Posted by grungebob (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 7:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Haven't we read this already?

Posted by natchezsouthside (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks for following up with what Greg said, Ben. Greg's words need to be heeded by the entire community.

The days of sitting back and waiting for elected officials, or "someone else" to act are over. Done. Kaput. Armchair whiners be forewarned, we are coming to you to help.

Whining is your ticket to joining in the action.

Think back to the 1930s when those women started the house tours. No mayor or council did that. The people took action to save the city.

We need that again today nearly 100 years later.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

natchezsouthside, that sounds great. Like a local revolution. A local teaparty. I wanna start with the crappy painted plywood on Commerce Street. This town needs a serious cleanup. Other towns use their burned/rotted out building spaces constructively. Even Yazoo City has a nice little amphitheatre in one. Others have parks. All we have is rot and plywood.

And then the pageant needs to be re-written......

Posted by natchezsouthside (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

block by blcok--abandonned building by neglected building we need to force the mayor and council to act. Force owners to fix, or let the city condemn them and sell them to someone who will take action.

And if the mayor and council won't act, then they will be replaced by people who will act.

No more living with this mess, folks. We are a government of the people, not sheeple. Let's move!

Neglectful property owners, beware. We will have you behave in a manner that is respectful to your neighbors.

Posted by eawprops (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have lived in Natchez for almost 4 years now. I have bought several properties around the town and restored a few homes here. I wanted to make this my home but it's hard to when city employees are so unpleasant to deal with.

Two and a half years ago I started the Natchez Ghost Tours and it has been a success. After seeing how well the tour was going the Visitor Center asked me to conduct a sightseeing/history tour. I provided to them a very good tour that shows all there is to see and do in this town. I've earned tips as high as $100 based on the quality of what I offer. I have recieved glowing reports from the visitor center and from guests on my tours. I have never had a single complaint and feel I have done all in my power to help out businesses in the town and overall SELL Natchez to visitors.

Now, however, I'm being slapped in the face by the woman that runs the visitor's center. For two plus years we had an arrangement where they would call and let me know how many guests were taking the tour. It was helpful to me since I use two different vehicles based on number of guests and also because Natchez Pilgrimage Tours also sells my tickets.

A new person in charge of the ticket sales department has decided that they are far too busy to call me any longer and that I must call 15 minutes before each tour. This doesn't work well with two groups selling tickets and using two different vehicles. I always want to make sure my vehicle is properly cooled or heated and this doesn't allow me to do that for my guests. A precedent had been set for two years with the visitor center calling. THE VISITOR CENTER HAS NOW REFUSED TO CALL ME OR SELL TICKETS FOR MY TOUR. THE VISITOR CENTER MAKES A 15% COMMISSION ON SALES OF MY TICKETS AND EARNS THEM $5000-$6000 PER YEAR. Who is going to make up for this loss of earnings that helps pay their employees and keeps the lights on? Guess who? Me and you as taxpayers in this town. This amounts to sheer laziness. I am seriously considering selling what I own in Natchez and leaving this town. I believed this was the friendliest most hospitable town I had ever seen. Boy, have I learned my lesson on that one.

I hope Greg Iles can do something to motivate this town. It's hard to get people involved to sell and promote this town when the city's employees treat you like dirt and talk to you like a dog. I have tried to enlist help from Mayor Middleton. I spoke with him just yesterday and again guess what? NOTHING HAS CHANGED!!!!

ERIC WILLIAMS

Posted by southernbelle (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I understand, Eric. Remember my first year with my contract with NPT. Not one single ticket was sold for me and they had an exclusive contract with me. They cost me a lot of money and hurt my business terribly. In the past I would come to their defense many times. I still recognize the hard work many put into Natchez and our tourist industry, but how does one defend their obvious opposition to new businesses. Greg Isles is right on track about many things and he is a great asset to Natchez but because he is Greg Isles ,he doesn't have a clue on what really goes on in this town with its politics.

Posted by eawprops (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks, southernbelle. I emailed Mr. Hillyer and he is forwarding my comments to the editor of the Democrat. Hopefully, a story will be written that exposes the poor treatment that new tourist related businesses endure in Natchez.

Posted by ntz143 (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

who is running the visitor's center? This is the second or third comment I have seen about this woman's negative attitude.... who is it?

