Wicker for Senate

U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker halted his campaigning Friday just long enought to talk public policy at the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce.

Local officials and businessmen asked Wicker questions in a public forum, and he explained his position on major issues.

Wicker said he supports the U.S. 82 to downtown connector road project and is hopeful that more federal money will come for the road. Getting the rest of the money will require help from local and state agencies, though,Wicker said.

"Almost anything of this nature we have to do as a partnership," Wicker said.

Congress recently reinstated $2.5 million for the project, which had been cut in an effort to eliminat earmarks.

Greenwood Mayor Sheriel Perkins said the project will cost $5.9 million.

"We feel that this would really strengthen our economic growth (downtown)," Perkins said.

Wicker feels downtown Greenwood has a lot of potential. He and his wife, Gayle, stayed at The Alluvian Thursday night, and Wicker said they took a stroll downtown after dinner.

He said the connector road is a good investment that will help the local economy by making job creation easier and encouraging tourism.

Wicker said other cities in Mississippi, such as Oxford, have had great success in turning old railroads into highways.

On the stalled farm bill, Wicker said he does not think there is enough money in it right now for him to support it. He said it must have enough to provide a safety net for farmers who actually work the land.

"We're at a crossroads," Wicker said. "We're at a log-jam situation on the farm bill."

Wicker said fellow senator Thad Cochran was not optimistic in their last conversation about getting the bill passed soon.

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