Posted by peachpit (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 12:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Kevin. I think you hit the nail dead on the head. West has been on the up-side of a political wind fall when it comes to the acomplishments he takes credit for. I know that that the cosino deals were way before his time. As for unemployment, jobs are sure to rise with construction of projects coming to fruision.
Mayor West may be a carismatic speaker but when I see him on TV it is not convencing to me. Let us see something that is 'his idea' and let him take credit for that not something that was in the works before he hit the seen.

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 12:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How can you call the unemployment rate West quoted misleading? Your paper gave the reports he posted on his website. The fact is the unemployment rate steadily grew before West took office and one year after he took office, it began a steady decline. What is so hard to understand about that? The rate has been cut by more than half and now is more in line with the national rate; before it was twice the national rate.
West obviously knows how to get business dealings to a point were they are sealed and moving forward.
I watched the forum on Channel 4; West stated he was for consolidation. The consolidation issue will not only have to go before the voters in our area, but it will take a change in the Mississippi constitution, which has not occurred since the 1800’s. Middleton and Graning certainly have never handled major legislation and West has the experience to get that accomplished. We have come so far in the last four years. Maybe the old saying “the harder I work, the luckier I get” applies to West.

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 12:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

peachpit,
The Lane Group, the new hotels and most of the new business were NOT in the works before West. The Grand Soleil had been talked about for a very, very long time. In fact so long, that most involved in the talks had given up. Remember when the guy from the gaming commission told the Rotary that the deal was all but gone? West forged on and refused to give up.
Why is everything that is positive credited to others and the problems are credited to him? What is so hard about giving this man the credit he is due?

Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 5:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

natchez cant survive another four years with bucket as mayor....sounds like jake has stepped on the natchez democrat toes somewhere down the line.

jake 08

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree shedevil. Jake's a successful business owner, been in government/politics for 17 years and he loves this town. What more do you want as mayor? Cooper must have attended a different forum than most of us. West sounded horrible and obnoxiously loud, Granning sounded like a football coach and people couldn't hear Middleton because he was soft spoken. Cooper must be making up for some previous disagreements with West that he has written about.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ANYBODY but Bucket!!

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hitormiss the reason for the unemployment decline is because people have moved away from natchez not because they found a job.....

west is all talk....Except for the bulldozing part...

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jake will be great in 08 and afterwards. He knows his business and his greatest love other than his family is Natchez. Take the blinders off people before you make a mistake and not vote for Jake.

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

fire39212,
The unemployment rate is not calculated in that matter. It is the number of working people in a particular area, like Adams County, minus the number who are not working.
Remember four years ago, the City of Natchez was stagnant. Our future was bleak. Unemployment rates reached nearly twice the national average. Industry closings resulted in the loss of over $100 million from our economy.
Today, the unemployment rate has been cut in half, new business openings have doubled, 4 new hotels, 2 major entertainment projects, over $140 million dollars in investments, over 10 million dollars invested in infrastructure and things in our city are finally looking up.
Phillip West has turned our economy around. I don’t want to see us turn back the clock. I want to keep the progress going. The Board of Alderman has remained basically the same for almost a decade.
West is that has made the difference.

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hitormiss....People are moving from here or trying to ...Just look at the for sale signs....

Then why did they need the $2 tax?? If things are so great here? Alot of the people who live here work off....Natchez use to be a GREAT place to raise your children,have your family here...But now??? I don't know...

To be honest would a new mayor help?? Would it hurt??? The thing that worries me the most about West is you never hear anything from him...With this flood even haven't heard anything from him...Looks like he would at least make a statement trying to make the people feel better if nothing else.....When all that crime was going on nothing from him again makes you wonder if he is to busy for Natchez......West can talk a good game no doubt about it...He just can't produce....If Natchez has a mayor that is to busy for Natchez is that a good thing??? I think not...But, That's jmo....

Posted by acedog (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 2:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

the only reason anybody is running against west is because he's black. if he was a white mayor no one would be running against him. the man is doing a good job of bringing jobs to this community and the people of natchez are going to let him know, by electing him for another 4years, see you at the poll.

Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i dont care if west is blue....he is a horrible mayor..if west is mayor for another 4yrs it will take natchez another 10yrs to recover.

jake 08

Posted by Negotiator (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Anyone but West.

