Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 12:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds good to me! it came out like a winner for Natchez!

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 1:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sometimes, rarely and sometimes only once in a lifetime, people have a chance to vote for a genuinely good man . He/she runs for office in a sincere effort to improve the lives of his fellow men and not for personal gain. He/she put themselves on the line, in front of their families, friends, and peers...it's a noble cause, it's a noble inspiration.

It's sad the bad apples have made the electorate so cynical...Chick doesn't need this job. Chick didn't really want this job, he may regret he took this job, but he understood how many people thought he could make difference with his vision, personality and perserverence, he took the courageous step to respond.

Give him a chance...he'll change your mind if you listen. He believes in Natchez, I believe in Natchez, maybe you should too.

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 1:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Does he have a website we can go look at?

Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 1:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So it's Chick or Jake now for June 3rd. It's going to be a great day, setting up for a strong 4 years.

I LOVE IT!

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 1:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Most people who enter into community service or public service are sincere in their efforts. I know Chick has never been in public service but can you tell us what community he has been involved with?

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 5:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hitormiss he was there helping PW....you don't remember seeing them togother????

Posted by natchezaristocrat (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 6:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

www.chickformayor.com

Posted by acedog (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

who is chick?thats the question on alot of peoples mind. also who will mayor west endorse? he does represent approx. 2,500 votes. whom ever he decides to endorse will probaly be the next mayor of natchez!

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sammohon, the reason Jake Middleton has been an elected official for so long is he also believes in Natchez and loves this town. He commuted outside of town with a previous job for years and NEVER left this town because of his love for it. He wanted his kids to be raised here. Now he runs a successful business in town due to his hard work and despite losing some of his largest customers (IP, etc) he has actually grown his business.

Jake also does not NEED this job. But I can assure you, compared to your assessment of Granning, JAKE REALLY WANTS this job and he will NEVER regret taking it on. He has wanted it for quite some time now opposed to Granning who jumped in at the last minute because of a group of downtown folk who couldn't get anyone else to run. Just look at where the majority of Granning signs are right now, that speaks volumes of who's backing him.

The fact that Jake took West HEAD ON and defeated him also speaks volumes of the people who believe and trust in him. Granning took the easy route. Yes, Granning is a nice guy, but Jake has sincerely wanted this job for quite a while and worked his butt off to win this election. The people backing him not only believe in him, they VOTED for him already and will do it again in record numbers. I wish Granning the best, but my vote, without question, will go to the person who truly WANTS the job, not the person who might regret taking it.
JAKE 08, as far as I'm concerned, he's already won.

Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Finally the voice of the great American populace is heard.

Don't let us down Jake.

Posted by Negotiator (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Two great candidates left.

One not so great mayor will be replaced.

Natchez wins.

Posted by callinitlikeitis (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"you can be your own worst enemy".

philip west, (your own people) turned against you in this election. while they supported you in the beginning (mostly because of race, just to have their own 'color' as mayor), when your 'TRUE COLOR/s' started showing (your people) had to admit & realize that skin color is not a pre-requisite of being a good mayor.

white people did not start slavery. it was AFRICA that sold it's (own people) and shipped them to America. AFRICA sold them for MONEY.

white people gave them food, shelter, clothing. yes, they had to work for it. don't we all?

study up on history and see just who it was that betrayed (their own people).

let's stop being angry at white people. let us please see a person for there morals, character, integrity, compassion, work ethics, etc. LEAVE SKIN COLOR OUT OF IT. let us GET OVER THE PAST AND THE WRONG PERCEPTIONS OF IT. thank you.

Posted by natchez500 (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nwo which republician will the blacks put in office and what will these men have to promise them yes the blacks did not come out and vote for mayor but did for aldermen wonder why i think they also were disappointed in west and it showed

Posted by whataboutit (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with callinitlikeitis. Not long ago there was a t.v. show that basically stopped in all the towns along the Mississippi River, interviewing people. The only person they interviewd in Natchez was Mayor West. Who said absolutley nothing positive about Natchez. Just went on and on and on about the civil rights era. How they boycotted the "white owned stores" how he was a big part of that. He pretty much blamed the now day "whites" hell, not pretty much, he blamed all wrong doings on the "whites" Certainly not a good insite to Natchez.

Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We ARE not going to EVEN get into how SOME Africans became a part of the slave trade! Anyone who has ACTUALLY studied tribal issues, and the FACT that slavery WAS facilitated by the whites, no demand, no supply, then we all know how Africans became involved in selling out their own. Also, try as you may, but NO ONE's responsibility into the hedious institution of the enslaving of the African on American shores, is JUSTIFIED. In NO WAY. Let this die already!

This article so far however, has comments of those who believe in the current new mayor, and thinks he will bring Natchez to where it needs to be.

Posted by DSGB (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is that everytime you read a comment on here there is always some hint of race thrown into it??? Damn people if we don't bring race into every issue then it does not become an issue. I am sure most people, be they white, black, blue, pink, yellow, red, or rainbow just want someone who will represent them honestly, fairly and truthfully. If the current mayor didn't do his job the people spoke about it at the polls and if the next mayor does not do his job it will be the same. Race is not the issue here it is job performance and doing whats right for the city of Natchez, but as long as we look for reasons to use race as a reason there will always be tension in Natchez. Once and for all lets just let it go and see which of the two candidates left will serve Natchez best!!!!!! Thank you.

Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have to say that Phil had done enough to damage his own credibility. He allowed a superintendent of education and a consultant that have not done enough to pull the school systems off the bottom of the heap in the last few years to stay.

This is a huge deal when you consider how much school systems really do play into the equation for economic development. I know I am preaching to the choir when it comes to management and owners, but I want the general populous to understand that people in charge of making company decisions ALWAYS consider public education in an area before they make a move.

Have a great day. It looks like a new day on the horizon.

Jake Middleton, if you are reading these blogs, remember what Benjamin Franklin said at the Constitution Convention as he looked at the picture of the sun on the wall. There was much disagreement going on in the convention and many different interest pulling at the writing of the constittution and it looked like chaos was going to take over. Then Ben was asked what he thought and as he looked at the picture of the sun on the wall, he has been quoted as saying, "Is that a rising sun or a setting sun?". His statement was meant to make people realize that the decision was in there hands.

Mr. Middleton, please make that picture on the wall of your mind a rising sun for Natchez everyday. This town is depending on you.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Seems like the Citizens of Natchez woke up and saw the light at the end of the "tunnel"! Thanks to the ones who voted for Middleton and God Bless!

Posted by DSGB (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If my memory serves me correctly the Superintendent was here before Mayor West was elected. Correct me if I am wrong but isn't it the responsibility of the board of supervisors to appoint school board members who then appoint the superintendent? So if the school board has allowed the superintendent to allow this constant decline in public education then the supervisors are also letting this travesty transpire. It is not soley the mayor but all parties in local government should be concerned about the status of the public school system. Mr. Middleton is on the board of aldermans, what is his stance and how has he responded to what is going on with the public schools??? I think he needs to be at the meeting with State Superintendent of Education Hank Bounds tonite at 6pm at the City Council Chambers with some possible working solutions....Not on here bad mouthing anyone but we need solutions to dire problem...

Posted by justice (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is that everytime you read a comment on here there is always some hint of race thrown into it?

That's just the way this place is . It goes deep , real deep in Natchez ! More so than any other city it's size in Miss. or the south for that matter . Racism and separatism built this city . All you have to do is look around . It's everywhere ! Personally there's nothing wrong with being a racist . It just means you have love for your race and want to see it preserved . The problem is when your love/actions for your race impact others in a negative way . Can you love your race and not be considered a racist ? If our government came out with a solution to eliminate racism in America by painting everyone green . Sooner or later something about your green color will spring forth another form of racism . Don't associate with that group , they are blue green , stay with the milder green . People need to look deep within themselves and honestly deal with issues such as race . You can't be a hypocrite when it comes to dealing with race issues .