Posted by eawprops (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nt143 Connie Taunton, give her a call or the mayor and see what you think

Posted by truth1992 (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I was shocked at Greg Iles speech. He was only speaking to the rich. We have had factories before. Everyone in Natchez doesn't live in an antebellum home.People are leaving to pursue higher educations and they don't come back. they don't find jobs working in the yards,cleaning and cooking for the rich folks too appealing. There is nothing wrong with these jobs except the pay is not adequate.

Posted by grungebob (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

eawprops, may I suggest you submit your complaint as a letter to the editor and follow up with the city -uh- leaders (yeah, that's the word). Not enough people in here hear you.

Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

truth1992, I have to agree with you. I have thought and thought about it after viewing the video of Greg's speech. The boys he coachs, no doubt, all come from Trinity. That's a far cry from the public school kids, many who live in dilapadated houses on MLK. He mentioned the hours the Garden Club women work just in hopes their daughters got to be queen. I never did that, I worked many hours just to make sure mine got a good education, food and clothes. I do agree with him that factory jobs are a thing of the past, thanks to NAFTA and CAFTA. Natchez is not set up for the few major manufactering companies left in the US. Tourism is the only thing left, so we better make the most of it, but we also need to make the most of our future - the kids in schools which are not moving forward. It seems to be like the chicken or the egg - which came first, the poor school system or the kids who have no morals, goals or ambitions?

Posted by ntz143 (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Greg made some very valid points...but tourism will NEVER be a major industry like it is in other cities until we change the staff at the top. Eawpropos, thank you for answering my question...now I understand why all the negative comments. Did you happen to catch her on TV? Awful! She had the most sour expression on her face...and she was supposed to be encouraging women to come to Natchez. It doesn't surprise me that you are having trouble. I would suggest trying to talk to the aldermen..not B. Pollard- they are BIG buddies_ if Jake doesn't respond.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

truth1992, where have you been? The factories came to this town prior to desegregation and the building of the private academies. Now they are gone. No more large factories will be coming here. Tourism and small businesses are all that we have left. That is how it is. Greg's speech was not aimed at the "rich". It was aimed at the people of Natchez. And the economic conditons that you speak of (inadequate pay) are exactly the things that Greg was complaining about. You may not like the message, but don't shoot the messenger. Greg told it like it is.

Posted by mrmojorisin (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Right on target, as usual, Ben...but all Greg's words are for naught unless we, as a community, make the change.

Everyone applauds, everyone shakes their head up and down, and everyone talks...but I've been to enough meetings in this town where plenty of good ideas, good intentions, and community spirit have been laid on the table. Then, the meeting adjourns, and nothing happens. People go back to whatever they were doing before...weeks, months pass and another meeting is held...same thing......change is hard. It takes dedication and action, and maybe it is going to take someone like Greg who does not owe his livelihood to the whims and prejudices of this town...he could not sell one book in this town and he's still sell millions.

The main reason I write anonymously here is that what I write is the truth the best way I see it...and sometimes the truth is offensive to some people. Some people see it differently...This is personal to me, business is not...there are no feelings in business, you get my best even if you're a Bush Republican... ;-))

--mojo

Posted by southernbelle (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Greg is good. I'm very glad Greg cares enough to live and speak in Natchez. But he has led a very sheltered life. It has been privilaged and I'm happy for him in that respect. His parents worked hard for that and it is part of the American dream. i wanted the same for my own children. But... It doesn't do a thing for the reality of most of our lives. He has no idea what it is like to live in poverty without the cushion of his parents support. I hope he never does. He wouldn't know how to cope. He has no idea what it is like to depend on the blue blooded blue hairs to decide if they will make you or break you in this town. Still, I love what his vision is for Natchez and I am probably one of his biggest fans. I love his books. He has done more for Natchez in the recent years than anybody else I know . At least his part in our tourism has been conducive to this town. We sure can't say that about everybody involved in tourism in this town. I know for a fact the other tour bus driver in Natchez does not portray Natchez in a good light. And yet... because her boss is the son of a blue hair ,she can and does get away with it.

Posted by eawprops (anonymous) on October 16, 2009 at 11:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

amen southernbelle on your description of the other "so called tour". this town looks out for the good old boys and the rest of the people that come here "be damned with them"

Posted by EnKiKur (Marty Ellerbe) on October 17, 2009 at 3:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OGD, I have to point out to you that a little rot never anyone. All over Europe the people rave about the blight the Romans left behind. You can't go anywhere without stumbling over something they didn't clean up when they let their empire go to hell in a handbasket. An aqueduct here, a Mithrian temple there- the list goes on and on. And what do the Europeans do with that Roman blight? They make lemonade with it- instead of trying to hide it they actually TAKE people to see it and CHARGE them for looking at it.