He's done enough damage.

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought he was lavnder......He's black???Wow thanks for inlightining us on that acedog..

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 4:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Again, The unemployment rate has been cut in half, new business openings have doubled, 4 new hotels, 2 major entertainment projects, over $140 million dollars in investments, over 10 million dollars invested in infrastructure and things in our city are finally looking up. How much else do you think West could do? There are only so many hours in a day.
fire39212, without a doubt, I bet in the 4 years you have produced 1% of what West has produced.

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not Mayor hitormiss... Nor would i want to be..... If what you are stateing are facts and i am sure they are. Why doesn't people see this?

The 2 entertainment projects would that be the 2 casino's? The hotels, weren't they built by mostly out of town people that was brought with the construction company? I understand that they employee Natchez people now for min. wage or not above it...

You are talking about 4 years for West. These projects are just now getting underway well one of them are...the hotels what 1 is finished or is it 2? Yea sounds like he has done alot in 4 years....You do not put up there where he took credit for Katrinia bringing people to Natchez...Why is that??

Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good for you fire39212! Someone is ALWAYS trying to throw in that race card aren't they?
I'm sick of West and would like to see him out! He was given a chance and I'm sorry he was but let's move on and vote for someone that can actually DO the job.

Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hitormiss...if bucket is such a great mayor why doesnt he fix the natchez public school system he destroyed years ago...that is the real reason big industry wont locate in natchez

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 7:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

fire39212,
What I am stating are the facts and people do see what new projects are going on in Natchez. The 2 hotels downtown are completed and the two out by the river are nearly completed. They have and will employ local people. The new growth is the reason for the lower unemployment rate. 2 entertainment projects, Rentech and CCA will bring the rate down even lower.

I have never heard him take credit for Katrina bringing people to Natchez. I don’t know any public office who would wish for a massive influx of hungry, desperate people into their city. Yet, he handled to the situation better than most.

Shedevil, if you are calling asking for all children to be treated the same a ruin, I don’t agree with you. But then again, I don’t agree with most of your postings.

I call Phillip West a human rights advocate. He also help start the Boys and Girls Club, helped the Guardian Shelter get a grant that was almost 1 million dollars and help get the building donated for the Food Pantry. I could go on and on.

Sorry, no I don’t see a life time of service to a community and real progress in Natchez a bad thing. I support Phillip West.

Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

just what i thought hitormiss...dancing around the school question....but then again i guess you think level 2 are ok...you need to get your head out of the sand and look around.

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 8:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

shedevil, I don't think I "danced around" the school question at all. You just did not like the answer.

The county has 3 school board appointments and the city has 2. I think your beef is with Henry Watts, not Phillip West.

Posted by jill1289 (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Henry's only been a super just over 4 years, this goes back further than that. PW was involved in the changes we are see in our school system. Not Henry.

Posted by Negotiator (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First West should go, then the school board.

Level 2 is a disgrace.

Posted by kcooper (Kevin Cooper) on April 20, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Folks: I have no personal grudge with any of the candidates. I think all of them are nice guys who mean well. As the old umpire might say, I just call them like I see them.

One thing that's been a surprise thus far has been how calm and clean this race has been. Normally by now candidates would be throwing eggs at one another behind the scenes and/smearing their opponents credibility. Unless I've just not heard it, this race has been relatively clean so far. So hats off to all three (and their supporters) for not slinging mud -- at least not yet.

Thanks.
Kevin.

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kevin,
The race has been run on the issues. I think that is the way it should be. Hats off to all for keeping it clean.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 9:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The veterinarian must still be sleeping.

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you gottobehappy..

shedevil that was going to be my next question was these wonderful public schools that we have......

Negotiator agreed!!!!

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jill1289.
From your post below I think I see what your problem is. Sadly, no facts I can give will change your point of view.

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?

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 20, 2008 at 10:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow hitormiss you looked way back there for a comment lol

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 2:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like Hitormiss is the mouthpiece for the pw fiasco, even like Owhampy that's running for Pres!

Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 4:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

just as i thought..hitormiss has no idea what he oe she is talking about.henry watts had nothing to do with shutting down half of the adams county public school to force intergration.it worked really well now the school is at level 2...maybe next year it will be a level 1.no big business will locate to the area because of this....i think buck west needs a new mouth peice...hitormiss is making him look like a fool

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No shedevil,
I could never make someone who believes that all children should have the same opportunities, look like a fool. A man who stands up for what he believes is a man of courage and is to be admired.

Neither Henry nor Phillip run the school system but the county has the votes to make a difference.

I know you do not like to hear the truth about what Phillip has done since he has been Mayor and you would like me NOT to remind everyone of how far we have come. Your views that you would like us to return to the days when little children were not treated equally, I know you will never acknowledge the progress that has taken place in Natchez in the last 4 years.

For those of you who are reading this, the unemployment rate has been cut in half, new business openings have doubled, 4 new hotels, 2 major entertainment projects, over $140 million dollars in investments, over 10 million dollars invested in infrastructure and things in our city are finally looking up.

For those of us of faith, I hope you would look at the progress we have made and not listen to people like Shedevil. On Election Day, please ask yourself why am I going to vote for someone other than a man who has made so much progress over the last four years? We hired Phillip West to be our Mayor; he has done a great job.

Posted by Negotiator (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Opinions vary.

Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ok hitormiss...go hide your head back in the sand and keep believing that buck west is doing a great job as mayor...and he did a great job when he overcrowed the schools..brought the school system down to a level 2.i know he has done a great job bringing industry in that the city is rolling in tax money....with all of that money i was wondering when he was going to repair the horrible streets in natchez.

Posted by natchez500 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

west has brought nothing to natchez natchez was coming back anyway he did bring disgrace to the police dept and fire dept by not doing anything about changes that needed to be made west has never supported the police chief or fire chief do you wonder why mullins does not care and johnson is leaving next month, mullins is looking and does not care he and johnson have the time to leave they donot care about any of their emplyees it is not because they are happy with the mayor and board no leadership

Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dont forget he was the tie breaker for the aldermens raise...while the city streets fall apart and police and firemen try to struggle to make ends meet with their low wages

Posted by trulyblessed (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think that West is doing a decent job as mayor. Progress takes time. There were not so many negative comments made towards Mayor West, not until the pecan factory was torn down that is. It was an eye sore, about to fall to pieces anyway. How did Mayor West destroy the school system years ago? That is why a school board was appointed.... to oversee the well being of the school.

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tell them natchez500 and shedevil......Looks like hitormiss has just gave up....Maybe y'all hit a nerve or two there lol...

Posted by eyeinthesky (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

lets don't forget that west hired back a police officer that had been fired for trying to bribe a officer to drop drug charges against some thug dope dealer. the state board overruled west's decision and cancelled his law enforcement certification. then west gave him a job as "litter enforcement officer".

Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would just like to comment on acedogs statement - something about the only reason anyone is running against West is because he is black. By that reasoning, nobody would ever have run against Troy Watkins, Tony Byrnes, Butch Brown, David Armstrong, or Hank Smith. They are all white, therefore one of them should still be there, because no one would run against them.

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Police and fire have received raises. Crime is at an all time low. Unemployment has been cut in half.

Trulyblessed, you will notice that it is a small (the same group) of people who are negative about almost everything. When Christ return’s they will find something wrong with the place he chose.

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hitormiss what town do you live in??? All time low for crime???You have got to be kidding!!!!

eyeinthesky thanks for that information.....Hitormiss had nothing to say about that i see...

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Interesting comments - The West pros and cons are true - but overall I think he has been an improvement for Natchez from his predecessor. (I did not raise the bar that high though) West does have something that his opponents can't match - West has excellent contacts in Jackson and in Washington, he also can pull in support from the black caucus, an increasing power base.

I suspect the anti West people on this blog did not vote for him - they still won't vote for him. Even if he had not hired Willie B. or demolished the Pecan Factory and had all the other success I still doubt they would support him. West will always be unpopular because of the merging of the high school, (Which may have been done even if he had not pushed for it).

The choice for Mayor is not easy - Middleton is a very nice guy - but he has been in office for 17 years and has almost nothing he can actually claim credit for. Chick is another nice guy again he has been fairly successful, but he lacks the contacts, and the speaking skills of Phillip.

Sadly I think the race will be split almost entirely along racial lines. A few liberal whites will vote for West and fewer black voters will vote for the other candidates. Natchez is split almost evenly Black/White, so who gets out the vote will win. I think the election will once again have a high turnout and West has the edge. It will be a clean race as there is no advantage gained by throwing mud.

