A thorn to the city of Columbus for its decision to move forward with annexation plans for two areas south and east of the current city limits. The city made the move in private through an executive session, excluding the public from hearing discussion on the subject. Doing the public’s business behind closed doors invites speculation, and we believe the motivation behind this move is driven by a racial calculation. More than 90 percent of the proposed annexation area population is Black, a move we fear is based more on building Black dominance on the city council than making the city better for either current or potential residents, no matter their race. We would be just as opposed to an annexation plan whose sole purpose was to increase white control on the city council. Granted, some of the streets considered for annexation start in the city and end in the county, which is a headache for emergency services. The argument for annexing those streets has merit, but the wiser approach is to adopt a comprehensive growth plan for the city, not focus solely on two areas hand-picked by councilmen Jones and Mickens. The next steps of annexation involve the city petitioning chancery court to approve the annexation. State law requires the chancery judge to set a public hearing on the issue.

A rose to Harry Sanders as he steps down from his position on the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors. The six-term District 1 supervisor and four-term board president decided not to run for reelection this year, ending a career in public service that will be remembered for both his controversial views – particularly on race – and his effectiveness. Sanders was a driving force in the county’s support of economic development and his efforts to change state law on how proceeds from the sale of the county hospital could be invested will stand as one of the most prudent and lasting moves by the supervisors. The value of those contributions cannot be  overstated. Ironically, it was Sanders’ disturbing comments on race in his opposition to the removal of the Confederate Monument from the courthouse grounds that created a seismic shift in public opinion that led to the monument’s removal.  Sanders did much for the betterment of the county. History will remember Sanders as one of the county’s most effective, if flawed, leaders.

A rose to a new group of public servants who will officially begin their duties in January. In Lowndes County, Matt Furnari replaces Harry Sanders as District 1 supervisor while Andy Williamson replaces John Holliman as District 3 supervisor. Kalee Talley will take the new position of tax collector. In Oktibbeha County, Shank Phelps will succeed Steve Gladney as sheriff while JoHelen Walker takes over as tax assessor/collector from Allen Morgan. Former Starkville alderman Ben Carver replaces John Montgomery as Oktibbeha County District 1 supervisor while Patti Little will serve as District 4 supervisor replacing Bricklee Miller. We thank those who are leaving office and extend our best wishes for the new crop of leaders.

The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.