The blight in America is much more modern- are we missing some kind of opportunity here? What do the Europeans know about blight management that we don't? How come we can't get foreigners to ooh and ahh over our decaying structures?

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 7:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh my goodness, Marty. Now you sound like the late proprietor of Springfield. "Historical Ruin" was his term as I recall. Maybe you've been hanging out in Jefferson County too long?

But actually, the idea ain't bad. Windsor ruins, Rocky Springs and the remains of The Forest plantation all give us nice reminders of long ago. I'm all for keeping historical reminders as long as we clean them up. But what is the front of the Ritz supposed to be doing? The building is empty with no roof or floor. All we have is the front. And it is boarded up with horrid green plywood. And for how long? Another year? Another decade? And just a few doors down from the Ritz is more green plywood. And again, for how long? Does anyone really and truly think this looks good in the heart of our downtown? Other towns, like Yazoo City and Telluride, use these areas (where buildings used to be) for small parks and amphitheatres and such. Yeah, Telluride is now a ritzy liitle place, but is Natchez really behind Yazoo City in ideas?

Posted by southernbelle (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 7:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Enkikur , they do ooh and ahh over our decaying structures. Just not in the great numbers we would like. Not even as many come as when the great ladies of Natchez brought them here during the depression years. So tell me how would you bring the Europeans to Natchez?

Posted by southernbelle (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 7:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OGD, you'd think local artist would at least paint antebellum homes and plantation scenes on the plyboard. GEE!

Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Eric Williams, aka Mr Ghost tour guy, excuse me but I'm going to put my two cents in since you certainly did.
For starters sir I have heard the headache you have given people about your flippin ghost tours! How many times I have heard of people that have moved here with what THEY thought was a bank breaking business only to find it fall flat and then they complain and accuse us Natchezians for their money woes. Simply said Mr Williams, it ain't all about you and we aren't going to force people or visitors to take your tours and if you don't like how the visitors center handles their end of YOUR business than simply do it yourself! You have NO clue apparently how incredibly busy times can get from both walk-ins to telephone calls down there yet you think your business should take priority? Are you nuts?

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

southernbelle, concerning the green plywood fronts - I'd prefer a few signs hanging on the plywood that inform the public who owns the properties and what their plans are for future use of the site. If the old First Baptist Church on Main can come down then these can too. If the building is gone, its gone. Clean up the sites. There is no need to enshrine a pile of rubble in the heart of our downtown. If the city can twist arms to take control of delapidated properties elsewhere, why not start in the very "center" of our town?

Posted by mrmojorisin (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OGD---at least they put up some plywood...lol...remember when it was just a big hole inviting some tourist to fall in and sue the city....I've been home for 4 years now and that has been there along with the Ritz mess.........

Then down on the corner of Franklin and MLK...that is a mess, too. You'd think the city could find a few 2x4s and some paint...I know we have plenty of brothers-n-laws on the payroll just looking for something to do. Store front movie facades are cheap and easy to build...

........and if I were the king of the world, I'd issue a weekly fine...say $1000 a week on the owners of the dilapidated properties around towns....take care of your business or pay.

gottabehappy---as far as Eric Williams and the Ghost Tours...he's one of the biggest attractions we have going for us ...our tourists are a different bunch of people these days. They come for the incredible amount of history found in Natchez. As sure as they them come for the history, more and more are coming for the architecture of the old houses rather than to see a bunch of hoopskirts and pageantry. The Ghost Tour of Natchez presents a fascinating and entertaining historical aside to the dry sagas of the forts and antebellum plantations, the selling of slaves and cotton at the forks-in-the-roads, Indian mounds, the Trace, Under-the-Hill, and the surrender of Natchez to the French, the Spanish, the English...and even the Yankees. And tourists love it!!! Robert Penn Warren once described Natchez as ''a fantasia,'' and sitting at a table in Biscuits and Blues, listening to a group of tourists talking about their tour of Natchez, the most excited they seemed, was witing for the sun to go down so they could catch the Ghost Tour.

The Ghost Tour has become one of the favorites for our VISITORS......
Do you get it, VISITOR CENTER? For our VISITORS!!

I think while our BOA and Mayor are looking to rebuild our city, maybe they should look at someone more well suited to be in charge of tourism than someone who doesn't live here, never lived here and has none of that innate Natchez DNA, and it seems like, at least, you'd want someone welcoming our tourist that knows how to SMILE.