OldGrandDad - The veterinarian does not have a Middleton Sign - He does not own the roofless white building on Canal - can't remember who does - Alton owns the 2 story building next to it. I don't think Alton has a dog in the race.

Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i think hitormiss lives in natchez maine....with those statements she or he doesnt live in natchez ms

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

natchez1, Oh alright! I'll quit funnin' with him.

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 10:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree shedevil....

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

shedevil,
I live in Natchez, MS where crime is low and life is good.
Please visit the Police Departments website. http://www.natchezpd.org/crime.html

Below are the Part 1 crime statistics for the past thirteen years. The crime rate has decreased 43.7% since 1994 with a 14% decrease from 2005 to 2006 with the greatest decrease in larceny.
Year Homicide Rape Robbery Aggravated Assault Burglary Larceny Motor Vehicle Theft Total
1994 6 11 36 90 346 1268 30 1787
1995 2 24 20 91 311 1276 35 1759
1996 3 10 31 75 236 1353 41 1746
1997 3 10 24 49 235 1271 41 1633
1998 0 6 28 51 251 1196 37 1569
1999 3 8 26 34 255 1161 38 1525
2000 1 3 22 31 211 1192 26 1486
2001 1 4 30 29 189 994 28 1275
2002 2 9 21 25 183 1016 27 1283
2003 2 9 18 27 191 1027 24 1298
2004 1 4 20 16 199 1094 18 1352
2005 1 7 15 15 153 967 13 1171
2006 2 8 13 27 176 759 21 1006

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 21, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow - great figures Hitormiss - amazingly big drop in crime after West became mayor 2005 - Good Drop with Hank Smith 2001 after the former chief, Willie Huff left.

I am surprised that West is not touting this figures! It would be interesting to see 2007's figures - but Natchez is showing a drop in crime even after the influx of people from New Orleans from Katrina, where many cities saw a spike up in crime.

Well done Mike Mullins.

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 12:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What about 07...That is when it seemed crime went through the roof......

But, I have to say those crime rates are better from year to year...

Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 5:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hitormiss must be confusing west with frank melton

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Frank Melton wishes he had these numbers.

Posted by andy (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

well i cannot support mr west because of one man willie jones a convicted man for trying to bribe another law officer yes he got his record cleaned by a crooked judge also but it doesn't go away its like robbing a bank and getting caught and giving the money back to make it go away no i am wrong its like BINKEY yes west you know you are wrong keeping him on the tax payers payroll

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hitormiss - I think any Mayor would be happy with these numbers!
Kevin is right Phillip has been lucky - many of "his" successes were not within his control. I do know several people who met with the mayor before moving here and opening a business that were impressed by him, so he has to get some credit (Would they have decided to come to Natchez if Hank was still mayor ----?)

Middleton's ad in the paper this morning is still "light" - wow improve roads (always popular) create a recreation complex (he has been head of the recreation committee for 16 years - no progress (why expect different now?) Use prison labor to clean up Natchez (Never seen that done before!) -
He is pro consolidation which is needed but will be hard and unpopular, Phillip is leaning towards consolidation too and actually would have an easier time getting it passed. That leaves his desire to be a full time Mayor, with integrity, so OK a little attack on the incumbent, and a claim not without some merit - Phillip enjoys his golf.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I still say that it is WRONG to use prison labor (chain gangs) in areas of town where we expect tourists to visit, shop and park. I have never seen this in any other town catering to tourists. People do not want to see this. The savings we get by using this cheap labor must surely be offset by bad word-of-mouth advertising.

As to the consolidation, I put out some questions very early Sunday morning that were never answered. Any takers?
http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/2008...

Posted by Negotiator (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Make no mistake, Mr. West, the superintendent of education and the school board have got to go for Natchez to have any chance of competing with other cities in the effort to attract business with decent paying jobs.

Posted by jack (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yes jill west was here when the school system was sued by him and two others that is why now we have a public school system that is 95% black yes give him credit but for getting the school system in the mess it is in he sure did not help it come on Natchez DEM do a story on west and that deal if we want to know whats happening give us it all Kevin

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Negotiator,
If that is your feeling, you forgot Henry Watts. The county has 3 appointments to the school board and the city has 2.
But the true is neither Henry nor the Mayor run the school system.
Jack and Jill (the same), why does it bother you so much that the Mayor wanted all children to be treated the same?
We know the Mayor is doing a good job when people go back 20 years to find an issue to discuss.
Bottom line…. Henry nor the Mayor run the school system.

