Dillamar: Recreation should be a basic human need along with health, education and welfare. Through recreational activities, we can provide all citizens the opportunity to grow physically and emotionally by enhancing their quality of life and wellness. In order to do this, we must encourage participation.

We have city and county programs. There appears to exist adequate recreational facilities in the South Ward. The North Ward needs to strive to create recreational facilities appropriate for our youth needs in areas accessible to them, affordable and focused on enhancing their growth and development, cultural heritage as well as their athletic abilities.

Pratt: Through the spirit of cooperation on both sides, joint programs can and will evolve that will enhance the quality of life of city and county citizens alike. Recreation is a wonderful place to start, especially with our young people.

Young: No. There is a huge discrepancy in funds used for city and county recreational facilities. The city invests a significant amount of money for recreational facilities such as the swimming pool, community playgrounds, softball fields, basketball courts, two community centers, the Riverfront Park, and Sherman Avenue Park for its residents to enjoy. The county, however, only has Clear Creek and the Culkin Baseball Field. Recreation does not seem to be a priority for the county. Therefore, consolidation should not be a consideration.

Question 7. Vicksburg now has no written affirmative action plan for hiring and no written plan for minority set-asides in contracts for city business. Should Vicksburg have such plans? Why or why not?

Dillamar: Affirmative action refers to policies aimed at increasing the number of people from certain social groups in employment, education, business, government and other areas. Many states and local governments have created their own affirmative action programs. If we had to develop such a plan, I would support it as long as it ensures fairness in giving everyone equal opportunities for hiring and in contracting for city business.

Pratt: I would support programs of education and training to assure that all businesses, especially small proprietorships, get a fair share of city business. It has been demonstrated that formal set-asides are prone to abuse and do not help those who need it most.

Young: The federal government created affirmative action and minority set-asides to provide equal opportunities to all people, and Vicksburg, with such a diverse population, should welcome such plans.

Question 8: In February 1998, a 2-1 vote by city officials directed the closure of Vicksburg Municipal Airport effective March 31 of that year. If, after taking office, the new city board is called on to vote again on closing Vicksburg Municipal, how will you vote? Why?

Dillamar: Further research is needed to assess the advantages and disadvantages that caused the city to make such recommendation. A precise answer cannot be given at this time.

Pratt: Resolution of the airport issue is critical. It has been very divisive to both the city and the county. It is currently tied up in the courts. We must work with all parties to develop a win-win solution that will accommodate those industries so critical to our economic health while continuing to develop a regional facility capable of meeting our long-term needs safely and efficiently.

Young: I would vote to keep the airport open. This community should have access to every possible means of transportation for convenience as well as economic reasons. Providing as many opportunities as possible to get a bigger tax base should be our goal, on this side of the river bridge, therefore we should make available to any longstanding industries who have proven their commitment to Vicksburg, any kind of assistance we can to maintain their business and employment to our citizens on this side of the river bridge. There have been times in the past that VTR has had to be supplemented by the two local boards over the required amount to maintain the airport. The local industries at the municipal airport are paying taxes, providing jobs and providing community services, so why not work with them in return?

Question 9: What would you do that’s not being done now to improve the appearance of the City of Vicksburg?

Dillamar: It has been written that “Vicksburg is a time-capsule of elegance of the old balanced with the modern convenience of the new that makes Vicksburg such a unique and wonderful place.” I would focus on the beautification of riverfront development to enhance tourism, recreation and economic growth. This will be done through improving landscaping, cleaning, access to the riverfront and providing seating areas.

Pratt: We should stop dragging our feet and implement existing plans. Our waterfront is a disgrace. We should improve the avenues to the downtown via Clay and Washington without further delay. This has been talked about since I was president of Keep Vicksburg Warren Beautiful and the plan that was developed by Mississippi State Landscape Department is still in the planning stage. Let’s start some implementation. I hope to see an ongoing process in the improvements of the appearance of our city and not something that just starts a few months before election.

Young: Elected officials work diligently to improve the appearance of the city by providing trash and white goods removal, landscaping, litter patrol, color-restrictions, and maintaining a close working relationship with Keep Vicksburg Warren Beautiful. I wouldn’t do anything differently, however, I would improve what we already have. I would focus on stronger code enforcement of the city’s ordinances and applying for federal grants for more needed citywide clean-up projects.