Posted by kpage (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Red...Thanks for the "rising sun" post. I never knew that (or I forgot 20 years ago) about ole Ben! It's kind of like the "glass half-full or half-empty". I can use this. I hope the newly-elected choose to see Natchez as a new day dawning. Everything is fresh and new...let's hope they consider red's way of thinking.

Posted by jack (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

well jake never did anything but vote like sue when she was on the board lets see if he will try and make positive changes he has to start strong with some city employees and hopefully he will not let people stay like danny barber who is trying to get 2 judges off the bench and people like willie b jones he has to distant himself from trouble

Posted by ntz143 (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Board of Supervisors have two appointees to the school board...Taylor and Steckler.. and the Board of Aldermen have 3...Edney and the two new members- Newsome and Stephens. PW has been trying to get rid of the superintendent....but its up to the Board to do it and when you have 3 people who refuse to acknowledge the superintendent's responsibility in the school failures, nothing will be done.

Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

justice,

racism is not being proud of your own race. That is called pride. It does not have to be race that you are proud of, it can be yourself that you are proud of. then it is called arrogance....

I wish you could vote for people based on beliefs and values, not color. That is when you can begin to move away from racism and towards enlightenment.

While racism has been around since Bible writing was being done, I understand that it will continue to be here as long as the devil is alive. It is one tool that he has in his arsenal that seems to work more in every generation.

Posted by DSGB (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks NTZ143 for enlightening me on the school board appointments. From what I gather, Edney is in full support of the Superintendent so the Board of Alderman need to get rid of him. I also understand that those three are united with the superintendent so why can't the board replace them or rather what can the board do to replace them with some competent, qualified, caring people??? Hopefully, the new Mayor and new Board of Alderpersons will make this one of their top priorities because if you have a quality school system you can solicit and bring in quality industry and services business....

Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You know what, Justice? I found some sense in your comment, but I agree with Redusmfan. It is pride in loving your own race, but still I also see the point you are trying to make though.

Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Draw, I understand what justice was trying to say, but we do not need to try and change teh meaning of racism to justify it in our minds. I wish it were not around at all.

But the devil is still around and racism is one of his best weapons to keep us from beating up on the right person, Him.

Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You are correct.

Posted by justice (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Redusmfan pride and arrogance is good !

Posted by justice (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who really runs Natchez anyway ? The mayor or the board of aldermen . There needs to be some real changes in Natchez in order for a mayor to be effective in his job . The boa has too much power . They can cast their votes and over-ride the Mayor on any given issue . I've seen this happen many times in the past . True power needs to be in the hands of the mayor . The leader of a city . Also how about making the aldermen salaries hourly . Natchez is too small to have these individual making $300-$400 per session . This is possibly the best part-time job in the world . It's held by Natchez aldermen . Put the power in the hands of the mayor .

Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

justice, Not in my world. Pride proceeds a fall. the Lord says he resist the arrogant....so I will just stay on his side and try not to get his dander up....

Posted by justmeinchez (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Interesting how a posting becomes fact. Because sammohan said Chick might regret being mayor, doesn't mean Chic would regret it. I can't imagine anyone going through a campaign if they truly didn't have their mind and heart in it. Maybe we ought to ask him if he wants to be mayor if we have doubts.

Posted by justmeinchez (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

eagle, your post sounds like you have a problem with "downtown". I would think you would realize that Jake lives downtown and if he becomes mayor he will work downtown. What is the beef?

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No problem with downtown, it's the most beautiful town in America. Let me clarify. I am talking about a specific group (of which the majority lives in the garden district or not far from it) that is backing Graning. Just drive through that area and count the signs. I have a problem with them, their arrogance, their elitism and their notion that they are going to run this town the way they see fit. The average Natchezian doesn't like it and I think it's safe to say the average minority doesn't like it. Just one person's opinion. Graning wasn't even their first choice for mayor, that is a fact and one I doubt you'll admit. They had a #1 choice, he declined and they started searching. I'm only sorry Graning got caught in the middle.

