 Russ Houston/For the SDN Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman, left, talks during a meeting Monday involving officials with the City of Starkville, Oktibbeha County and Mississippi State University. Listening to Wiseman speak is MSU President Mark Keenum. Officials with the three entities hope to craft a list of short-term projects in the coming weeks then work on long-range planning within about 60 days. By PAUL SIMS
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With an eye toward working in unity, local officials met Monday with Mississippi State University representatives, intending to craft short-term priorities and longer-term vision in coming weeks.
Officials gathered Monday morning and had a “very, very productive meeting,” Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman said at a luncheon involving city, Oktibbeha County and MSU officials at the Starkville Sportsplex.
For the short term, officials involved will work to compile a list of projects, Wiseman said, adding the “immediate concern” is getting the material together by March.
Marvell Howard, Oktibbeha County’s District 3 supervisor and Board of Supervisors’ president, also described the meeting as productive.
“Together we’re stronger than three separate entities,” Howard said. “What we’re doing here will make the whole county healthy.”
Jon Maynard, president and CEO of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, said he was told after he accepted his job he was going to a community which “doesn’t necessarily play well” together.
“This will dispel all the myths,” he said.
MSU President Dr. Mark Keenum said officials have discussed some image problems.
“I think we’re on the right track,” Keenum said. “If we can demonstrate our unity, that empowers us as a community.” He listed some past accomplishments in the local entities in working together, including the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park and the Mississippi Horse Park.
County Administrator Don Posey said interaction with the city and the university has been one of his major objectives.
However, he said “it always seemed to be turf wars, little battles,” adding that Keenum is the fifth MSU president he’s worked with in his time with the county.
“I’m just excited as I can be. I think we’re on the right track. I hope so.”
The city, county and MSU are now each working on long-range planning, with the city and county developing comprehensive plans and MSU working on a master plan, Starkville Ward 5 Alderman Jeremiah Dumas said.
Officials plan to hold a touch-base meeting on the short-range agenda within the next two weeks, Keenum said after the meeting. The immediate-term items will be developed to present to decision-makers in Washington and Jackson, he said.
“I’m impressed with the synergy,” Keenum said. “The fact we’re speaking together is the most important thing. It will empower us to be successful in gaining resources for specific projects we would like to” implement.
A longer-range planning session will happen in about 60 days, officials said, this time at the GSDP’s offices in downtown Starkville. This second meeting will focus on looking 10 years ahead, Wiseman said.
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