With a month of work under his belt, Natchez’s new city planner seems well on his way to rebuilding the reputation of the much-needed office.

Having someone in the position that will speak openly about the work of the office and the needs of the city is refreshing.

Dennis Story has already begun meeting with aldermen and citizens mapping out a plan for making all of Natchez — not just the historic downtown — well planned and preserved.

Planning is one of those things that to many people may seem like a just another city office that doesn’t seem all that important.

In Natchez, however, we know different. Planning is important, even vital, to our city’s future.

In the past, the Natchez City Planning Office has garnered national awards for its excellent work. More recently, the department has been the source of contention for residents and city workers alike. It was, when led by an ill-equipped manager, a stick in the spokes of city government.

We’ve seen what can happen when the person in that office doesn’t communicate well, isn’t firing on all eight cylinders and is generally a difficult person with whom to deal.

It wasn’t pretty and it isn’t something we ever want to repeat again.

Story seems well on his way to getting the ship righted in the planning department and we’re glad he’s at the helm. Natchez needs his sure-handed guidance.