Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 12:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you Mr. Middleton for running! Just distance youself from West and capitalize on all of his mistakes!

Posted by sparky018 (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 12:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am glad you are running Mr. Middleton! Natchez needs someone better! This town is going down fast and maybe you are the one to change it! I hate to compare it to Ferriday, but if we don't get a change in there soon, thats exactly what we are going to be like!

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 1:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No vote here, Jake. You've been in bad company with our current group of aldermen. That was a nice big raise wasn't it? Is it the highest paid aldermen in the state? Or the 3rd highest? I hear conflicting stories.

Posted by sparky018 (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 1:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yea, but we need someone other then what we have now! This town is going to hell in a hand basket!

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 1:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok. I understand now. We simply vote for the lesser of two evils and that will correct everything. Even though the lesser has been part of the problem. Yes, it's all clear to me now. Thanks.

Posted by sparky018 (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 2:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, someone will get it! Who would u rather? It can't be any worse then what we have now! Glad its clear to you!

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 2:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Who would u rather?"

Someone who has not been a mayor or an alderman. Someone who is not in it for the money.

Posted by sparky018 (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 2:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That would be great to have and I agree with you 100 percent! Who wants to move to this town with the shape it is in? Who will step up and run? Exactly! Noone wants to take over a city that has been poorly run as it is! We are getting worse then Vidalia with there Gas Stations! We have a hotel every 5 foot now! Anything has to be better! ANYTHING!

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 3:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What the alderthieves did by raising their salary so high was outright shameful. They thought that the public would simply forget by election time. Well, I ain’t THAT old. I also remember this raise was done at the time the policemen were being refused a raise. I guess there’s only so much money to go around and an alderman’s pocket comes first.

Put them ALL out of office. Put IN people who wish to serve in making a better community.

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 4:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OLDGRAND DAD, SURELY YOU CAN HEAR MY APPAULSE. Thank you. As the story goes in Natchez, they don't want the honest man/woman as mayor. They will elect the crook and then complain and nit pick them to death. Gives them something to do. In the 30 some odd years I have been witness, I have seen many good qualified, decent hard working people run for Mayor, but they did not run with the typical elected crooks croud, so therefore they stood no chance of winning that position. Natchez voters, for some reason does not want that honest, hard worker in office to pull them out of the corruption they are wallering in. They love the corruption so they can have some reason to moan and groan. Would it not be wonderful for a good honest thinking person to sit in the Mayor's chair. To wonderful, I guess. TSK----TSK---TSK.

Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 4:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope the 3 candidates have an open forum so we can see more of what they are about. As of now I have no idea who I will vote for.

Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 4:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i think mr graning would be the best choice of the three.bucket is a horrible racist mayor and jake hasnt done much as alderman but raise his salary...but with 2 white and 1 afro american running i can see how this is going to turn out....

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jake Middleton is this town's best choice. He commuted to Jackson for years with a previous job and NEVER left here. His wife is retiring here despite having a successful practice in Jackson and not being a native. Jake doesn't need the money nor does he need the headache but he loves this town and truly wants this job. Anyone who serves on the board for 17 years must. Anyone complaining about their measly $22,300 a year pay is an idiot. First, you couldn't pay me $50,000 a year to put up with that job. Second, it's above average statewide because NATCHEZ IS ABOVE AVERAGE. But for the record, JAKE VOTED AGAINST THE RAISE, get your facts straight. Jake can't be faulted for the executive decisions that West has made such as demolishing the pecan factory. Jake had nothing to do with that.
JAKE FOR MAYOR!!!! Someone NOT in it for the money, prestige, power or special interests. Just a good honest soul.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

eagle1, The alderman pay is a disgrace compared to what they accomplish and also compared to the rest of Mississippi towns. Face the facts.

And no, Jake is not faulted for the mayor's doings. He's faulted for the record of the aldermen. Besides, I have not heard him voting to reduce the pay. He should have done that every meeting since. But he didn't. Let him explain that to our policemen and the folks who tear up their cars in the holes on natchez streets.

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fine GrandDad, but your complaining about something Jake did that you agree with. Fine, pay is a disgrace, Jake voted against it. What more do you want? It sounds foolish, as if you're "reaching." And voting to reduce pay??? Are you serious? Has that EVER happened in the history of politics? Find something legit to complain about. There is no argument here. As far as the police, READ THE ARTICLE. Jakes agenda includes raises for the police. Jeez, why don't actually research the candidate before complaining.
1. you think pay raises for aldermen was wrong - You and Jake agree.
2. You obviously think policemen are underpaid - You and Jake agree

Could you at least point to something you disagree with to argue. That would certainly make more sense.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

eagle1, I realize we will disagree. But for a person who has been an alderman for so many years to run for mayor when Natchez is in the state that it is in, just doesn't click. Good intentions, after so many failures, will not buy my vote.

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And I have to ask, What town are some of you people living in. The only thing in shambles is our public school system. There is literally construction going on everywhere. Two new casinos coming, hotels everywhere(we are a tourist town, right?), Dynsteel adding jobs, Rentech, Office Depot, Stine, new shopping centers, etc... These are actually exciting times in Natchez right now. Open your eyes.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

eagle1, Go look at the Vidalia riverfront or many more small towns with riverfronts. Then come back and look at ours. And then open YOUR eyes.

No, we ARE NOT a tourist town. Thats part of our problem. People (our politicians included) only think we are a tourist town. It is not. All towns that want traveling tourists to stop and shop will build parking lots and public restrooms within the downtown shopping area. And then they will put up signs which direct the out-of-towners to these conveniences in order to entice them to get out of their vehicles. These are basics. Having these things on the edge of town (visitor centers), away from the shopping, is not sufficient. Yes, Natchez welcomes tourists. But it is a hollow welcome. The bus tours continue to come and go, but the vehicle driving public, the ones that have the time to shop, have been ignored.

I drove to Montana and back and didn’t lack these conveniences. I invite anyone to check out the facilities offered in places like Leadville Colorado, Pinedale Wyoming or New Iberia Louisiana. Or, a hundred more small towns just like them. After all these years, Natchez (and our politicians) is absolutely clueless about what needs to be done.

Most other towns capitalize on their riverfronts, no matter what the size of their river is. And out-of-towners who stop in Natchez want to see our river. They want to get close to it. After all, this is THE Mississippi River. And many of our visitors come from places where St. Catherine creek would be called a “river”. But what does our riverfront offer them? Doesn’t anyone remember how many locals were walking across the new bridge before it was opened? Well, bridges in other states are considered tourist attractions – Taos, NM, Canon CO, and Fayetteville, WV to name a few. With a small amount of engineering, our bridge could also be an attraction. But it doesn’t happen that way. Natchez leadership prefers to sit and wait for years (I mean YEARS) in hope that a gambling boat will come along and save us the mental effort of planning and development for the wider public.

Sorry, but I have no faith in our current aldermen.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

eagle1, Without sounding rude, I would also ask you to open your eyes to buildings rotting on Mainstreet. Also, buildings rotting across from the city auditorium (where we invite the tourists). Please see the chain gangs cleaning our city streets where we expect tourists to visit. Please look at large dumpsters perpetually sitting in areas of prime tourist travel. Our aldermen and mayor and those for quite a few years back have no clue in how to make a "tourist" town.

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry GrandDad, you can't compare Vidalia's river front to ours, the landscape is a bit different, it's called a bluff. Thankfully, during Jakes tenure the bluff has been stabilized and land below has been reclaimed for industry. Do you not see what is going on below the Ramada?? Have you not seen the plans yet for the casino and it's layout below the NEW hotel being built, ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BRIDGE. Have you not seen the parking provided in front of the new hotel? What would you like to see, a parking garage? Sure, I can see the historical groups fighting that one out.
If you think Vidalia's river front is prettier than ours, than you are blind. Have you seen the view lately from our walking trails on the bluff? Finest view in all of Mississippi.
You are complaining about bridges and bathrooms. Please, complain about something legit.

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Buildings rotting on main st????? Those buildings are privately owned and those issues should be taken up with the owners. But I disagree, you obviously haven't walked downtown in quite some time, buildings are being remodeled everywhere. But that is an ongoing project, they are old and will always need remodeling, etc. All I can say to that is buy the building yourself and do something about it, that is not the job of government.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

eagle1, if you don't see it, don't worry. The local politicians don't either. They never have, but hopefully someday they will. Maybe after they take a few travel farther than Gulf Shores or Orlando.

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GrandDad, you just showed your true colors. Spoken like a true elitist. It's clear to me now it's not about Middleton or the board, it's about wanting your perceived upper class group to get their person in office. All you've complained about so far are things you actually agree with Jake on. The others are things like bathrooms, dumpsters and old buildings. Even a blind man could see all that's going on in Natchez now and would think it was amazing.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I assume Jake qualified as a Democrat -
If no other Democrats qualify it will be a straight head to head race and no dilution of the white vote.
If West wins that he will face Chick for the general election. Assuming no other Independents or Republicans run. Today at 5 we will know the entire field.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry eagle1 but that just doesn't compute to me. But actually I'm flattered to be called elitist. I think. Its my first time, really. But I think you missed my point entirely. That is, there are many many small towns that do it right when it comes to attracting tourists. There are basic formulas that work in all places.

We do agree that some good things are happening in town. The important word being "some". But the amazing thing to me is that any alderman/alderwoman might claim credit for it. You know, sorta claim the good and disassociate from the bad. But thats the life of a politician....

