Before taking office last July, Mayor George Flaggs Jr. presented a 10-point plan to get the city back on track. Under our cities form of government he had to learn quickly to work together with the cities two aldermen. The end of this month marks one year in office for the current Mayor and Board of Aldermen.

Despite some early opposition and miscommunication, the mayor and aldermen began to work together to solve the city’s problems.

After it was revealed that the city was paying nearly 72 percent of its earnings in salaries and compensation, the mayor established a committee to examine ways the city could reduce its payroll. At first the mayor was met with stiff opposition and had to readjust his stance, but ultimately was able to get the city’s payroll under control.

The mayor has worked with the two aldermen to put our city on a path of fiscal responsibility. In February 2012, the city’s A-1 bond rating was withdrawn by Moody’s Investors Services because $6 million in balances from bond issues from 2001 and 2007 had floated. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen have approved a plan to keep the city’s finances in check and have gotten all audits current. The next step is to regain the city’s credit rating.

VenuWorks and their contract to manage the Vicksburg Convention Center and City Auditorium was re-negotiated and a new contract was inked, saving the city more money. In that deal, the city took back management responsibilities for City Auditorium. Along the way the city regained ownership of the Auditorium from the state.

The past year has been extremely busy and the city has taken strides in a new direction. It’s time for Vicksburg to emerge from the shadows of other cities in our state and take it’s place among the best cities in Mississippi.

Don’t be afraid to let the Board of Mayor and Aldermen know how you think they are doing and the direction you want to see the city go. Remember, they work for us.