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Fields defeats long-time incumbent
Published Wednesday, May 7, 2008
NATCHEZ — Youth ousted experience Tuesday night in the Ward 4 aldermen race, as Ernest “Tony” Fields defeated long-time incumbent Theodore “Bubber” West.
Fields earned 64.5 percent of the vote to upset the 17-and-a-half-year veteran.
“I am just really humbled and overwhelmed right now,” Fields said. “I definitely have some big shoes to fill and I have a huge learning curve to overcome, but I am up for the challenge. My first priority is to learn and study, just to really get in there and get my feet wet.”
West said he had no regrets and he looks forward to serving Natchez in any way he can.
“Some of the things I have accomplished will have a mark on Natchez for a long, long time, and I am proud of that,” West said.
Fields is young and smart, so he will do well, West said.
“(Fields) will have to take it slow and learn the ropes like I did, and he is going to have to digest where we are and where we were headed and see if that is the same direction he thinks he might want to be,” West said.
Fields received a total of 429 votes, West took 190 and Donnell Newsome received 46 votes.
Ward 1
With 50.9 percent of the vote, incumbent Alderman Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis is the unofficial winner of the election, but if enough of the absentee, affidavit or curbside ballots — there are 86 total — go to challenger Jim Sanders, the race could go to a run-off.
“We are very happy with the outcome of the election,” Arceneaux-Mathis said Tuesday night. “We know we are going to have to go down tomorrow and get the election finalized, but I have been told the absentee ballots tend to reflect the trend of the Election Day voting.”
Meanwhile, Sanders said he would be waiting at the courthouse today to find out the official outcome of the election.
“Whatever is to be is to be,” Sanders said. “I hope I am in a runoff, but if not I wish everybody well.”
Arceneaux-Mathis received 362 votes, Sanders received 180, challenger Paul K. Johnson received 130 and Sonya Anderson-Mars received 39.
Ward 2
Incumbent James “Ricky” Gray was re-elected by the 79.6 percent of the voters in Ward 2.
“I feel that the people of Ward 2 have spoken, and I am glad they have enough faith to reelect me to this position,” Gray said. “I want to thank every each and every one of them for that.”
Gray received a total of 612 votes, while challenger Johnny Franklin received 128.
Another candidate, Larry Hooper, dropped out of the race too late to have his name removed from the ballot, and received 29 votes.
Ward 3
In Ward 3, Gwen Ball was the only candidate on the ticket.
Ball received 748 votes, and will face incumbent Republican Bob Pollard in the general election.
Ward 5
With 49.5 percent of the vote, Mark Fortenbery will be facing Frances Thompson Bailey, who received 39.8 percent of the vote, in a run-off.
Bailey said her campaign knocked on doors, made the rounds of some neighborhoods three times and passed out leaflets.
“I didn’t expect the run-off to be as close as it was,” Bailey said. “It just makes me realize I have got to get out there and push a little harder.”
Meanwhile, Fortenbery said — while it has been a clean campaign — it was a big relief to make it to the run-off, and that he will continue to campaign in the same way he has been.
“Hard work and knocking on doors, I believe that pays off,” he said. “I think the people know I am dedicated and am in this for the long haul.”
All totaled, Fortenbery received 385 votes, whereas Bailey received 310. Candidate Tim Sessions received 84 votes.
Whichever candidate wins the run-off will face Republican Charles Zucarro in the general election.
Ward 6
With no incumbent candidate, Ward 6 was bound to elect a new alderman, and with 61.1 percent of the vote it was Daniel “Dan” Dillard.
Dillard thanked his opponent Forrest Foster for a clean campaign, and he said his first priority would be to get up to speed on the budget and how it affects the city.
One thing he wants to address is handicapped accessibility to voting stations, a problem he observed on Election Day, Dillard said.
“When someone can’t get into a voting precinct, that’s a real embarrassment,” Dillard said.
At the end of the day, though, Dillard said he is pleased with the results.
“Everybody is happy, but tomorrow we will all be sore,” he said.
Dillard received 490 votes, and Foster received 312 votes.
