Posted by oldsaw (anonymous) on September 29, 2009 at 7:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why would you lay off the person who writes the grants. Don't grants bring in money?

Posted by Bigfish (anonymous) on September 29, 2009 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The fact that someone brings in money doesn't eliminate whether someone should be fired. It certainly should factor into the decision but it shouldn't be the only factor used to make a decision to fire/keep an employee.

Edwin Edwards brought in money, so should he should have remained the governor of Louisiana so long as he brings in money?

I don't know the reason or reason's brett was/is going to be laid off but there has to be more to the story, I would imagine when the termination is made official a reason will be given. But until then it is only speculation

Posted by speakup (anonymous) on September 29, 2009 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i thought that 2

Posted by pa39653 (anonymous) on September 29, 2009 at 8:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

the BOA have other jobs and income. Why can't they give up their salary. I think it is BS especially with it being close to the holidays.

I hope that everyone rethinks their vote after this.

Posted by juju (anonymous) on September 29, 2009 at 8:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Maybe she wanted more time at the Little Theatre??

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on September 29, 2009 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ask Joyce the "why's". Its obvious that she is running the show.

Posted by riverat (anonymous) on September 29, 2009 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll throw my two cents in.......this is a personal , not personnel, issue- pure and simple. The alderwoman who is spearheading this drive by four BOAs has been after her for a long time. Now she has her usual cohort with her plus another one too uninformed to know better. But the final person in this little group DOES know better...he is the number-cruncher who obviously can't do simple math...her annual salary versus what she has brought in. I am so disappointed in my friend...I thought he was smarter than this. The city needs to layoff people but certainly not someone who brings way over her salary in. ND, why not list the grants that have been successfully secured under her watch? Maybe that would stop some of this craziness. I know that she has been offered other jobs and hope that she won't have to leave Natchez...we need her skills. But if I was in her shoes, there is no amount of money that would make me stay with the City.

Posted by riverat (anonymous) on September 29, 2009 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

P.S. ND, print the grant funding she has brought in. For instance, the upcoming $1.3 million to ovelay a major thoroughfare into Natchez. OldGRandDad...you hit the nail on the head.....we need to start calling her Mayor Arceneaux.

Posted by natashakubelikov (anonymous) on September 29, 2009 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Layoff the Mayor and all the top bunch. Let the working people that work stay and do the job.

Posted by NatchezWizard (anonymous) on September 29, 2009 at 10:42 p.m.

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Posted by Idefinitelymight (Tom Scarborough) on September 29, 2009 at 10:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I sincerely hope Brett tells the mayor and the BOA precisely where they can stick their "probationary period."

Posted by NatchezWizard (anonymous) on September 29, 2009 at 10:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If I was her I would be at City Hall right now packing my belongings. If she is as good as the comments about her, she will get another job. I don't know anything about her personally or professionally. However, I do know that in situations like this the employer has a plan. The plan is usually to put the employee on probation and give them the opportunity prove their worth. There is no way for her to prove her worth to the City of Natchez. The City's mind is already made up. The decision was made several weeks ago to fire her. This is simply a way to pacify the situation to calm the public. She would be wise to resign now rather than be fired in 45 days.

Posted by xfloodman (anonymous) on September 29, 2009 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Natchez seems to bite it's own nose off to save face. Glad as hell I don't live there.

Posted by riverat (anonymous) on September 29, 2009 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Joyce Arceneneaux, you should be fired...your vendetta against Brett is well-known. You will have to answer to someone much more powerful than us for your actions...p.s. there isn't an agency in town willing to "hire" your daughter so quit asking/threatening!

Posted by NatchezWizard (anonymous) on September 29, 2009 at 11:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What's the issue between the alderwoman and Brett? Is this really true? I really hate this for the employees who have been released. Jobs are limited in Natchez. They will possibly have to relocate in order to be able to provide for themselves and their families. What a shame!

