Dear Editor,
There have been a lot of positive things going on in our community lately, and I have been very proud of that.
Two recent news stories left me concerned and disappointed, however.
The articles I am speaking of include:
1. A report from a recent Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting where Ward 2 Alderman Dr. Jack Varner blamed current garbage collection problems on our mayor.
2. A report from a recent Board of Supervisors where a resigning member of the Yazoo Parks and Recreation Commission was called a racist by District 3 Supervisor Willie “Deuce” Wright after sharing legitimate concerns that had nothing to do with race at all.
Varner and Wright have both done some great things for our community, but their actions indicate that time has passed them by. Those methods might have been effective in another time, but that’s no longer the case. People shouldn’t be attacked for trying to improve our community, even if it may appeal to a small group of voters.
Today most of us realize that we all have to work together to improve our community. The days of the us against them mentality must remain a thing of the past if we expect to see any true progress.
Whether or not you agree with our mayor on everything or not, it’s hard to find anyone who wouldn’t agree that she has brought accountability to city departments and made city employees earn their paychecks. This was badly needed.
I also agree that Nathan Burton’s concerns during the county board meeting were legitimate. Our parks, and all of our recreation opportunities, leave a lot to be desired in Yazoo City.
My comments are not intended to reflect negatively on director Henry Campbell. He has done a great job with what he has had to work with. He needs more support.
I have a plan to improve recreation in Yazoo, and I think that I can get the community behind those efforts. I know from experience that whenever I call for an effort to do something positive for our children, many Yazooans eagerly answer the call.
I plan to present my plan to the Board of Supervisors at their meeting next week. I encourage others to attend and show their support.
Sincerely,
Coach Johnny Staples
