Natchez to host small town conference

By Cassandra Mickens (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Wednesday, October 21, 2009

NATCHEZ — Newly elected officials serving Mississippi’s small towns will travel to Natchez next month for a two-day tutorial.

The City of Natchez will host the 2009 Mississippi Municipal League Small Town Conference Nov. 4-5 at the Natchez Convention Center.

MML Deputy Director Shari Veazey said the conference focuses on small cities and towns with populations of 2,500 or less. MML has rotated between Natchez, Vicksburg and Philadelphia as host sites in years past.

“We always had a really good experience using the Natchez Convention Center and working with the City of Natchez,” Veazey said. “(The convention center) works well for our needs.”

Mayor Jake Middleton said the city is proud to accommodate MML this year.

“I think everybody loves coming to Natchez, and we appreciate the league for giving us the opportunity to show off our city,” Middleton said.

Veazey said 250 to 300 people will attend the conference, whose theme is “Back to Basics.” Since 36 percent of attendees were elected to office in June, the conference will emphasize governing essentials such as budget management and open meeting laws.

The John C. Stennis Institute of Government at Mississippi State University will lead the training sessions, Veazey said.

“We’re defining the role of a municipal elected official,” Veazey said.

The conference will begin at 1 p.m. Nov. 4, and attendees are encouraged to stay at either the Natchez Eola Hotel or the Natchez Grand Hotel.

For more information, visit the Web site mmlonline.com.