Wow! The year has really started out with a bang as our state leaders convene in Jackson to begin the 2012 session.

The state’s voters certainly made their voices heard, and their wishes were reflected in the fact that there was a 37 percent turnover in the House and Senate during the last election cycle; and this sea of change has resulted in seating 45 men and women who are brand new to the process and were given the job of representing their respective constituencies to jump-start our state.

Their task is particularly daunting this year, as leadership at the top has also changed, and budgets are going to be tighter than ever.

On Monday morning, the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first legislative breakfast of 2012 at the Natchez Eola Hotel.

Everyone in the community is invited to participate, and this is one of the best opportunities we will have all year to meet face to face with the people whom we have chosen to represent southwest Mississippi. Sen. Kelvin Butler and Sen. Melanie Sojourner will be participating as will Rep. Robert Johnson and Rep. Sam Mims.

We are beginning to make great strides here in Natchez and Adams County. We, too, have a number of new leaders who have hit the ground running and are eager to grow and solidify the infrastructure and relationships which will give our area and its people the opportunity to excel personally and economically, and to enhance the quality of life for generations to come. I hope that our local leaders can be present to exemplify our willingness to step up and do what it takes to take advantage of the opportunities we have and to demonstrate the unity and strength it will take to get the job done.

We also have a dynamic Leadership Natchez class, which represents our young professionals, and they, too, have a critical interest in the future of the area. This will be their chance to meet and communicate with the men and women who represent them at the state level.

I know that many of our residents have very specific questions and concerns about the road ahead. Our Legislative Breakfast on the 23rd will afford each of you the chance to ask those questions and get a direct answer. We will begin our morning with breakfast ($10 per person — pay at the door) at 7:30 a.m. and get our program under way at 8.

Each legislator will have about five minutes to speak on the issues they see as significant, and then we will take written questions from the floor. We will conclude by 9 a.m.; however, our legislators are usually able to make some time at the end to visit specifically with those who have additional issues to discuss.

So mark your calendars for 7:30 a.m. Monday at the Natchez Eola Hotel.

Let’s bring our determination for a bright future, a spirit of openness and willingness to work together, and a commitment to the health and prosperity of our people and our area, which will be undeniable to the people who can carry that message to Jackson.

 

Stephanie Hutchins is on the legislative committee of the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce.