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photo by Luke Horton
Photo illustration above: Candidates are beginning to line up at the starting line for this year’s Natchez election. Candidate who have confirmed they are running include, from left, Jake Middleton and Phillip West for mayor and Joyce Arceneaux, Theodore “Bubber” West, James “Ricky” Gray, Tony Fields and Bob Pollard for city alderman.
Candidates prepare run for municipal elections
Published Saturday, January 12, 2008
NATCHEZ — In an election year, rumors start to fly. Who is running, who isn’t and who is considering it are questions many people want answered, and a few Natchezians have come forward to verify those rumors, to deny them or to take a little more time to consider.
Mayor
Alderman Jake Middleton has been advertising his bid for mayor since October, and he said he is running for sure.
“It’s always just been something that I felt I wanted to do from the first day I was elected alderman,” Middleton said. “Timing is very important in my decision. I feel like I have reached the point in the point in my life where I can take on the running of the city government of Natchez.”
Current Mayor Phillip West said he decided several months ago he would run for re-election, but that he would not likely qualify until February.
West’s focus for re-election includes a new recreation complex development, the Forks of the Road site and revitalizing bad neighborhoods, he said.
Former State Rep. Andrew Ketchings said he is considering a run for mayor.
“I am only just now considering it,” he said.
Whoever decides to run will have many tough decisions ahead of them, Ketchings said.
But former City Attorney Walter Brown said he would not be running for mayor or another office in this election.
“I have had a large number of people ask me to consider it, since the last election, and I told them I would consider it,” Brown said. “But since I retired from the city, between my business and law practice, I’m not in a position to (run).”
Alderman
Alderwoman Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis said she has already qualified for the election, registering Wednesday.
She has always wanted to run for re-election, Arceneaux-Mathis said, and she wants to make sure she completes the drainage projects that she started in her first term.
Natchezian Jim Sanders, who has challenged Arceneaux-Mathis in the past, said he is “strongly considering” running against her again, and he is “teetering” on the edge of a decision.
People who want him to run have approached him, Sanders said, and support is his major determining factor.
“If elected, I’ll take an analytical look at all issues presented to the board,” he said.
Alderman James “Ricky” Gray said he has decided to run again after a period of prayer.
“I know for a fact that my job is not finished,” Gray said. “I have a vision of how I want to see Ward 2 look, and I am going to run until I finish. I feel like this community needs to realize in order for all the people to prosper in this community, we need to start from the bottom and build up.”
Likewise, Alderman Bob Pollard said he qualified to run on the first possible day.
Pollard said he enjoys serving the city and wants to make sure that he is on board when the new casinos open in Natchez. He also said the city’s infrastructure needs attention, specifically the streets.
Alderman Theodore “Bubber” West said he plans to run for re-election, but this will be his last term.
“We have gotten a lot of things accomplished and a lot of things planned now,” he said. “In the next four years we plan to get the recreation complex tackled and some infrastructure improvements planned.”
Frazier Primary School assistant principal Tony Fields III said he has plans to run for the Ward 4 seat occupied by West.
Fields said he sees it as chance to help the city, and if elected he would concentrate on “out of the box thinking” to repair the school system. He said his deep love for Natchez would help him to fulfill his duties as alderman.
Alderman David Massey said, after 20 years on the board, he is not planning to run again.
Massey said his office was “the best thing I have ever done,” and the next candidate needs to be a young man with a strong love for the city, dedicated to bringing long-term business to Natchez.
“No, but maybe”
Board of supervisors member Darryl Grennell, who has in the past served several years as president of the board, would not say if he was running for anything.
“I have not decided yet,” Grennell said.
Natchezian Brad Fondren said he will decide whether or not to run in the next 10 days. Fondren said he needs to make sure he can balance his business and the duties of the board.
He would focus on growing the economy and getting the city and county board to work together, Fondren said.
Natchez Fire Chief Paul Johnson said he has made no decision at all when it comes to running, and if he does, family will influence his choice.
“I’m focusing on my duties as a fire chief,” he said.