I would be very interested to know what plans the city's administration has made to make certain that there is no reduction in city services due to the reduction in the work force. Citizens will have the same expectations for an efficient and effective government. Is this possible? Will there be an even more inefficient operation in Public Works and City Planning now. With the entire Planning staff gone (there may still be the secretary) what will happen? Lord knows Donnie and Jake can't do the job.

QUESTIONS: WHAT IN THE HEAVENS HAS JUST HAPPENED IN NATCHEZ? WHO WOULD HAVE EVER THOUGHT THAT OUR CITY WOULD BE OPERATING IN THIS MANNER?

Next week's Board of Aldermen meeting should be packed with citizens. Perhaps some can even stand outside of the meeting room on the steps and sidewalk with picketing signs. This is certainly a perfect time for a peaceful protest.

Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 12:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

NatchezWizard says, "Citizens will have the same expectations for an efficient and effective government."

You are joking right? It hasn't been efficient or effective up to now. That makes for some low expectations! lmao

Posted by Bar_Louie (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 12:41 a.m.

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Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 12:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bar_Louie I don't see anyone bending your arm making you read the comments. Just read the article and skip the rest if it bothers you so.

Posted by speakup (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 2 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i would like to see a list of what grants natchez got while brett was at her job. also just a list of the money joyce has brought into natchez. go for it ben. this would be news that would sell papers..

Posted by Bar_Louie (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 3:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jammin you are so right....I have to agree with you. (Don't read the comments)! You can't help but read it....its all over the damn web page! But if you are going to speak the issues at hand, leave these peoples personal lives out of it. Like I said before Natchez=Gossip=COUNTRY FOLKS WITH NOTHING ELSE TO DO.....Lmao!

Posted by timefertruth (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 5:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

until people wake up and remember that government works for them, that we as tax payers and voters are the boss, this country will still be run by dictatorship!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by DixieKratFan (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 7:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Let it go Jammin, but please continue to read the comments. The everything is wrong unless white is right approach will never die. Its not just in NTZ. Ricky, Joyce, and Tony are strong people, and they can care less about these comments. Haters need love too!!!!!!!!

Posted by InsidersView (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 7:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Give me a break. this was maybe the biggest boneheadded mess that the mayor and boa have made yet. Mrs. Dunkly is right and it makes me sick to see them play with peoples lives for press. Brett you go in there today and resign. there is no reason for you to be on probation. that is punnishment and youve done nothing but help the city unlike the boa. Hold your head high and walk out those doors. The day I walked out was the happiest day of my life. you are going to be going to bigger and better places. let the ship sink without you.

Posted by InsidersView (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 7:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As for Mr. Louis, I Philip West would not have hired him if he had been fired from 4 jobs and I think that that its interesting that West still hired him after talking to his previous places of work. If he was a problem Im sure Mayor West would have known and would not have hired him.

Posted by bakunin (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Does Natchez have a mayor? Just wondering.

Posted by Intrepid (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope Brett does feel the need to PROVE HER WORTH, beg and grovel for a job with these clowns. And yet, Willie B. still has a job...AMAZING, just AMAZING.

Posted by sandra (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 8:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i believe that the city has to have valid and documented reasons for terminating someone. a lay-off is different from an actual termination. which is it? L or T? if they have been fired due to reasons that were beyond their control, a lawsuit will possibly be forthcoming.

Posted by goodoleboyslikeme (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

grungebob - "In Natchez, all politics is yokel." LOL..the old Speaker would love it.

Posted by viaduck (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Lewis had only been fired from one job, in Hattiesburg, where he was caught in the middle of a dispute (and lawsuit) between the black mayor who had hired him based on the recommendation of the city manager of Tupelo and a majority white city council. He was working as a planner in Pascagoula when hired by Mr. West.
When Bob Jackson left Natchez because Hank Smith basically told anyone with a project to ignore the planning department the city advertised for a planner with a planning degree and certification from the American Planning Association Joyce forced the city to hire Andrew Smith, who had neither qualification. When Mr. West realized Mr. Smith was commuting from Madison (where he was building a house)and doing more consulting on the side than work for Natchez he had the courage to go against Joyce and fire him. Joyce and Ricky voted no. He hired Dennis Story who tried to commute from Alexandria. This didn't work and he was fired and Mr. West hired Mr. Lewis, who Joyce has been after even worse than Brett.