The second Democratic primary is May 20, and the general election is June 3.
Comments
Posted by The_Punisher (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 3:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good!!! There's new blood in city government. "Blubber" was useless as an alderman not to mention as a Police Comissioner, he hever talked to the cops (except when the cops gave a ticket/dui to the "wrong person." It took too long in my opinion but a new man is in charge now.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 5:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Blubber also thought he was a big shot in town because of being an alderman and THANK GOD he is out!
Good going Mr Fields!
Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 5:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Looks like change is coming ..Congrats to all that defeated incumbents.
Posted by The_Punisher (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 6:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To sayitloud:
Yes, this is true. He never hesitated to vote himself a payraise either. He was the stereotypical self serving, do nothing politician. I personally know cops who've told me that when they arrested the "wrong person" ol' "Blubber" would come down to the police dept to "talk" to the officer or call the officer's supervisor. Those arrested or ticketed would then become un-arrested or the ticket reduced to a warning, and as in one particular case the officer who refused to "play ball" was taken off of the streets and forced into a desk job because he gave a city official a dui. Yes, the officer was "punished" for doing his job.
I hope that Mr. Feilds cares about the welfare of the cops, it's obvious the "Blubber" didn't.
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW, thanks for that The_Punisher. I am however, NOT shocked. I have heard of MANY other things he thought he was "priviledged" to get away with.
Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well punisher, who is this city official? Why the secret? Are you protecting this official, or was it I heard it from a friend nonsense?
Posted by lowrider (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
**Mike** Punisher was speaking about Bubber West. I have also had many law enforcement friends that have stated that Bubber would interfere especially when it came to his store right off of MLK, sorry can't think of the name of it, but it has a grassy area next to it refered to as the living room.
Posted by The_Punisher (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No nonsense, it's the truth, try talking to some veteran cops, you'd be suprised.
Posted by jack (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
if fields cares, he will be for a new police chief or just close the dept down good luck fields you will grow up fast in city gov the officer you you are talking about here is billy jo mike never can make a decision like this he is a follower and just glad to get a check ask him he tells it everyday look at the people he hired willie b jones and convict and danny barber a loser and ???? how can he run a dept like natchez pd
Posted by Groverhar (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I went to the candidates forum a few weeks ago and was very very impressed with Tony Fields. I think he will be an excellent alderman. Bubber on the other hand looked like Jabba the hut and all he wanted to talk about was his record. He didn't mention his arrest record or his meddling with police or soliciting "political contributions" from anybody and everybody who comes to town to try and build businesses here. Thank God he is gone. Good luck Tony.
Posted by andy (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
yes so go tony you will do good bye bubba did willie b and charles woods get you any votes you are all three just alike gone gone gone bye bye bye also
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Now, let the time begin, where all the promises mentioned and made by the winner, be manifest. If not, it will be the same ole' empty promises bandwagon. Also, for those who are just getting in, surely now, you will see, who and where the true power lies. Congrats to you all, let's get to the task of getting REAL, good paying jobs to Natchez that will last.
Posted by eyeinthesky (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
jack, you sound like you work at the Adams county lawn care office, i mean the sheriffs dept. you sure like talking bad about the police dept and naming names, and your grammar is horrible, but you dont realize that 80 percent of the deputies came from the police dept. you are such a big talker and if you have the cajones to name officers names, leave your name if your not too scared like the rest of the Deputies at the SO.
Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations to all the new Aldermen. When your term begins, how about starting off with something very positive for our city........vote yourselves a "pay cut" and a pay raise for the NPD.
Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lowrider & Punisher- I am not talking about Blubber, punisher said-
"the officer who refused to "play ball" was taken off of the streets and forced into a desk job because he gave a city official a dui"
Who is the city official?
Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Are you saying Blubber got the dui?
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations, Dan!
Posted by eyeinthesky (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HE WROTE BLUBBERS DAUGHTER A TICKET
Posted by natchez500 (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 1:32 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by Unitus (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulation's Tony! I'm sure you'll serve the people of Natchez well. Although politics and religion aren't supposed to mix, continue to do the Lord's work and everything else will fall into place with the politics. Good Luck!
