EDITOR’S NOTE: In subsequent reporting on the issue of Aftershock camp’s access to the Natchez community pool, The Natchez Democrat reached out to Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis, who declined to be interviewed for a story.

After reading an article in The Natchez Democrat (June 18, 2018) with a follow-up editorial June 19, 2018), I felt compelled to issue a press statement (in the form of a letter to the editor). I was appalled to read my name in an article based on “he said, she said” information, when I had not personally been contacted to respond to any allegations.

First, I am a retired educator with 30 years of experience in the Natchez-Adams School District, years of experience in the Detroit Public Schools and four years elected as President of the Mississippi Association of Educators.

I have travelled with students from Florida to Canada and as far west as San Antonio. I fully understand the necessity of following rules and regulations, submitting all required paperwork and being responsible for the safety of students. Therefore, there is no way I would have advised anyone seeking to use any public facility with underage children that they did not need to submit required paperwork.

I fully understand the safety requirements and the necessity of having the appropriate insurance coverage when dealing with the safety of under-aged children in a water environment (the public swimming pool).

Water safety was foremost on our minds in planning and developing the Natchez-Adams County NASO Aquatic Center. Early in the dialogue and planning for the pool was a discussion of including water safety and training for elementary students enrolled in the Natchez­Adams School District.

Therefore, I could not understand how this article could have referenced my name with a follow-up editorial alleging that I did not want to play by the rules. I have not been to the pool nor have I spoken with anyone concerning submitting any paperwork to use the pool. My commission as appointed by the mayor is chair of recreation in city government.

My only contact with Mr. Jones has been in terms of the use of the Youth Center from his presentation and request to the Board of Aldermen. By protocol all of these discussions have been facilitated through the mayor, Wilbur Whitley, recreation director-City of Natchez and Bob Latham, city attorney.

The Natchez-Adams County NASO Aquatic Center has been a wonderful kick-off to summer activities in the City of Natchez. The City has been without a public swimming pool for approximately 20 years. I remember budgeting money to repair the pool at Duncan Park during my first term in office. Subsequently, repairs were inadequate to keep the pool safe for swimming and it was closed.

Why can’t we all get along and be happy about this great new attraction for our city and the possible additional recreation venue the swim teams could bring? We had a beautiful ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication. Why is controversy created whenever positive outcomes are developed for the good of the community?

I would hope that in the future before stories are written and editorials are released, The Natchez Democrat would get all of the information from everyone involved and not jump to conclusions based on gossip. Journalistic integrity should be the main principle on which any newspaper is built. After all, this is our city’s daily newspaper and not a gossip column.

Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis,

mayor pro-tempore,

alderwoman, Ward 1, City of Natchez