Why Natchez? Those of us who have lived here for a while &045; or for a lifetime &045; might become cynical about living in this community.

But for recent transplants to Natchez, the city is a blank canvas just waiting to be explored, appreciated and improved.

Our economic situation &045; a lack of industrial jobs, after losing several factories &045; might lead you to believe Natchez isn’t attracting new residents.

But in recent years many people have found their way to this city.

They’re retirees and artists and others hoping to make a go of a new life in a small and friendly town.

And we would be wise to listen to their ideas on how we can build upon our foundation of positives.

They bring a vast array of experiences from other places, a new viewpoint on our community and new opportunities to make Natchez better.

Over the next two days, you’ll meet some of these new residents through stories in our newspaper.

Many of them chose Natchez on its merits; they weren’t born here, don’t have ties here and weren’t transferred here by a company.

As much as anyone &045; maybe more &045; they appreciate their new hometown and can cast an appraising look at its positive attributes and its warts.

Most of the people who have moved here have great enthusiasm for the future of Natchez and the surrounding area.

Where some of us might see shrinking opportunities, they see tremendous potential.

That’s a great addition for our community &045; and a great asset for our future.