A rose to Columbus Police Chief Joseph Daughtry for his proposal that will streamline the promotions within the department. Daughtry will ask the Civil Service Commission on Sept. 11 to approve changes in the way promotions for corporal and sergeant work, something he believes will help the city recruit and retain officers. The biggest proposal would be an automatic promotion to corporal for officers with clean records and continuous service for six years, thus eliminating the test that had previously been a requirement for the promotion. Promotions to the rank of sergeant will also be changed under Daughtry’s proposal. Currently, If sergeant candidates take the test and don’t get the promotion, they have to take it again the next time it’s offered. The new proposal would not require those candidates to take the test again if they have tested within the past two years. We approve of Daughtry’s proposal because we believe anything that makes it easier to hire and retain good officers is a step in the right direction.
A rose to voters in Lowndes and Oktibbeha counties who go to the polls to “finish what they started” by voting on primary run-off elections, which will be held Tuesday. All of the run-offs are in the Republican primary. In Oktibbeha County, District 1 supervisor and District 1 constable will be on the ballot. The winner faces a Democratic Party opponent in the Nov. 7 General Election. In Lowndes County, District 1 supervisor and tax collector will also be decided. The winner of Tuesday’s supervisor’s race faces a Democrat in the general election. In the tax collector race, there is no Democratic opponent so the winner Tuesday gets the job. The saying, “every vote counts” is especially true in these primary run-offs, where turnout is historically low. We urge those who voted in the Republican primary election or those who did not vote at all, to turn out and make your choice. These are important positions and your vote matters.
A rose to Starkville Strong and Neighbors Helping Neighbors for holding a food and hygiene product distribution event Sunday at 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Starkville Daily News (304 E. Lampkin Street). A wide range of food items, including non-perishable staples and fresh produce will be given away. Additionally, hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, and personal care products will be provided. Starkville Strong encourages all community members who may benefit from this initiative to attend this event. Anyone wishing to donate food or hygiene items or want to make a monetary donation or volunteer for Neighbors Helping Neighbors, should contact Emily Cambre at [email protected]. We applaud these groups for continuing to make a real impact in the community.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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