Parkway must be a top priority
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Jason PattersonWard 4 Alderman Aubry Brent Jr. was right on the money Monday when he said that the citizens of Yazoo City expect a lot more out of city officials than just showing up twice a month to pay the bills.
Ward 2 Alderman Jack Varner’s response was equally encouraging.
“You’re exactly right,” Varner said to Brent. “I hate to say it in public, but we’ve got a lot of money that we can use to get some things done this summer. We need to make this city look like it’s alive.”
This city desperately needs some new signs of life, and it appears that our city leaders may be in a position to make some good things happen.
When it comes to doing something that could create some economic activity and “make this city look like it’s alive,” the top five priorities are clear:
1. Build the Willie Morris Parkway.
2. Build the Willie Morris Parkway.
3. Build the Willie Morris Parkway.
4. Build the Willie Morris Parkway.
5. Build the Willie Morris Parkway.
I could have made it a top 10 list, but you get the point.
I would have to produce a calculator to add up the number of times I’ve heard local residents say they wish that we could get some new businesses in this city. About the only thing I hear more than that is why is Yazoo City the only town this size without a Wal-Mart and why haven’t our city officials done more to try to attract one.
People often have unreasonably high expectations of elected officials. Even the best politicians don’t have magic wands.
But Yazoo City officials are in a position where they can make something happen that truly has the potential to change this city.
Want to get a big business like Wal-Mart here and keep all those tax dollars in Yazoo that leave town every time our citizens drive to Indianola, Jackson, Vicksburg or Madison to shop at their Wal-Marts?
Build the parkway.
Downtown Yazoo City is wonderful, but it isn’t right for every business. Parking is limited, and those old buildings won’t suit the needs of every business. Jerry Clower Boulevard is great, but it’s running out of space. How do we attract those businesses that are passing us by?
Build the parkway.
But attracting business, jobs and tax revenue isn’t everything. What about quality of life? Many of us choose to live in Yazoo because we like the small town life, but these days 15th Street seems like we’re in New York City some mornings. With people driving kids to two different schools and all the folks heading to work at the federal prison it gets a little backed up. What can our city officials do to help with that problem?
Build the parkway.
The recently constructed Hampton Inn is all the proof it takes to see that business owners believe in the potential development this parkway can bring. Yazoo City wouldn’t have been on their radar without the concept of the parkway.
During Monday’s City Council meeting, officials seemed unsure of what kind of commitment they wanted to make to the parkway. I hope they decide it’s the biggest commitment they can afford. This project has been in the planning stage for so long that many residents don’t believe it’s ever going to happen.
Certainly Yazoo has other serious challenges that need to be addressed. Continuing to improve our schools and supporting our law enforcement efforts to fight crime are critical. But we’ve also got to think big if we want big things to happen.
Yazoo shouldn’t settle for anything less.
Dear Editor,
The decision by the present school board not to renew the teaching and coaching contract of Mr. Archie Carlyle was a planned and calculated act of politics. This kind of thing has been happening for years.
They didn’t follow policies or procedures in this matter. The state’s report on the district asked the board to stop interfering in this kind of situation, but it seems they didn’t get the memo.
My mother always put her 11 children first in making decisions for their futures. It is clear this board did not do that.
Mr. Carlyle’s only crime was putting his students first. I feel like Jesus, when he told the people at the well, “He who is without sin cast the first stone.”
I and the 800 people who have signed the petition calling for Carlyle’s return can find no fault in his dedication to our community. We are being laughed at across the state, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Our community is losing faith in our ability to work in a productive and successful district. The Yazoo Herald’s sports editor called it a “travesty.” I ask the question, where are all those Christian folks, his co-workers, his pastor and his fellow church members?
Where are the athletes, past and present, and most of all where are the parents? He has mothered and fathered when you were unable to make it to a game or on the road, giving your children heart-to-heart talks of motivation and encouragement both in the halls of our schools and on the streets of this community. Now he deserves your support in this critical matter.
This affects us all, black and white, because the future of our community is at stake. I am asking everyone to show as much concern about this matter as they do during election time.
Mr. Clifton Jones, I sat on the school board when you and your wife in a 3 to 2 vote were denied what you rightfully deserved. When you first ran for alderman you were the only politician I ever spent an entire day with, walking the streets because I believed in you. When I ran for mayor as an independent, I endorsed McArthur Straughter in the primary. Many people thought I was crazy, but I was exercising my rights.
Mr. Aubry Brent Jr., I followed you from Vicksburg to Belzoni and saw people commit perjury to defeat you. When citizens support a candidate, they want something in return. As a citizen with the 800 petitioners, we are calling in our wager. Just get the record of the board of that decision, which is public record. Check the timeline of the action, and you will be amazed. Next month you will appoint or reappoint a board member, but before you do we deserve answers.
If you find me wrong I will come back and sit before you and the school board and give a public apology. Everyone deserves their day in court, and Mr. Carlyle certainly does.
What you do or don’t do will determine the caliber of teachers and coaches willing to come into our community and work with our children.
Johnny Staples
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