Jackson Free Press

Former Jackson mayor Harvey Johnson announced his candidacy for mayor on Saturday. Speaking in front of the Jackson Convention Complex, Johnson pointed to achievements from his two mayoral terms.

"It was five years ago that we all stood together, in an act of self-determination and hope, and sent a message that we could bring new jobs to Jackson," Johnson said, referring to the citywide referendum that financed the Convention Complex.

Johnson pledged to recruit more police officers, reinstate the Crime Prevention Unit, fully staff the city's fire department and grants development department and establish a JPD Victims Rights Office.

Speaking to reporters after his announcement, Johnson did not say how he planned to fund his promised improvements.

"We'll have to develop the financing mechanisms to do that," he said. "First of all, we have to look at enhancing our revenue, but not on the backs of our taxpayers."

Johnson also promised to use the City Stat system to bring "a new level of transparency and accountability" to Jackson's municipal government. The former mayor acknowledged that his own administration needed some improvement in that respect.

"One of the things that we did not take seriously enough is this notion of accountability," Johnson said. "Not just my accountability, but up and down the line. I think that citizens are looking for city workers—not just elected officials, not just department heads, but all the people that they're paying the salaries for—to be accountable."

During his campaign, Johnson will emphasize his past success in bringing development to the city.

"We're going to make sure, without bragging and without boasting, that people understand that a lot of the seeds that are coming to fruition now were planted in my administration," Johnson said.

Previous Comments

ID

143195

Comment

Where does he stand on the sherchief? Anyone know?

Author

Jennifer2

Date

2009-02-02T12:17:31-06:00

ID

143199

Comment

Marshall will have a field day. I'm not sure Johnson is the answer to the problems of Jackson.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-02-02T13:05:13-06:00

ID

143200

Comment

What needs to happen, is we don't need 10-20 people running for mayor. The support will be scattered, at best. Also, with some of the people running we might end up with Dot Benford, God forbid, as mayor because her name will be first on the ballet and no one will no any better. I understand the need for change, hell, we all want it BUT too many chefs in the kitchen are going to cause unmitigated chaos.

Author

Puck

Date

2009-02-02T13:10:56-06:00

ID

143202

Comment

Am I the only one with an irresistible urge to draw mustaches on the Dorothy Benford signs? It's just a matter of time before I succumb.

Author

Jennifer2

Date

2009-02-02T13:45:41-06:00

ID

143204

Comment

Am I the only one with an irresistible urge to draw mustaches on the Dorothy Benford signs? It's just a matter of time before I succumb. Actually, I would do something much worse to her signs, so it's best that I control myself.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2009-02-02T14:35:57-06:00

ID

143205

Comment

Maybe some horns and an egg-sucking dog.

Author

Jennifer2

Date

2009-02-02T15:22:52-06:00

ID

143206

Comment

He has my vote and support, we dont need all these rookies stepping in we need someone who got the job done.

Author

NewJackson

Date

2009-02-02T16:34:26-06:00

ID

143207

Comment

NewJ: He didn't get the job done the first time, surely you can remember that?

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-02-02T16:48:52-06:00

ID

143208

Comment

There's yet another candidate entering the Jackson mayoral race, as Brenda Scott, president of Mississippi Alliance of State Employees, announced her candidacy for Frank Melton's job. That now makes about a dozen people who have announced their intentions to run for mayor.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2009-02-02T18:16:38-06:00

ID

143209

Comment

He (Harvey) did do the job the first time, Ironghost; he just didn't get the credit. People were too impatient, not to mention too snookered by the C-L's negative coverage of Harvey and their blind allegiance to Frank Melton. Give Harvey the credit he deserves; if you don't like his personality, then that's something altogether different. The man is an urban planner by education and experience. His work is manifested in the spurt of building and development we are seeing right now.

Author

Kacy

Date

2009-02-02T21:12:03-06:00

ID

143210

Comment

C'mon, people: let us not start to perpetrate the same crap that the Clarion Ledger did four years ago.

Author

Kacy

Date

2009-02-02T21:18:28-06:00

ID

143212

Comment

He did have his faults, regardless of the CL's love affair with Melton. Urban Planning is one thing, but his glacial planning and reluctance to do anything unless it was an election year (County Line Road, High Street rennovations come to mind) are two reasons he got canned.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-02-02T21:48:05-06:00

ID

143213

Comment

No, he was canned because of the media's love affair with Frank Melton and their unwillingness to question anything he said and did. Also, Johnson and Chief Robert Moore were bashed minute after minute on crime, even though crime was going down. Again, the media didn't do any fact-checking or bother to question. True enough, the voters, not the media, chose Melton over Johnson, but if the media would've done their jobs and gave people the information that was necessary to make an informed decision, perhaps the election could've gone the other way. Bad things tend to happen when the media goes along and refuses to question anything. Ever heard of a four-letter word called Iraq?