Posted by snowgarden (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So, how do you get rid of an Alderwoman?

Posted by ntz143 (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the voters need to put the BOA and Mayor on probation ...give them 45 to prove their worth to us, their employers, or we will start recall petitions. What is going on in Natchez is making us the laughingstock of the state. I had a business associate contact me from Biloxi yesterday and in the conversation he asked' just what the h--- is going on down there? ya'll are the talk of the coast". That certainly makes industry want to locate here! As for Brett, I would do nothing...do not "prove your worth"...its already well-documented. Bide your time until one of the several jobs you have already been offered is about to start, then just walk away. You owe the fools that run this community nothing. I also would like to know how the Community Development Dept. is more valuable than city planning.....is the plan to move Mrs. Jones into the planning slot? Does she even have a college degree? Other than running Youthbuild what is she doing that is so different from what EDA and the Chamber does?

Posted by silly_willy_24_7 (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

snowgarden, you get rid of an alderwoman by sending her and her best buddy,gray, on an extended business trip together. once these two are gone away, the remainder of the board can form a quorum and vote to remove them from office permanently.

or

just keep re-electing her until she dies and then erect a statue of her in her ward.

Posted by guzzler44 (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

how did Natchez allow Joyce Arceneneaux to get so much power? Does she still teach in the public schools?

Posted by mrmojorisin (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 9:42 a.m.

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Posted by notknown (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

why is everyone so mad at Joyce? She didn't make the motion to lawoff the people nor did she second it. Her name is not even mentioned in the article. During times of distress some people just want to blame somebody for everything. When you make these crazy comments about someone, you need to first judge yourself and see if you have any issues or skeletons you need to deal with. Do you readers all live in glass houses?

Posted by eawprops (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 10:02 a.m.

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Posted by eawprops (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How about another person on the list. The head of the visitor's center should also be the head of hospitality in this town. When I went to talk with her a couple of weeks ago her greeting to me was "What do you want!". You want to talk about a hateful person who should not hold a job in hospitality let's talk about Connie Taunton.
I contributed $5000 to $6000 a year to the visitor center in ticket sale commissions but because of her hateful attitude and ridiculous decision making that is now lost to the visitor center. Who is going to make up this money? The tax payers. I spoke with the mayor. He claimed he would solve the problem. So far nothing. Do these people really care about Natchez or just their own plump backsides?

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

well apparently Brinegar wasn't bringing in the grants., I don't really know, but I would just imagine that's the case....

maybe she can write herself one and get something going on her own...

I'm glad to see our Aldermen/women doing their job and tightening up our liabilities, trimming the fat- It's obvious this hard decision had to be made, as continually the city cannot make payroll without a loan and that is just absolutely STUPID...As a businessman if I cannot make payroll out of cash flow, then heads have to roll, it's just the facts of life......borrowing money for payroll is really a dumb move....

Ntz143- we all know the coast has a better economy than Natchez, but I for one would rather not have what they have, I can visit the coast when I want and then LEAVE, but as for my hometown, I want it nice and quiet and rural with limited industry.....you cannot compare apples and oranges...and as for Brinegar not owing Natchez anything, well vice versa- our city owes NO ONE a job, your entitlement way of thinking is what's wrong with things...

viaduck - that is some interesting info- thank you, I think anyone that is on the Natchez payroll should be LIVING here as an obligation for employment....

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

NatchezWizard- thanks for the insight, that summation of background info is very interesting

and I believe the Aldermen/women have every right to discuss personell issues in private, this protects those involved ...

eawprops- is that really true? or do you just have a personal ax to grind?

Posted by theoldwiseman (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

well for the people who are gone i hope they find something else quick and whoever taking their place I hope they know what they are doing so they dont get eliminated

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"They’re being cowards. Do what you got to do and say what you got to say,” Dunkley said. “There were people here waiting for results. People’s livelihood is being questioned.

