Vicksburg Constituents Weight City Government Change
A comprehensive public information session was conducted last week in the Warren County Courthouse, shedding light on alternatives to the current governance structure in Vicksburg. The meeting aimed at educating constituents about potential changes to the city’s governance model, thus answering the rising demand from locals. The gathering was led by Dr. Dallas Breen, the executive director of John C. Stennis Institute of Government and Community Development at Mississippi State University.
A Move toward Transparency and Engagement
Dr. Breen elucidated the multiple forms of government in Mississippi and how they differ. He also offered an analysis of the potential benefits and drawbacks each governance form could bring to Vicksburg. He clarified that the role was to make sure everyone understands basic levels of the forms of government allowed by the State of Mississippi. The aim was to provide information without advocating for changes in government.
The information session came in response to an ongoing petition by a group of locals requesting a change to the City of Vicksburg’s governance structure. The petition, requiring around 1,400 signatures for a ballot initiative, has currently garnered around 800 signatures.
Time for a Change?
Marilyn Terry, an active member of the petition group and lifelong Vicksburg resident, expressed concern about the current condition of the City of Vicksburg and emphasized the need for a discussion regarding whether the current form of government should be sustained or changed.
Unraveling the State of Civic Affairs
Despite the Mississippi constitution outlining numerous forms of government, Breen highlighted that Vicksburg’s situation is unique because it operates under a private charter.
The team recommends shifting from the existing model, akin to a “commission” form, to a “council-manager” structure. Under the suggested setup, voters would elect a city council, including a mayor and probably five council members. Thereafter, the council would hire a city manager.
Clearing Common Misconceptions
Dr. Eddie French, a professor at the Mississippi State University, dispelled many misconceptions around this topic. French noted that while a city manager would be responsible for many decision-making activities under the proposed “council-manager” form, the task of employing and dismissing the manager rests with the board, which makes the city manager accountable to the council.
Obstacles and Opportunities
City leaders largely oppose any changes, citing difficulties in unanimous decision-making with an enlarged council as a reason to sustain the ongoing system. Contrarily, Terry argues that removing politics from municipal decisions is exactly what Vicksburg needs to address its current issues. She believes this to be the driving force of the group advocating for a ballot initiative that would let Vicksburg voters have their say.
Breen clarified that a change in government form does not necessarily indicate a change in leadership. He added that the ultimate power to effectuate reforms lies in the hands of the voters.
Further Information and Action
Terry informed about the petition which can be accessed online or at the Levee Street Market. She also urged the citizens to use their voting rights to shape the future of their city. A full recording of the remarks from Breen and French may be found on The Vicksburg Post’s Facebook page.
