Jackson Free Press

Eric Stringfellow at the Ledger writes:

It's clear that Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. is wounded by results from the May 3 Democratic primary.

That's understandable. No one likes rejection.

Johnson, who was seeking a third term to a post he clearly enjoyed, didn't just lose. He was mauled. Challenger Frank Melton carried six of the city's seven wards. Johnson won only in Ward 2, where he lives.

The electorate's message was clear. Still, the Johnson family deserves compassion. The Johnsons sacrificed a lot during the last eight years.

This does not mean, however, that Johnson no longer has to act as the city's leader during the final weeks of his tenure. The city in many ways needs Johnson now more than ever to help orchestrate an orderly transition.

That's not the impression Johnson gives with his surprising bunker mentality toward the news media.

Johnson has a lot more class than this.

Disdain for media

Johnson's tact, or lack thereof, first surfaced after Tuesday's City Council meeting, the first since the election.

His disdain for members of the media suggests the mayor believes journalists were partly responsible for his ouster. The mayor refused to field questions from reporters, surprising even some of his staff.

Johnson also ignored a reporter while waiting for an elevator at City Hall. Later, he rejected a request for an interview.

Full article here.