Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

I am pleased to write this letter in support of the re-election of Alderwoman Joyce Arceneaux Mathis for Ward 1.

I have known Mathis all of my life and she has been a family friend even longer. However, as a resident of Ward 1, I am writing in appreciation for the fine representation she has provided the ward as well as the leadership she has rendered in an effort to move the City of Natchez forward.

All too often, we forget to thank, honor and support those, like Mathis, who have been on the cutting edge in bringing progressive change to our community and city.

Mathis has been of service to her constituents and the Natchez community as well. She is consistently available to assist individuals in resolving problems they may have with city government.

Mathis has been a tireless proponent of economic development in an effort to provide employment opportunities as well as encourage our talented students to return to Natchez. One of her major accomplishments involved securing an $8,000,000 grant from the United States Corp of Engineers that provided needed drainage infrastructure in Ward 1, which was beneficial to the neighborhoods in Ward 1 as well as the downtown businesses.

Mathis’ progressive leadership has been recognized, not only by the voters in our Ward, but by many beyond the borders of Ward 1. She has served as Mayor Pro-Tem of the City of Natchez since 2008. She is a former President of the Mississippi Association of Educators (state), two-term president of the Mississippi Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (state), a member of the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Municipal League (state), Mississippi’s representative on the National Association of Education’s Board of Directors (national), a member of National League of Cities committees on Energy, Environment and natural Resources and currently serves on its committees for Racial Equity and Leadership and Community and Economic Development (national). She was inducted into the Mississippi Municipal League Hall of Fame for 20 years of service as an elected official.

So, let us continue to benefit from Mathis experience, commitment, leadership and service by re-electing her Alderwoman for Ward 1.

Aisha Sanders,

Natchez