, 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?

Bailey: I will vote in the best interest for the City of Vicksburg. There is information surrounding Vicksburg Municipal Airport that I and the general public do not know. Therefore, it would be inappropriate for me to give an answer on this issue while I’m presently running for office. Also, it would not be in the best interest of my constituents to give an answer on this subject and not know the underlying factors associated with making a decision of this magnitude. However, if we can reach a win/win situation where the businessmen can acquire Vicksburg Municipal Airport and it not be a liability for the city then that’s my vote. My job as alderwoman will consist of serving and protecting the interests and residents for the city of Vicksburg. The interests of these businessmen need to be addressed as well.

Beauman: The city, to the best of my knowledge, is still waiting for a higher court ruling as to Judge Vollor’s ruling. This matter would need to be taken care of first. There are things like the possibility of the main railroad yard being moved to the airport that could be a determining factor. As things stand today, I see reasons for both keeping it open and closing it. I would need to look at all issues involved on both sides in order to make an educated decision and would do so before voting. My main objective in this matter would be what would be best for the majority of the citizens of Vicksburg and its economic development.

Johnson: I always weigh the costs versus the benefits of any monumental change in critical facilities such as Vicksburg Municipal Airport. I would rather see a merger of the new with the old, if possible. Otherwise, I would have to see a major need for such a critical decision for change. I would have no problem if it turns out to be of great benefit to the greatest number of people within the municipality.

Mosley: I intend to investigate the closing of the Vicksburg Municipal Airport and the funding, operation and security of the new airport and vote accordingly when and if proposed. Personally, I feel that the new airport is inconvenient.

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

Bailey: Accountability. The need to transform communities into clean and safe environments is urgent. Citizens of Vicksburg talk about Southern tradition and the rich history of Vicksburg, and the idea that this could possibly be a first-class tourist attraction. How can anyone living here or visiting here see the tradition and history, for the slums and blighted areas in and around Vicksburg? If you walk about eight or 10 blocks from the center of Vicksburg, you will be in the midst of a slum neighborhood. Holding people accountable for their actions and non actions relating to the condition of their property will make a world of difference for the appearance of Vicksburg. In my opinion, most of the eyesores that I see are rental property. I am focusing on rental property because most homeowners tend to take care of their property; on the other hand most renters are not inclined to do so. Most slum residents (renters) and landlords have a disregard for quality of life and their surroundings, in my opinion. As a result, public opinion and intervention have to step in. There are sufficient ordinances and codes in place to remedy and maintain communities, but no one is abiding by them, nor are they being enforced. If sufficient action is taken, then this situation and Vicksburg can move toward a common goal of a beautiful, clean, and safe city where people can live and visit.

Beauman: Daily, planned maintenance. “You can pay me now or you can pay me later.” Most of the time if you wait until it breaks to fix it, you spend more than you would if you maintained it. The obvious things are streets and structures that need work. However, if we had strict building codes as to types of structures and zoning codes that determine location that were properly enforced, this would be an easier task. The city needs to develop a theme for different areas (i.e. downtown, recreational areas, green belts, etc.) that would be adhered to totally.

Johnson: One of my major goals would be to see that Clay Street, as the gateway to the city, is festooned with the most beautiful array of flowers possible. I would do the same for Washington Street wherever possible. I would also insist that vacant buildings be cleaned up and renovated by their owners. There is no sense in the downtown area being as ugly as it is. A clean and beautiful appearance would symbolize a clean and honest government at City Hall.

Mosley: Local public and private commercial structures like the old Halls Ferry School in disrepair and unused need to be addressed and brought up to higher community standards.

Question 10: In 2000, water, sewer, and garbage collection rates were increased drastically to bring them more in line with the city’s actual costs for these services. These increases offset a multimillion-dollar supplement being paid from the general fund. Should consumers pay the actual costs of city utilities or should there be cost sharing, as was practiced previously, to limit bills of those less able to pay?

Bailey: I support cost sharing because we are all in this together. These services are absolute necessities for community living. However, there is information surrounding the city’s budget that I am not privileged to at this time. Nevertheless, I will do my best to lighten the burden of the residents.

Beauman: I feel that a person should pay for what they use. However, if written guidelines were established prior to an emergency and funding set to pay for same, I think we could handle both items. There should be limits set as to how much could be covered, a time frame for payment and a limit as to how much could accumulate in this emergency fund.

Johnson: A core function of any government is the redistribution of its key resources, namely capital goods and social services. Tax revenues are designed to require that those who benefit most from public facilities (roads, lights, clean water, fresh air) should offset the shortfall of the less fortunate. City government should use taxes rather than higher billing.

Mosley: With the drastic increase in cost, there should have been an increase in quality of service. Social assistance programs should be incorporated with workfare programs according to needs.