Twice in recent months members of the Natchez Board of Aldermen have shown they know how to make a U-turn.

Since the new board assumed office at the beginning of July, aldermen have been criticized by many citizens — including the editors of this newspaper — for making rash decisions and then patently refusing to listen to reason.

But on two occasions, aldermen have shown they’re not above hitting the reset button — particularly when enough public interest is raised.

The first occasion came when aldermen made a quick decision on selecting a city attorney. After much public lashing, aldermen eventually came back to the table and took a more measured approach in interviewing candidates and selecting the one they collectively believed was the best person for the job.

This week, aldermen again wisely hit the reset button. In this case, for at least some of the aldermen, the decision being reconsidered was one made approximately a year ago under a previous city administration.

We thank aldermen for rescinding the agreement to lease out the Broadway Street depot to a hand-selected developer. Aldermen have pledged to go through a proper request for proposals, giving anyone and everyone interested a chance for input into the public building.

We also say, “Thank you” to the developer, for stepping up and offering to help rehabilitate the building. Further, we do not blame the developer for what transpired. He has been publicly gracious about the matter, saying if someone else has a better idea for the building, the city should pursue it. Of course, the developer deserves repayment for reasonable costs he has paid to date for his work.

In the end, aldermen are wise to back up, work through the process with a little more transparency and eliminate the air of suspicion that surrounded the depot deal.