NORTH CARROLLTON — As in many communities across Mississippi, elections here in Carroll County have always been a tradition that is looked forward to.
Here many remember years ago waiting outside The Conservative newspaper office on Lexington Street in Carrollton as election returns were posted on a 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 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 term, there are decisions that will have an impact for generations to come. One of the challenges now for communities across Mississippi has to do with millennials. Born between 1981 and 2000, they have become the largest generations of Americans. However, Mississippi’s millennial population has dropped 3.9 percent since 2010, according to census estimates. The trend of millennials leaving Mississippi needs to change, and there is a lot of potential to do that by investing in our communities.
Building relationships and setting long-term goals are essential to every community. Along with public safety, education and health care, public works plays a big role. Rural water access, upgrades in streets and sidewalks, and even replacing stop signs and street signs that have served their time are building blocks that add up for a municipality and will enhance economic development to help create jobs.
With budgets going only so far, a municipality must be in a constant state of striving for funds in the form of grants to help with costs. Even small grants with small matching funding will make a big difference in making a service that otherwise could not be afforded.
A community should never become stagnant, with just going through the motions. It will soon result in a loss of population as people will move away where there are more opportunities available. Many different aspects of municipal government 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 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 cooperation, goals and getting results. And that will make a brighter future for generations to come.
• Ken Strachan is a North Carrollton alderman and former mayor of the town.
