I love watching government at work because it gives all of us a true glimpse of what a community will let lead them.
I firmly believe one of the problems of our form of government is we vote for people who look, act, conduct business and have the morals of us.
Seriously, take a look at federal, state and yes, even local government.
Now let me clarify that not all elected officials are bad. I’m not bad. You’re not bad. It’s those other people who are bad.
And in Mississippi and Coahoma County, that is what we have in public office.
Party Politics
You know my joke. People ask me if I’m Republican or Democrat and I tell them I’m worse than that, I’m Southern Baptist.
It has been interesting to watch conservatives come out of the woodwork this fall and call themselves Republicans. There are some who can’t quite go that far, so they call themselves Independent.
If you are a Republican, then say you are a Republican, and if you are Democrat -- or Southern Baptist – then say so and be proud of your party. I am of mine!
I’ve watched the Republicans and Democrats rail at gas prices, war in Ukraine, inflation and, of course, the abortion issue.
These issues are very, very complex and I don’t think most people have a full understanding of why people feel about these news events like they do. Do you really think President Joe Biden knows how to deal with Russia, Big Oil, and the U.S. Economy?
Nah, and neither do I. But I do have some views on each of these issues
Let’s show a little respect and listen to what people are saying. The truth is the truth no matter where it comes from.
Be your own man
Let me encourage all local elected officials to vote their convictions.
Don’t be the Mayor’s or Board President’s rubber stamp.
There is nothing wrong with a 4-1 vote. There’s nothing wrong with a 3-2 vote.
But there is something wrong with playing politics and not voting your convictions. The people who put you in office deserve to see how you really feel about issues and the future of our community.
Do the hard thing. Stand up for your town and county. Don’t be a rubber stamp.
I’ve only been in this community three years and it is hard for me to write these things, because it will hurt some folks' feelings and make lifelong enemies with others.
I do express my convictions on this page and please remember it says Opinion at the top.
But to our leaders, have the courage to have your say and let’s move on.
Leadership
What we need are leaders.
We have major issues in this community right now that need to be addressed. Crime, spending federal stimulus money, our hospital, our schools, abandoned houses in your neighborhood and abandoned businesses downtown.
Good leaders could fix each one of those problems.
Let me remind you the first day to qualify for county elections is Jan. 3. That is just two months away.
We need men and women who will take a stand in and tell us not only what they are going to do but how they are going to do it.
I hope the best and brightest will throw their hat in the ring. It’s apparent that is not the case currently.
I also hope you will start looking at the issues and be ready when that candidate comes to your door next spring.
Don’t listen to promises. How many of you have been told the road in front of your house will be fixed or they are creating jobs? Get them to tell you where the money is coming from and how they are going to make it happen.
We need to look around and encourage elected officials with talents and skills to do their job. We need to stand by them when they do the hard thing and start taking heat for their decisions.
Clarksdale and Coahoma County can’t stand four more years of business as usual. We have $2 million in unpaid fines, schools that are less than the best, a high unemployment rate and people who deserve better.
We need leaders. We want leaders. We are looking for leaders who will make a difference.
Floyd Ingram is the Editor of your Clarksdale Press Register and has covered local government in three states for 25 years. Call him at 627-2201 if you want to talk politics and your role as a true leader in this community.
