Vicksburg mayor reflects on changes, goals
Flaggs was eager to transform the city by expanding its port, revitalizing the downtown area and putting the city’s so-called slumlords out of business. But as with any new mayor, change would begin by assembling his own support team. Flaggs’ efforts, however, came to a screeching halt when Vicksburg’s two aldermen, Michael Mayfield Sr. and newly appointed Willis Thompson, sided against him.
“I got none of my appointments,” Flaggs said. “They voted two-to-one against me. I’m probably the only mayor in this state that never got the opportunity to appoint his own people … But that’s water under the bridge. You can’t put genie back in the bottle, and you can’t un-ring a bell. So, I was able to strategize and move forward.”
Thompson said he voted with Flaggs in favor of hiring city attorney Nancy Thomas, while Mayfield opposed. And he supported Flaggs and Mayfield in retaining City Clerk Walter Osborne.
“I didn’t vote against all of Mayor Flaggs’ appointments,” Thompson said. “I didn’t feel his nomination for fire chief was more qualified than current Chief Charles Atkins.”
Clarion Ledger
3/19/14
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