Every four years, residents in the City of Natchez are given a chance — and a responsibility — to have a direct say in the future direction of the city.

After sitting down with each candidate in the Democratic primary and weighing the strengths and weaknesses they bring to the board, today we endorse Natchez aldermen candidates who will square off Tuesday.

Of the races up for grabs, Wards 1 and 2 will be decided in the primary, while Wards 3 and 6 will be decided in June’s general election.

In Ward 1, we support Natchez newcomer Kathy Traina. Clearly, Traina needs to learn much about our community and its people, quickly if she’s elected. Even with her unfamiliarity with the city, she’s a better fit to lead the city than incumbent Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis. While intelligent and articulate, Mathis does not work as a team player on the board and seems more intent on running the board than being a part of the team. Natchez needs contributing team members, not people pulling the other direction with sometimes questionable motives. Mathis has been in office for 16 years. It’s time for a change.

In Ward 2, long-time Natchez Police officer Billie Joe Frazier earns our nod. Frazier’s optimism and years of experience and ability to work through difficult, even tense situations should serve citizens well. Personally, one-on-one we like incumbent James “Rickey” Gray, but unfortunately his political actions speak louder than his words.

In Ward 3, we believe first-time candidate Sarah Carter Smith is the best choice, edging out Gwen Ball. Smith’s ability to communicate clearly on a number of issues facing the city pushed her over the top. Ball is perhaps most effective for the city by remaining in her role as watchdog and community activist.

Incumbent Dan Dillard in Ward 6 may be the city taxpayer’s best friend, though it may be difficult to believe. Dillard may not have teddy bear-like qualities in his public role, but in his first four years as alderman, he’s done great things in helping the city clean up its act. He makes some people angry because he probes and asks lots of questions, but to think of what the current board would be like without him makes us shudder. From the turmoil over the city-county economic development funding a few years ago to privatizing city grass cutting, Dillard seems to be able to get things done in ways that are in the best interest of the city, not just his ward.

Choosing our representatives is an important role — one that only comes around every four years — so please, we urge voters to exercise their right — regardless of which candidate you feel is best.