With Jake there was no search, no lists, no group looking for some specific candidate to cater to their needs. Just one honest, hard working man who has thought for years he could make a difference, without catches and without an interest group pulling him in a certain direction.
JAKE 08

Posted by Idefinitelymight (Tom Scarborough) on May 8, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

eagle1--on what empirical data do you base your analysis of the downtown demographic? What methodology have you employed to gather and interpret this scintillating data. You seem pretty positive in your statement that "the majority" of folks who live in the historic district are "elitist" and "arrogant." I going to call you out on that and say I don't think you know what in the hell you are talking about. I have read more ignorant and prejudicial posts than I care to in these forums, but you get the booby prize.

Posted by happybunny (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jake Middleton is a good man and has the interest of Natchez at heart. We need some progressive thinking if we are to grow. The folks that want everthing to remain unchanged need to consider the effect that is having on Natchez. Lack of industry means lack of jobs and an increase of poverty and crime. Look at our public school systems...when I went to school, everyone attended public schools, now they are flocking to Vidalia or paying thousands for private school. It's disheartening. To put up a candidate that really doesn't want the job and are only trying to protect their small minded interests is selfish and I only pray the voters can see it that way. VOTE FOR JAKE!!!

Posted by justmeinchez (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

eagle, you beginning to sound a bit like obama's preacher, Rev. Wright. It sounds as if you have a deep hatred for anyone who doesn't live the way you do or think the way you. I don't live there either, but I do know Jake has very affluent backers who live in very pricey, ante bellum homes downtown and pricey neighborhoods around town. Maybe Jake is going to "run" this town as they see fit. I don't agree completely with Granning, either. What is the agenda for the "interest group" granning caters to?

Posted by justmeinchez (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Again, did anyone hear that Granning said he doesn't want to be mayor? At the Forum, he certainly sounded sincere and has a plan for this town. Just because eagle, a big Jake man posted that, certainly doesn't make it true!

Posted by justmeinchez (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And Happy, Jake has been Alderman for 16 yrs. If the school board has 3 appointments by the Board of Alderman, why didn't he persuade his fellow members to appoint folks that would improve the system, rather than hiring someone at $100,000+ who has allowed our school system to go down the tubes? And I heard, tho don't know that it is true, the Supt has just been given a 3 yr re-newal.

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Granning did in fact state that he "didn't want to be Mayor" but a group talked him into it.
Maybe he was trying to say being Mayor was not his goal before he decided to run.

Posted by Negotiator (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Everyone is racist to an extent. When people say "there's not a racist bone in my body", watch out and count your spoons. They are not being honest.

The key is to be able to put things into perspective and suppress your decisions and actions based strictly on race.

Posted by justmeinchez (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Apparently they awakened a "sleeping Giant" whose goal is
to be mayor. I think you are right hitormiss

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Grannings problem is going to be the issue of just how little community service work he has done. Many will say this "sleeping giant" has been sleeping all these years.

Posted by beamreach (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

eagle1... I happen to live in the garden district, and I am far from an elitist or arrogant, and I really resent your remarks. Thank you, Mr. Scarborough, for coming to our defense. Also, I think we need to look into hiring a Superintendent for this blog site because I am mortified by the amount of grammatical errors and misspelled words that run rampant through these comments. I can only hope for our sake, that people who don't live in this area, that may be planning to visit Natchez, don't read these blogs. Please proof your comments before you post them. Thank you

Posted by justice (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 6:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Negotiator I agree with your comment . Most people have no idea how hard it is to be totally honest and objective when dealing with race issues . In a multi-cultural society such as the U.S. you have to
adopt or be left behind in your own little world . At some point thoughout the day you are going to come in contact with someone of another race . That's just how things are in America . Even in little ole Natchez .

Posted by Negotiator (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe people in the south have an advantage with regard to racial issues. We have been around one another forever.

