The newly elected city council provided its first message to the citizens, and they covered a variety of topics from communication to unauthorized motorized vehicles to community beautification.
One of the most recent hot topics among citizens within Yazoo City has been the overabundance of motorized vehicles, including ATVs and electronic bicycles, on the community streets. Mayor David Starling said there will be increased police patrol concerning unauthorized motorized vehicles.
“We are going to be cracking down on unauthorized motorized vehicles that are roaming our streets,” Starling said. “There will be a crackdown on those.”
Starling also reminded the parents within the community that students will be entering their testing cycle this week.
“Please be vigilant with your young person,” Starling said. “Make sure they have adequate rest and what they need before they go to school each day to test. Encourage your young person to do their best because they are our future.”
Starling also asked that citizens take pride in their properties, adding that he intends to begin an effort to beautify the community.
“I am asking all citizens of Yazoo to be mindful of your property and let’s all help keep our city tidy,” he said.
Ward 4 Alderwoman Elizabeth Thomas challenged citizens to begin in their own neighborhoods, hoping that the effort will spread throughout the community.
“I challenge all the people that the next time you get a grocery bag from the store, I would like for you to take a grocery bag a week and go outside in your neighborhood and fill it,” she said. “Every week fill a grocery bag, but you can do more. We can work together and clean up. We have got to remember that businesses come to clean communities. I challenge you all today. You will see a difference in your neighborhood.”
Ward 1 Alderman Charlie Jenkins encouraged citizens to open communication with him when it comes to certain issues within the community.
“When we see something going on and you don’t want to tell anyone like the gun shootings, people driving fast, the ATVs…if you don’t want to call the police department, feel free to call me,” Jenkins said. “I will be your messenger. That is the reason you elected me, to be the messenger for our area. I don’t just want to be an alderman for Ward 1. I want to be an alderman for the city of Yazoo City.”
Ward 2 Alderman Macklyn Austin agreed that he too opens communication within the community, even beyond his ward.
“I plan to serve the town as a whole to the best of my ability,” Austin said.
