When Natchez needed a leader, Larry L. “Butch” Brown was always there.

The three-term mayor and former head of the state’s transportation department said last week he planned to hang up his full-time public service career, choosing not to run for re-election in May.

His plans are simple: devote his time to his own health and his family.

Though Brown downplayed the health aspect, a heart attack and stroke certainly were big factors in his decision. Brown suggests he’s recovered approximately 70 percent of his pre-stroke functionality. What remains relates to balance and strength, he said.

The rigors of a political campaign almost certainly would have been tough on him. In a way, I’m sad to see Brown retire, but on the other hand, I think he’s wise to go out on his own terms.

Brown has always liked to be in control of situations, and his departure from city hall is no different.

Through the years Brown has impressed, irritated and amused me with his vision, his brashness and his bull-like charm.

Through two terms in the 1990s, nearly a decade leading the Mississippi Department of Transportation and the last nearly four years as mayor, Brown managed to make an indelible mark on Natchez and the state.

On a state level, his leadership clearly made a huge difference in getting the Gulf Coast’s infrastructure rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina destroyed miles and miles of highways and bridges. Not everybody liked Brown’s style, but it’s difficult to argue the fact that the job got done — and quickly.

In Natchez, the projects may be smaller in scale, but monumental to the city.

Perhaps the most impressive — and often forgotten about — project was the multi-million dollar federal bluff stabilization work completed in Brown’s first administration.

It’s easy to forget just how uneasy life became for residents and visitors living near the edge of the bluff when heavy, consistent rains came prior to the stabilization efforts. Literally tons of dirt could slough off with little notice taking lives and property with it.

Although many others were also involved, Brown and the city worked hand in hand with former U.S. Sen. Trent Lott’s office to help secure funds to help save what is arguably a national treasure view from atop the bluff.

His first administration made huge projects seem easy. The city reworked several public properties for alternative uses — schools became housing options or business incubators.

Later while at MDOT he almost certainly had a hand in the state money that helped, in large part, create the Natchez Trails Project.

At the same time MDOT reworked three key intersections in the middle of Natchez as well.

He was — and is — without a doubt among Natchez’s most passionate and shameless ambassadors.

He was also a bit of a visionary for the town, too. He saw the need for a downtown convention center. He saw the need for a combined visitor center, and he made those things happen.

It’s difficult to know exactly where Natchez would be if Brown hadn’t been driving its future for several years, but suffice to say it probably wouldn’t be as blessed as it is today. Brown certainly has had critics — including, at times, yours truly — but he’s always been able to shrug off critics and plow through what needs to be done.

Sometimes that bulldozer-like approach was needed, and sometimes innocent folks may have gotten flattened in the process.

Regardless of how you feel about Brown, Natchez is going to be a different place when he’s out of the limelight. Good luck, Mayor Brown and best wishes in your upcoming role as full-time husband, dad and granddad.

 

Kevin Cooper is publisher of The Natchez Democrat. He can be reached at 601-445-3539 or kevin.cooper@natchezdemocrat.com.