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Natchez1,
The Mayor does play golf but it is odd the Middleton is using that as an issue. He plays golf far, far, far more than Mayor West. I know, golf is my weakness also. I'm retired and see Middleton on the course alot. He's a nice fellow.

I want Mayor West out of the office and getting us new projects! We have already had a Mayor in Smith who just sat in the office. Nothing gets done that way. West has gotten out and has Natchez going and he didn't do it on the golf course as some who have us to believe.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hitormiss - I was just using Middleton's ad in the paper as reference. West gets criticized for not "being full time" Middleton claims he will be (Maybe he will give up golf?).

I think my posting before was fairly positive for West. I have not decided who I will vote for. I do worry that many people in city hall do not seem happy (although under Hank a much larger number of people left because of the mayor). People blame West for problems with the city planner, I am not sure if that is really his fault, if no-one applies for the job that is well qualified that poses a problem. Yes you can offer more money but housing in Natchez is expensive and in fairly short supply. This does require a big commitment from a new hire. (Also the school system is lacking which deters people with families).

West is unpopular because of the damage "he" did to the public schools. Some blame can be given to West for that, but it was not as Mayor. When the schools were merged it did cause unhappiness and an increase in private school enrollment by white students. The merger also came at a time when many people were leaving Natchez to find work after the end of the oil boom. West as it has been pointed out has little he can do as mayor to improve the schools. I would like to see the mayor and local business people do more mentoring with the school as well as encouraging more parental involvement.

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was certainly not criticizing you, only commenting on Middleton’s ad and the school question. I would also like to see more mentoring programs or even, as a community, pursue some initiative programs. The kind of initiative programs, that would and could, be funded through large grants. It would take our community pulling together to get that but I think we can do it.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So I guess I'm right. There is no plan for consolidation? And there is no plan for St. Catherine Creek? The politicians have only been throwing this stuff out to us. Ok. Sounds good to me. I did not think the initial ideas sounded that good anyway.

Posted by natchez500 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 7:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i looked at the natchez police web site and found itis out touch with what it states where is dare program, where is neighboorhood watch and crime figures are bogus come on whoever does it

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 7:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sadly the reality is that recreation is only mentioned every four years just before the election, it then gets ignored and the plan put back on the shelf.

This year consolidation is a popular subject, and it probably won't get anywhere (it always is more popular until it is you that is about to be annexed and subject to higher taxes). Some services could be merged (like the police and sheriff's department - maybe the solution is to follow Jackson's lead and make Ronnie Brown Police chief!).

This election so far seems short on ideas - more jobs - duh
entice industry (been said for 60 years - still waiting).
Improve roads - again a staple - and the ever popular recreation. West is lucky he can tout his record - Middleton has very little record to show except an ability to be re-elected, and hes a nice guy (and white). Chick is the other white guy - the back up plan, if Middleton does not make it. If Middleton or Chick are going to have a chance of winning they need to really have a plan with substance and a way of paying for it.

Just being white will not be enough.

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hitormiss of course frank melton would be happy with those numbers...I mean he has ALOT more people in his town. would the numbers be diffrent in Jackson if West was the Mayor there??? You have to compare Apples to Apples...

I still do not know what west has planned for the next 4 years.. Do y'all??

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

natchez1, We've had this talk about merging city and county services (and government?) for many years now. When our politicians use it as part of their campaign, I would think that there is a plan in place for this consolidation and that this plan would be available for review. The same with the Creek Project. Aparently these are only broad concepts and there is no real plan. But hey, I've got some broad concepts of my own. Except I'm not running for office on them.

I might could get behind some of this if I knew more about. I'm left feeling that no one knows anything about it. I'll try and hold back comments about where the candidates have been blowing smoke and the leg/rain stuff.....

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No plans - just hot air, Middleton's only plan is to use the new prison as a source of labor - wow!

Middleton and Chick need to find a platform (apart from being white). Four years ago some candidates actually had ideas, maybe they could look back and see what ideas were touted then.

