Let’s take Vicksburg back from the politicians – here’s how

It is time to take our city back from the life-long politicians. We can do it by changing our form of government, and we can do that with the right person in the North Ward Alderman’s seat.

The way Vicksburg works right now, we have two people who decide where about 34 million dollars go, who gets a job, and who runs which department. This system opens the door to favoritism and nepotism. Money winds up in the pockets of groups, friends, and organizations that, in turn, vote for whoever gave them the money. Over the past several years, Mayor Flaggs and his yes vote have given these groups over 5 million of your tax dollars. That includes $5000 they gave to the Vicksburg Daily News to do a public concert at Washington Street Park on October 24, 2020.

Our community’s success and financial ability all come down to who gets elected to the power seats. If we have a corrupt mayor, then we’re screwed for four years. If we have a lifelong politician, then every penny goes through their hands and into the hands of political cronies and allies.

Vicksburg has been using this archaic and inefficient system for 111 years. If you wonder why Vicksburg hasn’t taken off as an economic center with high-paying jobs and low crime, this ancient system keeps us unable to compete in the modern world. Only 1% of the country still uses this system of government, and it is not competitive.

Here is the form of government that modern cities use across America to combat this 111-year-old archaic and inefficient system. This new system employs a city manager and a council to oversee them. We will have a mayor, but they will be a figurehead to cut ribbons and kiss babies.

This new system is set up just like a big corporation, which is basically what we are. You have a CEO and a Board of directors. The board, along with the CEO, forms goals for the city, keeps the company financially viable and makes financial decisions based on what is best for the company and not who knows who.

The first financial decision that should be made is that council members are not paid or are paid a minimal amount. That means our $126,000 a year mayor and 90k aldermen go away and are replaced with 5 or 7 non-politicians whose sole purpose is ensuring our tax dollars are well and smartly spent.

I am certain there are five or seven people of goodwill in our community who will monitor the CEO/city manager.

That’s it. That’s the plan. It’s that easy.

This change can be made by the new North Ward Alderman and one other vote.

Mayor Flaggs?

Alderman Monsour?

What about you, the taxpayers of Vicksburg? What do you want to do?

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