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Forum gives you a chance to decide
Published Thursday, April 10, 2008
Several months ago the rumors started. Bumper stickers followed. Then signs. And at some point along the way, it was official — they’re in the race.
Approximately two-dozen men and women have stepped to the public plate to take a swing at an elected office.
In the mix are some young folks, some old folks, some seasoned political insiders and some green rookies.
Most of the field proudly put a big “D” behind their names, but a couple of big “R” folks are around, too, and at least one not labeled by either party.
Who are these people whose signs and bumper stickers you’d seen around town?
Why are they running for office and what are the issues for which they stand?
If you’re like us and anxious to know the answers to those questions, you’ll have a chance to hear those answers tonight at the 2008 Natchez Political Candidates Forum.
The Natchez Convention Centers doors will open at 5 p.m. giving voters a chance to mingle with the candidates who are in attendance for 30 minute prior to the forum’s start.
Then, candidates for aldermen and mayor will answer questions that have been submitted in advance.
All candidates were invited and approximately 17 of the candidates, who are in races that have opposition, are expected to be in attendance.
The event is a partnership between the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce, the Natchez Business and Civic League, First Natchez Radio and The Natchez Democrat.
All of the partners have worked hard to bring what we hope will be an informative event and we encourage all city residents to come out and meet the men and women behind the signs and bumper stickers.
Comments
Posted by obamayamama (anonymous) on April 10, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HUH?
Posted by rocketman (anonymous) on April 10, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why the big "HUH?"...it's a question/answer event for the candidates running for public office in Natchez!
Posted by natchezaristocrat (anonymous) on April 10, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.chickformayor.com/
Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 10, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree, we should all compare.
Phillip West
www.mayorphillipwest.com
Jake Middleton
www.jakeo8mayor.com
Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on April 10, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here's the website for JAKE 08!!!!!
www.jake08mayor.com
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 10, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok guys, lets regroup. Your websites look like campaigns for popularity and thats all. I went in looking for some sort of "platform" that you are running on and if i missed it, sorry. At least Mayor West had plenty of past stuff on his site. But please guys, list some goals. Again, if I missed them, sorry. I'll admit I was in a hurry.
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on April 10, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i wish i had time to bring the kids to the convention center to watch the clowns perform
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 10, 2008 at 9:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Middleton's goal is what???
I'm with you oldgranddad..Need more info...
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 10, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, actually i was including all 3 candidates. By now they should have some stuff they wanna stand for in a campaign. Or against.
Another suggestion - To be honest, none of you guys are gonna win any beauty contests, so get rid of the smiley pics unless it shows you buying cookies from a girl scout. Run down to a photographer and get one of those Winston Churchill grumpy looking style portraits. That will make you look like you are ready to deal with the tuff issues.
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 10, 2008 at 11:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well - if it was a vote for best web site - Phillip wins -
Chick's is very light on past achievements - and has no "ideas"
Middleton's is also thin on substance - 13 years as the head of City of Natchez recreation committee is not much to crow about - every four years an old plan gets dusted off - a flurry of random projections and then after the election the plan seems to be put back in the drawer.
Phillip has been blessed with good luck as mayor - Katrina brought many new people and lots of money to Natchez. This led to more jobs and new construction. Phillip did do a good job during Katrina, he has won good comments from many who met with him prior to relocating here. He did remove the bus tax, he did hire a grant writer who seems to be doing a good job (although until I read his website I had seen no other mention of this success)
Phillip has made some stupid mistakes, he re-hired a crooked cop, he demolished the Pecan factory illegally, He has hired many family members and cronies who have caused discontent in the city workforce.
Phillip's biggest flaw has been his preference for playing golf rather than working for the city. Phillip could actually be a great mayor, he has great contacts, he can be charming, and he is smart. Sadly too often Phillip uses racial divides to win disputes, rather than work to find common ground. This laziness is his potential weakness. This election (like the last one) will almost certainly become a black verses white contest. I hope that all candidates will work to make it a campaign of ideas, goals, and dreams rather than vote for me I'm not black (or white). I'm not sure who I'm voting for - I like Chick and Jake - they are both nice guys and can be charming, (but so is Phillip) I think Jake would work harder than Phillip but I am not sure he has the contacts that Phillip can muster. I missed the debates today - I hope Chick and Jake did well - time will tell if they can inspire the voters. They will have to do more than rely on the white vote.
Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 11, 2008 at midnight (Suggest removal)
I don’t think any Mayor, or any governmental official, would ever consider Katrina good luck. The Mayor handled the largest disaster the nation has ever seen with (what appeared to be) great ease.
It was stated he demolished the Pecan factory illegally. That’s wrong, the Supreme Court just rule in his favor. Oh yea, that great racial divide, what about his defense of Judge Pickering?
It was also stated that the Mayor plays golf more than he works, that is just plain wrong. And that his laziness is his potential greatest weakness is laughable. No Mayor in recent history has accomplished more. You can’t do what this guy has done by not working. Maybe it is just like that old saying “The harder he works, the luckier he gets.”
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 11, 2008 at 1:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
HitorMiss, The economic benefits that came from Katrina can not be credited to the mayor except by the fact he was the incumbent when it happened - that is what I was referring to as "luck".
The court did not rule in his favor about his demolishing the Pecan factory - This ruling was about whether the price the city sold it for was too low - it was not. Archives and History still won't allow the site to be developed because the demolition was illegal.
As for the racial divide - it exists on both sides. I believe Phillip often tries to be fair - but sometimes he choses to play the race card. (this happens the other way around too) - I wish Phillip would use his position to set the bar higher - this would really set an example - unfortunately anytime Phillip gives preference to an African American most Natchez whites cry unfair.
The Mayor is often AWOL - but I agree he has accomplished much more than his predecessor and has done many good things, and he has worked hard (sometimes) - In my previous post I tried to be fair - I also thought it appeared that he was still my preference for Mayor - I am concerned that many at City Hall and other city departments see severe problems that he created.
I also know that some of these problems are a legacy from the large number of good personnel that left because of differences with his predecessor.
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