“They act like a bunch of children. They’re talking about budget cuts and that’s public information."

I understand Mrs. Dunkley's concern, but I don't think this is a fair assessment of the Aldermen's behavior- I think they are trying to be sensitive to those employees concerned and not make it public the level of their performance.....I think it is only considerate to keep some things - such as matters of personell- confidential

Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, NatchezWizard, thanks for the breakdown of things!

Posted by SIOUXLADY (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I know that layoff are happening everywhere.
5 employees is not much , and I hate to see anyone loose their jobs.

THINGS work for the best.(hopefully)

Better city workers, rather than law enforcement.

Posted by lsutigerfan (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

theoldwiseman--

These people were laid off because of a budget that does not support the number of employees that the city employs. I don't think that someone else will be hired in their place. And IF they were, they wouldn't be paid enough to make it worth their while!! But hey, guess something is better than nothing.

Posted by broaderpov (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Natchez Democrat headline says "layoffs." When someone is "fired" there must be just cause. It's pretty obvious that the city has financial reason for layoffs--look at the condition of our sidewalks, streets and public buildings. However, getting rid of the departments that preserve the condition of these things is short sited at best.
While Ms. Dunkley was rightfully impatient and curious, personell matters are NOT public.
Natchez Wizard (you must mean that sarcastically) you have leaked information that opens the city up for a tremendous law suit (not that the city has any money) if we are to presume that you speak the truth.

Posted by NatchezWizard (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have not "leaked" anything. The Board of Aldermen gave employee numbers, not names. All one has to do is look at the full budget documents from last year and year and you will see the employee numbers beside the names of those who were "laid off" or "fired". If you are going to follow the City government in Natchez, as all concerned citizens should do, you must have the tools that you need to be totally sure of what you say on this site. I speak only the truth. Curiously, how does this "open the city up for a tremendous law suit?"

Posted by bellesouth (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John Lewis was railroaded. His position is one that inherently is going to cause consternation because he looks at the codes and has to tell people what they say. They say there isn't anyone that he has not pissed off. Well, if that is the case then that means he was doing his job and was not picking and choosing his battles.

Posted by bellesouth (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Planning is essentially gutted now anyway..." Yes, that is the way the BOA want it. They don't want someone actually doing that job. Instead of looking at the codes of the city they fire the enforcer of the codes.

Posted by eawprops (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Krogers: Yes my statement is completely true. I have no axe to grind. I do everything I can to sell and promote this town. I am a resident and a participant here that is trying to make Natchez a better and more successful place.

However, Connie Taunton does not do everything she can.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I reckon this means its a great time to paint the house (whatever color), remodel, put up that new 10 foot privacy fence, etc.

Posted by NatchezWizard (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is really a sad day in Natchez' history. If there was a way to bring Tony Byrne and Butch Brown back to City Hall I am all for it. Butch may have had his way of doing things, but Natchez sure was doing better - and it's not just the economy. We cannot blame everything on the economy. So many in this community have learned to to a whole lot with a little of nothing.

Has anyone ever heard of purging and pruning? This allows for better growth if it is done correctly and the proper nurturing is given. While today may be sad and bad in Natchez, there is always the hope for a better tomorrow. It can happen if the community stops fighting.

Since the planning department has been gutted, it may not be a bad idea to purge and prune the Preservation Commission and the Planning Commission. What do you all think?

Posted by broaderpov (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Natchez "Wizard"-- How much does the city pay the Preservation Commision?
And you not only named names but gave cause in a tone that indicates that you are in the know. Is that information also a matter of public record or are you just repeating gossip? Again, personell matters are NOT discussed outside of executive session. You must have had a conversation with someone who was in executive session or someone else who talked with someone who talked with someone else who repeated it to you.

