Comments by peacemaker0606
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Posted on October 5 at 9:06 a.m.
Somewhere, the ball keeps being dropped. This is an example of neglect. These hard working people should not have to endear such troubles for over 20 years. Furthermore, if the feds gave $1.6 million, why wasn't it used? There's more to this story.
If money is available, assess how much it will take to get it fixed, send out for contract bids, and go from there. Somebody doesn't want it fixed or doesn't know how to go about getting it fixed. Water is one of the most basic necessities and Ferriday's governing body has to step up their strategy for its residents.
On Ferriday residents have been enduring water problems for two decades
Posted on February 18 at 10:38 a.m.
This is a tad bit ridiculous--not what actually occured in the meeting, but the fact that an actual headline captures it.
Second, the vote to not accept the money could be substantiated by the fact that there was no discussion of EXACTLY how the money would be spent. More info should have been provided on the purpose of the money, how it was to be spent, and the ramifications of accepting the money. However, if the money was already allocated by MDOT to assist Natchez with funding for a historic project, then perhaps they should have voted in favor for it.
Also, (and I have to be be honest and truthful--that's how I was raised--despite personally knowing several of these distinguished officials), I believe that the Natchez mentality that exists at home has crippled our city. It is so easy for us to sit back and read about what happened, but perspective changes if placed directly within a situation. Yet, bickering with each other and possibly losing $275,000 for improvements for the city is a bit outlandish.
Finally, the camera issue should not be too big of an issue. The ENTIRE nation is feeling a budget crunch. Perhaps one of the above commentors was correct: why not take a pole and determine if continued videoing is integral to the public. IF not, halt videoing and save the money. If it costs a total of $5000 - $6000 a year, that money can always be recouped in lower travel expenses. (Cheaper rooms, smaller less expensive rental cars, video conferencing vs. direct travel, one less trip per month, etc.)
Yet, if money is also an issue, as it will be for the next few years, the government still has money available for grants in other areas.
My final questions are (1). does Natchez have the intellecutal capital IN PLACE to seek funds for other ventures. Rather than bickering, Natchez could see one possible solution by cutting nearly all extra costs, such as the videotaping, and using that money to get professionals to assist with writing grants to secure external funds for the city. (2). How many quality grants has the city of Natchez written over the last 10 years???
Even in an economic crisis, the governement has money available.(Hint, obesity, exercise, and nutrition are HOT topics)
Posted on July 17 at 4:04 p.m.
Wow. What a mind boggling topic!!! Hmmm!!!???
I would like to see Natchez become more attractive to investors and potential capital. That would mean developing something recreational for kids and families. After all, there is very little for the kids to do, besides becoming involved in some type of delinquent activity, staying at home, or simply riding around or standing on the corner. The concept of increased recreation with enhanced security would simply be a start. Also, if Natchez does not have one, it should hire a small staff of grantwriters for perhaps 2-3 years to see about pulling in some dollars to renovate old buildings for other uses. Alsol, those grant writers could compete compete for government funds to assist those persons requiring aid for whatever focus the grant will focus (Based on Supertrucker47's statement.) The precept would be that as more money is acquired from various agencies around the nation, i.e., government agencies, corporations, funding agencies, etc., that money would be used to enhance/build programs and to create jobs.
As far as the school system, it is in need of more intellectual capital vs. financial capital. I'm sure that many teachers and administrators are doing the best that they can, but the overall administration, the school board, may need revamping. Appropriate after school programs will be needed to help overall grades and mandated test scores to increase. I'm not even saying that current administrators will need to be removed or fired, but rather there may need to be an assessment conducted by an outside evaluation team to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the school administrative body.
The problem is that if somebody wants to do something positive, there is always somebody ready to tear it down. If a majority of people could come together and work diligently together, then even the smallest change will benefit Natchez.
Eventually, investors would become interested due to Natchez's rich history and a booming economy. Natchez could easily become one of the fastest growing retirement communities in the south, but it's gonna take some good leadership to do that.
On What should Adams County do with the money from the Rentech land sale?
Posted on July 5 at 1:10 a.m.
These folks have been opening their doors for years. We had a class party at this home, and it was one of the good moments of the year.
Posted on July 5 at 1:08 a.m.
Good ole Coach Whitley!!!
I believe his saying is school was, "ain't no time for no play play!!""
Posted on July 2 at 9:11 a.m.
I'm not going to make this a major issue. After all, I'm not being annonymous either. LOL. Mr. B. was firm, but at times, when he was an administrator at North Natchez, he was too firm. He had conflicts with teachers and students. He didn't listen to students as much. Keep in mind, I firmly believe in discipline. This is what these kids need now. But there were students who needed that extra encouragement and nurturing that Mr. Barnett was not able to provide or willing to share. The school system is not a place of military type discipline. Other principals and counselors at that time were a bit more student-oriented, in that suspension was not a first option. Although children do have to be suspended at times, other principals and counselors sought to work with the kids, and many MANY went on to stay out of trouble and do well in their future endeavors. I believe that the gentleman was an asset in some ways. His knowledge of the school system is impecable. I also believe, however, that his school ethics were a bit "over-the-top." When I came through, he really didn't talk to the students, whereas Mr. Reed was visible and seen as a good man.
