Jackson Free Press

Today, we are reporting the things Jackson area youth are planning to do
this summer. What about next summer, or the summer two years from now? I want to
know will things ever change?

Yes, there are a few summer programs ran by
the City of Jackson, Jackson Public School District, and other local area
groups, but most youth programs are trailing on thin ice because of the sour economy
and a poor budget. Yes, I believe that the economy will eventually recover,
but will Jackson stop ignoring the youth?

There are many developments going on in the Jackson metro area that pertain
to multi-million dollar hotels, real estate, and business. What does any of
that have to do with the youth?

Jackson is missing the big picture. As I was
searching the internet for the latest Jackson area developments, I stumbled
upon the following quote from the Planning and Development section on the
City of Jackson's website:

"The Department of Planning and Development promotes economic development in
Jackson by helping new and existing companies meet their goals for growth
while creating jobs and improving the quality of life for residents."

What about improving the quality of life for youth? If Jackson really wants
to boost their budget, they should try bringing in more developments that have
a focus on the youth. Jackson has no movie theater, no skating rink, no kind
of entertainment that the youth could have an interest in (with the exception of
the Arts). Jackson is missing out on a major cash cow. It's definitely
something they should think about.