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