Is it too early to

graddawg

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Jun 4, 2007
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discuss the Starkvile mayoral race? Former SA President and Mr. MSU, Parker Wiseman, is running against incumbent Dan Camp, and Alderman Matt Cox, among others. I know cowbell9 probably has an opinion as a Starkville resident. Does anyone else care?
 

graddawg

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Jun 4, 2007
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discuss the Starkvile mayoral race? Former SA President and Mr. MSU, Parker Wiseman, is running against incumbent Dan Camp, and Alderman Matt Cox, among others. I know cowbell9 probably has an opinion as a Starkville resident. Does anyone else care?
 

graddawg

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Jun 4, 2007
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RobbieRandolph said:
I didn't think Dan was running again. Regardless, P. Wiseman is the best choice IMO
I thought he was a one-and-done guy as well but he and Cox filed their qualifying papers on the first day.
 

War Machine Dawg

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Oct 14, 2007
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He was a year ahead of me in the law school, but I got to know him a little. Good guy, and he'd be great for Starkville.
 

futaba.79

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Jun 4, 2007
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and Camp hasn't done badly at all. Parker might be better served to compete for an alderman's spot first.

We need a forward thinker, which all three are. We also need someone not intimidated by the police chief. I'll probably support Matt Cox.
 

randystewart

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Jan 14, 2009
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<span style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"> on Wiseman and you will find that he is a Commie Liberal.</span>
 

hullabaloodog

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Jul 10, 2008
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We may see Dan drop out of the race. He's still not sure if he's going to run or not. I assume Dan filed qualifying papers just in case he does decide to go through with it. I'd support Wiseman as well. From what I know about Matt Cox, he has his own agenda. Not saying his agenda would turn out bad for Starkville, but I just would rather have Wiseman.
 

graddawg

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Jun 4, 2007
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I don't live in Starkville anymore so I won't be voting but I'm still interested in these things. As to your point about Wiseman, I am a devout conservative but think party affiliation means absolutely nothing on the local level.
 
Oct 31, 2007
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I live in Starkville and I think I'll be voting for the liberal even though I'm a republican. Why? They do things like the putting in bike paths, building the dog park, etc. And, as a resident, those are the things I value even if I have to pay higher taxes. Now, federal taxes are a whole other ballgame.
 

4suredog

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Nov 20, 2002
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Matt Cox is looking out for Matt Cox. He is not good for Starkville. Before supporting him, talk to other current Alderman. He is basically a snake in the grass that does need to be an alderman, much less Mayor. I also like Wiseman in this race.
 

topdawg.sixpack

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Nov 25, 2007
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Im one of the most conservative people you will find, and probably do not agree with Wiseman on many things on the national or state level, but I am guessing that we will agree on a whole lot at the local level when it comes to economic development, beautification, strong schools, etc.

Its time all of Starkville has a Mayor, not just the Cotton District.
 

4suredog

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Nov 20, 2002
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He has done some things behind closed doors to further his own agenda. One thing that other alderman speak of, he will regularly bring up bills/ or discussion points. Spend time out of the press convincing the others to be for or against, then at the live meetings with press in the room, he will take the opposite approach leaving his colleagues out to dry. He has done this on more than one occasion. I don't mind someone who disagrees with me in ofice. I may not like what that person is doing but if I think they are working hard for the betterment of the entire population then I guess I could give them a pass. But when they can lie looking right at you, thats not something we need in Starkville. We have been making huge strides the last few years and hopefully with can continue. I think Wiseman will be good because he is working for his home town to make it the best it can be. Not looking to make himself look good....
 

hullabaloodog

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Jul 10, 2008
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He also road the Camp's bandwagon in the '05 election to get his name around for the Ward 5 alderman spot. Since then, he's done exactly like you said: push bills or discussions, and eventually flip-flop.
 

croomandwhite

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Aug 30, 2006
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Parker is young enough to remember how much fun it was to be in college and therefore keep a ear low to the ground of his college constituents. Regardless of what your take on fraternities are, I cant help but think that a former frat guy such as Parker would appreciate as much as anyone, the needs for projects that will make Starkville a more attractive college destination (bars, restaraunts, venues for artists, boutiques, etc).

I believe that he is also a local Starkville guy (may be wrong about that) and seemingly would have the needs of the Starkville local community/retirement community near and dear to him. He may be able to do something that Dan has not in balancing the needs of the city as a whole.

I know that youth and inexperience will concern a lot of people, but Parker has had a great education at UM law and I have had the chance to hear him in some law school competitions and such and can say that I came away impressed (even though I have not been a big fan of the guy, particularly socially, over the last few years).
 