Likewise, Natchezian Joe Eidt would not commit to running but would not rule it out, either.
“Never say never,” Eidt said.
Former Mayor Larry L. “Butch” Brown said he would not make a bid for mayor.
Not running
A few folks whose names have been making the “might run” circuit said they will not run.
They include Larry Brown Jr., businesswoman Sue Stedman and NAPAC museum director Darrell White.
Comments
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 12:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i didn't even read the article!! I LOVE THE PICTURE!! HAHAHA! TOO CUTE! looks like democrat is getting a sense of humor.... or then again are they LOOKING at this election as that 'FULL OF HUMOR'??? HAHA!
Posted by NoWireHangers (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 1:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Please, Please, Please, someone call Mary Butler, the Mayor of Madison and ask her to consider running. I think she is interested. Look what she did for Madison. It is upscale and has gained national recognition as a wonderful place to live. Mary has a weekend home in Natchez and is very aware of the strengths and improvements needed for Natchez.
Posted by mophus22 (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 2:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i care soooooo much about my hometown. Butch, please run for mayor!!! you did so many good things for Natchez and i know your CONNECTIONS can do some good again!
Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 2:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sure hope we have some more new faces appear for the race. Some of the present aldermen/women and the Bucket need to go to the house. The pay needs to be minimum wage, that way we would only have folks in the part-time positions who are not in it for the money, but truly have the community's best interest at heart. Good luck to you, Tony Fields, III. I know where your heart is!!
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 6:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
PLEASE tell me I read the artice wrong...I know Bucket isnt running for mayor again.Hasnt he done enough to this fine city in the last 4 yrs???
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 6:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I also love the picture! Good art work ND!!! The Mayor of Madison, MS will do nothing more than force a silly little code and how every building should look, according to HER standards. This is not necessary, since most buildings, from their inceptions, are site worthy and compliant. What Natchez needs is people who are dedicated to building the job market, and not just verbally, people who are truly dedicated to crime fighting, and not retreat into their own little fantasy existences, and a strong infrastructure, schools, churchs, etc. Natchez also needs a candidate, who can bring together the races, for one common goal and not turn a blind eye to the racial polarization residing within. We have had enough talk about all of the above, we NEED ACTION.
Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
STUPID PICTURE.I WISH THOSE IDIOTS WOULD RUN ALL THE WAY OUT OFF NATCHEZ.ITS JUST A SIDE SHOW FOR FHONEYS.WHEN YOU CAST YOUR VOTE,YOUR VOTING FOR CHANGE IM SURE OF IT.BUT THE REALLITY OF IT IS>NOTHING EVER CHANGES WITH CANIDATES WHO REPLACE INCUMBUNTS.ALL YOU GET IS MORE OF THE SAME.THEY RUN FOR THE MONEY,NOT THE PEOPLE.SO WHY DO WE KEEP PUTTING IN MORE CANIDATES FROM THE SAME TWO PARTY SYSTEM THAT HAS FAILED US?IF YOU WANT CHANGE?IT HAS TO COME FROM A THIRD PARTY OR JUST SOMEONE WHOS NOT RICH OR A POLITICIAN.IT HAS TO BE SOMEONE NOT IN IT FOR THE MONEY.FROM EXPERENCE IVE LEARNED THE TWO PARTY SYSTEM IS A FAILED PROCESS.OUR GOVERMENT HAS LOST ITS WAY.ITS NO LONGER GOVERMENT FOR THE PEOPLE BY THE PEOPLE.ITS GOVERMENT FOR THE GOVERMENT BY THE GOVERMENT.THIS IS NO LONGER A DEMOCROCSY.OUR VOTE MEANS NOTHING.WHAT WE NEED IS A REVALUTION.WE NEED TO START OVER.SUCCEEDING FROM THE UNION IS THE FIRST STEP.DOING AWAY WITH DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS IS THE NEXT STEP.GIVING THE POWER BACK TO THE PEOPLE IS THE THIRD STEP.BUT YOU PEOPLE CAN SIMPLY IGNORE MY COMMENTS AND CONTINUE THE SAME FAILED POLITICAL PROCESS AS I KNOW YOU WILL.TY
Posted by silly_willy_24_7 (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i think the picture would be more believable and more accurate if they were wearing their clown suits instead of athletic outfits.
natchez's theme song should be,"Send OUT the clowns!"
