Maybe county needs more sheriffs

Corinne M. O'Begley

Published Friday, October 16, 2009

It’s worthy coverage that The Democrat had a 4-day autobiographical series on the candidates for sheriff.

As an elder dependent on Natchez Transit, I was unable to attend the evening forum held at the Convention Center. I’ve heard that more than 300 attended; people, recognizing the importance of leadership for the safety and sanctity of this city/county. We note how the crime reports are stretching, to occupy more space. Besides, there’s murder intensity on the front page.

Beyond all we read, there’s the silent and hidden: the wives with their colorful bruising, the children crying into their pillows, muffled from exposure, the man who doesn’t know what to do when there’s no funding for his addictions, or simply spareribs for supper.

I too, falsely thought, I resided in a safe location. I live near Duncan Park. Two Saturdays ago, my neighbor of four houses away, was weeding the beauty the couple had created in retirement bliss. It was mid-day. A car stopped for directions, then labor, then money? The neighbor said he didn’t have money. Maybe he didn’t. It was the end of month. Besides, he has the right to tend his own.

Fortunately, he elbowed the attacker away, thus, only needed 15 stitches to his chin, rather than throat or heart. An hour later, on Madison Street, a man was beaten to death by a plank.

I listened to the candidates on radio. They gave good platforms.

The problem was the moderator kept reversing speaker’s directions. Sometimes, one way, then backwards; then from the middle. I understand that this was protective of the candidates; that they not pilfer best words from one another. Fine, if one can see them.

But for a listener, it became a carousel of confusion. Clifford Cox was the clearest to saying his name. Even he surrendered name midway; realizing that message, during time limitation, was the objective.

Who am I to vote for? I don’t know yet. Still, I realize the weight of a single vote.

When I listened to the candidates, truthfully, I liked them all. One was missing. I probably would have liked him, too, for he was a man sacrificing appearance for supportive family values.

I liked Chuck Mayfield’s years with Youth Court. It showed he’d understand incipient situations before they led to imprisonment, or suicide, of our youth. This clash of cultures will grow. We need Natchez to set a safe example.

I liked Greg Wisner’s personality. He has a tinge of humor, and humor is said to diffuse bad situations.

I liked Craig Godbold because I think Natchez should again have a K-9 dog for both security, rescue and teaching in the schools.

In final words, it was more as if a full “posse” of these men was needed for many talents, their education and experiences. Perhaps Natchez needs more men in leadership roles in the sheriff’s office. And fewer men leading the city.

Corinne M. O’Begley

Natchez resident