In fact, gottbehappy, she reminds me of you...catchy pen-name, but you always seem to be unhappy when you post....

Come on, Jake you're moving in the right direction...get rid of Connie Taunton.

--mojo

Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mr mojo I know more about our visitors and probably do more for our visitors in one weekend than you do in an entire year so take that hatred somewhere else sir.
I PERSONALLY have had tourists tell me about their nightmare, no pun intended, of a "ghost tour" from Eric and he is miserable and shows it 24/7 and takes it out on the visitors centers workers.
I however think a ghost tour is a great idea in Natchez since we certainly have our fair share of ghosts but from THIS man....not so much.

Posted by mrmojorisin (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gottabehappy--I don't know who you are, but most everyone knows more about Natchez tourism than I. I was simply relating what I have been told by friends that have visited me from all over since I've been home...people from Florida, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Colorado, California...they, to a one, have all told me how glad they were I recommended the Ghost Tour, that it was fantastic and the tour guide, narrator, was knowledgeable, entertaining and fun.

Sounds like you and Mr Williams have some personal baggage....and business isn't personal. I wish the people in Natchez would learn that one little axiom. Business is business, there is no room in business for personal feelings. The objective is green. It's not prejudiced. It is totally indifferent to who has it, who holds it, who spends it, or what they spend it on.

If you and Mr Williams are having a personality conflict, you two either need to sit down and work it out, or someone else needs to be assigned...we need to focus on our objective and leave our personal feelings at home.

Wouldn't it be nice to work it out like adults, and when you see one another coming, you greet each other with a smile, rather than bowing up for a fight? Remember, it's the tourists and their money we're after, not each other.

--mojo

Posted by getalifenatchez (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OldGrandDad: You are the best! I agree 100% with all of your suggestions and opinions... Thank God someone who lives here thinks like a normal person... If people would only heed your advice!
Eawprops: You hang in there! You are not the first to come here and not be welcomed with opened arms! The way we do business here is not like the way they do it in other parts of the country. Not everyone who resides here is a chiester. Narrow minded, backwards, self centered, conceited, unprofessional might be a more accurate way to describe many however.... I have seen many relocate here to later have a "run in" with the so called locals, get flustered, and have their pipe dream of living in the "old south" explode right in their face.... Never have I lived somewhere w/ so much potential (a diamond in the rough), and the citizens and leaders don't have a clue with what to do with what they have, or how to make it prosper and shine...... It's sad, and Greg Iles is to be commended by pointing out whats wrong with Natchez... People will talk about it, but no one wants to grab the bull by the horns and turn this ship around! Our same old way of doing business as usual will be our detriment I'm afraid....
Gottabehappy: You have that typical Natchez mindset... You come across as someone with a real nasty, bitter attitude.... I hope you are not employed @ our multi million dollar visitor center, because you would make me want to get in my vehicle, and make a b-line right out of this city... If anybody is nuts, its YOU!
EnKiKur: Our "ruins" are nothing in comparison to the European ruins you are talking about.... Filth and decay found on and around our local "ruins" is a whole different ballgame than what once were beautiful architectual gyms in Europe... Gaping holes in a decaying brick structure on Homochitto St. strewn with beer bottles, trash, and a rotting balcony can not be compared to reminents of what were once great European architectual masterpieces...

Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr mojo no thanks on your suggestions....I would NEVER sit with that man and discuss anything other than his rotten attitude.
k bye!

Posted by getalifenatchez (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Mojo: You are wasting your time.... Gottabehappy needs to change his/her anonymous pen name to Gottabeasourpuss. People like Gottabehappy are whats wrong with this town. Regardless of how this person feels towards Mr. Williams, he is running a business that sounds like many people have good things to say about it... The hoopskirt, Mammy, good ole boy plantation owner skit won't work anymore.... Mr. Williams is offering a product that todays consumers want, so give the man a chance, and try to work with him, not against him.... Gottabehappy comes across as someone being childish, and I resent the fact that my hard earned money is providing the tax revenue to keep her/his sour
a-- disposition employed. Good riddance, whoever you are!

Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

you wish!

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

there must have been some good punch at the gala......

the cheers were for the good food and drink

as the speech was meaningless.....and old news at that

yes dust is already settling on that paperbook...

the best part for me was the talk about being grateful for what we do have......and what our town is turning into- a cute little southern tourist spot with a retirement sideline.....I'm happy with that

like Iles said- if you are wanting heavy industry, you had better go ahead and pack up....