Without real vision from Chick and Middleton - West will coast to an easy win.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well if for some perverse reason any of our candidates want chain gangs all over town, at least have the gangs taught to sing like they do in the old movies. Maybe that won't scare off the tourists and the ladies that walk every morning.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The idea of consolidation is terrific...however, from a pragmatic and political viewpoint it will never happen.

First, no politician is going to support abolition of his place or power. Second, it would take a change to the state constitution...not happening. Third, it would be a disaster, because the county would ultimately win out for control politically and the city resources can't cover the county.

Take Memphis for example, or Oklahoma City, consolidation became a logistical, and fiscal nightmare. These were major cities that occupied the greatest parts of the counties in which they were located and this was supposed to cut taxes, it didn't.

There are other reasons it won't work...it is a political chemira.

My opinion is...hitormiss is a wife, mother, daughter or other fanatical supporter, and I know, personally, that Bucket is a racist, he told me to my face when I asked the question. I also know that his cousins are not...Theodore, George and Sam.

Jake is a good man, but he is a political animal, his father was a long time politico and he learned from his father and Butch Brown, the two critical political influences in his life...Dad was OK, but Butch?

You all know that I post under my own name, openly. Chick Graning is your man. He has the character, charisma, force , intelligence, street saavy, etc....I could go on and on, necessary to be a great mayor.

In the interest of disclosure, he is my ex-uncle-in-law, but regardless of other unfortunate circumstances, he has always been cordial, friendly, chivalrous and in every other way I can think of a true gentleman and friend. I hope my whole-hearted endorsement doesn't hurt him too much, but this is a man I would trust with my LIFE!

Maybe it's time Natchez had a COACH FOR MAYOR!

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

From a politcal strategy standpoint Chick should let Bucket and Jack duke-it-out before he wades in...then he can pick and choose his shots...very saavy!

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sammohon,
"A wife, mother, daughter or other fanatical supporter", next you will have me as an elephant in a tutu. My guess is you will take anything other than what I am, a white, male, Republican who is supporting the black guy.
I checked into your story about the Mayor admitting he was a racist, remember. He was a state rep. who was invited to speak at Leadership Natchez. You want us to believe that he admitted to being a racist to a group of white folks that had invited him to speak to their group? I DON'T THINK SO! He's a racist, but you aren't? Why is this point so important to you otherwise? Let go of it, my friend.
I know Chick and he is a gentleman. But a football coach does not have the skills to be mayor. Right now this race is between Middleton and West. You can not argue with West's record. In football terms, he's won the game.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sam, Thanks for your opinions of county-city consolidation. I'm still left with the understanding that all of this has been a political smoke screen (for do nothing?) and there really are no plans in writing. Simply a broad concept people like to throw out in hopes that it will win them support or votes. But it works the opposite with me. Show me a plan that I can support and then I can make an intelligent decision when I vote. But don't throw out a brief sentence (year after year) for some broad idea and then shrug your shoulders when I ask for details.

Kevin, the Natchez Democrat supports these issues, right? Where are the details? If the politicians will not be forthcoming, how about our local journalists?

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 9:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sam - I am sure you are right about consolidation - just hot air.

I think West is biased - maybe even a racist (aren't we all a little?) but he has done a decent job as mayor. He has had missteps - Willie B was a political promise at the last election and he kept his word - maybe not a good thing under the circumstances.

The Pecan Factory was stupid - he is smarter than that, he was right to support the project and it should have be done following the regulations and guidelines. It would have happened and once the antis lost the court case it would have been under way. The MDAH stopping the construction would not have happened had it not been demolished illegally.

I like Chick (and Middleton as people) I actually like Phillip every time we've met he has been really helpful - he's smart and he's always been fair (too me). The choice is who will be best for Natchez - Phillip has connections and is savvy - Middleton could do something but his record is not good. Chick is the unknown quantity, but I want to see some ideas, a vision. Chick is the underdog for him to win he is going to have to inspire. He needs some black votes and to motivate the white voter - It can be done - I want what's best for Natchez - it may be anyone but West but I am not sure yet. I may sadly vote like many for the white guy. I just am trying hard to vote for someone rather than against someone based on race.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OldGrandDad...you are correct...it is a vote winning position that a politician never has to face.