Chris Matthews, the liberal talking head on MSNBC's Hardball, said he had never been around a black person until after he finished college!

Yet to hear him talk, he has a much better grasp of race oriented issues and is more tolerant than the good people from the south.

Poppycock, Matthews... let's play real Hardball.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 6:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Eagle - I am not sure why you think everyone who lives downtown are in some secret pact to stop anything happening in Natchez.
Sure Natchez has "clicks" but most people are pro-Natchez, many are well meaning but have different views. I don't think Chick is being supported by any particular group - or even the "usual suspects" sure several people supported his running - it takes some pushing before you decide to risk your neck.

Now that Phillip is not in the race we have a straight non racial vote. We get to choose between two nice guys.
Jake has had years in office, which his only input seemed to be a few "ayes", he owns a business (that benefited from his city contacts) and a little committee work at his church, his resume is thin: Chick has never been in office, he has run a business, has taught college, and has been in pro-sports not the stuff of a dream candidate either.

Neither candidate has outlined a vision, now we have lost the "vote for me I'm not black" hidden subtext lets go all out on ideas, aims, thoughts and ways to pay for it.

For years in Natchez every candidate ran on the "jobs" platform, another meaningless campaign pledge, (all candidates are for jobs) very few actually brought any (except Phillip and he got thrown out of office! - maybe we weren't actually for jobs?)

I actually think the people of Natchez are split into two evenly divided camps - one wanting change and one against any change. This split is deeper than the racial divide. The Ideal Mayor therefore should say he is "working on it" to please the change people and then never do it. (Hank tried this tactic but he never managed to do it with confidence and intelligence. He also annoyed everyone.)

The choice then is to vote for the nicest guy who can sound smart to the right audience, and then sound like a "good old boy" to the others. Our governor is a master at this. Watch Haley in Washington (DC) and then see him in MS, totally different. (Hillary also has tried this - but it sounds fake or patronizing from her).

I think I will hold out for the candidate that actually comes up with decent ideas, if neither does; my vote will probably go to Chick (as I know him better) - although if Jake keeps campaigning hard and visiting me he will get my vote (guilt works).

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Has anyone read about Jackson's Mayor?

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 7:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I heard that Melton is accused of being an accessory to murder.
Or at least a witness. Very odd!

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yea really...... I was reading clarionledger and wlbt very interesting.....Whe i lived there they all said he was behind the drug dealers there....

Posted by justice (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It wouldn't surprise me if one of the guns he's allowed to carry accidentally went off . He's not a trained officer but I've seen photos of him proudly brandishing a gun . How he gets away with those capers is beyond me . He needs to decide what position he wants , mayor or police officer . Does anyone in Jackson have the courage to tell him ? Talk about having your cake and eating it to .

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's called money justice..That's how he gets away with things.....He thinks he can have it all and apparantly he can or does....

Posted by justice (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He strikes me as sort of the bully type . A bully with money , what a mix .

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on May 8, 2008 at 9:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yep.....I know we just moved from there 2 years ago the word has always been he was the biggest drug dealer...he has like 100 or so kids that he tries to help all boys....guess there isn't any girls that need help......Alot of the boys are knowing for dealing drugs....just like the crew he put togother to cut the cities grass were convicted drug users

Posted by 39120natchez (anonymous) on May 9, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have read many comments concerning the mayoral primary election and it sickens me to see Natchez residents to speak ill of our present mayor. A politian has to be aggressive to successfully move a city, county, state or country forward. Can't get a business to move here with a shy, timid persona! However, they are other qualities such as intergrity, dependable, and have no HIDDEN AGENDAS!

Look around, Natchez is growing. We have new hotels being built and businesses, such as Rentech, that are coming to Natchez. How do you think all of this HAPPENED? It doesn't happen by a twirl of a magic wand. We can credit Natchez's economic growth to our city and county elected officials such as Mayor Phillip C. West and aldermens.

I personally would like to thank Mr. West for serving as our mayor and other previously elected-held postions!!!!