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Eric Williams- I've never taken your tour, but I am very sorry to hear you are being treated that way...

But that is what is to be expected when you rely on government to do anything, you should be more integrated with the garden club or pilgrimage tour folks directly and not tied up with the city??? I don't know much about your business but hate to see a smart and enthusiastic business person having difficulty ......

I hope things work out for you, we need enterprising individuals like you to provide such tours, I've heard a lot of people talk about how much fun and interesting your tour is.....hang in there buddy...

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

getalifenatchez, thank you very much for your support. Now if we can only get the Democrat to kindly take a few pictures and write a few stories things might move along a little better. Turning on the lights always makes the roaches run out of the room. You still ready to help us, Ben?

By the way, only the Ritz is green plywood. the other is untreated. My mistake.

Perhaps the Visitor Center is ripe for some undercover investigative reporting as was done with ACORN? Maybe that will let the general public know the truth.

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mojo- what is a Bush Republican? Bush was not a good Republican, we all know that.....

Reagan Republican,, now you're talking good Republican..

Gottabehappy- thank you for your Fair and Balanced response of the OTHER side of the story.....

Posted by grungebob (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Two weeks of pilgramage, a weekend of balloon races (weather permitting) and a handfull of festivals that have regional appeal at best - and only if you consider Woodville to Winsboro a region - do not a tourist industry make.

The Pagent is just an extension of the Garden Club's social season and has gone from charming to quaint to dated to stale to tacky. Tourism needs to be year round.

Natchez future is in its past in another respect - the riverfront. Unfortunately, the owners of most of the property on Silver St don't want it developed.

A few with the resources and influence are perfectly happy with the status quo and hoard their resources and exert their influence to maintain it.

So Natchez is really no different than other small towns - it just has more wasted potential.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

grungebob, There is reclaimed land under the hill. What's it all waiting for? More non-existent casinos? I say use it. EVERY town develops their riverfronts and creekfronts. Why should Natchez be the last to do this? Why were we not the first? Vidalia isn't running on the genious level with riverfront development - They have only done what EVERY town does. You DO NOT let your riverfront sit idle and undeveloped. I honestly believe that Natchez elected officials have never been out of this town and visited other places.

This town has never looked past bus tours and pilgrimage for any tourism. EVERY town with 100 year old buildings has signs directing drivers to tun off the main road and drive into their "Historic Business District". Where are these signs for Natchez? Our potential tourist/shoppers probably drive right on through to the next town.

Also, EVERY town that wants tourists to stop and spend money will create parking lots (free or pay) and they have signs directing drivers to them in the downtown areas. Where are our downtown parking lots? Where are the signs pointing to them?

Also, EVERY town that wants tourists to stop and spend money will have public restrooms with signs that direct shoppers to them. Where are ours?

Folks are rightly saying that tourism is the only industry that Natchez has left. But, we ain't even got that one right. We're not even close. How many more decades will go by before we begin to do some of the BASICS that all other towns do? Our "Welcome to Natchez" is the most hollow welcome that I have seen from any "tourist town".

Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Man you got it right OGD!

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OGD- have you ever patronized one of the B&B's in town, maybe taken the wife/girlfriend/whatever out for a special occasion ???

If you had you might have a glimpse of the hospitality visitors actually do receive?

And every bar and hotel has plenty of restrooms, what nonsense you spew!

But on the parking, well yeah we need a bit more parking, the old First Baptist Church lot could be a nice parking garage, multilevel....and now that the Catholic Church owns it, maybe they will do that, and make a little change as well charging a reasonable fee, I hope so anyway.

Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Excellent post Krogers!

Posted by eawprops (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TO ALL THAT OFFERED SUPPORT AND KIND COMMENTS I SINCERELY APPRECIATE YOU!!!!!

GOTTABEHAPPY???? WOW, WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM. I HAVE A VALID COMPLAINT. THE ONLY PERSON THAT WOULD BE WRITING YOUR COMMENTS IS EITHER CONNIE TAUNTON OR ANNA (PERSON IN CHARGE OF SELLING TICKETS THAT COMPLAINS ABOUT LETTING ME KNOW WHEN PEOPLE WANT TO TAKE A TOUR)

I CERTAINLY DON'T MEAN TO OFFEND YOU BUT I AM SAYING WHAT I FEEL. I AM A VERY NICE PERSON AND DON'T LIKE BEING LIED ABOUT. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN ONE SINGLE COMPLAINT ABOUT ANY TOURS I GIVE. I HAVE HAD FOLKS TAKE THIS TOUR WITH ME AS MANY AS 6 TIMES. I MUST BE DOING SOMETHING GOOD!

