Perhaps the best thing we can say about the decade that is about to end is: we survived.

That survival will ultimately make us stronger if we can learn from our mistakes and move together with a common goal.

Much changed in the last decade from the loss of several key industries to the addition of a number of infrastructure projects.

In simple terms it’s a tale of Natchez-Adams County’s slow decline and Vidalia’s slow, steady growth.

But be careful. Looking with jealous eyes misses the underlying issues.

Leadership — or lack thereof — is the difference

While Natchez-Adams County has been led by an ever-increasing list of would-be public leaders, Vidalia’s leadership has remained stable. That stability — especially in light of the City of Natchez’s revolving door at City Hall — is key to the differences.

Natchez-Adams County could be poised to explode with growth, but we’ve got to start acting publicly with more unity of purpose and with more civility.

The world has changed.

Yelling and screaming in a public meeting can be heard not just inside the room, but is also heard from the state capital to the nation’s capital.

Until we realize that others are watching and that we need to communicate and play well together, our community will never reach the full heights possible.