OK, citizens of Natchez and Adams County. I know we have always had a lot to say about our city and county leaders and the problems they seem to have at times in pushing together to move us from the difficult days we have endured lately.

But now it is our time to stand up and be counted on an opportunity which may, indeed, be a first step in a positive direction: the chance to seriously consider a recreation complex.

Recreation is a big word in our community. A recreation complex seems to be an even bigger concept to comprehend.

I am writing today as part of the Legislative Committee of the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce, and it is not my place in this forum to tout my opinion one way or the other.

I do want you to know that our city and county leaders have extensively studied the idea of a complex for our area, honestly evaluated all factors related to its construction and maintenance, reviewed the potential economic benefits to our area, and developed a plan to make the concept a reality. They have worked on this project together. They want to present their plan to the citizens, to discuss pros and cons, and to form a consensus on how to move forward. That is where we come in.

From 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, the Chamber of Commerce is hosting an information session at the Natchez Convention Center. During this time, we will hear from a panel whose members were selected from a cross section of the community. Each panelist can speak to issues and concerns which swarm around discussions related to a recreation complex. Questions can be asked at the end of the panel discussion.

On Nov. 3 we will have an election. Part of that ballot will be devoted to the election of a new sheriff for Adams County.

But also on that ballot will be a question related to the idea of a recreation complex. The recreation complex option is a “non-binding referendum.”

Now some of you might be like me. I had no clue what a “non-binding referendum” was. It simply means what we are voting on is the option to consider a recreation complex in the future. You would be saying, “Yes, I would like to investigate further what such a complex might do for the area” or “No, I want nothing further to do with the idea.”

A “yes” vote would not start the construction of a complex; it would simply clear the way for the complex idea to come to the public for a vote. “No” would kill it completely.

Now is the time for all of us armchair quarterbacks to learn a little more about this whole recreation complex plan.

Regardless of how you feel about it today, please come on Monday and hear the discussion, ask your questions, and apply the information to what you feel would be the best course of action for our leaders to follow.

The vote on Nov. 3 will be crucial to our future. Knowledge, not opinion, is power.

Stephanie Hutchins is on the legislative committee of the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce.