Jackson Free Press

Rep. Cecil Brown, D-Hinds, represents the 66th District in the Mississippi Legislature. He is an investment adviser educated at Ole Miss and the University of Texas. Born in Meridian June 22, 1944, he has lived in Jackson for 40 years and has been a legislator since 2000. He is married to the former Nancy Haas and has three children: Lisa, Mickey and Lindy.

What makes you passionate about serving your Hinds district?
I've lived here for most of my life now (40 years). The community has been good to me, and I think it's important for those who have benefited from the community to give something back to the community.

What is the most important piece of legislation that you have introduced?
I worked on a bill for two years to fight drug crimes. It uses the state criminal tax laws to prosecute people for tax evasion that are selling drugs. You know, they got Al Capone through tax evasion because they couldn't catch him selling whiskey. When you can't catch them with the drugs in hand, you track their money, and if they aren't paying taxes on it (or reporting all the money which most drug dealers don't), then you can get them that way. I'm not sure where they are on gearing up for the new law, yet, but I do know that (we) ... are getting a task force ready to enforce this.

Is it true that a legislator can't get a speeding ticket if he or she is on their way to a session or meeting?
No, I don't believe that's true. Now we can't be arrested and put in jail because there is a constitutional measure against that, but I believe we can get a speeding ticket on the way to a session.

Who is your top political role model?
I would say William Winter because he continues to serve. He could have retired and stepped aside, but he keeps himself graciously involved even at the age of 80.

What should the Legislature need to do in order to balance the budget this year? What part of the deficit is most important?
We have to have a combination of new revenue and budget cuts. I hope we can work with the Senate to get those done. Education is the most important deficit to me at the moment.

What is the weakest part of our school system that needs to be addressed?
Definitely the drop-out situation. An average of 40 percent of our kids all across the state are dropping out of schools. We don't adequately address this situation. We currently have the House Education Committee looking into this. ... Reading seems to be the key—literacy. Raising the literacy rate at earlier stages of education should help.

What is one thing that most people don't know about you?
I have a great love for good rock 'n' roll, particularly the late '50s and early '60s. Some of my favorites are James Brown, Ray Charles, The Coasters, The Shirelles, The Drifters, Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis.
— Brett Potter