Posted by ksavali (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Greetings citizens:
I decided to check the comments, and to thank any, and all, people who may have shown support for my father, Mr. Theodore "Bubber" West. Who, regardless of the popular opinion in this thread, has served this city, and Ward 4, with honor, and a genuine desire to do what is best for the city of Natchez. I could enumerate his contributions to this city, and Ward 4, from Concord Park, to the renovations on Minor St., to advocating raises for the Fire Department, but I wil not. Simply because those citizens that ignore rumors, those citizens that separate civilian business issues from political issues already recognize and appreciate all he has done, and will continue to do for this city.
To my surprise, the vast majority of what I see is ignorant name- calling, and falsehoods being perpetuated behind screen-names. So to, hopefully, steer this conversation back to one of maturity, let me set the record straight on a couple of lies found within this thread.
Posted by ksavali (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
1.) Fact 1: Our family in general, nor my father specifically, owns a store on, or near, Dr. Martin L. King Jr. St.
2.) Fact 2: I was pulled over by Officer GARY NATIONS in high school without cause with my toddler nephew in the backseat. Handcuffed, and treated like a criminal for a mistake in the NPD record-keeping about my "suspended license." ( a speeding ticket that had been taken care of previously) I have never driven under the influence, and most certainly have never received a DUI, nor has my father. After an investigation, that took into account the many complaints against Officer Nations, it was deemed by the police department that it would be best for him to be off the streets. I also received an apology for his misconduct from the city.
I appreciate the belief that Mr. West seems to be all powerful, but in this case, not only is this information wrong, it is slanderous against myself, and my father. Be lucky you decided to write behind a screen name "eyeinthesky." Since you seem to know so much, you are well aware that slander is punishable by law.
Posted by ksavali (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SInce birth, a love for Natchez, and it's citzens, has been instilled me. My grandfather, and grandmother, served as alderman/woman, before my father ran for the position. SInce the age of 10 years old, I can remember the people of Ward 4 knocking at our door at all hours of the night, and morning, for money, for assistance with a family member that had been, in their opinion, falsely arrested. I remember hysterical phone calls from people that needed help, and knew, that if no one else would do it, Alderman West could be counted upon, no matter what time of day or night, to do all that was within his power. I remember traveling, and where-ever we went, he would discuss the beauty of Natchez with complete strangers, and urge them to visit. I remember him giving jobs to people that needed them, not because they were so qualified, but because he believes in helping people to help themselves. Hiring people that would otherwise have no where to turn, is just one of the ways he shows his love for citizens of Ward 4. I was raised hearing him say. "If you can help someone, you do it. Simple as that."
If my father is guilty of anything, it is having a big heart. He has struggled with this economy, he has struggled with recovery from a heart attack, he has struggled with the very city, and "family", that he has poured his heart and soul into for over 20 years turn it's back on him when he needs the support that he has always so unselfishly given.
It saddens, and angers me, that this is the response to all his years of service. But, like you, "sayitloud," albeit for very different reasons, I am not shocked.
To all his supporters, thank you all. Regardless of any official capacity, regardless of naysayers, my father, as always, remains dedicated the citizens of Ward 4.
Congratulations to Mr. Fields. As you know, your father and mine were best friends, more like brothers than some real brothers are. I remember him coming over for breakfast and dinner all the time. He would jokingly ask my father about my mother, "What did our wife cook today?" If a day went by without seeing him in our home, I would be surprised. He was truly FAMILY to me, as ours has been to you, and I love and miss him still. I'm sure he would be proud of you, and the honorable campaign you've run.
Once again, thank you to all the constituents of Ward 4 who voted for my father. It is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Kirsten West Savali
Posted by froggie (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to commend ksavali for her comments. It was a very polite and gracious way to put that. I certainly respect you for your choice of words. I'm sure your family is very proud of you.
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If anything, I have to agree with how childish the Blubber comments were, and just decided to overlook them, and post on the forward moving of this city! You defended your father and your family well! I also have a love for Natchez and grew up there, and even though I don't live in Natchez, I like to come home to visit my family who does still live there. I am really hoping there is going to be some positive change in the air, as we also have a chance to have a breath of positive air in our upcoming national election!
