By Sarah Cook

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — In an effort to provide face time with state legislators, the Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce will host a breakfast at the Natchez Grand Hotel Monday morning.

Representatives slated to attend the breakfast include Sen. Kelvin Butler, D-Magnolia, Rep. Sam Mims, R-McComb and Rep. Robert Johnson, D-Natchez. Sen. Melanie Sojourner, R-Natchez, has also been invited.

Stephanie Hutchins, Chamber chairperson of the legislative committee, encouraged residents to attend the event, as it will allow residents to ask legislators pertinent questions that impact the city and county.

“This is the best chance (residents) get all year to look at the legislators, to meet them face to face, and submit questions and concerns on a very personal level,” Hutchins said.

The program will begin with an allocated five minutes for each representative to discuss issues they view important for the upcoming legislative session. Then, the floor will open for residents to respond, and bring their own questions to the table.

With a November election looming, Hutchins said legislators are looking to use the breakfast as a platform to voice how they plan to better the state if reelected.

“We try to host a breakfast like this at the beginning of the (legislative) session and one at the end of the session,” she explained. “The first is for anticipating what’s coming up, and the second is to review what was actually accomplished.”

Although specific discussion topics are currently unknown, Hutchins said attendees can expect budgeting to be at the top of the list.

“Trying to budget money to meet everyone’s needs is always an issue. There’s never enough money to go around,” she said.  “Other than that, (topics at the breakfast) will be wide and varied.”

Doors open at 7:30 a.m., and the program will start at 8 a.m. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at the door.