It’s beginning to feel as if the effort to save Arlington is as old as the historic house itself.

But short-term memory and comparatively short lifetimes are no match for the history of this nearly 200-year-old house.

That’s why this fight is worth fighting.

No one living in Natchez today should want to be a part of the generation of Natchezians that let 200 years of history crumble, for once it’s gone, it’s never coming back.

Instead the citizens and city leaders must remain steadfast in their efforts to resolve this tricky problem.

Thankfully, Mayor Jake Middleton and City Planner Bob Nix are still talking about Arlington.

Nix is ready to take the case to a new level, and his plan may be the only resort.

An out-of-town doctor owns Arlington. The city has been fining Dr. Thomas Vaughan for the current state of the house, which is very poor.

But the growing fines haven’t prompted Vaughan to invest in repairs on the property. In the meantime, the house continues to disintegrate.

Nix is thinking of pursing a civil case against Vaughan, one that could end in jail time for the doctor if action isn’t taken.

Local historic preservation experts have spent much time studying and dwelling on the issue of saving Arlington.

With their help, Nix should pursue the matter to whatever degree is necessary.

Natchez’s history has always propelled its future; giving up now would betray the legacy that made our community great.