July 31, 2010

Starkville resident featured in art show

A small break from wall-to-wall election coverage courtesy of the Ledger.

Starkville artist Marita Gootee will be featured along with 9 other Mississippians in an exhibit staring August 1 at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Gootee was selected from 100 submissions.

Behind the numbers: Mayoral finance reports

Sounds like a VH-1 special doesn’t it?

Booming announcer voice:

“They hope to lead Starkville for the next four years. Their differences are as great as their personalities. Next on ‘Behind the Numbers,’ Camp, Cox, Henderson and Wiseman.” (With all apologies to Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe.)

Dan Camp campaign financial report (PDF, 2.3 megs)

Matt Cox campaign financial report (PDF, 1.8 megs)

Marnita Henderson campaign financial report (PDF, .83 megs)

Parker Wiseman campaign financial report (PDF, 2.8 megs)

Letter to the editor: Jeremiah Dumas

Dear Ward 5 Friends and Neighbors,

Many of us don’t have an opportunity to choose our hometown. In fact, the idea itself seems a little shaky, but I can answer that timeless question: Yes, you can go home again. After growing up in Starkville, college in Clinton, and a decade-long professional life in Jackson, I came back home to Starkville last fall.

Over the past few months, my family and I have been reconnecting with old friends and getting to know new ones, including Jeremiah Dumas. In personal and professional settings, I have seen Jeremiah exhibit leadership, integrity and a commitment to our community. When he announced his candidacy for alderman, I knew that his intellect, work ethic and passion for service could make a difference in Ward 5 and our city.

My family and I are supporting Jeremiah Dumas for Ward 5 alderman. We hope that you will join us and make a proven, positive and progressive choice May 5.

Jim Laird
100 Copperfield Court
Starkville, MS 39759

StarkvilleNow Podcast April 30, 2009 Eric Parker (Ward 3 R)

Eric Parker is featured on this edition of the StarkvilleNow podcast.  Parker talks about his decision to run for the seat in Ward 3 and his agenda for the next term.

[podcast]http://www.starkville-now.com/media/Podcasts/StarkvilleNow_April262009_EricParker.mp3[/podcast]

(24:48, MP3, 7.1 megs)

StarkvilleNow Podcast April 28, 2009 Political analysis with Brian Hawkins and Sumner Davis

Two of Starkville’s politicos try their hand at analysis of the upcoming municipal election.  Starkville Daily News editor Brian Hawkins and Ward 1 Alderman Sumner Davis look at the candidates running and their platforms.

[podcast]http://www.starkville-now.com/media/Podcasts/StarkvilleNow_April282009_Hawkins_Davis.mp3[/podcast]

(39:58, MP3, 11.4 megs)

Wiseman supporter letter to the editor

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

My name is Ricky Bishop, and I have been a citizen of Starkville for around four years. I am active in the Republican Party and have never supported a Democratic candidate before. I chose Starkville to be my adopted home and therefore want to see the city be the best that it can be. That is why for the first time I will be voting in the Democratic primary to help elect our next mayor, Parker Wiseman.

Parker is a young energetic candidate who has a passion for making his home town a better place.  Parker Wiseman is the only candidate in this race who has a detailed platform about what he plans to do as the next Mayor of Starkville.  His plans are rooted in the firm foundation of his training at the University of North Carolina in one of the best city management programs in the country.  Parker not only talks about Starkville needing more economic development, but he talks about the different approaches he would take to achieve economic development.  Parker also talks about having a better land use policy for the city of Starkville which is much needed.  Over 65% of the land in Starkville is currently undeveloped, yet the current Mayor and Board of Alderman have no plan for how that land should be developed.  Parker believes this land should be developed in a way that will be attractive and will help bring businesses to Starkville.  Parker also talks about public safety.  I agree with Parker that it is time to stop talking about building a new municipal complex and time to get it done.  Our police department deserves better space than what they currently have and the citizens of Starkville also deserve better.  And last Parker talks about governing the city better.  This is a skill that is much needed in Starkville right now.  Starkville needs to stop reacting to issues and plan ahead.  Starkville needs a comprehensive road strategy; a comprehensive land use strategy; and Starkville needs a Mayor who will lead this city in the right direction.  Parker Wiseman is a natural born leader.  Look at his service to Mississippi State and you will see why Starkville needs him as our next Mayor.  Parker worked with City Hall, Mississippi State University administrators, and the community to get things done.  The biggest example of Parker’s leadership is Bulldog Bash and the Old Main Music Festival.  As Student Body President, Parker worked with the students, city leaders, and the university to turn both events into what they are today.  We need a consensus builder who will accept nothing but the best for Starkville as our next mayor.  Parker will put an end to the indifference to major issues we have experienced from our current city leaders.

I’ll be voting to move Starkville forward in the Democratic Primary on Tuesday May 5th. I’ll be voting for Parker Wiseman.

Ricky Bishop

Interesting info about rural jobs

According to this article from DailyYonder.com, rural areas help onto their jobs longer than metropolitan areas, but are shedding them faster now.

In the same vein, here is the breakdown of jobs in the state by county from the MDES in PDF form.

Oktibbeha is behind Lowndes and Lafayette counties, but not by much.  All three made the second highest classification of employment according to the form.

New Poll, election version

New StarkvilleNow.com poll is up and it is about the election, of course.

“One week out, who do you think will win the Democratic primary for Mayor?”

* Matt Cox
* Dan Camp
* Parker Wiseman

Vote early, vote often.

Free BBQ courtesy of Parents for Public Schools

Celebrate education!

Parents for Public Schools is hosting the 2nd Annual Education Celebration BBQ on Thursday, April 30, at 5:30 pm on the lawn of the Greensboro Center.

You and your family are invited to show students, teachers, administrators and parents how much you appreciate their hard work!

PPS is hosting an End of the Year Celebration to celebrate another successful year in the Starkville School District. Entertainment will be provided the SHS Jazz Band and Starkville’s own Nash Street Band. There will also be face painting by the SHS cheerleaders and balloon animals for the children.

You’re invited to be a part of the FUN! Bring your family! Invite your
friends and neighbors! Free BBQ plates will be served to the first 500 guests! Sorry, no carry out plates available. In case of rain, event
will be moved to AMS Cafeteria.

Starkville Now Podcast April 27, 2009 Henry Vaughn, Sr. (Ward 7 R)

The StarkvilleNow Podcast focuses on the Ward 7 race with Alderman hopeful Henry Vaughn, Sr.  Vaughn discusses his decision to run against the incumbent Janette Self.

[podcast]http://www.starkville-now.com/media/Podcasts/StarkvilleNow_April242009_HenryVaughn.mp3[/podcast]

(15:21, MP3, 4.4 megs)