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That is the life of a politician, true. The difference between me and you is, I see more good than bad right now. And frankly, with all the unprecedented construction going on right now in the wake of all major industry closing, it's nothing short of a miracle. Jake has been through the bad to no fault of anyone and deserves credit for the good. The trend now is industry locating to major cities. Small towns everywhere are feeling it. But we are seeing some impressive things happening with more on the horizon. When was the last time you had an easy time finding a bathroom in New Orleans? The argument that parking and bathrooms deters tourists is lame at best. I work downtown and frequent downtown on other occassions. I've NEVER had problems finding parking. The problem is people are lazy and don't want to walk two or three blocks. Locals complain more about parking than tourists. I can't imagine a tourist coming to Natchez whether an hour away or ten, and turning around because they can't find parking. There is no TRUE parking issue in Natchez right now, if it were, it would have been addressed. And for the record, looking down main st. Let's start with the left turn from MLK to Main. First building to the right is being remodeled. Two buildings down is the old Baptist Church, currently things are being done with that right now. Go another block and see Main St. Market's remodeling job, one more block is Main Stream Fitness remodeling job. On the other side of the street is B&K bank, also a remodeling job. Go down to the next block and witness the remodeling work the owners of Darby's have done on the corner building. Go down another block or two and see what the owners of the cooking school have done with that building. Go down another block and see the Convention Center. Across from it two offices are being remodeled or completed. Down from those businesses on the corner of Canal and Main is an old building being remodeled. Across the street from that building on the corner is the building the Stedman's remodeled. Go down a bit and see what was done to the building Bowie's is in, amazing. You're right though, there's nothing being done on Main St. Again, these are not government issues.

Posted by Kate (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think OldGrandDad has fallen out (off) of his rocker if you ask me..

Posted by natchezaristocrat (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FYI- Middleton and West are running on the Democratic ticket; Graning is running as an Independent. He will face the winner of Middleton and West in June....that is if no one else qualifies to run as of 5 p.m. today.

Posted by sparky018 (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go to the Vidalia side and look across the river at Natchez! Stand on the bluff and look across at Vidalia! If you take a picture, Natchez is way more beautiful then vidalia will ever be! If Jake is put in, I think there is a chance that it will get even better! With West in, it's gonna go down hill further then we will look like vidalia! West has ruined this town! I have lived here my whole life and in the past 10 years, this town has gone from nice to hell! JAKE FOR MAYOR! It's time for a change and for someone with a head on there shoulders such as jake to step in and save what is left of this town and bring it back to its full potential!

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Please see my first posting on this subject matter! Also. I would like to add that when I watched the ND turn over their internet listings to today, the Middleton announcement was in a more prominent internet position that where this article now appears. I would consider this official announcement alot more important that the so-called Super Delegate announcement!

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 6:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry, but I do not give the Mayor or the Aldermen any credit for current downtown remodeling. But I DO give them credit for dilapidated downtown eyesores which other small towns seem capable of handling.

Posted by SayItRight (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 7:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As for the Vidalia comparison, I'm wondering what everyone thinks. Who has been a better mayor? Copeland or West?

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a taxpayer of Natchez and Adams County, I would have to vote for Copeland as being a better Mayor over West!

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well - the candidates have all registered - Mayor just three
Holloway and Blough are unopposed.

4 for ward 1 - Joyce Mathis - Paul Johnson, Sonya Mars, Jim Sanders
3 for ward 2 - Ricky Gray - Johnny Franklin, Larry Hooper
3 for ward 3 Bob Pollard Gwen Ball, Johnny Waycaster
3 for ward 4 Bubber West, Tony Fields, Donnell Newsome
5 for ward 5 Francis Bailey, Mark Fortenberry, Andy Pressgrove, Tim Sessions, Charles Zuccaro
3 for ward 6 Dan Dillard, Forrest Foster, David Nations

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

(Natchez1) Thanks for the posting!

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on March 7, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Say it right - Copeland has been a good Mayor - West has had missteps but not been terrible (Some of his past actions (Pre Mayor) were more damaging) West was an improvement over Hank - but probably Hank tried harder - West too much golf - but been lucky with the Katrina influx of people and money.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 8, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

West is a born JOKE!

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on March 9, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Natchez1- Your right West has been an improvement. Look how much is going on in Natchez. I would rather get angry with him about the construction trucks in the streets, the parking downtown, having to wait to get a table at lunch because of the extra people, and most of all, having to get “up in his face” about where the new projects should be located THAN GO BACK to all of us crying about the lack of nothing going on like we had before.
rushinghjr- Tell us what you have done for our city lately and let us judge whether or not your actions are a joke.
we all need to look for the postive things in our city and I bet we will be suprised at the wonderful things we see.