Posted by viaduck (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I noticed in the legal ads today an application for a bar on MLK next to a church and adjacent to a neighborhood. If there is no planner to advise the volunteers on the Natchez Planning Commission at their next meeting I guess their only option is to approve it. Or do they just table every application made until another planner is hired thus shutting down any new business in town? Actually will the city, having fired three planners in four years (two for good cause and Mr. Lewis as grossly unfair) ever find another city planner so desperate for work he would take a chance on Natchez? Incidently grungebob the Planning Commission considers plans that are at variance with the codes, variances and zoning of the city of Natchez and decides what should be allowed primarily to protect the property rights of the neighbors, business or residential, that will most be impacted.

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

NatchezWizard....There should be a lot more pruning done. If anyone is interested just go take a stroll through most of the city, county buildings in Natchez. In attics, basements, anywhere and everywhere you can find little 'cubby hole-cell' size offices just big enough for a desk, one chair and a phone for hired cousins, brother-in-laws, aunts, uncles, that the families are tired of supporting, plus the political favor owed position. Untold millions of Ntz/AC tax money has been spent on these idle positions and when someone decides to clean it up, you get this kind of commotion and put down for the cleaners. This clean-up is long past due.

Is Connie Tauton still at the visitors center. Did she move back to Natchez? Last I heard, (years ago) she lived outside of Vidalia on a farm or something. Big stink about her living in La. and running the NVC. Lost track of her.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 2:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

NatchezWizard, Anyone who has been on those commissions for 10 years or more needs to go. I was at the meeting where Bowie's was denied being able to put balconies on their Main and Canal Street sides. They were told that it was "not Natchez" to have a balconey on more than one side. But look at the new hotel right across from Bowie's. I guess what is and isn't "Natchez" changes with the right friends in charge?

Posted by broaderpov (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"People’s livelihood is being questioned." Dunkley, ND

"People's" integrity and professionalism is not only being questioned but slammed. If the mayor and BOA collectively had enough vertebra to make a spine or any contiguous brain cells, they would announce that the city is broke and apologize for layoffs instead of digging for faults in productive individuals. The problem with Brinegar is that they need 45 more days to dig for a reason to fire her. It's called covering your a-----.
This administration is lame, but it did not cause the problems. It inherited the problems. No one can write enough grants to save this administration's face. West covered it up better than Jake. It would take Butch Brown to wheel and deal us out of it.
Jake wanted to be mayor more than anyone I've ever seen run for mayor. Well, you are mayor now Jake: act like one! I'll bet being remembered as the worst mayor in the history of Natchez is not quite what you had in mind.
And as for the BOA (Belaboring Own Agendas, Bigoted Obese Axolotls. Between Opportunities At-the-moment, Big-mouthed Obnoxious Anthropoids), you can see the forest for the trees, vines, antlers, coon dogs, mirrors, payoffs, parties, and your over blown egos.

Posted by broaderpov (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Old Grand Dad--You mean the big hotel across from Bowies where Jake had his election night party, owned by the guy who now has the management contracts on our city auditorium and civic center which are filthy? You mean that hotel??

Posted by hollywood (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am originally from natchez,, don't live there anymore... how much does each alderman make a year???

Posted by mrmojorisin (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

@broaderpointofview---Just cause? The cause is Mathis wanted her gone. It has nothing to do with job performance, or money for that matter. It is a simple act of the bully in the schoolyard, who finally found an ally. An ally so wrapped up in proving his fiscal responsibility, and furthering his own political career with his, "see, I can do something....I can make the hard decisions....I am bi-partisan...I am the man". He has failed to see the forest for all the lumber he's trying to harvest.

Mathis has been after her since Brett came to the job. Why? Since the Democrat staff didn't like the truth in my last comment, I'm gonna keep it to myself. [big SMILE]

But I will give you a hint...jealousy or envy??

And this is the same Adlerperson who told a person at a meeting once that she didn't want to hear any of his opinions because he wasn't elected to anything.......I thought that was the other way around...we elect them to represent our opinions, not theirs, right?

All I can say is I hope you people in her district are embarrassed enough by her theatrics, bullying, and threatening to replace her. Who knows, Ricky Gray might do a better job on his own without her telling him what to say and how to vote...

