Jackson's Next Mayor? | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

Jackson's Next Mayor?

Photo montage by JFP Staff

The city is already thick with speculation over who is jockeying to be Jackson's next mayor, even though the current mayor has vowed he will not resign.

Well-known city figures are already in the hunt.

Former Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. has said that he would enjoy returning to the post. Even though he lost to Melton in the primary, with the new mayor taking 63 percent of the vote in a low turnout, Johnson said he wants to pick up where he left off July 4.

"I know we'll be up against more than we left with, but I'm willing to finish the work I began if the people tell me to," Johnson said. "There's so much left to be done."

Former State Fiscal Officer Gary Anderson said local businesspeople have approached him for a possible run for the mayor's seat. Anderson lost a close election for state treasurer in 2003 against 29-year-old Republican Tate Reeves. Since that time, he has worked as a lobbyist and consultant.

"I've heard from a number of people in the business community because they're concerned about the direction the city of Jackson is heading. The calls I got are people looking for stability and somebody who knows some things about economic development, but we haven't made any decisions yet. I'm not trying to prejudge the situation, but we'll continue to follow it," Anderson said.

Critics accuse Ward 2 Councilman Leslie McLemore of already "running for mayor." McLemore said it was too early to make a decision regarding running for the office.

"Mayor Melton is still the mayor, the trial is still forthcoming, so who knows?" McLemore said. "I'm not crossing that bridge until I get to it. But I must admit a number of people have made inquiries."

McLemore, who has been a vocal critic of Melton, distrusts the executive branch of government, and while it could be argued that the most virtuous king is an unwilling king, McLemore may find it difficult to take on the mantle of authority he has long criticized.

Other council members are also testing the waters—or having the water tested for them. Supporters have kicked around the idea of Council President Ben Allen running.

"Allen's never disappointed me as my councilman, and I think he's the smartest guy in that room," said North Jackson resident William "Bill" Smith. "I think he should've run for mayor years ago."

Allen, despite his loyal base in Ward 1, may not be viable as a candidate because of city demographics—Allen is the only white Republican on the council in a city that votes Democratic.

Some African Americans have a lingering distrust of Allen. In 1997, Allen addressed a "capacity" crowd at the Council of Conservative Citizens, an offshoot of the racist White Citizen's Council.

Allen later told the JFP that he didn't know what the Council of Conservative Citizens was all about. "I knew it was a conservative group," he said. "I knew damn near nothing about politics when I got involved. … I would not now or ever be a member of it."

It is in doubt whether Allen even wants the hassle of running for the mayor's office. He did not return calls to the JFP this week for confirmation, but he has shown mild reluctance in running for his own council position in the past. Running for a citywide office would doubtless be a new aggravation for the busy businessman.

On the other hand, numerous Jackson voters and politicos have approached Ward 6 Councilman Marshand Crisler regarding a possible run, though he claims he is focused on being a councilman for now.

"I would have to wait and see what happens," Crisler said. "I mean, the mayor's office still has the mayor in it, and there's no telling what'll happen in the next few weeks. Right now, it would be best to just try to work with the current mayor before making any announcements."

Crisler, who works for the Hinds County Sheriff's Office, has divulged more readiness to run for Sheriff Malcolm McMillin's seat whenever McMillin is ready to admit he no longer wants it, but Crisler appears to be grooming for a run at the mayor's office, whether or not he's open about it.

"Marshand is young, energetic and open to ideas, and he's not so stubborn. I think he understands the need for solidarity and unity, which is what this city needs right now," said Jackson attorney and business owner Isaac Byrd. "This city needs unity among the races and different groups, and it needs a sense of integrity and solidarity and energy. Crisler comes from a family of integrity. He's really one of the first political figures (running for the mayor's office) in a long time who's locally grown."

Byrd, who supported Harvey Johnson during his successful elections but not in his losing bid against Melton, pointed out that Crisler has good approval ratings across the city. The Iraq War veteran also gained name recognition from his controversial tenure as council president, when he frequently clashed publicly with Melton. He has been making a point to hold meetings in other city wards, selling the good points of the upcoming $150 million school bond issue—and further making a name for himself in the process.

Byrd calls Crisler "squeaky clean," partly because he has not owned a business.

"There's a reason that (Illinois Sen. Barak) Obama could win in a 33-percent African-American state. He was a professor. He had owned no businesses and done no deals. No nothing. You can't run a business without something happening to you. Somebody would have worked for him who had messed up, that he had taken responsibility for. It's just hard to get people who own and run businesses to be squeaky-clean. Every business owner comes with baggage."

Previous Commentsshow

What's this?

Support our reporting -- Follow the MFP.

Comments

Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.