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Tuesday, April 9, is an important day for Natchez – it is the day that we go to the polls to vote for our city leaders – mayor, judge and aldermen.

I am grateful to be unopposed, and I thank the citizens for another four years. Our city judge and three aldermen are also unopposed – an indication that we must be moving in the right direction.

Still, there are three very important aldermen races to be decided, and Tuesday in Wards 1, 4 and 5, is not a day for voters to stay at home. These races are important. It is important to vote – and it is important to make the right vote and support candidates who support our Natchez Renewal.

Over the past four years, without raising taxes, we have made many strides: upgrading our parks, paving our streets, renovating important city assets, and increasing pay for our city workers, especially Police, Fire and Public Works. We have put many major projects in motion, and we are making great progress in workforce development, improving our economy, and creating JOBS.

I am grateful to those who have stood with me and supported our Natchez Renewal. And I am encouraged that we have candidates running in every ward who believe in the unity we have been working to achieve, One Natchez, working together for the betterment of all.

The next four years are critical to the future of our city. We’ve made a good start, but there is a lot more that we need to do. We must continue to work as a team to see that every good thing we have begun is carried through to completion. Everything.

Our Natchez Renewal has been just that – a renewal of hope for our city, with millions in new development, over 1,000 homes purchased, scores of new businesses and over a thousand new jobs. We must keep this great trend going, without arguing and bickering, without those who would rather stand in the way of progress than see it happen. Yes, your vote Tuesday is important – and it is important that you make that right vote.

Polling precincts for Wards 1, 4 and 5 are as follows:

Ward 1, City Council Chamber Building, 115 S. Pearl Street, Natchez

Ward 4, Christian Hope Baptist Church, 301 Lasalle Street, Natchez

Ward 5, Adams County Safe Room, 323 Liberty Road, Natchez

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Make your vote count. Vote for the Natchez Renewal. Because Natchez Deserves More.

Dan M. Gibson is mayor of Natchez.