FlabLoser

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Aug 20, 2006
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croomandwhite said:
Parker is young enough to remember how much fun it was to be in college and therefore keep a ear low to the ground of his college constituents. Regardless of what your take on fraternities are, I cant help but think that a former frat guy such as Parker would appreciate as much as anyone, the needs for projects that will make Starkville a more attractive college destination (bars, restaraunts, venues for artists, boutiques, etc).

I believe that he is also a local Starkville guy (may be wrong about that) and seemingly would have the needs of the Starkville local community/retirement community near and dear to him. He may be able to do something that Dan has not in balancing the needs of the city as a whole.

I know that youth and inexperience will concern a lot of people, but Parker has had a great education at UM law and I have had the chance to hear him in some law school competitions and such and can say that I came away impressed (even though I have not been a big fan of the guy, particularly socially, over the last few years).
Is Parker Weisman the son of Marty Weisman the Political Science guy on campus? Marty is a hell of a guy. Democrat, but hell of a guy.
 

starkvillekid

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Jun 26, 2008
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Parker may be a Starkville Kid too but Camp has been a contributing member of the Starkville community since before Parker's dad Marty was an MSU undergrad in the late 60's. Being a nice guy doesn't cut it. To be successful you have to have had some experience. Would you want Stansbury to start a walkon with no experience at point guard? That's what nice guy Parker would be. He's not ready yet to play with the big boys.
Snake Cox needs to head on back to VA. His contibution in his few brief years here in town has been nill. The guy can't even get a job. How can he handle the city budget?</p>
 
I

IAMWorthAtLeast100

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I have known Parker since the day he was born. In fact, he's a relative so that could hurt his campaign over here.

He's a good guy.

The poster formerly known as, well we better not talk about that.
 

graddawg

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Jun 4, 2007
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Dan has no doubt done a lot for Starkville and is obviously a great businessman, but he isn't the type of person you want running your city. He's too bullheaded and abrassive to garner a consensus on anything, which is evidenced by the city government he has overseen for the last 4 years really accomplishing very little. I believe he campaigned on the new municipal complex and better infrastructure and neither of those things have been delivered. Dan and this Board can thank Comvest for getting the ball rolling on Cotton Mills or they wouldn't be able to point to any real gains under their watch. Finally, I think that little stunt he orchestrated of holding the CVB Budget hostage for over a month in an attempt to get himself a seat on the board will end up costing him if he stays in the race.

I don't know enough about Cox to have an opinion on him.
 

merkin2

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May 4, 2008
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The guy single handily turned Biggest **** Hole in Starkville to the Most Written and Photographed Area. ( The Cotton District ) A true Visionary instrumental in landing Comvest Properties ( New Development by Theatre ) I do not want to hear about buuuut " He is a Taskmaster and Cantankerous Old Man " Starkville needs a DickHead to kick its *** into Modern Times and he has proven to be that guy.. OUT
 

graddawg

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Jun 4, 2007
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And the response to that is Starkville is more than the Cotton District and immediately surrounding area.
 

Buffard Tannen

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Mar 8, 2008
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Parker and I have been very good friends for basically our entire lives. Putting my friendship to the side, and the fact he is a Dem, I believe it to be critical for, not only the city, but the university to have him as mayor of starkville. I'm the sixth generation of my family to live in this town and fifth to graduate from MSU. I've enjoyed watching starkville evolve and grow over almost three decades now; however, as of lately our city government is not only backward looking, but also downright incompetent when it comes managing and planning for the future of the city. With that being said, a younger and aggressive candidate, such as Parker that is still closely connected with our university and has an eager determination to push our city government to a progressive level, is exactly the change in direction this city needs. Sorry to offend the older generation, but starkville isn't and never will be a retirement community. We need extended bar hours and alcohol sales on Sunday, not to mention a mayor who doesn't swap under the table deals with the board of aldermen to discourage business growth from large name corporations entering our town, along with a load of other selfish behavior. The university and its students our what has made starkville what is today, so it is time they should have a turn at the table of our city legislature. Out with the old, in with the new. Vote Parker Wiseman!
 

opusdawg

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Jan 14, 2009
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He was a fraternity brother of mine. Tried to cut him..... Didn't like his "fakeness". He might be something that Starkville needs but I believe someone needs to take baby politic steps first before they run for mayor.
 

topdawg.sixpack

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The roads are piss poor. He wouldnt sit in the same room with the board of supervisors, Partnership CEO, and MSU Officials to discuss and attract economic development prospects, because he felt as if he were not the big dog in it. He is a smart *** who does not make a good first impression. Yes, he did turn the Cotton District around, but that was for his profit and business, there is a big difference when trying to work with others. Starkville is ripe for growth and success, but will not get there without a proactive, workable government.