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on January 13, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We need a candidate to run for Pollard's position on the board of aldermen! Any takers?
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe they will keep running like Forrest Gump & miss the election.We sure could use a new set of leaders to get our great little city back to where we were 10 yrs ago.With these clowns all we are getting is fewer high paying jobs & more crime.
Posted by sideline (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 11:01 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ntzmom (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dahling, I talked to Mary Butlers assistant, her name is Brucie; my husband and I have some realestate dealings with Mary and I asked Brucie to tell Mary that people are really wanted her to run for Mayor.
She seemed taken back by what I said, said she and Mary both loved Natchez but elequently avoided answering my real question!!!
But at least I put a bug in her ear!
Posted by SayItRight (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I remember when one of the people in this article who is considering running used to sleep on his desk at work. He sounds like a good candidate. LOL.
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A weekend home is like camping out. This is no camping out fun job. It's serious and that is what we need. A person dead serious on getting us out of this hullabaloo situation we are in. To all the now ins; If you are running on a recreation platform, well, you're dead in the water. You have already promised it too many times. Same as educational system, all too many promises for us to believe you again. Get your bags packed and have another job lined up, but it probably won't pay as much as you're making now. Maybe you'll get a taste of what it's like to work a 40 hr week job for less pay. To all the ones coming in, be careful of what you promise, the voters will expect you to fulfill the promises, they will be watching very closely.
Posted by Idefinitelymight (Tom Scarborough) on January 13, 2008 at 12:39 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Looks like we have some "carpetbaggers" running that do not have the overall good government of Natchez in mind!
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
my eyes are burning just looking at Phillip West.
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on January 13, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If qualified to run, what does it cost to register?
Maybe we need some qualified individuals to register so the voters can have a "none of the above" choice.
You know, someone who does not make promises, who does not spend a lot of money to be elected, who has the education and who has a business acumen.
Posted by MrNobody (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Idefinitelymight
I agree she's racially motivated and after hearing her on TV Thursday.I felt more afraid of her position in the community then anything else.As for Chief Johnson I think his dedication to the N.F.D. will keep him from running.
Jim Sanders would be a better choice if nobody else runs against her.Slim pickins in Natchez folks word of mouth is stronger then most people think.I like to see that list of “might run” candidates..Who knows what can happen!
Strive to Revive Natchez in 08!!
Posted by msspoiled94 (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Now the democrat could have done a better job with the picture. Way to go Mr. Fields!!! You are good person and I know you will do a wonderful job for Natchez!
