, 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?

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?

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.

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?

Young: Unlike many municipalities, we were very fortunate to have money in reserve to subsidize utility billing. We have considered subsidizing senior-citizen billing, however, according to the Attorney General’s Office, this act would be considered a form of discrimination. As a municipality we are prohibited from using taxpayers’ funds to supplement citizens who are unable to pay their utilities. This is also considered a form of discrimination. Legally, we can and do provide, on an individual basis, payment plans for citizens in these situations.

Question 11: Vicksburg has about 600 employees and a $15.8 million payroll, putting the cost per employee at about $26,300. Have you compared these numbers with other American municipalities about the same size? Do you have an idea of how many people should be on the city payroll? Are you satisfied with compensation levels? Too high? Too low?

Young: The City of Vicksburg provides a variety of services that are not performed in other municipalities that are the same size. Through attrition and the utilization of part-time employees, we have decreased our workforce by 100 employees. If an employee retires or leaves under any other circumstances, the position is not filled unless it is absolutely necessary. Taking all of these factors into consideration, one must ask what services can you (taxpayer) afford to give up?

Question 12: Please summarize your views about the Vicksburg Convention Center, its use, management and funding.

Young: The Vicksburg Convention Center is an asset to this community because of its tourism capabilities. Through the new management firm, new money will flow into our city because Vicksburg will be more competitive in markets that were previously unavailable.

Question 13. What do you consider Vicksburg’s most important asset? What plans do you have to use or support this asset more effectively?

Young: Vicksburg’s most important asset is its people. Vicksburg would practically sell itself if we took advantage of the current resources already available such as the Vicksburg Convention Center, National Military Park, casinos, etc., the fact that Vicksburg is a designated retirement community and the openness and caring spirit of its people.

Question 14. Who are your personal heroes in public life? Why?

Young: I do not have a personal hero in public life, but looking into the community as a whole, I would have to say people like Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Doyle, the late Mr. Frank Summers, Pastor Eric Thomas, Mrs. Pauline Renfrow and the beautiful children of Vicksburg are my heroes. They take pride in their community, they love and accept people for who they are, and they constantly look for the good in people without expecting anything in return.

Question 15: Looking back four years from now, what do you hope to be able to say that you and your fellow city board members accomplished?

Young: A cleaner, safer, more prosperous Vicksburg.