I am writing this letter in total disgust with the continuing antics of the Natchez Board of Aldermen.

I understand that Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis invited the NAACP to Tuesday night’s meeting and more racial allegations were leveled at David Gardner, city engineer.

When will these people start to focus on the job they have to do and stop this silly infighting?

When I first read your article about the meeting that took place on April 14, I intended to write a letter in support of the courageous department heads we have and the sympathy any reasonable voter has for them. They are just trying to do their jobs. They are not elected officials, but workers who have to play by the rules.

Obviously, the aldermen don’t think they have to play by any rules. They seem to have total disregard for normal, polite behavior and fair play.

David Gardner, in my opinion, has done more to bring funds into the city than all of the aldermen added up. He travels to Washington, D.C., often to lobby on our behalf. Perhaps, instead of slinging mud at him, they should be spending more time concentrating on what they can do to help, not hinder, our progress. Our elected officials come and go. The only stability we have had in Natchez over the last two decades has been David Gardner. He has had to get along with many different administrations and politicians; this is obviously one of the worst.

It would be a huge loss to our city if he resigned taking with him years of experience and knowledge, which would be irreplaceable.

I would also like to point out that I resent terribly Mrs. Mathis’s obvious belief that she is only there to represent her black constituents.

I have lived in her district since 1996 and am not black. Does that mean we don’t count? I‘d also like to point out my street is in dire need of repair and has never been repaired.

All the tour buses bringing needed tourists and revenue to our city have created enormous potholes in both roads my house sits on. She has never knocked on my door during any election cycle to let me know she wanted my vote or to let me know what she could do to help us. When President Obama was elected the first black president he made clear he would represent all creeds and colors. It’s a shame Mrs. Mathis isn’t following his lead.

I have taught my children to judge and treat people based on the strength of their character and not the color of their skin. It is a shame that there are still those who aren’t colorblind in positions of power.

Why not start working for all the people of Natchez?

Laurie Williams

Natchez resident