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 7:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hahaha... that's probably the first public appearance the MAYOR has made in awhile huh? hahaha!! (taking the picture for the democrat)
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 8:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
somehow i don't think he posed for this one buttercup. lol
Posted by wakeupnatchez (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WAKE UP NATCHEZ!!!!!! HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO PUT UP OR SHUT UP. LET'S SEE IF YOU WANT A CHANGE AS DID THE PEOPLE IN IOWA. LET'SEE IF YOU CAN VOTE FOR THE BEST MAN OR WOMAN INSTEAD OF THE BEST RACE. PEOPLE OF NATCHEZ!!!!!!!!!!!! POLITICS AND RELIGION DON'T MIX, WHEN YOU FINISH PRAYING WILL YOU PLEASE PUT YOUR BRIGHT MINDS TOGETHER AND MOVE YOUR CITY INTO THE 21ST CENTURY. DO YOU REMEMBER THE CIVIL WAR? AGRICULTURE VS INDUSTRIALIZATION, PLEASE REMEMBER WHO WON. PRAYER VS TECHNOLOGY WANT WORK EITHER!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE ELECT PEOPLE THAT REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT EDUCATION IS TO THE GROWTH OF A TOWN. YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS CONTINUE TO APPOINT PEOPLE WHO ARE JUST AS NON- QUALIFIED AS THEY ARE. IF THERE IS ANYONE RUNNING FOR REELECTION THAT MADE APPOINTMENTS TO THAT JOKE OF A SCHOOL BOARD BEFORE NEWSOM AND STEPHENS PLEASE DON'T DO IT AGAIN. I AM STILL LMAO BECAUSE THEY USED THE SACS REPORT TO TAKE THE SPOTLIIGHT OFF THE FACT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL IS RUINED AND THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ARE STILL ON THE SAME LEVEL AS HEADSTART AND YET NONE OF YOU HAVE BOTHER TO CHALLENGE THAT _______.I HEAR THE PERSONNEL DIRECTOR WHO JUST COME TO TOWN IS ALSO THE INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT. LOOKS LIKE THE JOKE IS ON ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM EMBARASS EVERY TIME MY CO WORKERS READ ABOUT MY HOMETOWN. I BECOME THE JOKE OF THE DAY
Posted by ntzmom (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 9:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wish Butch Brown would run....I will never forget the day he was defated, total shock. I would love to have him as my mayor again.
Posted by ntzmom (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
oops....defeated.****
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 11:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Happy Founders' Day to all the Sorors of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.!!!!!!!
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 6:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bubber West.....I wouldn't vote for this sleeze for anything! He is just a BAD man and pulling the wool over alot of people! That's about all I can say without being deleted!
the things I could tell you
Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 6:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WHY DO YOU NEED EXPERENCE TO RUN FOR OFFICE?MOST CANIDATES ARE RICH,OR ATTORNNYS.I DONT BELIVE EXPERENCE SHOULD BE AN ISSUE.WE NEED AN IDEALIST NOT A POLITICIAN.WE NEED A PERSON WHO WILL DO THE JOB BECAUSE HE WANTS TO SERVE THE PUBLIC,NOT BECAUSE OF THE MONEY HE"LL GET.WE DONT NEED AN EDUCATED PERSON,WE NEED A CARING PERSON.WE NEED A ROBINHOOD TYPE FELLOW.TAKE FROM THE RICH GIVE TO THE POOR.IT NEEDS TO BE AN EVERYDAY JOE FOR THE PEOPLE.A COMMON MAN,A POOR MAN.HECK ID DO THE JOB OF ANY OF THESE IDIOTS FOR HALF THE MONEY THEY GET.AND PROBLEY DO 10 TIMES BETTER THE JOB.IT DOESNT TAKE A ROCKET SCIENTIST TO FILL THESE POLITICAL SEATS.BUT THESE CANIDATES WOULD HAVE YOU THINK SO!WHERE DO WE FIND A PERSON WHO WILL DO WHAT THE PEOPLE WANTS THEM TO DO?ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE ABOVE ARE ONLY CONCERNED ABOUT THERE OWN SELF INTEREST.AND WE KNOW THIS,BUT YET WE KEEP ELECTING IDIOTS,DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS.WHY?????LIONS TIGERS AND BEARS OH MY!WE COUOLD SEND THESE CANIDATES A LOUD MESSAGE FROM THE PEOPLE IF WHEN WE GO TO THE POLLS WE ALL CHOOSE NONE OF THE ABOVE AND CHOOSE A WRITE IN CANIDATE OF OUR CHOICE.WE THE PEOPLE COULD HAVE PRIVATE MEETINGS ON THIS ISSUE AND ON ELECTION DAY A SHOT COULD BE HEARD ROUND THE WORLD!AND WHEN NONE OF THESE CANIDATES ABOVE ARENT ELECTED,THEY WOULD SAY THE ELECTION WAS FLAWED OR SOMETHING OF THE SORT CAUSE NONE OF THEM WOULD BE A WINNER.SOMEONE THEY DONT KNOW WOULD HAVE BEATIN THEM ALL THAT WASNT ON THE BALLOT,A WRITE IN CANIDATE WHO DIDNT HAVE ANY MONEY,OR AN EDUCATION.AN EVERYDAY JOE,A COMMON MAN.THIS WOULD BE A SIGN THAT THE REPUBLIC HAS BEEN REBORN.TY
