From staff reports

Tuesday, voters in Vicksburg go to the polls where the ballot will feature one contest between two candidates. Democratic nominee Paul Winfield is seeking to unseat incumbent Mayor Laurence Leyens, who won his previous two terms and is seeking his third as an independent.

Before primary voting, Winfield and Leyens responded in writing to nine questions mailed to them by The Vicksburg Post.

Winfield’s responses are being repeated from his primary bid and Leyens’ responses are being printed for the first time.

The person with the most votes Tuesday will serve a four-year term.

•

1. Traffic citations by the Vicksburg Police Department have been criticized and praised in letters to the editor. What is your assessment of the department overall?

Paul Winfield: The Vicksburg Police Department is in need of improvement.  Under the current administration, the focus has been more profit driven, e.g. routine traffic stops resulting in thousands of arrests for fine collections, rather than solving crimes perpetrated against citizens of Vicksburg. According to current U.S. Census Bureau statistics, local crime rates exceed the national average in areas of murder, rape, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, and arson, among others. As Mayor, I will work to reduce crime, by (1) hiring the right people to fill the right positions within the department and allow them to do their jobs; (2) putting more police officers on the streets by hiring civilians to do administrative tasks within the department; (3) reprioritizing our focus on the youth by attracting productive activities as an alternative to criminal behavior; (4) and, initiating community policing to improve relationships and restore trust in the department. 

Laurence Leyens: As reported in the Post earlier this year, tickets are up and fatalities are down. People continue to break traffic laws and our police department continues to enforce them. For those who feel this is unfair, I ask: How many tickets is a life worth? Our highly trained police officers — in every division — have made a huge difference in making Vicksburg a better place to live. I am proud of Vicksburg’s police and fire safety services and stand behind Chief Tommy Moffett and Chief Keith Rogers.

2. Largely due to gaming revenue, Vicksburg has perhaps the highest budget per-citizen of any city in the region. How should this city’s revenue advantages be used to better benefit the people who live here?

Winfield: Reduced taxes, safer neighborhoods and improved city services are just a few benefits that should be afforded to all of our residents. The City of Vicksburg has received millions of dollars in form of tax revenues from the gaming industry. Unfortunately, the current administration has mostly spent city funds in certain areas of our community, while ignoring others. City revenues should benefit those who have located their homes and businesses in the limits.

Leyens: Gaming revenue has allowed us to retain the same tax rate for the past 14 years in spite of the fact that the cost of running government has gone up substantially. This administration has replaced nearly all low-pressure gas systems (100 years old); provided extensive street paving; spent millions to rehabilitate our waste treatment plant, water treatment plant, water supply lines and sewer system. Future investment in hydroturbine electric generator technology will potentially reduce millage rates by 8, equal to one-third of city property taxes.

3. Are you satisfied with the working relationship between city and county governments? Do you have plans to change or increase combined services?

Winfield: As the former Warren County board attorney, I know firsthand the relationship between the current administration and county officials.  It has been my observation that the current administration has failed to work effectively with the county on matters that would have directly benefited the city.  As a result, the city jeopardized ambulance and rescue services for county residents. I have an established relationship with the county supervisors. As mayor, I will work with county officials to identify opportunities to partner more with the county to benefit the citizens of Vicksburg.

Leyens: I am not satisfied with our working relationship. Common goals and objectives for both governments should be the norm, since both governments serve the same constituents. All city residents are county taxpayers and pay the majority of county tax revenue (in addition to the taxes they pay the city). Until citizens have a clear understanding and expectation of the officials they elect, the status quo will continue. As for combined services, it makes total sense to consolidate duplication of services — such as recreation, emergency response and animal services.

4. Please state your intentions about citizen access to meetings of city officials and public records maintained by the city, including police and fire investigations.

Winfield: My administration will fully comply with the Mississippi Open Meetings and Public Records Act.

Leyens: I am a staunch believer in open government. City board meetings are aired live on TV23, allowing citizens to participate in government and become informed. Local radio and newspaper coverage, along with the City’s Web site (Vicksburg.org), provide overviews of week-to-week activities of government. Vicksburg is governed by the same rules as every Mississippi municipality, and makes records available through the City Clerk’s office with the submission of a formal public records request. Information related to fire and police investigations, however, cannot be shared if such information is essential to an ongoing crime investigation.

