Having just recovered from the mayor’s recent revelations that he has purposely held down the population of our dying city during his years of public service and “floated checks for 44 years,” I am again apoplectic today at the actions of the mayor and board of aldermen.

They appointed four nice people on a temporary basis to fill positions on the Natchez Convention Promotion Commission. All of these people — except Wayne Potter — have financial interests, either direct, or indirect, through foundations or other, in the business of tourism in this community. This seems to be completely opposite the basic needs and requirements of the NCPC. I will have to read the enabling legislation and act again. As I appreciate it, the so-called TMAC is supposed to be made up of persons with an interest in the business of tourism, and they are to make recommendations to the NCPC on who and what to fund. The NCPC sits as trustees or stewards of public money and should never be persons with a direct or indirect interest in the tourism business. The essential point of the NCPC is to act as a watchdog and guard the public fisc. With some of these people, there is a conflict, and I do not see how they can serve, even on a temporary basis, unless they get rid of all of their financial interests in the tourism business.

What will it take to make people in this area read, analyze and understand concepts of separation of powers and governmental ethics?

 

Paul Benoist

Natchez resident