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sorry but there is no such thing as a "Robin Hood" type person supertrucker....that is a dream and not one of the people you see in the drawing above...sorry
Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
THATS MY POINT SAY IT OUTLOUD.THE IDIOTS IN THE PICTURE DOESNT REPERESNT US.AND ITS NOT A DREAM.YOU CAN WRITE YOUR CANIDATES NAME IN THE BALLOT.YOU DONT HAFT TO CHOOSE ONE OF THEM.THOSE PEOPLE ARE FAKES AND FHONEYS WHO ARE IN IT FOR THE MONEY.YOU PEOPLE REALLY NEED TO WAKE UP.STOP VOTING DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN.YOU DO WHAT YOU WANT TO SAYIT.BUT IF YOU WANT CHANGE?YOU WONT GET IT VOTING FOR THE SAME OLE SAME OLE MEANING>[DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS]PUT SOMEBODY IN THESE SEATS WHO WILL TELL THE P.G.C.WHERE TO GO.THE PEOPLE RUN THIS CITY,NOT THE P.G.C.AND THE BOARD OF ALTERMAN IS A JOKE.WHAT THE HECK ARE THEY THERE FOR?THEY DO NOTHING.THEY DONT LISEN TO US.THEY ARE OVERPAID.ALL THESE PEOPLE CARE ABOUT IS TOURISM.THEY ARENT BRINGING JOBS TO THE CITY LIKE THEY SAID THEY WOULD.WE NEED PLANTS LIKE ARMSTRONG,MANSVILLE AND I.P.BACK IN NATCHEZ.NOT HOTELS AND MOTELS AND GAMBLEING BOATS.YOU SEE WHAT IM SAYING?THEY THINK THEY KNOW WHATS BEST FOR US.THEY THINK WE KNOW NOTHING,THAT WE ARE STUPID.BUT THEY ARE DEAD WRONG.SOME OF US KNOW MORE THAN THEM.SOME OF US HAVE WOKEN UP.SOME OF US ARENT BLINDED BY THE POLITICAL REDERICT AND PROPAGANDA.ALL THESE IDIOTS NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH EVERYDAY JOES,THE COMMON MAN WITHOUT A POLITICAL BACK GROUND,WITHOUT MONEY OR AN HARVARD DEGREE IN LAW.ITS NOT A DREAM AND IT WILL HAPPEN IF WE THE PEOPLE PULL TOGETHER AND MAKE IT HAPPEN!TY
Posted by stormie527 (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bravo Sayitloud..I could not agree with you more. I only hope at the time of election everyone else will see Bubber West as we do. He will probably get a run for his money this time with Tony Fields running against him. Finally a good honest man, who will do the right thing for the right reason.The Wests have a lot of people fooled, like you there is a lot I could say to enlighten people of who the Wests really are,but will probably be deleted. Tony you have my vote and support. Go get him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by 2of4 (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I attended a meeting right after Mr. West was elected and took over as our Mayor. He clearly stated that he was in for one term and one term only. He would not run again. So that meant nothing. And Jake, why is he running for mayor? He hasn't done anything special as an alderman. He could have really proven his worthiness for many years. And his comment that it is always what he wanted to be? Why did he let his brother run for mayor? What if he had won, would he have run against him? Why would his brother run anyway if he knew Jake wanted to be mayor since he was first elected as an alderman? Jake's wife lives out of town so how can he serve our community 24/7 if he spends time with his wife out of town?
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
stormie527!! AMEN!! Field has my vote too!
Maybe you and I can share somewhere else our own experiences and horror stories on Bubber. nightmare
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
kinda reminds me of Ray Nagin in New Orleans...he doesn't live there anymore since Katrina.....moved his family to Dallas and put his kids in a private school there. It's a new mayor thing apparently....run for mayor in one town but live elsewhere and GOOD GOD don't let the people find out!
