To the Editor:
A recent headline in the Star Herald pretty much confirmed what I’ve suspected regarding the potential for growth and development in Attala county.
The Central Mississippi Workforce Analysis pretty much states the obvious to those that are on the outside of the local ”good ol boy network” that has mismanaged the county for decades
Like other studies in the recent past that have advised that changes are necessary for positive growth, this one may be ignored as well.
In the March 22 edition of this publication, Board of Supervisors Chairman Charles Francher gave Rep. Jason White (R) a “good ol boy” pat on the back for “what he’s doing down there (Ms. Legislature) to get us some money.” He referred to Senate Bill 3046, which deals with roads, bridges and infrastructure. It was sponsored by Fillingame and Simmons, neither of which have anything to do with Attala County.
A number of counties got lots of extra goodies in that bill…none of those counties were named Attala. As far as I can tell, Rep.White was just one of the lemmings that voted for this bill that robs Peter (MDOT) to pay Paul (county boards).
Given our Board’s dismal track record on growth and development, giving them carte blanche to make spending decisions is irresponsible.
Let’s see… Rep. White represents Attala, Leake, Carroll and Holmes counties. Holmes County has the distinction of be having one of the worst economies in America — not just Mississippi, folks — America!
It’s clear that since Rep. White took office, he has done little to improve the lives of his general constituency and his agenda is to work for the Board of Supervisors, not YOU. I’ve tried to engage Rep. White on four occasions over the last several years by going to his office and leaving my contact information. Once as a constituent, once as Trump campaign county chair, and twice as Attala County GOP vice chair, with ZERO response.
Conversely, in the recent past, I’ve had a meeting with one of our Governor’s economic policy advisors, a Mississippi state senator, and several conversations with Senator Roger Wicker, all of whom were respectful and genuinely interested in my concerns. While Rep. White may sport an “R” by his name nowadays, he has ZERO interaction with his local GOP organization. That is unacceptable. I hear we are represented by a Mississippi State Senator as well, but I’ve seen no direct evidence of this also.
When a county has only 52% of residents engaged in the workforce at pay rates way lower than the norm, then local leadership must be held accountable.
Back in the 60’s, my dad bought a tow truck in order to add another revenue stream to his auto shop business. He intended to get on the call rotation with local law enforcement and the highway patrol. Unfortunately, the “good ol boy network” was impenetrable and he was unable to benefit from his effort. In their “honor,” he added a Latin phrase to his sign on 43S — “Illegitamati non carborundum.” To this day, nothing has changed.
When a member of your local Board of Supervisors openly states that they are a dictatorship on certain issues, well, that’s pretty scary folks. There is an alternative to electing lawyers and politicians whose motto is, “I get paid anyway.”
It will take a grassroots effort by all of the underrepresented people in our county and congressional district to make positive changes. There is time to add some “diversity” to our local election by filling up that rarely used “Republican” column on the next ballot. No matter where you stand on the “controversial” issues, you are probably a Christian conservative and that qualifies you to run with an “R” by your name.
As a wise man recenty asked, “What have you got to lose?”!!!
Dana Gwin
Attala County chairman
Trump campaign
