On June 2, Starkville citizens will elect either Marnita Henderson or Parker Wiseman as their mayor. I know neither personally, though I met Ms. Henderson after the last forum and sent her a small campaign contribution. Most of what I know about them I learned from the forum, TV, newspapers, and internet sites.
Parker Wiseman appears to be an exceptionally bright young man, who has worked hard preparing himself for a political career. I’m reasonably sure he will have a successful one, but not right now, I hope. Mr. Wiseman’s credentials are impressive, but they are the credentials of a student. I’d rather not give the reins of my city to a 28 year old, who was absent from Starkville for several years before his recent return.
Marnita Henderson does not have Mr. Wiseman’s fine educational background, but she is otherwise prepared for the job. She is a former Starkville public health nurse who has been an active participant in meetings of the Starkville Board of Aldermen for the past 10 years. That experience plus her 45 years as a Starkville resident has made her intimately familiar with the problems Starkville has experienced over the years and how they have been handled or mishandled. She knows the city, and her knowledge of its government, its history, and what has worked and what hasn’t is a distinct advantage for her.
I see Ms. Henderson as the Mama Bear, protecting the finances, property rights, and well-being of her Starkville family. I see Mr. Wiseman as the bear cub, full of vigor and promise, but as yet, unlicked. I came to Starkville almost 29 years ago and have witnessed an unbroken line of bald-headed men preside over this city. Let’s give a woman, Marnita Henderson, a chance – for a change.
Eric Villavaso
Starkville, MS 39759
so applying the same logic given above we can resonably expect that a person that has lived near a nuclear reactor for 45 years would be better equipped to manage that reactor than someone that went to school (in another town) and was educated for that purpose.
how can we live in a town that sits on the doorstep of a major university and say that someone that is educated in public policy is less qualified than someone that has simply attended board meetings? is there no value in education anymore?
you don’t have to have lived in starkville for your entire life to see that it has problems. its time that we recognized that having new people involved in local politics is a good thing. having a fresh perspective on problems leads to new solutions.
Mama Bear…seriously?!? Do we really want Mama Bear to run our city? I want a strong leader who will take action and make decisions not someone to “baby” us. Can someone please tell me why she is more qualified without using nursery rhyme terms?
Mark, I totally agree. How can we, one of the most highly educated populations in the state, devalue education in this elections? Just does not make sense to me.