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW, do you really mean that Philip West stated ANYTHING CLEARLY??? THAT'S A SURPRISE!!!
Posted by reb1843 (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Where else but in Mississippi would you have a mayor named "Bucket"? Clearly, the town needs a TON of new blood with backbone if it ever expects to get out of the starting blocks to run the race. There's an old saying, "They may talk about a different pasture, but they're the same ol' mules!"
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
only in Mississippi!
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
haha, yelp only in MS! we got it like that!!
to bad a younger person wouldn't put their names in the hat.. maybe with having a younger person they can bring some ideas about EVERYTHING really to the table.. i mean we do want our younger people to come HOME right?? that could be what we need to get them back.. just a thought
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Edward Killelea for Mayor.!!!!! Or Donald. Either one will do.
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hey buttercup!!!!!
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hey ((peace)) how is your NEW YEARS GOING???
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
great! how about yours?
Posted by readingthepaper (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What are you all's thoughts on Ketchings running for Mayor...I don't know alot about him. I also heard about another young teacher, a woman, talking about running for alderman possibly. The folks talking about her said she would be great, all about disadvantaged children, and being fair to all. Can't remember who she was though.......
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I always heard good things about Ketchings but have never actually met the guy.
Posted by stormie527 (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sayitloud, it would be a pleasure to share notes with you. You can send me an e-mail from here, just click on my name and go from there. Wish we could share with everyone.
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
new years is going great!! gettin busy with all the sports coming our way! played ball with the kids ALL weekend and LORD am i paying for it now! soooo sore!
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I nominate gemccull for mayor.
Posted by gemccull (anonymous) on January 13, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If qualified to run, what does it cost to register?
Maybe we need some qualified individuals to register so the voters can have a "none of the above" choice.
You know, someone who does not make promises, who does not spend a lot of money to be elected, who has the education and who has a business acumen.
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It costs $10 to register to run for public office.
To win the office of Mayor past winners have spent up to $90,000 (Hank Smith) Butch spent about $65,000. (losing) Last time Phillip spent a little less but I am sure Sue spent $65,000 +.
The official totals reported probably show less as some money is not reported.
Democrats and Republicans just have to pay $10 - Independents have to have 100 (+) qualified voters sign a petition
The $10 fee to run is the cheap part.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
man that last mayoral election was hilarious!! I'd love to see a show like that again!
Posted by Morticia (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone hear anything about the hostage situation in Vidalia?
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Who, what, when, where and why?
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Morticia: why does it always have to be ME asking the question "what are you talking about" Okay, I'm asking. LOL
Posted by Morticia (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There seems to be a hostage situation on Apple Street. Some guy is holding his family hostage threatening to kill himself and them. At least this is what I heard and just trying to see if anyone else knows anything.
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Morticia, I actually asked the 2nd question first. It just got posted backward.
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OMG! He can do what he has to do to himself but please let those poor children go! Do you know who he is? Where is Apple street?
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is that Apple St. in Vidalia or the one in Ridgecrest?
Posted by Morticia (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Apple Street is behind the post office somewhere. I don't know who or why. I hope they are all safe.
Posted by Morticia (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wonder why we haven't seen any breaking news yet? Maybe not enough facts or something.
Posted by Morticia (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Vidalia I believe.
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We may never know unless something drastic happens. sayitloud saw some guy hanging off the bridge the other day while talking on a cell phone but there was nothing else said about that. It must have been nothing serious.
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just left the shop and came by there but I didn't see any blue lights, but then again, if Apple St. is towards the back, I wouldn't have. Do you know when this all was taking place...as we speak?
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
okay Mort- where did you go?
Posted by notabigot (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 7:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i just drove down apple in vidalia and saw a couple of law enforcemnt cars with the officers sitting in them on the street, but they have been watching for speeders and i have seen that a lot in the past week. If there is anything happening there it must be over. Also i saw the guy hanging from the bridge as he was climbing over the rail, but when I got to the other end of the bridge I saw some truck with official seals right at the end and I think he was working.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 7:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey notabigot! So you saw this guy Sat. morning on the bridge that I saw? I was hoping he was a worker and nothing else!
