The Natchez Board of Aldermen’s decision to continue funding the Economic Development Authority at $100,000 a year is the right decision for our community.

Natchez has asked the EDA to consider including community development in its focus, and all parties are to work on a &uot;more comprehensive plan of action.&uot;

That plan is exactly what Natchez has needed, rather than debates and tension about whether to fund the EDA.

With the city’s decision, the EDA can now proceed with its plans to hire a new executive director.

And with everyone on board with economic development, the city, county and EDA can work together to determine a strategic plan for the future. We need a strong plan of action for what kind of industries and businesses we want to attract, and we need greater financial support of the EDA through a private incentive fund.

Community development &045; as it relates to projects such as downtown revitalization &045; can work hand in hand with economic development. But we need a plan in place and a sense of teamwork to make that happen. The city’s decision this week shows we’re on the right track.

Concerned voters should try out new machines

Change can be intimidating, but a proposed change in voting machines adds another level of anxiety.

Many people &045; including some who remember how difficult the struggle to get the right to vote was &045; are worried that new voting computerized machines will increase the risk of voter fraud.

But Adams County has scheduled a test of those voting machines today at 2 p.m. at the supervisors’ meeting room. The voting machines &045; which are needed for handicapped access &045; do provide a paper trail, unlike previously thought. Adams County has not yet committed to the new voting machines, but we encourage voters who are concerned to try them out for themselves.