Natchez was fortunate to have a smart and people-savvy young man run for public office back in 1968.

Today, as a result, Natchez is a better place for the public contributions of 22-year mayor Tony Byrne. The city would be even better if its leaders and citizens take the now 80-year-old retiree’s advice to heart.

Today marks 50 years since Byrne first took office at a time when racial strife tightly gripped Natchez.

Byrne was the first white leader to reach out to black Natchezians and offer the respect and attention they deserve.

Byrne’s administration was marked by a friendship and cooperation with long-time civil rights activist Charles Evers. Together the two helped calm the racial tension and worked to move the community forward, together.

For their steady hands and resolute leadership, Natchez will forever be indebted to them.

But far from just a history lesson, the pair’s leadership skills and common sense approach to all people are needed more than ever.

Byrne has long been an advocate of city and county consolidation, and he’s correct. Running two different sets of government functions is inefficient and hampers our community’s growth.

Further, as Byrne points out, some of our elected officials seem to still make decisions based on race rather than merit. Those kinds of leaders are relics of the past and need to be retired by voters.

We must elect leaders who look at issues for the greater impact to the whole of the city, not merely their own personal voter pool, if we seek Natchez to prosper and flourish in harmony.

Byrne set the example 50 years ago. All we need to do is follow his guide.