Hope this hostage thing ended peacefully!
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 7:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks, notabig, for the additional info. I knew sayitloud saw this person on the bridge the other day with a helicopter above, but since we didn't hear anymore about him, I figured either the guy DIDN'T jump, or there was something else going on.
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WHERE'S MORTICIA AND WHAT'S GOING ON?
Posted by Morticia (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Noneya, sorry had to feed everyone. That's all I heard. Just the what and where. I'll see if the paper has anything in it in the morning.
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 8:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
guess we'll find out.
Posted by Morticia (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 8:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope so. See you all later. Stay warm!
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Morticia: keep ole what's-his-name warm (gomer?)
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
yeah and where is "Thing"?
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gomez!
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
thanks again, peace...once again I went blank! and sayit...we don't want to know where Thing is!
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HAHAHAHA!!! Keep that "thing" away from us!
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ooohhhh yeah.
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
when you guys go to bed tonight, make sure you check for stray hands under your beds. lol
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 9:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
peace; did you see that sign in the bar downtown? Discrimination never ends!!! It said:
MEN-No Shirt, NO Service
WOMEN-No Shirt, Free Beer
There's no end is it?
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 9:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OMG that's so tacky. which bar???
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GOTCHA!!! Just kidding, peace. Forgive me.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 9:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Peace, I heard Sun. that Donald Killilea had been recently diagnosed with cancer - bone I think, but we had a lot of people on the prayer list with cancer so I'm not sure. He would be a great mayor though.
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Freedom42, I hope you are wrong, Donald just got married and his wife Amy is pregnant.
If you are right I hope his cancer has been found early and all will be OK.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes he is the one because I remember hearing that he was married and they were expecting. I hope he will be ok too, we are all praying for him.
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OMG!!! Donald already had a kidney removed several yrs ago. aww, that's terrible. i need to call a mutual friend to find out. that's really sad. what a shame.
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 14, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
please do pray for him, freedom. i know you will.
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 15, 2008 at 12:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
poor Donald. he finally decides to get married and now this. how very sad. such a nice guy. the whole family are really great ppl. they are devastated i'm sure.
Posted by NoWireHangers (anonymous) on January 15, 2008 at 6:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think it is inappropriate to put someone's medical condition on the Democrat comments site. That information is personal and should be private. I would be very upset if I was diagnosed with cancer or some other illness and someone posted it on comments and the information was out there to be forwarded everywhere. There are HIPPA laws which protect your medical history privacy and I think all of us should respect each other enough to not post other people's medical condition online.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 15, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Donald does have cancer but it is lung cancer and he never smoked! I have heard of this before though. Donald said they want to remove a top portion of his lung.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on January 15, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
HIPPA protects your medical privacy unless you give permission for it to be released. If he didn't want anyone to know, he would not have asked friends to announce it in various churchs and asked for prayer. If I have offended Donald then I will personally apologize. However, I will still pray for him and his family, and you too.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 15, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
everyone loves Donald and is praying for him. THAT'S what he needs.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on January 15, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You are so right sayitloud. Let's please don't let this deterioate into a name calling like some blogs have in the past.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 15, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm with you!
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 15, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
man you said a mouthful on that one! VERY TRUE! Hank is a nice man and all but a MAYOR??? PLEASE!! That was the funniest race I have EVER seen....so Natchez.
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 15, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This article also did not mention lots of other people with past mayorial intentions,
Danny Barbour, Mike Thomson, Richard Branyan, I know Fred would not run against his brother but would he run for Jake's alderman's seat?
I am sure Hank has retired from politics.
I am sure the field will get more crowded.
Posted by jill1289 (anonymous) on January 18, 2008 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In response to yousaywhat
Of course it should go to the most qualified.
Posted by jill1289 (anonymous) on February 14, 2008 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just heard the most qualified white person is leaving the fire department. What will they do now?
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