Elections here in Carroll County have always been a tradition that is looked forward to by the citizens. Many remember years ago waiting outside The Conservative newspaper office on Lexington Street in Carrollton as election returns were posted on the board through the night until a winner was announced. Votes were tallied after the count was completed by hand.
Today, in the era of technology with voting machines and the Internet, things are done much faster and the suspense doesn't last as long. However, one thing that remains the same is that every election brings hope for the future. We must take advantage and seize every opportunity.
I am reminded of what Mrs. Unita Blackwell, who served as mayor of Mayersville, said years ago. "Some may think that one local voice does not have much power, but it's in the local cities and villages that the people lead." As each municipality begins the 2017-2021 municipal term, there are decisions that will have an impact for generations to come.
One of the challenges now for communities has to do with millennials – those born between 1981 and 2000, as they have become the largest generation of Americans. However, Mississippi’s millennial population has dropped 3.9 percent since 2010. The trend of millennials leaving Mississippi needs to change, and there is a lot of potential to do that, with investing in our communities.
Through building relationships and setting long-term goals on the local, state and federal level is essential. Public works from rural water access, to upgrades in street repair, sidewalks and even replacing a stop sign that has served its time; along with public safety, education, and healthcare are building blocks that add up for a municipality and that enhance economic development and create jobs.
With budgets going so far, a municipality must be in a constant state of striving for funds in the form of grants to help with cost. A town should never become stagnant, with just going through the motions. It will result in a loss of population as younger adults will move away to where more opportunities are available. There are many different aspects of municipal government that require long range planning for a better future; a four-year term can make a difference for a community for decades.
When Carroll County Circuit Clerk Durward Stanton administered our oath of office last week here in North Carrollton, he left us with this, "As elected officials our job is to serve the citizens." That is a very true statement that includes corporation, goals, and getting results; and that will make a brighter future for generations to come.
Ken Strachan, serves as an alderman for the town of North Carrollton, is a former mayor of the town, and is a former Carroll County coroner.