I CAN ONLY HOPE THE MAYOR TAKES ACTION OR THE DEMOCRAT WRITES A STORY TO SHINE LIGHT ON THIS PROBLEM WITH THE VISITOR CENTER.

Posted by getalifenatchez (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh yeh---we need a parking garage on main street coming into downtown... what a beautful sight to behold! I'd rather see another park/ fountain in that spot (more green space for downtown) instead of an ugly old multi story parking garage! We do have other areas downtown that a parking garage would not stand out so much behind the Eola on Franklin---that way the convention center/community center could also patronize it... Anyway, in a town that no progress occurs, I'll have to see the old FBC leveled before I believe it, and then hope it doesn't turn into an overgrown weeded plot of land (just what we need is another eyesore).....
Grungebob: Kuddos! We do have land owners under the hill that only think of themselves and not whats best for the community.... It should have been developed YEARS ago---and the way the pendulum is swinging, it will never be developed until I am long gone... Do I come across negative???? Hmmmmm, years of living here and seeing what kind of hoops people have to jump through to make a go of anything does that to a person.... Natchez could be more than a cute little southern tourist spot.... Hell, I'd go to Charleston, or Savanah before picking Natchez if I wanted a "cute little southern tourist spot"..... Natchez can be SO much more, but the stupid people who live here and run it are content with it being on "life support" and clinging to life.... Pathetic....... No vision, and a bunch of rednecks that don't give a flip about anything other than "huntin' "........ Our loss, and someone elses gain...... I see towns that looks like the pits and have no culture, history, etc.... plowing along and trying to cultivate a tourism base, while we sit on our lazy butts and let the world pass us by...... We have a lot to toot our horns about, but the scale is weighted down by poor leadership, poor civic pride, poor schools, and a poor work ethic..... and a bunch of folks that aren't open to any new ideas and thinking outside of the box.... To all you idiots who are content with "as is"---enjoy it while you got it, because on the route we are headed, it's only going to get worse!

Posted by getalifenatchez (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Most cities with a water front like ours would have restaurants with outside seating on the water to take in the views, not to mention shops, coffee houses, art galleries, cobblestone/brick streets, beautiful lighting/landscaping---what do we HAVE??????? We should be shot in the head for not cultivating what God has given us! We could draw people from all over if we could just get our heads out of the sand, and hopefully the banks and investors will still be able to do something in the future..... I see so much more for Natchez than most who live here..... SAD....

Posted by getalifenatchez (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gottabehappy makes me want to hurl.... SO NATCHEZ!

Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Non of the above eawprops or even close...I know what I know.
Personally I would love to have Penn Cage (Greg Iles) as Mayor and Sonny Cross (Chuck Mayfield) as Sheriff!
If we DON"T take a stand on the subjects Mr Iles spoke of the other evening I really think when his family is gone he will high tail it out of here. He has really put Natchez on the map alone with his books and the least we can do is help in any way we can so we don't lose our own Natchez jewel known as Greg Iles.

Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

then may I suggest you do just that getalifenatchez?

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Krogers, I'll let you tell that silly stuff to those that will believe it. Restrooms in bars and in hotels DO NOT equal public restrooms. Get out of town more and see the real world.

But yes, I do know what true hospitality is since my wife and I dispense it every day. We also give plenty of directions since the city (unlike others) does not. The hollow hospitality I'm speaking of is the infrastructure necessary to make folks feel like we want them to get out of their cars and walk and shop (restrooms, parking, signs). All other towns courting tourist dollars do this. Try New Iberia, LA. Or try tiny Pinedale, Wyoming. Our town has missed the basics.

Or, do you have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. Maybe you have blue hair?

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

getalifenatchez, concerning --> "Most cities with a water front like ours would have restaurants with outside seating on the water to take in the views, not to mention shops, coffee houses, art galleries, cobblestone/brick streets, beautiful lighting/landscaping"

You've obviously been out of Adams County a few times. I wish more folks would venture out and see how things are done elsewhere. There are so many things that we could do to improve. But our biggest roadblocks are the people that think things are fine just like they are. And they want us to remain stuck in the mud with them.

Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That OGD PLUS "someone" with bucks owns most of under the hill now and lives there and wants it to stay just the way it is.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 6:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

gottabehappy, do they own the long strip of green land north of Silver Street?

Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

not a clue what exactly they own OGD.....sorry my man.

