Comments by Idefinitelymight
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Posted on November 12 at 5:53 p.m.
Thanks for at least showing up here, Mr. Dillard. I have a question: how does the BOA justify the salary of its members? As nearly as I can figure, you all have the third highest salaries of any BOA in the state, and that includes some communities that are substantially larger than Natchez. I know the BOA recently took a window dressing cut of 10% but, come on, you are still being paid $20K a year for a part time job--only $4K less than a starting full-time officer on the NPD. Do you all really believe you are giving the citizens of Natchez our money's worth? I don't believe you are, and I don't think I'm alone in this belief. I will be more than happy to come to the podium and ask the BOA to justify its salary structure, and to request that you all pass a motion reducing your salaries to $12,000 per year.
Posted on November 8 at 8:14 a.m.
This is a great step in the right direction. If you want to see how a town smaller than ours has done a great job highlighting the Christmas season, check out St. Francisville. The town population might be two thousand, but one night last year when I went through, there were hundreds of people walking, shopping, and enjoying the decorative lights that every house in town had put up. If we could get that same spirit going in Natchez, the holiday season could be really magical.
Posted on November 6 at 10:46 a.m.
Ironic that the message of transparency in government was delivered in Natchez, the state capital of obfuscation, concealment, and opacity in city government.
On MML conference touts engagement, transparency in government
Posted on November 3 at 11:58 a.m.
Because, Dean, not only is she familiar with the health care industry, she is a woman of the highest integrity. She asks for no favors, and owes none. She is intelligent, articulate, and has abundant courage to speak the unvarnished truth, even when it might not be popular to do so. I believe she will become the conscience of that board.
Posted on October 18 at 6:50 p.m.
Continental--I wasn't addressing my remark to you--it was addressed to Dean. But I appreciate your effort to add levity. Humor is in much too short supply around here.
Posted on October 18 at 5:22 p.m.
Dean Wormer--Animal House--yeah, now it registers.
For a minute I thought you weren't another one of those cranks that snipes behind the safety of their anonymity. Guess I was wrong.
Posted on October 18 at 3:57 p.m.
Dean-- Certainly those things you suggest are essential elements of change. Parents do need to hold themselves to a higher standard, as do teachers and school administrators. We all can do better. But I stand by my belief that the economic salvation of Natchez begins and ends with all of our schools, but especially our public schools. Unlike Mr. Iles who believes that tourism is the only economic option for Natchez, I do believe it is necessary, and possible, to attract corporate investment in our community. But until we desegregate and elevate our public schools, we will continue to be avoided by employers offering the kinds of jobs we want and need. That's the bottom line.
Sorry you think all I do is complain. If I am critical of what I see, I do try to offer constructive suggestions. To answer your question, I do have stepkids in California, and they did attend public school. It wasn't easy for them, and they were confronted daily by ethnic tension between Anglo and Latino students. I got very frustrated at times. I understand the implications of what I am suggesting.
By the way, I appreciate that you are willing to post using your real name. I wish more folks would do so.
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Posted on November 17 at 6:38 a.m.
Though I'm usually critical of her, Ms. Mathis is quite right to demand answers to these questions. I don't think this is how the hiring process is supposed to work. Props to her for holding the mayor's feet to the fire.
Now, Joyce, if you are serious about cutting down and consolidating, I will look forward to the passage of your motion to reduce the salaries of the BOA to $12K a year or less. And the position of Community Development director and its $38K salary should also be eliminated.
On Personnel talks still ongoing