To the editor:

Ten years ago my husband and I bought a building on Washington Street in which we added an apartment for ourselves. I love my building, but old buildings require a lot of repair, maintenance and vigilant attention.

When it was brought to my attention that the “field-dried” bricks on the north wall of my building were sloughing off and the condition would worsen, I contracted to have major repair work done last summer. I call this a “trigger crisis” that required change in order to avoid a bigger crisis down the road.

I am concerned that Vicksburg’s “aging” infrastructure may be fast moving toward a crisis, as my old building was.

It has been brought to my attention that there are “active” gas and water leaks all over the city.

A gas leak is potential for a major explosion if certain elements come together at a given time. I do not want my building to explode or catch on fire.

Is our present city administration addressing these leaks, or will it take a major “trigger crisis” for all these leaks to be fixed?

Is the present administration keeping our whole infrastructure sound?

Another “trigger for change” is when the burden of the “status quo” becomes so overwhelming that the people want to pursue change. Every spring I watch the river rise and I can imagine the dread of those facing rising waters.

Is the present administration working with the residents of flood-prone areas to alleviate a yearly threat?

Are the most vulnerable residents of our city being encouraged to see their own assets and potential for making lasting changes, or do they wearily accept the “status quo?”

A third “trigger for change” is the introduction of a new way of doing or seeing things that could improve people’s lives.

Is the present administration using a development approach that focuses on identifying, mobilizing, and connecting the God-given capabilities, skills, and resources of people and communities?

I do note that Mayor Flaggs is promoting “swimming” and “self esteem” among young people. This is a good thing. It will save lives and make them feel better about themselves, but will it keep them in Vicksburg?

What is the present administration doing about the city’s declining population?

I love Vicksburg. I want to see a city administration that can and will identify, mobilize, and connect the wonderful people and amazing resources of this area.

This kind of change takes a long time, but the process is worth it.

This kind of change is not tragic like a “trigger crisis,” nor does it produce the drama that sometimes comes when “status quo” can no longer be tolerated.

Change that comes with asset-based development is empowering and lasting. This kind of change is my hope for Vicksburg. This kind of change is my prayer for Vicksburg.

Glynn Lassiter
Vicksburg