5. What is the future of NRoute?

Winfield: I support the NRoute transit system. NRoute is an important tool for economic development because it provides our citizens, including the elderly and disabled, with the freedom of mobility to shop, play and work.  It also employs a number of our citizens.

Leyens: Our administration established public transportation (NRoute) because it directly impacts quality of life, making it possible for people to get to medical care, to work and to goods and services. Transportation is one of industry’s criteria when looking at new sites. The city has established a separate commission to operate NRoute, enabling it to seek advertisers, chartering and grants. These would not be available under city ownership. Vicksburg contributed approximately $230,000 to NRoute this year and will continue to ensure that NRoute serves the public.

6. The Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved an $18.2 million bond issue in 2002 and a $16.9 million bond issue in 2007. Would you support another bond issue, and, if so, what projects might a bond issue be suitable for?

Winfield: I would consider supporting a bond issue for a worthy project or initiative, if there is support from the community. The most important question to ask is whether the bond issuance is in the best interests of the city. There are several projects that could be critical to the potential growth of our city such as a wastewater treatment facility or improvements to the current city water and sewer lines in underserved areas. These types of projects could significantly reduce the cost of construction and improve living conditions for our citizens. As mayor, I will be fiscally responsible when spending public money.

Leyens: The 2002 bond was $17 million. The 2007 bond, while for $16.9 million, included a grant for $5 million, lowering cost to taxpayers to $11.9 million. This administration has maintained the same annual expenditure of repayment by refinancing old debt from previous administrations that was obtained at a high interest rate. Those debts have been paid off, and the first bond has been paid off. Since we have not spent the dollars from the present bond (roads, urban renewal of Washington and Oak Street corridor, bridge repair and recreational facility), we see no reason to consider another bond issue at this time.

7. Does Vicksburg need to annex? Will that happen during your term?

Winfield: I do not believe an annexation would be feasible for our community’s future growth.  I do not anticipate an annexation during my administration. Rather, I will work to improve the condition of underserved areas that have already been annexed, like Kings and Warrenton.

Leyens: Currently, 5,500 people commute to Vicksburg daily for jobs. Community growth is imperative to a community’s economic future. Over the past eight years, this administration has spent in excess of $10 million to add services to people who were annexed decades ago. I will not support annexation unless a specific established financial plan, with an implementation schedule, is attached to the agreement that we commit to annexed citizens.

8. How would you complete the sentence, “Vicksburg’s most crucial challenge is …” Explain how you would meet that challenge.

Winfield: Vicksburg’s most crucial challenge is to implement a progressive vision that will make our city a model community in the state and throughout the Southeast region.

Leyens: The crucial challenge is to continue the momentum currently being experienced by our city, to advance the vision already in place, and to empower local citizens to expect more of their elected officials for the results that will benefit our children and their children in the years to come.

9. What should be on voters’ minds as they make their choice on election day?

Winfield: The voters have a clear choice to make as we consider what direction to take our city. Voters should consider whether they want four more years of the same old policies from the current administration, that have clearly been exclusive rather than inclusive of all the citizens of Vicksburg. Vicksburg needs a mayor for the people. I offer a unique opportunity to empower all citizens to be a part of the growth and vision of Vicksburg. I will bring fresh ideas and an energized spirit to the mayor’s position coupled with a solid track record in working with and respecting people despite their differences.

Leyens: Voters should ask themselves which candidate and which platform will provide the best and brightest future for our children.

*

Mayoral election

Tuesday, June 2; polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Polling locations

• Auditorium — Vicksburg City Auditorium, 901 Monroe St.

• Cedar Grove — Rolling Acres Community Center, 131 Elizabeth Circle

• St. Aloysius — St. Aloysius School gym, 1900 Grove St.

• American Legion — American Legion Post 3, 1712 Monroe St.

• Vicksburg Junior High School — Warren Central Junior High School, 1630 Baldwin Ferry Road

• No. 7 fire station — No. 7 fire station, 3217 Washington St.

• Elks Lodge — Elks Lodge No. 95 BPOE, 1366 U.S. 61 South

• Plumbers/pipefitters — Plumbers/Pipefitters Union Hall, 3203 North Frontage Road

• Kings gym — Kings Community Empowerment Center, 224 R.L. Chase Circle

• Carpenters Union Hall — Carpenters Union Hall, 4589 U.S. 61 South

• Porters Chapel Methodist Church — Porters Chapel Methodist Church, 200 Porters Chapel Road