2009 JFP City Election Blog/Archive
2009 City Candidates on Jackpedia - Help update!
Former Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson is now filing papers to run for mayor. Reached by phone, Peterson confirmed that she was in the process of filing her papers: "Yes, I am running for mayor."
In an interview after she qualified, Peterson said that she decided to enter the race at the absolute last minute today because she battled with the possibility up until the very end. "I didn't invite the media to cover the filing because I wasn't sure about my decision even then," Peterson said. "I've had friends and relatives and people who care about the city approach me over and over again, and finally I just decided 'just do it.' I'm excited about this."
Peterson insists that she is not running for the chance to topple the person who claims to have groomed current District Attorney Robert Smith to unseat her in 2007.
"If that was the reason to run in a race you'd never win," Peterson said. "I offer leadership, attitude, and I'm hard-working. I just believe that I can get this city to turn around."
Mayor Frank Melton backed Smith during his campaign against Peterson after Peterson carried allegations of Melton illegally destroying a home on Ridgeway Street before a grand jury, which summarily indicted him. Melton beat back the state charges against him that year, and was acquitted, but now faces his third trial for the incident. The federal government is re-trying him for civil rights violations connected with the same Ridgeway Street demolition in May.
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