In response to the comments in a recent edition that Natchez doesn’t need an automobile manufacturing plant: You are very wrong.

I am all for tourism and the income it brings to our area, but look at the facts. How many tourism related jobs offer a pay scale of $20-plus per hour, with 401, health insurance, company retirement and chances for advancement?

Check the tax income for the city/county since IP, Johns-Manville and Armstrong/Fidelty/Titan tire have left. There has been and ad in the paper for weeks looking for skilled workers in the metal trades for $20 per hour. Why?

These tradesmen have left this area to find work to support their families. Natchez/Adams County needs jobs with a future for workers to live in this area, whether in the manufacturing sector or a federal or privately operated prison.

Preserving the history of our area is great and must continue, but progress, and the creation of well paying jobs to keep our youth in this area must also be included.

D.W. Bryant

Natchez resident