If cities were people, few would argue Natchez would be one of the prettiest girls at the ball.

A public courtship of sorts began Monday night as two potential suitors stepped forward to jockey for a chance to dance with the fair maiden Natchez.

Unfortunately, popularity and good looks will only get a girl so far. Even pretty girls need brains.

A prospective suitor will say just about anything to get a dance, even that means glossing over the truths or omitting a few facts.

Lots of amazing numbers, projections and plans were thrown out as &8220;bait&8221; Monday night.

Untold riches may come to the city. An amazing, renewed city riverfront may be built. A community development foundation may be built. Unemployment may be cut in half.

The most beautiful part of an already beautiful city may be made more beautiful.

You&8217;ll notice lots of &8220;mays&8221; because nothing is concrete yet. It&8217;s all dreams on paper at this point.

The reality is: the city needs to get firm commitments on paper. In the real world, lots of &8220;mays&8221; never come to fruition. Multiple phase projects sometimes become single-phase ones.

Yes, both suitors cast lots of sugarplum dreams about last night.

But regardless of what they say, they aren&8217;t after Natchez&8217;s good looks or great personality; they&8217;re after money. Acknowledging that up front is the best thing the city can do.

Get the facts and figures out there, discuss them publicly and let the people get a voice in potential dance partners.