Posted by getalifenatchez (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OGD: Yes, I have been out of Adams Cty. plenty of times. I am not originally from here (which might be a plus).... Travel does broaden ones horizons, and it makes you realize how far we are behind other "tourist" destinations... Yes, we can't even attempt to do the basics--- no signage, other than what MDOT puts up on major highways passing through town.... The few signs we do have in the "inner" city are vague and spotty.... What ever happened to our "trolley's"----that was poorly managed from the get go... Go to Charleston, Savanah, even other parts of the country, like Gettysburg, and see how tourism is done! Everything is clearly marked, landscaped, and the people are able to communicate clearly and make you feel welcomed.... I mentioned the other night we need to definitely improve our entrances into town..... I go to towns 1/2 our size that have much prettier entrances that are lighted @ night, and landscaped.... I always thought before MDOT wrecked the 61/84 intersection that a nice big fountain (bigger than downtown) w/ landscaping would have made a nice statement for Natchez---even for those just passing through and not staying for a visit.... Banners flags, and hanging baskets are found affixed to light poles in other tourist cities---- but not ours! Hell, we can't even keep the grass mowed on the right aways! We also need a 24 hour IHOP/ Waffle House. Where do you go for a late night meal when rolling into town after normal business hours???? I could make a list a mile long on things I see need changing---- Yes, money is always an issue, and w/ the current economic climate, it will be for the foreseeable future, but when times were good, we still didn't seize the moment.... To bad eminent domain can't be used to reclaim "our" under-the-hill!!!! I love Natchez, but the vibe here is suppressive and there is a negative energy that pervades this place.... Post Katrina kind of gave me hope, but it seems everyone who came, got fed up and left, and we are back to being that little sleepy hamlet mildewing high up on the bluffs overlooking the mighty muddy Mississippi..... We need to create some excitement, and re-invent the wheel so to speak on the way we have always done things.... Cherishing our past is one thing, but trying to make it way of life is another! Wake up Natchez, and smell the coffee.... We are withering away, and Greg did his best to give us a swift kick in the pants---and I hoped he kicked hard enough!

Posted by getalifenatchez (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Since we are supposedly an international tourist draw, how about "Welcome to Natchez" signs @ each entrance, also in other languages--- French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, etc... and a nice touch would be flags representing each of the countries that used to rule over Natchez---- with efficient lighting and maintained landscaping... a low frequency AM station could be operated to give out tourist friendly info, driving directions, etc... something that reflects a new/old Natchez. (Do you hear this any of you local radio station owners???)... A lot could be done if people would just donate their time here and there..... we just need a ring leader to get the ball rolling!

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 17, 2009 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

gottabehappy, the land that I am speaking of is city owned. "Under the Hill" historically, was not confined to what is currently there. Much of the land washed away and has now been rebuilt. The city seems to have no plan for this land other than their hopeful future 2nd casino. The trails project is to go down there or through there but to what extent, I don't know. Point is, we DO have riverfrontage and we should be using it.

getalifenatchez, I was born here and educated elsewhere. I've been living here since the early 80's. My family has been walking these streets for over 200 years. I think that gives me a special attachment to the town and area. It also makes me want the best for us. I tend to travel west instead of east and midsize to small towns out west all seem to be offering so much that we could immitate. And its not just the ritzy towns like Santa Fe and Aspen. But I've seen wonderful downtowns and riverfront developments in Louisiana and Arkansas. People here need desperately to think above and beyond "bus tour" tourism.

Posted by mrmojorisin (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Savannah has a walking tour run by their city's tourism dept...Cincinnatti has an unbelievable waterfront developement with restaurants on barges that rise and fall with the river level...Pittsburgh, too, and Erie, PA, and Austin, TX...these places have well developed riverfronts, and every time I've been to one of them, it's loaded with people.

These things can be done...I wish I knew of a way to upload Glenn Simmons rendering of the riverfront and the area between Main St and High St to Broadway and back...I miss that guy and his vision... too bad, when Natchez had the chance, it didn't take Glenn more seriously, but then true to the words of Jesus in Luke 4:24, Luke 4:24 "I tell you the truth," no prophet is accepted in his hometown."

gottabehappy? Do you consider yourself a Christian? Yet you would not sit down with someone and try to work things out to the benefit of yourself if no one else? I wonder??? What would Jesus do?

--mojo

Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mojo I'm as much of Christian as you if not more but I happen to know enough about this man that theres no way I'd sit with him. Besides how do you think this would "benefit" me?
Another thing mojo....how exactly is this your business?
oh yeah it's not....k bye!

