ROXIE &045; Roxie’s first black mayor, Ricky Wilson, wants more energetic people, a town marshal and a grocery store.

Wilson won against the incumbent Lloyd Passinger for the mayor’s seat Tuesday, but Passinger requested a recount. The final vote tally 107 to 104 was still in favor of Wilson Wednesday.

&uot;I want to thank the supporters and the non-supporters who did use their right to vote,&uot; Wilson said.

Wilson said he plans on working with the former mayor. He believes that Passinger has avenues and resources that can help with future projects during his term.

&uot;We can help in this field together,&uot; he said.

Wilson knew he wanted to change the town where he was born and raised after he moved back from Hannah, La.

&uot;Looking at the area and the kids, the first thing I wanted to change was recreation,&uot; he said.

Wilson served as alderman for six years in Roxie, before he decided to run for mayor.

His family still lives in Roxie and has added more to the family tree with his wife of 13 years, Luann Wilson, and six children.

For Mrs. Wilson, growth is a major issue for the town.

&uot;We need it bad,&uot; she said.

Unity is first key in the success of Roxie and the second is bringing industry, stores and more grants to the town, said Wilson.

The closest grocery store for Roxie residents is in Natchez, which is about 20 miles away. Wilson knows the distance all too well. He drives every workday to the Natchez Post Office, where he has been employed for seven years.

&uot;As a whole, the town is growing, but I’m looking for more people who are energetic,&uot; he said

Wilson has discussed the issue with residents but doesn’t have a formatted plan at the moment.

For the town of approximately 600 people, according to a 2000 census, crime can be reduced with some extra help. There’s not a high percentage of crime, but proximity in Roxie is so close that it’s reaching points of conflict, Wilson said.

&uot;If you look at the ratio of trouble and crime, every town needs a marshal,&uot; he said.

Wilson will talk to consultants and reach multiple resources, such as, civil offices to fulfill his goal.

&uot;I’ve already talked to several people,&uot; Wilson said.

He wants to be officially in the mayor’s seat before he decides on any specific actions.

&uot;We should analyze the heart and renew the mind and changes in success will happen,&uot; Wilson said.