Natchez aldermen have an important decision to make soon: filling the vacant city planner position.

The board has interviewed five candidates for the position and is expected to discuss them today, perhaps even voting soon on a choice.

The rest of the board’s agenda for the day shows just one example of why it is so important to hire the right planner soon. Aldermen will also hear proposals from developers interested in working on the former Natchez Pecan Factory site.

A planner in Natchez has to strike a delicate balance between looking to the community’s future and helping to preserve its past.

We have many projects just waiting for attention from a professional planner who will work hand-in-hand with other city department heads and with the city’s planning commission, who need the guidance of a staff planner.

The city’s advertisement for the position says it prefers someone who is AICP certified with a master’s degree and education and/or experience in historic preservation.

The American Institute of Certified Planners’ stamp of approval comes after a certain amount of training and testing which can be a tremendous asset to the community, especially as we look to grow and develop new projects.

We hope the mayor and aldermen will carefully consider their choices and make the right decision for the person who will help plan the city’s future. We need a highly trained, professional planner with experience in the business, an attitude of teamwork and a vision for the community.