Jackson Free Press

Come election time, there's always a slew of PSAs—on both TV and radio—stressing the importance of voting. Each time, this election is more important than the last. "Vote or Die" is the new mantra. Even I, during the last presidential election, urged readers to vote "no matter who you vote for."

Unfortunately, that election didn't turn out like some of us had hoped. Locally, we go to the polls yet again on May 3 and June 7 to choose a new mayor. Like always, I implore you to go to the polls and exercise your right to vote. This time it does indeed matter who you vote for. This election is indeed more important than the last. Jackson's next mayor will lead us into a new era—an era in which I believe Jackson becomes a major metropolis.

I've had the privilege of getting a private audience with each candidate, and I've heard their views. Both candidates even showed interest in reaching out to the hip-hop community by speaking to the M.A.P. Coalition. And, although I won't be making any endorsements here, I will however tell you whom I think you you should vote for.

Vote for the candidate who will best serve all the people of Jackson. A house can't stand without a foundation. The next mayor can't hide behind fancy luncheons with the city's affluent. He must be prepared to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty. The problem here lies within every "'hood." Not downtown; not in the suburbs, but in the "'hood." The longstanding cycle of poverty and violence must be stopped. The next mayor should be the man who can best connect with the common man as well as the rich man.

Vote for the candidate who will get results. The average voter can see through facades, i.e. bullsh*t! Elections are usually filled with moving speeches and promises of a near perfect world. But we're a lot smarter than most politicians give us credit for. What matters is action.

Whoever takes the reins of this city must hit the ground running. Progress waits for no one. If the city is to improve, then the next mayor must act with a sense of urgency. Not just with new buildings and new businesses, but with every pothole, street light and stolen car.

Finally, vote for the candidate who loves the kids. The youth are our future. Right or wrong, it's up to us to mold them into productive citizens. Not constantly berate them. Our youth have nothing—I repeat nothing—to do. If they want to see a movie, they have to go outside Jackson. Want to skate? Have to go outside Jackson. The next mayor has to do more than offer a mall to walk around in, or a park with inferior equipment. He must nurture idle minds. Idle minds sometimes lead to crime.

In short, voting is important. Who you vote for on May 3 is even more important. Who does or doesn't have a convicted felon working with them is not the issue. Who is or isn't running as a Democrat is not the issue. The issue is simply who can best lead this city. The choice is yours.

And that's the truth—sho-nuff!

Kamikaze is a rapper in Jackson and a founder of the Mississippi Artists and Producers Coalition (M.A.P.).

Previous Comments

ID

69925

Comment

I'm not into hip-hop, but you don't have to be to enjoy this article. It was clear, concise and to the point. Good job!

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2005-05-03T07:06:19-06:00