In defense of Mr. Barnett, I do know that he is capable of admitting he is wrong. I can recall of an internal school issue that happened, and he admitted his fault. Thus, I will not completely berate the gentleman. I just hope his heart has eased a little.
By the way, I use my real name and I stand behind who I am and my words. My intent is not to create tension, but simply to voice my opinion. I repesent only me.
Posted on July 1 at 8:51 a.m.
Maybe more students can get through the system now
Posted on August 2 at 11:15 a.m.
The issues with the school system are escalating exponentially, and the system that was in administration during my schooling is non-existent. Query: in response to brynhilde, where is the proof to substantiate your theories and accusations? I am not one to side with an individual based on socio-economic status in the community or relationship/acquaintance. So in staying true to objectivity, where is the proof to make a case against Mr. Hooper? Furthermore, where is the proof to substantiate Mr. Hooper’s claims of higher test scores, higher attendance, and better attitudes from the children?
Rather than neutralizing practices and procedures that prove successful, the School Board should have vocalized any positive factors Mr. Hooper had on the school. In retrospect, they should have highlighted negative influences/outcomes as well and delineated ways to repair any flaws in his armor.
Neither am I siding with Mr. Hooper, nor am I siding with his oppressors: I am representing the unheard voices of the students—the children--in attendance in the Natchez School System. If the quality of education and retention increased, then that should have been the focal point of discussion. However, some members of the community seem to hone in on the purely adverse effects. The purpose of the education system is self explanatory. Rather than pouncing on a leader who achieved what previous principals failed to do, the community should work in a concerted effort to strengthen the weaknesses and cracks in the armor. The goal should be to provide a quality education and to discipline those students who oppose structure and organization.
The science of education must evolve around the constant social changes of its respective societies. Thus, once common practices utilized during previous generations are now antiquated. Natchez, give our children a chance to grow and learn. Work with your school to help your child, and help your child to understand his/purpose for attending. Finally, help your school officials devise plans to provide YOUR children with a profound basis for entering college and adulthood in general. Thank you. Charles Matthews, Jr.
Posted on August 1 at 3:57 p.m.
Watching from a distance since ’91, I have seen constant deterioration in school system climate. Less emphasis is placed on the children, and more is being placed on politics within the bureaucracy who is disguised as leaders of the children (or that is what the media presents). I recently read a commotion emerged during a test where Larry told students “good luck,” which resulted in suspension (or something of the sort). Working through school, I saw parents, such as my mother, sneak and give my clothes to students whose family’s economic status was less than average or near poverty. I witnessed and felt warm hugs from teachers such as Regina Mardis who always encouraged us to go far with our writings. I witnessed teachers like Mr. Freelon take time to explain the simplest algebra concepts and make sure we retained the information. We saw teachers like Georgia Scott who, by today’s standards, provided unorthodox ways of teaching Science that kept our attention. Principals like the immortal Oscar Reed believed in education and always offered a kind word. Counselors such as Smith, Tatum, Holyfield would pull us to the side and talk to us as if we were their children. From my era, the list of influences is innumerable. Yet, today, these same acts would be misconstrued and viewed as indecent sexual behavior, and would, no doubt, merit some sort of punishment. In my opinion, I believe some have become enamored with power. The school system has become a pawn on a larger playing field that includes racism, economic deficiencies/discrepancies, power struggles, and limited job opportunities (to name a few). No absolute answer exists; some problems stem from home, and the school system is expected to function as an all-in-one childcare, learning center, and behavioral adjustment facility. The racial/political wars being waged in Natchez are destroying the youth. Too many are trying to establish a power base rather than maintaining a credible school system. In short, the Natchez community should look at the pros and cons of Hooper's administration. Did test scores increase, did attendance improve, do infractions go unpunished, and/or will a new administration of outsiders bring a new air to these problems? No matter what your answer, children should be paramount to any other issues. The community needs not to be worried about who does the job, but rather the end result. If Hooper is deemed a positive influence and is able to earn the respect of a school, then he should be allowed to remain a part of the school system. WE want to hear about higher test scores, we want to hear children say they feel safe and WANT to go to school, and parents should want to hear a teacher reached out his/her hand in kind gesture to help a troubled child. These kids need hope, and constant bickering within the community can only bring about children being lost or unnoticed and the continued perpetuation of a generation lost. Thank you. Charles Matthews, Jr.
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Posted on October 5 at 9:30 a.m.
For those who did not know Chris, you missed a treat. The guy was as silly and fun as he could be. My fondest memory of him was when he refused to get a hair cut until a particular track meet. LOL. He would get a line and just pack his hair down really REALLY tight.
Always smiling about something and just being Chris. I hung out with his family quite a bit, and as I'm typing this, I can see him in his Gold shirt and green shorts running and getting in shape for a track meet.
Run brother. . .keep running. . .you are free! ANd when you get tired, sit down and take a break. You're closer to God so you have no worries now.
On Local soldier killed in the Philippines