NATCHEZ — The changing face of Adams County’s Board of Supervisors is a reflection of a changing community, area residents and leaders said.

The people wanted something new, and local attorney Johnny Junkin, a longtime political watcher, said changes in government happen when times are tough.

“You had candidates out there that were offering new ideas, and people saying, ‘Well if it hasn’t been working, let’s get in there and get something new,’” he said.

Three political newcomers won seats on the county’s five-member board this fall, and they made a name for themselves in the process.

“It was just kind of the talk about the town,” former District 1 Supervisor Sammy Cauthen said. “Apparently, the voters want a little better government.”

Cauthen said the election results were no surprise at all to him. While the new members lack experience, Cauthen said new ideas are always in high demand.

“When you stay up there a long time, you just get in set in your ways,” said Cauthen, who served on the board for 28 years ending in 2008.

“It’s good for any new business or government to have new ideas.”

But the public is ready to see progress on a few old ideas as well, Natchez-Adams County School Board member Dr. Benny Wright said.

Wright said the current board of supervisors failed to do as the public asked when they avoided progress on a proposed recreation complex — something 78 percent of voters said they wanted.

“They could have voted to go ahead and do it and raise taxes if necessary,” Wright said.

Wright said taxpayers know a new recreation center will cost them money, and they are clearly willing to pay for it.

“I hope this new board of supervisors will feel the pulse of the public and get it done,” he said.

Mayor Jake Middleton and Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce President Debbie Hudson agreed, saying they would also like plans for a recreation center moved forward quickly by the new board.

“It’s very important to me and quite obviously to the 78 percent of Adams County that voted for it,” Middleton said.

In addition to gaining progress on the recreation center, Hudson said she believes the supervisors should draft a strategic plan that outlines everything they would like to accomplish.

“I think they need to do that with Natchez Inc. and the city, so that they’re all working together and working toward the same end,” she said. “I think that would (have) the biggest impact.”

With expectations high for the new board, those who have been there before said the road won’t be and easy one to travel.

“Hopefully they can move Adams County forward,” said Lynwood Easterling, a former supervisor who was replaced by S.E. “Spanky” Felter in 2004.

“A harmony with the board and a good working relationship with the city always helps.”

Easterling saw a few new faces during his time on the board and said every board can benefit from some change.

“You need the experience of the other two that are on there and they can all work together,” Easterling said.

With emotions often entering campaigns, Easterling said a smooth transition is key to determining a good working relationship.

“The ones that were replaced did a good job,” Easterling said. “You just have to do the what the people want.”

Junkin said he believes the county’s progress has been hindered by past boards’ inability to work together, prompting voters to seek change and now expect cooperation.

“The boat is hard enough to row as it is,” Junkin said. “But it’s even harder when you have everybody trying to row in a different direction. You’re just going to go in circles. I just want them to be able to work together and realize that they don’t always have to agree, but they have to be able to sit down and work in unison rather than working against each other.”

Cauthen said he has faith in the board and offered a bit of office to the newcomers.

“Keep a tight budget and hold expenses down,” Cauthen said.