCADD for 3 years so they will have a shot at a decent career....and when they graduate, instead of prepping them for college, prepare them for a career...and instead of giving them a standard diploma, give them a training certificate.....
Make them skilled when they leave high school. I believe that is the biggest failure of "no child left behind" My president had a good idea, but not every student is going to be the next Bill Gates or Lee Iocoacca( I hope that is how he spelled it). WE still need laborers in this country that speak ENGLISH!!!!!1
And if Uncle Sam would start really trying to get the effing mexicans out of our country, then there would be a few jobs left over for the regular Joe's in America......
ENOUGH IDEAS RENEEF???
Posted by southernbelle (anonymous) on December 23, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"If you don't love it.....leave it "! That's what I say . It's hard far some people to realize there are rules in life for a reason . Not all are sound or reasonable but they have to be followed until they can be changed .
Posted by msfixit (anonymous) on December 23, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Although I wouldn't go that far as "love it or leave it", I will return to my refrain of "put your time where your mouth is". The boards and commissions that seem to get under people's skins so much are not Star Chambers. They have public meetings, and their membership lists are a matter of public record. If you don't like what's going on, write letters, make phone calls, attend meetings. Stay in touch with your alderman/woman and keep on reminding them who puts them in office. Ditto the mayor. Somebody in an earlier post made the comment that the various clubs people b***h about have organized to pursue their agendas and have done so by making sure members volunteer for various boards or commissions (yes, those posts are volunteer, not paid). Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and because the postings on this board are largely anonymous the Powers that Be won't listen because there is no way of knowing if the poster is even a local voter or just some malcontent from somewhere else.
Posted by muleman (anonymous) on December 23, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Timefertruth, what's the name of that little town in Missouri? Sounds like Eutpopia. I might move there. Thanks.
Posted by reneef (anonymous) on December 23, 2008 at 10:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Redusmfan: I think those are wonderful ideas. I was not trying to say there was not a problem in Natchez. There is a problem. Just trying to point out that complaining does not fix it. Coming up with ideas and working toward them as a group will help fix it. If the non tourism people in Natchez work together many things will be possible.
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on December 23, 2008 at 11:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
for the people here on the coast that i have brought to my home town to 'visit' in their eyes NATCHEZ FIRST LOOK TO THEM IS ***TREES AND CHURCHES***
that's all they saw. lol leaving them with the question... where or how do folks work living there.. which when one saw the NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT IN THE PAPER "STAND" ANSWERED their question. everyday the headline was Shooting, Robbing, Fighting, well ya'll get the idea.
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on December 24, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
((redusmfan)) great ideas and great post!
Posted by Cognac (anonymous) on December 28, 2008 at 1:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ask the average tourist such as myself regarding Natchez, and they'd say..."First off, where the hell is that?" Second, once it's explained to that tourist what Natchez and it's past stance regarding the civil rights of others of different color and/or nationality, that tourist would be more inclined to visit say the 9th ward in New Orleans. Which is another place who's first impression did not floor me! Good ole boy politics and coruption is alive and well and livin' in good old Natchez. That's what an open-minded tourist would think. Don't 'cha think it really is time for a change for the better? Ah, feels and smells like the South!
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on December 30, 2008 at 12:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i always miss out on the good talks!
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