A “welcome back” rose to Oscar Lewis, who was selected Tuesday as the new police chief for the city of Columbus. Lewis spent 20 years with the CPD before becoming police chief in Waynesboro two years ago. His familiarity with the community, city officials and police officers should serve him well as he moves into the role of top cop at a time when the city faces serious issues, not only with the recent rash of violent crimes, but in dealing with the aftermath of the Ricky Ball shooting. It is important for all residents of Columbus to rally behind the new chief. We wish him well as he takes on the challenges before him.
A rose to Fred Shelton, who has served admirably as interim police chief since the resignation of chief Tony Carleton on Nov. 1. Shelton not only kept the department running, he implemented many changes that have helped in the difficult task of rebuilding relations between the police department and the community in the wake of the Ricky Ball shooting.
His willingness to meet with the public to hear their concerns and suggestion and his effort to better inform citizens of the department’s actions, especially through the use of social media are steps we hope new chief, Oscar Lewis, will continue. Although Shelton was not chosen as the permanent chief, his contributions as interim chief during an especially volatile time should not be forgotten. He has set an excellent example.
A rose of thanks to Andrew Colom, who announced Thursday that he was stepping down from his position on the Columbus Water & Light Board. Colom, who was appointed to the board in 2012 and serves as board president, said his outside responsibilities have prevented him from giving the position the attention it requires. We applaud Colom for recognizing that the best interests of the city were not served by his continued presence on the board. We also thank him for his service.
Board positions such as these are generally not glamorous, although there is no doubting their importance. While the board moves to appoint someone to take Colom’s place, we appeal to those in our community — particularly executives in our many industries — whose talents should be of great benefit to the city. Consider this a call to service.
A rose to Starkville, Oktibbeha County and Mississippi State University for joining in an effort to secure an MDOT grant that will build bike and walking paths from a key transportation hub in the city to the MSU campus.
The proposed $926,342 project would add a two-way, 10-foot-wide bike path and a 5-foot-wide sidewalk along Locksley Way, from its intersection with South Montgomery Street, to Blackjack Road.
The path would continue along Blackjack Road to Stone Boulevard, a major entrance to the southern portion of MSU’s campus.
If awarded, the MDOT Transportation Alternative Program grant would cover 80 percent of the costs — roughly $741,000 — while the city, county and university would equally split the remaining $185,268 over the next two fiscal years. We applaud this move not only because it adds an attractive element to the landscape but because it encourages a healthy lifestyle.
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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