Posted by getalifenatchez (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gottabehappy has a smart a_ _ attitude that I just don't like...
Christian my foot! The way you respond to everyones suggestions/ opinions shows that you are a childish, selfish, you know what.... Natchez could do a lot better without your kind! I can tolerate a lot, but not someone w/ a pretentious, nasty, condesending attitude like yours! God help Natchez.... Old Grand dad, do we just turn the other cheek??? Gottabehappy can't be for real!

Posted by mrmojorisin (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 7:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gottabehappy--- how it would benefit you? Well, sometimes simply performing a Christian act ... like forgiveness, will actually make you feel better. Whatever Mr Williams has done to make you so angry and spiteful is nothing compared to the pain you inflict upon yourself with all the hatred...and maybe, if ya'll actually got past the anger and opened up about what is so upsetting, you might find a way to work together...

Magic Christians like you, gbh....well, it takes more than just saying, "I'm a Christian", and more than just going to church every weekend to make you a Christian. Jesus gave us two commandments...Love God with all your heart, your mind, your soul and your body...and love one another. He said if we live by those two simple commandments, all the laws of both man and God would be satisfied.

What makes it any of my business? You brought it up...right here in this open forum. You know, when you opine in public, you make your opinion public, and therefore subject to public support, public ridicule, and in my case, public opinion. My opinion being, you should get over your hate before it consumes you. Really, gbh...go back and read some of the things you've written in the ND blogs...and ask yourself, "am I proud of this?"..."why am I so negative?"

I'll be praying for you.....

--mojo

Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

lawsey lawsey lawsey mojo!! You just love spewing your opinion and your better than anybody attitude around when you in fact HAVE NO CLUE!

excuse me while I sit back here and giggle

Posted by mrmojorisin (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

gbh---I'm sorry if you misinterpreted my attitude as better than anybody...that is the farthest from the truth, I am the least of you without judgement, but with advice guided by love....and I said before, I have no clue to what ya'll's conflicts are, all I'm saying is it shouldn't be to hard for two people, acting as self-professed Christian like you claim to be, to iron out their differences. Maybe you could give me a clue, and I might be able to help facilitate an understanding.

But since you seem so hard-headed and against even trying, why don't you turn over the responsibility of dealng with Mr Williams to your boss, or anyone else?

--mojo

Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 12:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I DO NOT WORK DOWN THERE MR MORON! I HAVE NO BOSS!
I have merely heard from the people he has given this tour to about how irritable and mean he is and he is vindictive as well so why would you come to this idiodic conclusion that I would want to sit down and discuss something with him???
go to your favorite store kmart....brains are on sale this month

Posted by mrmojorisin (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"I know more about our visitors and probably do more for our visitors in one weekend than you do in an entire year"....gbh

Well, this is one statement which led me to believe you must work at the tourist center. You see, I have owned a bed and breakfast ...and I've dealt with quite a few tourists in my day, but with your statement about how well you knew tourists, I assumed you knew what you were talking about from experience...not simple gossip and heresay.

But hey, gottabehappy---Wow! The way you were attacking Mr Williams, I thought you had a personal conflict with the man...but you don't even personally know him? You have never actually seen or heard him do any of the things you accused him of doing and being? You have never personally taken his tour?

And being an omnipotent christian, of course, I'm sure you are aware of Exodus 20:16, or maybe you know it as Deuteronomy 5:20, or if you're Catholic you learned it as #8 on the top ten....."You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."

Mr Williams, I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize for our friend, "gottabehappy". She has admitted her sin, that she has no actual cognitive content of your behavior, nor your tour, that she has done absolutely nothing but spread an evil and hurtful rumor, for no good reason she can think of other than her wish to share her misery with an audience.

We will offer her the other cheek, and pray she asks forgiveness.........

--mojo

PS--I actually do like K-Mart, thank you for the suggestion...I'll go looking for some brains, if you promise to go looking for some exculpation...however, I don't think you can buy that at K-mart, it has to come from your heart....and I know you have a heart in there someplace, don't you?

Posted by eawprops (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mrmojo Thanks for your support. I am amazed at this unbelievable attack from gbh. Especially, if this woman doesn't know me or even taken my tour. Since I've never had even one complaint about my tour I find it hard to believe she is just lying for her own pleasure. This woman is warped and twisted. I think I will pray for her. She is nasty to everyone. Most every comment she makes is diparaging. This is a sad, miserable person. I hope someday she finds happiness.