Posted by Omega (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kirsten West Savali - tell the truth! The "city" may have told you anything. However, you NEVER received an apology from the officer who was doing his job and folowing written policy. As a matter of fact, the officer could have had action taken against him for not following written policy. So what makes you so special? What applies to the officers, the officers family, and their friends goes for everyone. City officials should never treat the police officers unfairly and then expect special favors. The officer you speak of worked the streets for almost three years after the incident you spoke of even though your father tried in vain to have him fired. He could not be fired without getting himself and the city into a huge lawsuit. I'm sure the officer you speak of would have loved to retire early. I'm sure everone else that was arrested for driving with a suspended license could have a father that could try to get them off because of his position of "power". Check the PUBLIC court record. You paid your fine just like the rest.
Posted by ntzcitizen39120 (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Omega- I cannot speak on behalf of KSavali, but I can speak what I know for a fact about Gary Nations. He is a bigoted, ignorant, self righteous minion who used what little power he thought he had to terrorize Natchez's youth. My son was harassed by Mr. Nations one night when he was leaving Dimples Lounge and for those of you who don't know the law, that is entrapment; and I know for a fact that my son nor Mrs. Savali were the first or the last that Nations' unlawfully harassed. Mr. Nations is probably one of the dumbest men to have ever served the Natchez Police Department (which isn't saying much), but the streets are much better off without him. And Omega, anyone that is literate can see that KSavali said that she got a letter of apology from the city, NOT the officer, and I personally believe her because my family received one too after our incident with Nations.
Posted by macgems (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Amazing! How quickly some of us forget. First, I would like to commend Mrs. West-Savali on her response regarding her father. As her comments so poignantly pointed out, we can see clearly here that the apple certainly does not fall too far from the tree. She has ovbiously been raised with an amount of class and dignity that some of you have not been privy to. In spite of the negative postings about her father, she addressed them with intelligence and tact. Now as far as my personal knowledge of Mr. Theodore "Bubber" West is concerned both he and his parents before him have been there for the citizens of Natchez down through the years. I'm sure he and his family, like many other politicians, have sacrificed themselves to serve the community far longer than the years he served as Alderman. I personally know him to be a kind, selfless and generous man who has provided jobs, saved jobs, and generally helped and supported numerous people who needed his support regardless of whether they deserved it or were qualified, but simply because he loves Natchez and it's people. He has overcome adversity, health issues, mistruths and now the very citizens that he has helped for more than 20years are writing comments as though he has not done anything during his tenure. Lastly, let's us not forget non of us including you positing comments, are not perfect. Congratulations Mr. West, you have done a tremendous job and fortunately the comments of a few do not reflect the masses. Take this time to reflect, relax and move on the next phase of your life which I'm certain the best is yet to come.
Posted by speakonit (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This comment is for Groverhar... What impressed you about Mr. Fields? His lack of knowlegde of the city budget, lack of knowledge of city business, or his singing? If this were American Idol, Mr. Fields would have my vote, but it's not. His lack of knowledge for the position he was running for should have scared you. And since he works for the school system, he will not have direct influence over the school system as he will not be allowed to vote on issues concerning the the school system. So his whole platform was a gimmick to go along with his wonderful singing. The record Mr West only wanted to talk about was all that should have been relavant in a discussion concerning what you will do and have done for the city of Natchez and Ward 4. Please excuse me for giving you too much credit if all you were worried about was appearence, personal/private business, and of course a wonderful voice.
Posted by babev1 (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 7:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
One of the officers ya'll are talking about is a good police officer. He does not care if you are rich or poor, black or white, a city offical offical or a nobody. If you were doing wrong you went to jail.
Be very careful because you are not as anomymous as ou think. For those of you brave enough to name names watch out. Those bigoted, stupid and ignorant police offices ya'll were talking about are not public officials and getting on a public forum and blasting them can certanly make you subject to civil action. I bet they are working on sueing the Democrat if necessary to find out who you are. You may need to be prepared to defend what you say in court, not just your oppionion but the facts.
