Thursday, January 24, 2008

A New Mayor for Natchez?

I want to go on record now predicting that Natchez will have a new Mayor after the City elections. I can't name names or sources, but a candidate will emerge soon who will be supported by a wide range of voters - Republicans and Democrats, black and white, young and old, natives and newcomers.

Now if we could just find some candidates for Aldermen.

16 comments:

John Wesley Leek said...

Cryptic. Good Luck!

Anonymous said...

I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS...
THIS NEW CANDIDATE IF HIS DECISION IS TO RUN WILL BE A GREAT PROGRESSIVE DIRECTION FOR THE TOWN OF NATCHEZ!

Anonymous said...

So far I hear that every alderman will have an opponent. I am looking for an entirely new slate of officials after the May election.

Anonymous said...

The only candidate I've heard about is Jake Middleton. Are you referring to someone else?

Anonymous said...

Please don't leave us hanging? You don't have to name sources, but please tell us a name!

Some of us live 'outside the loop' but would still like to know!!

Anonymous said...

I am sure there will be a large field, the job pays too well for many not to try!

Andrew Ketchings has been suggested but I don't expect him to run. Last mayorial candidates, Sue Stedman, Mike Thompson, Richard Branyan or Fred Middleton, are also not expected to run. Danny Barbour may but I doubt he has much of a chance. Darrell has been mentioned but I doubt he would run this year. I think he would wait as West would probably retire in 4 years. I can't think of a candidate that could beat West at the moment.

I heard rumour of a Gwen Ball run, it would be interesting but I would be stunned if she could win. She is a good democrat (liberal) though, which is important in Natchez.

I think Fred could (will) run for his brother's seat.

Deadline to qualify is in February so we will soon know.

Anonymous said...

An ideal candidate for Mayor or Alderman should be someone who:
1. Has integrity, honesty, and long range vision.
2. Is a successful business person.
3. Has demonstrated true leadership in the community.
4. Has no racial agenda and is color blind.
5. Is not a career politician.
6. Is not self-serving.
7. Can work with and be respected by the entire community.
There are such people in Natchez. Let's elect them!

Anonymous said...

To Concerned Citizen:
Your list is good, but I beg to differ on a couple of points. A good mayor does not have to be a successful business person. Experience in business is helpful, but business owners or executives usually make poor mayors (think of the Mayors of Jackson and New Orleans). Running a government takes totally different skills than running a business. So having experience is government is important, and a career politician might be a good mayor.

Anonymous said...

Career politicians are typically good at only one thing and that is politics. And for the most part they just prefer to keep the status-quo and try to "keep peace" and make everyone happy in hopes of being elected again.

Anonymous said...

I say dig up Joe Remondet and let him run. He can't be any worse.

Anonymous said...

I like the idea of Gwen Ball running in the Democratic primary.

Anonymous said...

As long as Casey will not throw out a name, commenting on this post is pointless. What more is there to say?

Anonymous said...

Darrell Grennell is the name. He can't win though.

Anonymous said...

I think Darrell may flirt with the idea, but when it comes down to it, he won't run against West. I don't think Gwen Ball could win. I am a conservative, and she is too far out there. I really don't have a problem with a liberal Mayor as long as they are intelligent. (and don't thy to tax me to death)

Anonymous said...

Why couldn't Darrell Grennell win? It would be tough--the risk would be that he and Middleton would neutralize one another in the Democratic primary, and that West would become the candidate. But I think Darrell could co-opt a lot of anti-West votes that were unenthusiastically lining up behind Jake because no one else had stepped forward. If Darrell could pull enough of the black vote, I think he could win the primary. I would enthusiastically support Grennell's candidacy. He would be a terrific mayor.

Anonymous said...

yes darryl would be a good and probably perfect mayor for natchez but he will not run ever he should have been in the circuit clerks position he is great for adams county