Dear Editor,
On April 18, 2020, there was an article published in the Yazoo Herald, "ATVs on city streets and gunfire an ongoing problem" which provided the perspectives of the Yazoo City Mayor and three out of four Alder(wo)men. Because my perspective was not shared in the aforementioned article, I was contacted and asked why all of the city officials had shared their views on the issues and I had not. Because I was unaware that there was anything being shared with the public via Yazoo Herald or any other sources, I would like this letter to be shared with the public as to my perspective.
Let me begin by stating that I have been contacted by numerous citizens concerning “Shelter in Place.” They are asking me questions such as, “Do we have orders still in place? Why are some people allowed to gather when others are not? Why do the police officers pass by like they don’t see people in large groups?” I quoted those questions not to criticize the police officers but to share concerns of the citizens. It is of my opinion that SOME of the police officers are doing the best that they can serving and protecting Yazoo City.
When it comes to those in our city that are not adhering to the current laws, we have to understand that they did not adhere to the past laws either. Let’s face what the real problem is in Yazoo; the problem is leadership. I have said it over and over again, if we are going to put ordinances in place, they must apply to everyone in Yazoo. Some are allowed to get away with some things that others are not. I would say that this is on a case by case basis but I can’t. I know and have known for a while that decisions are made on a person by person basis. We can continue to dance around our problems but none will ever be solved unless we start with the leaders! If we all look around, we must confess, that Yazoo City has NEVER been like this and COVID-19 doesn’t have anything to do with poor decision making. Crime has been going on in our city for quite sometimes, before the Coronavirus. We have a broken system that needs to be fixed soon.
On a positive note, there were a lot of shootings and other crimes in our city but thankful to Constable Jeremy McCoy and the Yazoo Sheriff Department assistance, some things have been rectified. As I type this on April 18, 2020, the Yazoo County Sheriff Department will be assisting us tonight in beefing up patrol to enforce “Shelter in Place”.
In closing, I quote what the Apostle Paul said in the Word of God, “Am I your enemy because I speak the truth?” God bless you all and God bless Yazoo City.
Very Respectfully, Sir Johnathan Rucker