Grad Dawg is right. His stunt holding up the CVB tax is going to cost him this election. All types of people are pissed off at him, rich and poor, black and white, and those with the university and those not with MSU. </p>
 

starkvillekid

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Jun 26, 2008
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Come on people. Get informed!

The GSDP deal with Camp was just trying to get the public through the city and the county a seat on the executive board of the GSDP since our tax dollars support what the GSDP. I don't know about you, but I don't want those backroom guys deciding in their private meetings how my tax dollars are going to be spent! It had nothing to do with Dan personally wanting a seat on the board but rather his asking for seats for the Mayor of Starkville and the President of the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors whoever holds those offices. And guess what - he will probably get it for us the taxpayers.

In terms of all the hoopla about mayor of the CD and all.....Take a look at the Comvest property. Take a good look at the ruins of the old Pizza Hut and the movie theatre. Gaze lovingly at the rat-infested old Ramada Inn and the log cabin bank/Burger King. How would developing those properties help the Cotton District? Speaking of the Cotton District, look at the other side of the Comvest property. Camp doesn't even own the property fronting it on Russell Street! Because of work he started in a blighted area of the city back in the 60's, other developers have built in the Cotton District area.

Yep - Camp is definitely an old fogey. Look at the extension of drinking hours, cold beer at grocery/convenience stores, more eateries and drinkeries within walking distance of campus. Camp has been the number one community supporter of the Pikes in this town. Is the younger generation really looking at the facts?
 

drail14me

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Jul 20, 2008
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Dan has invested MILLIONS of $$$ of Starkville's money in a VERY NICE "Cornerstone Industrial Park" at the intersection of HWY 25 and HWY 12 to draw in new industry. He advertised it as a great location with two major highways and rail service. He then turned around and published plans to rip up the railroad tracks to put in a bike path connecting the apartments on Lynn Lane (mostly owned by Lynn Spruell, the city administrator) to the Cotton District and Campus. Lets see: build a nice new industrial park and then pull up a major international transportation asset for a bike path....smart move?? NOT Also funny that the city built this industrial park in an area that they COULD NOT provide water service because the rights are owned by a seperate county water association. I guess Dan really did his research on that one.

Take a look at the city streets....HORRIBLE SHAPE...drive down University Drive through the Cotton Dist...fresh smooth pavement with nice street lights, crossing paths, flashing warning lights near his buildings. I don't see any other businesses in town getting that kind of treatment.

He's been pushing for turning Russell St into a divided and landscaped boulevard and he's pushed for the Cotton Mills Project. Why?? Cause it's in the Cotton Dist.

He's the reason that there is no new justice complex for the city. If it can't be built where he wants it downtown then it's not going to get built at all.. BULL HEADED!!!! Why build it downtown? They're already downtown and are trying to get out of the congestion. Why take up valuable downtown property for a justice complex when it could be used for businesses, bars or restaurants????

The city is putting in a new water line as we speak on the North side of town. They've already gotten a large portion of it in place yet they've not gotten permission to cross several land owners property yet to finish the project. Wouldn't it be smart to get all property owners lined up FIRST before starting construction? To top it off, they are putting this waterline into an area they DON'T own the water rights to and have not been willing to negotiate with the owning water association. BULLHEADED ADMINISTRATION!!!

There are parts of town that were annexed into the city over five years ago that still don't have city services.

Dan does not need to be mayor again. Dan needs to be investigated by the Ethics Commission!!!

I don't think Cox is much better either and wouldn't support him for mayor.

Don't know Wiseman.

Our current administration is an abomination. This town needs a governmental ennema!! Starkville needs a young to middle aged EXPERIENCED guy that thinks outside the box and looks to the future. Someone that will work TOGETHER with MSU and the county to better serve the whole community.
 

cowbellpresident

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Oct 6, 2007
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drail14me said:
Dan has invested MILLIONS of $$$ of Starkville's money in a VERY NICE "Cornerstone Industrial Park" at the intersection of HWY 25 and HWY 12 to draw in new industry. He advertised it as a great location with two major highways and rail service. He then turned around and published plans to rip up the railroad tracks to put in a bike path connecting the apartments on Lynn Lane (mostly owned by Lynn Spruell, the city administrator) to the Cotton District and Campus. Lets see: build a nice new industrial park and then pull up a major international transportation asset for a bike path....smart move?? NOT Also funny that the city built this industrial park in an area that they COULD NOT provide water service because the rights are owned by a seperate county water association. I guess Dan really did his research on that one.

