By Rupert Howell

U.S. Representative Travis Childers told community leaders that he is most willing to help communities that want to help themselves and encouraged local governments to join in “area projects” when applying for assistance from the federal government.

The former Prentiss County Chancery Clerk met in Batesville with members of city, county,  and state government as well as representatives and Panola Partnership officials at the Partnership meeting room Friday morning­—a meeting set up by Mississippi District 10 Rep. Warner McBride.

Childers was elected to fill the unexpired term of Congressman Roger Wicker who was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Senator Trent Lott.

Both will be included on the November 4 general election ballot.

“I understand small towns,” Childers told the group and said that Sardis was as important to him as Southaven and stated that the 24 counties within his congressional district have a shared fate.

Attorney Richard Phillips discussed the I-55 corridor that runs parallel to the western perimeter of Childer’s district and told of under-utilized economic potential.

“Everybody wants grants,” Childers told the group and stated he, “Likes area projects,” following Phillips remarks and challenged the group to, “Think outside the box… Sit down with folks that aren’t your favorite people…,” when applying for government grants.

The Democratic Congressman said that he realizes government doesn’t create jobs stating, “Business creates jobs.”

Seeking reelection for a new term on the November 4 ballot, Childers said he has friends in Panola County and noting that none had helped him more than Mona Pittman and McBride who were both sitting at his side.

Pittman was an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for state senator and currently serves as Panola County’s Democratic Chairperson and is secretary for the state Democratic party.

Among those Childers will face in the November General Election are local independent candidate Wally Pang of Batesville and Republican Southaven Mayor Greg Davis.

The Mississippi Secretary of State’s office could not provide an accurate listing of candidates at press time.