An Open Letter to Alderwoman Joyce Arceneaux-Mathis:

You’ve been my alderwoman since I moved to Natchez almost 20 years ago. I can honestly say that you’ve rarely represented my interests all that time. The first time I tried to contact you, you did not return my phone calls or emails and didn’t have time to meet with me. You didn’t even know me. Of course, I live downtown in a predominantly white area. Perhaps that’s why you felt you could ignore me. Whenever I had concerns, I learned that I could go to other members of the board (black and white) who were willing to listen, even though I was not in their ward. So although you ignored me and my neighbors, we did have alternatives.

It’s obvious to anyone who pays the slightest attention to city government that the board had a tendency to vote along racial lines, and most Natchezians are unhappy with that. We know Natchez will never make progress as long as one race dominates the other — we all need to feel we’re in this together.

Both Democratic mayoral candidates promised to do that. However, Darryl Grennell was the one that voters trusted to bring us together. He won by a considerable margin in all 6 Wards, and he was supported by blacks and whites. He spoke eloquently about this at an inspiring inaugural ceremony. People all over Natchez were overjoyed.

Unfortunately, thanks to you, the joy didn’t last long. I know you supported Tony Fields, but he lost. Your proper role would have been to try to work with the new mayor for the betterment of the voters of Ward 1 (who voted overwhelmingly for Darryl) and the City of Natchez. But you decided to ignore the voters. On the very first item of business at the first meeting of the new board in front of an enthused audience, you tried to assume power for yourself. The audience was shocked and devastated. The mood had quickly turned from joy to depression and hopelessness.

You did win that vote, but you are not going to take the power away from the voters and the Mayor they elected. We are not going to let you. Darryl received those votes, not you. You may think no one will notice what you did, or we will soon forget all about it. You would be wrong. We saw what you did, and we will not forget. We will be watching. Don’t try this again.

Sincerely,

Casey Ann Hughes

Natchez resident