Jackson Free Press

Election years are always bittersweet for me, especially in Jackson. This city is abuzz with frenetic energy—some good, some bad. I'm excited and motivated by the sight of citizens mobilizing behind their chosen candidate. I'm optimistic at the thought of voters vetting the contenders. It's what a democracy is all about.

On the other hand, however, the dark side of elections weighs heavy on my spirit.

It's when normally rational men and women sink to the lowest depths of human nature. It's when folks will say or allege anything to boost their candidate. Tact takes a backseat to race-baiting conspiracy theories, tax investigations and forays into the personal lives of people who deserve the privacy that all of us should be afforded. We fail to disagree without being disagreeable. The back and forth muckraking distracts a lot of us from the real issues that face our city.

This election is too important to make decisions based on external stimuli. Each of us must be prepared to individually analyze each candidate, weigh pros and cons, and make informed choices. There are probably more candidates in this mayoral race than this city has ever seen. Even the city council races have a lot of new faces with fresh ideas trying to make a name in the political realm. There's a little bit of old school and a little bit of new school. Some have what pundits call "name recognition," and others are trying to find their place.

But you do yourself and your city a disservice when you personally invest yourself so much into one candidate that you can't listen to the platform of another. Some of what I'm hearing is: "My candidate goes to this church"; "I've known this candidate this long"; "My candidate serves on this board"; "My candidate won't let these folks do this." It's a lot of fluff and no filler.

Some folks can't intelligently convey the views of their candidate, but are willing to sling mud as far as they can throw it. I've heard more than a few people say they withdrew support of a candidate because the sheriff endorsed him. Another candidate lost support because he owes taxes, and yet another because he is rumored to live in another county. Name an issue you disagree with or point out a policy that you're vehemently against; but to discard a candidate because some prominent white people back him? What? To dismiss a candidate's views because he or she is under 30? Huh? Not giving a candidate a second look because he or she worked at one time for the current administration? Sigh. That kind of thinking flies in the face of all those who fought and died for us to have the right to choose who leads us.

Our next mayor has to have a plan. He or she has to be able to work with black and white folks. He or she has to open our city to those who want to do business here. He or she needs to be someone our youth can relate to. Someone hard nosed but fair; personable and approachable. We need someone who won't rest on their laurels but realize that July 2009 marks the new day when things will be done a new way.

On April 23, several organizations are getting together to give voters a chance to hear from all the mayoral candidates. It will be the first in a two-part series of debates that will give the public a chance to hear directly from the candidates. There won't be any cheering sections. No signs, no buttons and no polls. Just a moderator, cameras and a room full of people whom they will have to convince that they are the best choice. I urge everyone to come. This is for the people by the people. Get your free ticket while they are available by e-mailing [e-mail missing].

And that's the truth ... sho-nuff.

Previous Comments

ID

146032

Comment

Amen and Amen, Kaz.

Author

Jeff Good

Date

2009-04-17T12:11:06-06:00