We&8217;ve often said that Natchez City Attorney Walter Brown reminded us of the fictional Wizard of Oz.

For nearly a quarter century Brown has worked behind the scenes, providing leadership and guidance to four different mayoral administrations.

This week, we learned that the wizard is leaving his post and Natchez&8217;s Land of Oz is going to miss him &8212; big time.

Work through the long list of projects that Natchez has accomplished in the past 24 years and Brown was almost certainly involved.

He led and guided numerous aldermen and mayors through the legal landmines inherent in leading a city.

Even if his legacy were judged purely by his accomplishments of the last half of his career, Brown would have been considered highly successful.

In recent years, he was critical to projects such as the construction of the Natchez Convention Center and the Natchez Visitor Reception Center.

Run through the recent list: bluff stabilization, a new federal courthouse, the extension of the Natchez Trace, widening of Government Fleet Road, a convention center hotel, the list could go on and on, but one thread connects them all &8212; Brown&8217;s love of Natchez.

Brown&8217;s knowledge of municipal law is known throughout the state. In 1979, he earned a spot &8212; and ultimately the chair &8212; of the Mississippi Ethics Commission.

Every city needs a good, all-knowing wizard and we&8217;ll miss ours.