Take a look at the city streets....HORRIBLE SHAPE...drive down University Drive through the Cotton Dist...fresh smooth pavement with nice street lights, crossing paths, flashing warning lights near his buildings. I don't see any other businesses in town getting that kind of treatment.

He's been pushing for turning Russell St into a divided and landscaped boulevard and he's pushed for the Cotton Mills Project. Why?? Cause it's in the Cotton Dist.

He's the reason that there is no new justice complex for the city. If it can't be built where he wants it downtown then it's not going to get built at all.. BULL HEADED!!!! Why build it downtown? They're already downtown and are trying to get out of the congestion. Why take up valuable downtown property for a justice complex when it could be used for businesses, bars or restaurants????

<span style="font-weight: bold;">The city is putting in a new water line as we speak on the North side of town. They've already gotten a large portion of it in place yet they've not gotten permission to cross several land owners property yet to finish the project. Wouldn't it be smart to get all property owners lined up FIRST before starting construction? To top it off, they are putting this waterline into an area they DON'T own the water rights to and have not been willing to negotiate with the owning water association. BULLHEADED ADMINISTRATION!!!</span>

There are parts of town that were annexed into the city over five years ago that still don't have city services.

Dan does not need to be mayor again. Dan needs to be investigated by the Ethics Commission!!!

I don't think Cox is much better either and wouldn't support him for mayor.

Don't know Wiseman.

Our current administration is an abomination. This town needs a governmental ennema!! Starkville needs a young to middle aged EXPERIENCED guy that thinks outside the box and looks to the future. Someone that will work TOGETHER with MSU and the county to better serve the whole community.
Uh, I'm pretty sure that the city has power to put the water main in without the landowner's permission. You know that thing call eminent domain.
 
Oct 31, 2007
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opusdawg said:
He was a fraternity brother of mine. Tried to cut him..... Didn't like his "fakeness". He might be something that Starkville needs but I believe someone needs to take baby politic steps first before they run for mayor.
huh...glad i wasn't a member of your "fraternity"
you might want to look of the definition of that word.
 

drail14me

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Jul 20, 2008
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Uh, I'm pretty sure that the city has power to put the water main in without the landowner's permission. You know that thing call eminent domain.
No, they can't! If it were in an area where the city had the water rights and there was no other service then yes, they could. But, since they do not own the water rights in this area and it's already being provided by another service, then they can't.

Furthermore, some people have offered to let the city run the line along the edge of their property where there is already a powerline easement but the city wants to run right through the middle of some of the properties. That would mean a 30' wide swath cut through the middle of someones property where NO PERMANENT STRUCTURE could ever be built. That kind of ruins any future development for these people.
 

starkvillekid

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Jun 26, 2008
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It sounds to me like anything that has happened in Starkville in this century that you happen not to like, you are putting the blame at Camp's doorstep.
Cornerstone Industrial Park belongs to the OCEDA. The project was birthed BEFORE Dan was mayor. Bike lanes/railroad track idea is a Starkville in Motion notion not Dan's project.
 

graddawg

Sophomore
Jun 4, 2007
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starkvillekid said:
It sounds to me like anything that has happened in Starkville in this century that you happen not to like, you are putting the blame at Camp's doorstep.
Cornerstone Industrial Park belongs to the OCEDA. The project was birthed BEFORE Dan was mayor. Bike lanes/railroad track idea is a Starkville in Motion notion not Dan's project.
Mayor Camp, welcome to The Sixpack!
 

starkvillekid

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Jun 26, 2008
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Please get up on all your facts. Camp, and I assure you Starkville Kid ain't Dan Camp, has the plan that will be a comprehensive road program to improve all these potholes to which you refer. We should all be happy that Starkville under the current city administration is a thriving community with heavy traffic on its roads rather than the faltering communities many Mississippi towns our size have become.
 

ElectroSpanish

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Oct 23, 2008
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Starkvillekid please get up on all your facts. Camp's comprehensive road plan is a ploy to tie up the city's ability to issue bonds in the future when he is no longer mayor so that the city won't build a justice complex since he won't get to pick the location (and for the record I don't want to see a justice complex on the 25 bypass either). Does the city need to issue bonds for major road and infrastructure improvements? Yes. $12million in bonds without a real plan for how that money is to be spent? No. It's pretty obvious seeing as how there is no plan for the roads only a plan for bonds tied specifically to roads which will completely tie the hands for the future BOA to do anything without another tax increase.

Dan is a bully and pompous ***. He is obviously a fantastic businessman but he is lacking in certain social graces and concensus building skills needed in an elected official. It will be difficult for the city to attract major industrial development to Starkville with him at the helm. There are other issues at play but Dan is one reason Joe Max Higgens and Lowndes County continue to kick our *** in economic development.