Video: Starkville Mayor Visits Friendly City

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — In an unusual twist, Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman addresses leaders of the Friendly City during a Columbus Rotary Club luncheon.

Since being sworn into office in 2009 and having served one term already, Wiseman is now able to share with groups like Columbus Rotarians the importance of being on the same page, and doing what he calls a dance in the right way, to the same music.

“Over the last five years as city leaders, county leaders, business community leaders and university leaders we have found a paradigm that works. And I think we are dancing,” Wiseman said.

According to Wiseman, success has come from the linking up with our three cities and counties: Starkville, Columbus and West Point.

“And that is the Golden Triangle Link. The first of it’s kind, one-stop, regionally-funded regional economical development office,” said Wiseman.

And that unique regional partnership is beginning to translate into a sort of overall success for residents. Wiseman presented members with a map, showing and comparing income and economic mobility, helping every citizen enjoy a better quality of life, whichever city they live in.

“I’m still a part of a region, and if the rest of the region is not doing well, that will have an impact on my community,” Wiseman said. “And visa versa. If another community is doing well, and mine is suffering, that will have an impact on the other community.”

Cities, towns and regions working together is fine, but Wiseman admits a little friendly competition like what exists among Starkville, Columbus and West Point helps keep everyone on their toes.

“Competition can be healthy as long as its not filled with animosity and one-upsmanship. But it inspires us to be better communities,” Wiseman added.

Wiseman is now serving his second 4-year term, which began on July 1, 2013.