Jackson Free Press

Jackson State University President Ronald Mason Jr. was full of apologies regarding the university's recent failed attempt to push an eminent-domain "quick-take" bill through the Mississippi Legislature. The bill would have allowed the JSU Development Foundation to claim property for the school's expansion over a 50-acre area. Legislators like Sen. Alice Harden and Rep. Alyce Clarke, both of Jackson, helped kill the bill after protesters swamped their offices.

Mason called the quick-take bill "probably one of the biggest mistakes I've ever made," before the audience at a Washington Addition Neighborhood Association meeting Monday night, and thereafter referred to the quick-take bill as "that bill that will not be named."

The audience of about 80 remained suspicious, despite Mason's announcement. Some members pointed out that Jackson businessman Leland Speed—apparently a divisive figure among Washington Addition residents—is on the board of a JSU non-profit that pushed for the quick-take legislation.

"Leland Speed is on board," said one audience member, "[W]hy are you shilling for these people?"

"Jackson State Development Foundation is the fund-raising arm for Jackson State. Leland Speed is the chair. Why is he chair? Because he's been helping us raise money," Mason told the audience. "You think after working 35 years with black folks and black institutions that I'm stupid enough to be a (shill) for somebody else? I mean, come on, give me a break."

Mason pointed out that the university has no plan to put such requests to the JRA during Phase 1 of the University Park Project, which could span more than a decade.

Though the quick-take issue is dead, homeowners told Mason he "caused a lot of people a lot of stress." Mason appeared unable to disarm the suspicion with continued assurances that eminent domain was no longer on the table.

"Look, I'm not even saying the representatives of the area were wrong to fight (quick-take)," he said. "Hell, if I was a homeowner, I would have fought it too. It was a bad thing. It was a stupid thing. It was a mistake, and I apologize. Now what? Do we go from here?"

Previous Comments

ID

99856

Comment

Thats my church hes at and he cursed at church.

Author

NewJackson

Date

2008-04-02T18:57:05-06:00

ID

99857

Comment

Guess he got worked up and forgot where he was, NewJack. Hope he repented.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2008-04-02T21:04:53-06:00

ID

99858

Comment

At least Dr. Mason admitted that he was wrong. Not a lot of people would do that.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2008-04-03T07:47:28-06:00

ID

99859

Comment

I dont have nothing against Mason but i think he was set up and giving bad advice on purpose as a student of Jsu and having my church in the area that would be affected by the land grab i see both sides of the argument but mason should have known people would not lay down and just get ranned over i guess he problaly didnt care if they did. He thought the bill would pass and since it didnt hes in damage control. Do things right the first time and they would come out better no matter how long the process takes.

Author

NewJackson

Date

2008-04-03T09:32:43-06:00

ID

99860

Comment

I see the people's point, but I think that the area is in desperate need of development, and JSU is in the best position to do that. Being a University, the resources (not just financial, but educational, cultural, and professional) at its disposal and that it would be able to provide Jackson in general and the area in particular are just too much to pass up. Mason needs to see what kind of development are the citizens in the area going to provide before he says that the eminent domain thing is off the table. We all have look out for what is best for the city. JSU in a blighted community is not the best use of the city's nor the state's resources. Just my thoughts.

Author

Renaldo Bryant

Date

2008-04-04T08:23:39-06:00

ID

99861

Comment

I've always belived Leland Speed is too gung-ho for delicate projects like JSU needs to accomplish.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2008-04-07T07:35:13-06:00

ID

99862

Comment

Leland Speed is too astute and smart to not notice that they are going to have to proceed cautiously where this project is concerned. The foundation needs to sit down with the homeowners and others in the community and spend some time building consensus and honestly gaining the trust of the people. JSU needs to progress but they are going to have to be "creative" while also addressing concerns and building trust if they are going to be part of the solution in that declining community.

Author

lanier77

Date

2008-04-07T08:27:21-06:00

ID

99863

Comment

You can never trust a wolf. Since Speed and Co. have proven themselves...

Author

Ironghost

Date

2008-04-07T08:45:38-06:00