Tony Fields---you're new..I voted for you because I believed you were the right man for the job....don't let her bully you into being one of her "boys"....you are stronger and better than that ....I know you.

--mojo

Posted by makethatchange (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The rumbling now is that if I wasn’t for Tony, Brett would SURELY be gone. All you hear about is grants, grants, grants and the BOA was gonna off the grants writer. That's just stupid! I just hope it’s not too little too late. You’re right mojo! Tony, if you just continue to do what’s right, straight down the middle, nobody Black or White should have a problem with that. Many of US think it will benefit you in politics for the FUTURE. Fields and Dillard are the swing votes because you always know how the others are going to vote on an issue. I applaud you guys for trying to right this ship but you almost went too far this time. Let’s hope you didn’t!

Posted by SayItRight (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A city attorney could probably preside over any planning issue questions that arise. How much planning and approval is really going on anyway?

Posted by reader (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So we have a person working for the City (for now) writing grants, and we have someone at the City/County funded EDA writing grants. We only need ONE of these people. Get rid of the weaker of the 2, there are ways to save money.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

broaderpov, yep. Thats the one. Thanks for helping me on that.

:)

Posted by NatchezWizard (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

@Broaderpov - I am not "in the know", I'm just not an idiot. Anyone with any common sense should be able to see through a lot of this commotion.

All of the information that I have posted in "PUBLIC RECORD". If you know what you're doing you can find out what you want to know. There is absolutely nothing illegal about what has been posted.

Every citizen has a right to review all city information through the open records request process. I wish the Natchez Democrat would start requesting documents. They would then have more accurate information to share with the public.

As for the compensation of the Preservation Commission, the Preservation Commission and the Planning Commission are made up of voluteers. Some of them have been on these commissions for years. It would not hurt the City to replace some, or all of them with more youthful and diverse representation of the city's population. When they are replaced, the City should get them trained and expose them to new creative and innovative ideas. Other cities similar in size to Natchez do not have the drama that you find in Natchez. It's time to forget about the "NATCHEZ WAY"!!!! Do it the "RIGHT WAY!"

Insanity - if you continue to do the same thing over and over again and expect to get different results. Is Natchez insane?

I wholeheartedly believe that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen did the correct thing. There's only one problem, they should let more heads roll and the community will see a positive difference.

Natchez is not a bad community. It's just a community infiltrated by challenges that are not dealt with in a timely and professionally orchestrated manner.

As for John Lewis' past firings, call Tupelo, Hattiesburg, and the Pascagoula. He was fired in Hattiesburg, in the process of being fired from Tupelo when he fled to Pascagoula, and in the process of being fired when he found a fool in Natchez to hire him.

Posted by NatchezWizard (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 4:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

@ Old Grand Dad - Years ago there was a gentleman who lived on State Street between Union Street and Rankin Street who used to attend all of the Board of Aldermen, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustments, and Preservation Commission meetings. I don't recall his name, but he was always perceived as a trouble making citizen. I learned a lot from this guy. While others saw his asking questions and making statements as trouble, I saw him as a relatively inquisitive person who was committed to seeing that the City did the right thing and if they didn't he wanted to let them know that he knew they weren't doing the right thing. Natchez needs more "government watchers" who aren't afraid to let their feelings and voices be heard. Don't hide your light under a bush! The community can only get better when more folk like the gentleman from State Street (I hope he is still around) will step up and speak out. There are ways to get elected officials to listen. If you have your facts in order, they know they can't fight with you. Natchez - get your facts in order and go to war!

Posted by viaduck (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Lewis was hired in Hattiesburg on the recommendation of the city manager of Tupelo, where he inherited a mess similar to what he has tried to work out of in Natchez. He worked in Tupelo, then Hattiesburg and was working in Pascagoula when Phillip West, who you call a fool but despite some faults at least had the leadership skills to exert control over his BOA, decided to hire him to straighten out the planning department. This proved difficult with department employees not doing their jobs and Mr. Lewis being told he didn't have the authority to fire them.

Posted by whatdoino (anonymous) on September 30, 2009 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is crazy! But what do I know.