Those officers have sacraficed time with their families, good paying jobs(unlike NPD) and have been talked about like dogs, just to make Natchez a safer place to live. It seems as if the only officers ya'll are brave enough to talk about are the ones that do their jobs. Many officers that were very dedicated to upholding the law in Natchez were harassed until they became feed up enough to leave. Others have learned that to get ahead, do just enough to get by. It's the same story, about half the people think the police are doing to much and harassing the public and the other half believe there is just a bunch of lazy people up there doing nothing. Make up your mind what you want. Do you want the laws of Natchez to be enforced or do you want to let Natchez become a free for all like Fayette, Woodville, Jackson, etc. When the police are out actively enforcing DUI's, the public is being harassed. When someone dies in a DUI related wreck, the police have not been doing their job and stopping DUI's. Everytime you walk out of a bar and get behine the wheel of your car you are rolling the dice to see if you get pulled over or not. The police do not side out side of bars waiting for people to leave. any lawyer can tell you that. What if you son would have killed himself or someone eles on the way home then you would have been wishing he would have been pulled over and taken to jail. Anytime anyone get pulled over they never think they have done anything
Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 9:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ksavali - I dont understand why you hold this grudge against officer nations, but its time to let that past. You father has done a good job in his position, but things have to end at some time. Things in Natchez have been very bad over the past years, and you getting pulled over with unpaid tickets (regardless of who took care of them) didnt help anything. We thank you father for his service, now please let the new alderman fix these many problems in out city.
Posted by ksavali (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dear Mike8427:
First, let me say, "Thank you." Thank you for showing my father appreciation for a job well done. I had not intended to respond to the turn that this thread had taken; but your civilized response, as opposed to the comments pertaining to this issue above you, allows me to do so without lowering myself to immature conversation.
With that said, I do not, nor have I ever, held a grudge against Officer Nations. He is not, nor has ever been, important enough for me to do so. The incident happened happened when I was 17 or 18 years old. I assure you, it is past.
I was simply responding to the blatant falsehood/innuendo that I was arrested, and or, ticketed for a DUI; and by means of his "all-powerful," corrupt influence, my father made it disappear.
I did not expose those lies in an attempt to villify, or even to discuss Officer Nations, and frankly, I hope this ends the aspect of the thread pertaining to him.
Once again, "Thank you," for your kind words. I, and my family, really appreciate them.
Sincerely,
Kirsten West Savali
Posted by ksavali (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ntzcitizen39120:
Thank you for your supportive words. I am truly sorry that your son had to go through that experience.
Posted by ksavali (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Teach4Peace & Macgems:
Thank you for your supportive words as well. It really means the world to me in the presence of such negativity.
Froggie:
I really appreciate your words. If I make my father half as proud of me, as I have always, and continue to be, of him, then I am satisfied.
My family, and I, look forward to witnessing the continued positive growth in the city of Natchez.
Once again, congratulations to our new Aldermen.
Posted by acedog (anonymous) on May 7, 2008 at 11:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i don't know what is going on in adams county,but are local elections have basically turn into a popularity contest. the winners are not decided by qualifactions,expeirence,or proven leadership.its siimply a who's who contest.reminds me of high school!
Posted by babev1 (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If the past was the past then why did you speak of this a call the officer by name? That proves that you never forgot about what happen. If it was a mistake at the police dept and it was not taken out of the system then how can the office be blamed for doing his job when he raidoed it in it must have come back that the problem was still there.
Posted by babev1 (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
NO One said you or your father got a DUI they only ask who the city offical was! I know who it was and it was not a West!
Posted by trulyblessed (anonymous) on May 9, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Babev1: Please let it rest. Almost everyone involved knows who the officer was. Let's stop all the bickering PLEASE...There is always going to be name calling and finger pointing.
Posted by speakonit (anonymous) on May 14, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
babev1: "NO One said you or your father got a DUI they only ask who the city offical was! I know who it was and it was not a West!"
eyeinthesky: "HE WROTE BLUBBERS DAUGHTER A TICKET"
please read before you speak on it...
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