Momentum Builds for Mayor-Council Government
By Brother Rogers
Momentum continues to build for a change to the mayor-council form of government in Starkville.
Recently, former Tupelo mayor Larry Otis, who is now a resident of Starkville, met with a group of interested citizens to discuss the value of the mayor-council form of government, which was in place during his tenure as mayor.
Mayor Otis explained that the mayor-council form of government is more efficient than what we have now because it better balances legislative and executive authority. He stated, “It’s more nimble and is able to respond more quickly.” He also said, “It allows you to get things done.” That’s compelling!
Mayor Otis linked community development to economic development. Community development precedes economic development. Switching to the mayor-council form would certainly be a positive development for our community, and it would lay the groundwork for more economic development. According to Mayor Otis, “Companies like to talk to the mayor, and they want a mayor who has the legal authority to get results.” That means more and better jobs.
Henry Ford said, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” That quote succinctly expresses the need for change.
Starkville needs a new form of government. We have been doing things the same way for a long time. The number one complaint I hear from local citizens and those in other parts of the state is that Starkville has never lived up to its potential. Sound familiar?
Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden said, “Don’t measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.”
We live in the shadow of the largest research university in the entire state. Mississippi State University is the economic engine that drives our community. Any other city in the state would love to have this gigantic advantage.
Starkville is beginning to capitalize on this asset, and a number of city leaders have worked hard to strengthen ties with the university. But despite our successes, Coach Wooden’s quote challenges us to examine whether Starkville has accomplished all that it can, given its prime proximity to MSU.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. We don’t want that in Starkville. We’ve done that for long enough. That’s why momentum is growing for change. A budding movement is gathering steam as citizens realize that we can shape our own future by coming together.
There is a positive energy in Starkville. Our city is on the move. But our form of government is holding us back. We have outgrown it. Will Starkville finally reach its potential? Let’s not lose this opportunity. Let’s do this!
Brother Rogers works for the Stennis Center for Public Service and is a guest columnist for the Starkville Daily News.
Momentum continues to build for a change to the mayor-council form of government in Starkville.
Recently, former Tupelo mayor Larry Otis, who is now a resident of Starkville, met with a group of interested citizens to discuss the value of the mayor-council form of government, which was in place during his tenure as mayor.
Mayor Otis explained that the mayor-council form of government is more efficient than what we have now because it better balances legislative and executive authority. He stated, “It’s more nimble and is able to respond more quickly.” He also said, “It allows you to get things done.” That’s compelling!
Mayor Otis linked community development to economic development. Community development precedes economic development. Switching to the mayor-council form would certainly be a positive development for our community, and it would lay the groundwork for more economic development. According to Mayor Otis, “Companies like to talk to the mayor, and they want a mayor who has the legal authority to get results.” That means more and better jobs.
Henry Ford said, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” That quote succinctly expresses the need for change.
Starkville needs a new form of government. We have been doing things the same way for a long time. The number one complaint I hear from local citizens and those in other parts of the state is that Starkville has never lived up to its potential. Sound familiar?
Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden said, “Don’t measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.”
We live in the shadow of the largest research university in the entire state. Mississippi State University is the economic engine that drives our community. Any other city in the state would love to have this gigantic advantage.
Starkville is beginning to capitalize on this asset, and a number of city leaders have worked hard to strengthen ties with the university. But despite our successes, Coach Wooden’s quote challenges us to examine whether Starkville has accomplished all that it can, given its prime proximity to MSU.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. We don’t want that in Starkville. We’ve done that for long enough. That’s why momentum is growing for change. A budding movement is gathering steam as citizens realize that we can shape our own future by coming together.
There is a positive energy in Starkville. Our city is on the move. But our form of government is holding us back. We have outgrown it. Will Starkville finally reach its potential? Let’s not lose this opportunity. Let’s do this!
Brother Rogers works for the Stennis Center for Public Service and is a guest columnist for the Starkville Daily News.