Hitormiss...I'm not asking you to believe anything...I'm just telling you what PW said to me, and the rest of the Leadership Natchez class, when I had the audacity to suggest that he might be a reverse racist through his legal actions about the school system...as I remember he was pretty ticked off...his decision to admit to me that he was a racist was his, not mine. "Let go of it, my friend", you say...why did Trent Lott get demoted?...would you say the same? What about the Rev. Richard Wright?...is that OK? No! Racism is racism, both ways!

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This isn't or shouldn't be a race thing...Chick taught economics for years....he has a degree from Georgia Tech (It ain't exactly a diploma mill) in industrial management...he has national and state and local contacts.

You might forget his brother was a terrific alderman and ran for mayor himself, beaten by the Butch Brown machine...the knowledge, wisdom and experience isn't lost.

The great thing about Chick is that he takes in the info, processes it, takes into account humans, their frailty and their circumstances, and then uses COMMON SENSE.

Very simple method for success for Chick and NATCHEZ!

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sam - do you think people change with age, or time? I know people think Phillip has added lots of extra black employees at city hall, but I know he has added many whites too. Overall he seems to have tried to find good employees (sure a couple were political payback and relations who could use a better job - not the first mayor to do that.

Racism is basically human nature - if we were all coffee colored we would pick on the fat ones, tall ones or others who are different. Sure we can hope for a higher standard but all we can do is try and make the playing field level. It is getting better black folks were mistreated (and some still are) and times have changed, sometimes though old resentments bubble up.

All I want is a mayor who wants the best for Natchez, who will make things better and has the capability to get things done. So far West has shown he can do that. The Hotel Tax did not gain him any votes in the black community it was done for tourism and the new hotels. 90% of the white community will vote against West most only because he is black (some because of the high school merging or his radical past). I did things 25 years ago I wish I had done differently or did not turn out as well as I'd hoped, but things change. West may be the same but I doubt it. I think he is proud to be the first black mayor of Natchez and I think he tries to do a good job.
David Armstrong was voted out because of the casino and his opponent had drive and a vision. When Butch was voted out of office it was because of his arrogance and his grandiose spending, poor Hank because he was out of his depth.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Of course people change, rather silly question...I'm not saying that Bucket hasn't changed...he has a lot less hair to blowout...but, he hasn't related to anyone yet though, that he might have regrets over his lawsuit over the school system. That he is one of the reasons the public school system here is in such disarray.

I can see discriminating against the fat ones, but the tall ones? I'm 6'-5", surely you jest...it's a ridiculous argument, try again...LOL

For you folks who are weight challenged or height deprived, I apologise, I was just trying to make a point...I really didn't mean it.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good post Sam - I've known Chick & Lil for years and always liked them, I know he has family members who were in politics. I like that he is running as an independent I just have yet to hear him say something new or better than PW.

I do think he will do better than Middleton - but I still think he has to create citywide buzz. He still has time.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, I thought Robert H. Wood (1870) was the first Black Mayor of Natchez...!

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A football coach/manager is a much better manager that what you have now!

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 11:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sam, if Mayor West is a racist, how do you explain his defense of Republican Judge Pickering? He went against the entire legislative black caucus to defend Pickering. National publications wrote about those actions. They are not the actions of a racist. (http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0344,17...)
He has been a good Mayor. Natchez has made progress. I believe that people in Natchez will look at Natchez now and will vote their conscience.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 11:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Believe me...Chick will make things happen!...BTW. he's running as a Republican, not independent...If you know him you must know that once he has set a goal, he acheives it. The really great thng is that he can inspire others!

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 11:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hitormiss...I don't know...you explain it...totally out of character...unless, ....

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 11:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chick is running as an independent - Very clearly stated in his ads. I am sure he votes as a Republican.

Natchez is still a blue collar town. Republican in city elections is a huge minus. Four years ago Sue ran as a Republican. Republican, female with lots of people who did not like Joe and Sue it should have been the kiss of death for the campaign. It was no shock she jumped out of the alderman's race at he last minute when she found out PW was running. Her only chance as mayor was to run against a black candidate.
Middleton I understand is actually backed by Stedman & Junkin.

Sam - I want to believe - Chick has to set goals apart from not being black. Hitormiss - good comments, I wish I could believe that this will not be just about race.

