With three days remaining before qualifying for Natchez municipal elections ends, four incumbents are still running unopposed for their posts.

We want to encourage more folks to consider running for office. This doesn’t necessarily mean we disagree with the incumbents; rather, the very fact of democracy should encourage more people to run so that we have greater debate on issues and we have a choice when we go to the polls.

We have so many challenges ahead as we approach the next term for mayor and aldermen. We need new ideas for our economy and respect for the industries we already have.

So often candidates express the general view that they will help &uot;get jobs&uot; for Natchez.

We want to hear from candidates with tangible ideas about how to accomplish that.

We want to hear candidates with ideas about how to generate revenue and cut expenses &045; and pay down our city’s debt.

We want to hear from candidates with leadership and vision for Natchez.

Qualifying for election takes just filling out a form and $10 &045; but we all know that being a qualified candidate takes a little bit more than that. We encourage those residents with a love for this community, a desire to see it move forward and a sense of leadership to step up and put their names on the ballot.