Yazoo City welcomed its new Board of Mayor and Aldermen this week with the swearing-in ceremonies of its elected officials to a packed house.
The board includes new mayor Mackyln Austin; incumbent Ward 4 Alderwoman Elizabeth Thomas returning to her seat; and the arrival of three new aldermen with Ward 1 Alderman Deyoung Haymer, Ward 2 Alderwoman Patti Taylor-Wright and Ward 3 Alderwoman Zelda Baker.
With two familiar faces and three new ones, it was obvious that Yazoo City voters wanted a change within the city leadership. With new board members and a new mayor coming aboard at the same time, there are sure to be times when they're unsure about how to best serve the people who elected them. But let us hope that our local elected officials remember exactly who put them into power: the people.
It is the taxpayers who pay for our local government, and the board should remember that it works for its people.
We at this newspaper will continue our role as watchdogs to ensure accountability, fairness and transparency when it comes to the direction of Yazoo City. We have been around for different administrations, different eras. There have been good times and bad times.
We have had moments where the truth was shared openly with us, even if it ruffled a few feathers. But we have also had moments where records were buried, or walls were put into place in an effort to prevent us from doing our job.
But despite those challenges, we continued to do our job. And we were appreciative when elected officials worked with, not against, us.
The one thing this newspaper would like to stress is that we cannot afford secrecy as a community. And we pray that the new city council understands that as well. In some past administrations, we have seen what could happen when business by our elected officials is done outside of public meetings, with allegiances being made, with the game of politics at its height.
But when things like that happen, we're there to call it out. As a newspaper, our work isn’t always pleasant, but it is absolutely essential.
We wish the new city council success. We are excited to see what direction they will take us. Let us put our faith in them, the officials who the people voted in, but let us also keep them accountable.
