Editor’s Note: this article is being published after The Post was notified by the Heritage Guild that Ward 2 Alderman Candidate Vickie Bailey’s responses were sent by the deadline to an old email for the organization. 

The Heritage Guild of Vicksburg & Warren County recently asked municipal candidates for Vicksburg’s mayor and Ward 2 alderman for their position on historic preservation. The Heritage Guild is a volunteer organization established in 2016 and open to all to join their efforts to champion the community’s historical assets.

Candidates were given questions on May 12 and asked to respond by May 22. Ward 2 Alderman candidate Vickie Bailey responded by the deadline, but emailed her responses to an old email address for The Heritage Guild.

Incumbent Mayor George Flaggs Jr. and challenger Willis Thompson responded to the questionnaire. Incumbent Ward 2 Alderman Alex Monsour also responded. Their answers can be viewed at this link. Mayoral candidate Kasman Massey did not respond.

Question 1A: A significant multimillion dollar opportunity is coming to Vicksburg. The Vicksburg Civil War Visitors Center is a new partnership with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park & Campaign and the National Park Service. The Center will house a world class museum with event space, classrooms, and state of the art research facilities. Opening in 2028 the City has three years to prepare for the economic opportunities of the increase in visitors to our State and City. Vicksburg and Warren County citizens have long expressed concern over the unkept appearance of our town and interstate I-20 as the entrance and exit to Mississippi. There is blight, litter, vacant and poorly maintained properties on the corridors into our historic City. What would you propose to create a welcoming, safe and inviting atmosphere for our town?

Bailey: Vicksburg is a city with a remarkable history and unmatched potential. We are known for our pivotal role in the Confederacy, the Siege of Vicksburg, and as the home of the Vicksburg National Military Park. Our riverfront, antebellum homes, historic downtown, and our strategic location along the Mississippi River make us uniquely positioned to become a true destination for tourists from around the world. Yes, I too share the concerns of your organization and many residents about our city’s neighborhoods and entrances especially along I-20 and the Riverfront; which have become eyesores, plagued by overgrown grass, litter, vacant & dilapidated properties, and neglected public spaces. These issues not only detract from our curb appeal, but also impact our safety, pride, and economic potential. To create a welcoming, safe, and inviting atmosphere, I propose:

• Beautification & Infrastructure: Develop and implement an immediate and ongoing clean-up plan of action and
  schedule maintenance throughout the city, launch cleanup campaigns, restoring
  neglected corridors, and maintaining our public spaces; especially the gateways
  (corridors) which shape first impressions.
• Community Pride: I Plan on Initiating a “Restoring Pride in Vicksburg” campaign as a means of
  encouraging residents, businesses, and civic groups to adopt blocks, plant flowers, and
  showcase the southern hospitality we are known for.
• Public Safety: Repairing sidewalks and streets, increasing lighting, and enforcing property
  maintenance codes to ensure safety and accessibility for all.

Question 1B: What will be your plan to address and solve these issues with the City’s legal resources?

Bailey: The city already has ordinances and policies in place to address blight, litter, and property neglect, however they need to be enforced consistently and fairly. As your Alderwoman, I will:

• Implement a check and balance system to ensure Basic Services are being Rendered.
• Ensure the city delivers the basic services that residents deserve such as routine maintenance, timely repairs, and regular clean-up.
• Also taking the initiative of canvassing our community on a regular and consistent basis to inspect what we expect!
• Enforce Existing Ordinances: Work with our city attorney to streamline enforcement, expedite abatement of derelict properties, and, where necessary, pursue acquisition for public benefit.
• Transparency & Accountability: Publish regular reports on code enforcement and progress, so residents can see
  tangible results and hold leadership accountable.

Question 1C: How will you engage property owners, organizations, and citizens to enhance our community to showcase the new Vicksburg Civil War Visitors Center?

Bailey: With the opening of the Vicksburg Civil War Visitors Center in 2028, we have a multimillion-dollar opportunity to showcase our city’s history and hospitality. I am committed to being proactive in capitalizing on this moment by:

• Stakeholder Engagement: Hosting quarterly forums with property owners, business leaders, and preservation
  groups to coordinate efforts and share resources.
• Incentives: Proposing tax incentives or grants for owners who restore and maintain historic properties, especially along key visitor corridors.
• Volunteerism: Partnering with organizations like the Heritage Guild for regular clean-up days, beautification projects, and educational campaigns.
• Marketing: Collaborating with the Vicksburg Welcome Center, Tourism, the Main Street Program and the Architectural Review Board, and the Vicksburg Theatre Guild to promote Vicksburg’s unique stories—from the National Military Park to our Blues Heritage, Riverfront, and Historic homes.

Question 2A: The City’s Main Street program and the Architectural Review Board have been integral in Vicksburg’s preservation efforts for over thirty years. A preservation professional employed by the City could initiate best 21 century practices to programs such as: comprehensive preservation plan, disaster plan, liaison with developers/contractors on city ordinances, and grant writing. This position could support the existing Main Street Program and develop a separate City Historic Preservation Board to move beyond that of review/ implementing city guidelines to one which is more focused and engaged in developing and sustaining preservation efforts for our community. Would you support a professional preservation staff position?

Bailey: Yes, I am open to exploring the creation of a professional preservation staff position for the city. A dedicated preservation professional could:

• Bring expertise in best practices, grant writing, and coordination with developers and
  contractors.
• Support the Main Street Program and the Historic Preservation Board.
• Help secure funding and ensure our preservation efforts are strategic and sustainable.

I also propose forming a task force—including city officials, preservation experts, and community members—to evaluate this initiative and ensure it aligns with our community’s needs and resources. I am also open to leveraging consultants and grant-funded positions as we build capacity. In closing, Vicksburg is a city with a rich history, breathtaking river views, antebellum homes, and a downtown full of charm and potential. By simply rendering the basic services that our city should provide, enforcing existing ordinances, and working together as a community, we can fully showcase our heritage and become a global tourist destination. I am committed to transparency, community engagement, and real action—not just talk. I look forward to working with the Heritage Guild and all citizens to make this vision a reality and a beacon for the world to visit and see!