If Jake or Chick thinks that head to head white against black, white wins they will be wrong. Four years ago with 3 candidates 2 white and one black the margin was 106 with the independent getting 230ish. If they assume those would all have been Sues votes they would be wrong. Sure Sue would have got some, but the balance would have gone to Phillip. The word was out, a vote for the Independent was a vote for a black mayor.

After four pretty successful years as Mayor I am sure a few of Sue voters see that things are better, the world did not end, West did not fire every white person, etc.

West is now in a good position, many people will feel it would be wrong to vote against him just because he is black, (as he has done a decent job), things have happened with him as Mayor. Four years ago there was true fear about what havoc West would reek. Chick is untried, I sure he may be a great mayor, however to become mayor it will not be easy.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 22, 2008 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OldGrandDad - you are right - I was being lazy - He is the first Black since reconstruction, I could not be bothered to add the asterisk.

For the record I am white not too old (or too young) and one of those Republicans (most of the time---) I have independent streaks.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 23, 2008 at 12:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh Sam - while not too tall like you - I am not height deprived either --- As for fat ---- maybe a touch rotund.
We all discriminate - sad but true.

I also think many now almost reverse discriminate - if we see two great candidates - both qualified and smart one black one white, now often the black candidate has an edge. Many people have white guilt, we are impressed by high achieving minorities.

This guilt is now a cause for concern in the black community, affirmative discrimination has upset some high achieving minorities as now it gives racists a way of dismissing their success. It allows people to say the only reason they are in the position is because of a quota or because they were black.

This is not just on the local level - Obama/Clinton have been trying to underplay the racial component, it actually helps that both candidates are a minority - either would be a first as President.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on April 23, 2008 at 12:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

natchez1, I didn't want to take anything away from the Mayor. I just hate to see former Mayor Wood lose any credit. He was also Sheriff of the county.

You're white? I wouldn't have known either way. I went color blind some years back and now I forget what I used to be. But somehow I have the feeling that if the townfolks thought we (Natchez) were a herd of drowning cattle, everyone would pull together and forget about color.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on April 23, 2008 at 12:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the cows were in Vidalia - a city on the move.

If everyone pulled together lots could be achieved. Sadly deep divisions and petty s--t, keep this town from progress. It is not even a white black thing.

I want this election to be fought on ideas - not on the color.
What a lovely idea.
I think this blog is off to the archives.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on April 23, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Natchez1...now I'm too tall...hmm...I'm just tall enough that my legs reach the ground and I can hand stuff down to my wife off the top shelf...she basically married me because she needed a step ladder...LOL.

I may have misstated Chick's affiliation...I had thought that it was reported that he was running as a Republican, but it really doesn't matter much...he is still, by far, the best candidate.

I don't really think that race is going to be much of a PUBLIC issue in this race. The candidates have agreed and have held true to their word to make this a race of issues.

Chick's primary problem is that he is essentially running against two incumbents. I think he does have an advantage of not having to take them both on. We'll see who's left standing between Jake and Philip and go from there.

BTW, I want people to know that I am not affiliated in any way with Chick's, or anyone else's campaign...I am just a big Chick fan and supporter...I just think he's the right man at the right time.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on April 23, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vote CHICK!

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on April 24, 2008 at 1:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

rushinghjr,
You don't vote here. We can think for ourselves.

Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on April 24, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

natchez 1, the cows were on Carthage Point Rd., which is in Adams County. They were moved to Vidalia. Just to get the facts straight. LOL Since I'm in the county, I can't vote for mayor, but if I could it would probably be for Granning. I thought about Middleton, but a very good friend whose opinion I trust completely said she would never vote for anyone from that family - and she told me why, which does not bear repeating on this forum because it was personal.
Good luck to all!

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on April 24, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As I have told you before-where I vote and live is none of your business and I say it again! Apparently you can't think for yourself, since you appear you are a step-child of PW! We are working very hard to get Middleton in, we just want you to know that! Since I pay taxes in Natchez and Adams County, I can say anything I please that I feel that promotes Natchez and Adams County! Guess what? You are still missing on all you cylinders with your name. As everyone says, your name is very correct for you and your background!

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on May 10, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Added Input! PW's Rabbit's Foot did not help him "one-bit"! It's just beautiful! i told you so!