Author

golden eagle

Date

2009-02-02T21:55:36-06:00

ID

143215

Comment

Great urban planner. Yes! Started downtown projects. Yes! Hurt by the media. sure. If you acknowledge that that was only ONE reason Johnson lost in 05. But the media was not his main downfall. Johnson was not a people person. He had the personality of a bag of rocks and turned off a lot of good people with a snooty aire. The folks he surrounded himself with were the opposite of Melton's but just as bad. They created a kingdom around Johnson that only the priveleged could get in. An administration cannot be elitist. Melton surrounded himself with incompetent people while johnson surrounded himself with people who thought they were smarter than everybody. Bad on both ends. And I agree with McLemore in the CL when he says that Johnson had horrible relationships with the city's power brokers and no relationship with young people. He was good for his time but voting for him would be a step backwrds. We've been down that road. IT was cool but now we must move forward with a new person. Its gonna be either Horne or Crisler. The race comes down to those two

Author

trusip

Date

2009-02-02T22:29:57-06:00

ID

143216

Comment

Harvey Johnson was probably the best mayor Jackson has ever had, but in a lot of ways he still sucked. Of course he would be an almost unimaginably huge improvement over the current administration, and he sounds penitent enough to indicate that he just might have learned from his mistakes, but personally I'd rather see Horhn get it.

Author

Tom Head

Date

2009-02-03T04:04:49-06:00

ID

143218

Comment

You can look at arguments like this and see why Harvey isn't right for Jackson. We don't need him back, we have to move this city forward. We don't need someone who'll ignore Jackson until Election time...

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-02-03T08:27:50-06:00

ID

143220

Comment

In an earlier post, someone asked about the "SherChief" position and what would Johnson's response be to this arrangement. I don't know, personally; however, I do know that Johnson is an evidence man who relied heavily on the strategies and recommendations made by the Lindy-Maples study. There was no provision for the Sheriff to serve as Chief of Police. We must all remember the reason that this was done. melton had gone totally out of control! There were provisions for officers to be promoted, classes to occur more frequently with greater numbers and the need for more officers in certain high crime-ridden areas of the City. Crime was going down during Johnson's Adm. and the 99 murder stats he inherited from the Adm. that preceded him was cut more than half.

Author

justjess

Date

2009-02-03T12:03:13-06:00

ID

143223

Comment

I get the feeling that none of the candidates would not want McMillin to be both sheriff and chief, so I see whomever the new mayor is replacing McMillin. I was not against the double-duty per se, as long as he could do both jobs effectively. However, the crime rate has been going up lately and that signals that things are not going well as far as controlling crime. That starts at the top.

Author

golden eagle

Date

2009-02-03T12:43:00-06:00

ID

143244

Comment

Harvey is a good man, a decent man, and one of integrity. But, in reality, he was not a good mayor. Rather than improving with experience, he really got worse (and more arrogant). Don't make excuses about the media, Frank Melton, etc. The truth is, had Harvey been a better mayor, he would have deserved and won a 3rd term. He DID surround himself with people that were more interested in worshiping and protecting HIM, rather than serving the people. We don't need an administration full of "yes people." Harvey lost because he didn't earn the right to re-election. And, I blame HIM for letting Melton win. On another note, where has Harvey been the last 4 years? Really. A cush job at JSU? More "planning." I haven't seen any evidence of him, even behind the scenes, making a real difference in the lives of people since he was defeated. I don't see him listed on the boards of any of the many non-profit and civic organizations in this city filled with selfless people trying to make a difference. It seems that Harvey still thinks the people of Jackson owe HIM an apology. Well, I think he owes the PEOPLE an apology for failing US and giving Melton the mayorship on a silver platter. Harvey, go to the house. Give somebody else a chance. They can't possibly do any worse than you did the last few years in office or what Melton has done every day in office! It's time for new leadership, even if that leadership isn't as "smart" as you or have the resume or credentials. You lost our trust over an 8 year period and have done nothing demonstrable over the last 4 years to prove that you've earned it back. So, Harvey, stay home. It's OVER. Be a statesman and park your ego. Put our beloved city first for a change. You should be helping the city find a new YOUNG leader somewhere and quit trying to hang on the past to boost your own selfish ego.

Author

FriendsofJackson

Date

2009-02-04T00:30:26-06:00

ID

143245

Comment

Well said FOJ.

Author

kudzuking

Date

2009-02-04T08:52:31-06:00

ID

143248

Comment

Some bloggs are just too evident of envy, jealousy and plane meaness. The things that some of us will say and do to each other (African-Americans) are simply unconscionable. We continue our field and house "N" status. I've said many times before that I admire Whites for their strong sense of family and how they continue to positively market their heroes/heroines, even Mickey and Minnie Mouse. For some Blacks, it's a kick to the curve and dogs are sicked on you for those who are as the blogger, FOJ said, "Harvey is a good man,a decent man and one of integrity." FOJ even went further as he so eloquently pointed out Johnsons credentials and intellect. There is a new theme now that has severe marking from another JFP writer who is intent on getting rid of "Old People" in the City of Jackson and trying to convience people that Johnson has not done anything over the past 8 years. The "Harvey, go to the house. Give somebody else a chance" was the same idiotic position that got this City into the mess with melton. The last few lines of the FriendofJackson blog "even if that leadership isn't as "smart" as you or have the resume or credentials" is just plain STUPID and CHILDISH. I'm hopeful that the citizens of Jackson will be smart enough to know when a person is just dogging Johnson for their own personal interest which in fact has absolutely nothing to do with moving this City forward.

Author

justjess

Date

2009-02-04T12:16:15-06:00

ID

143251

Comment

FOJ (FriendofJackson), To paraphrase our 44th President, Barack Obama, There can only be one "mayor" at a time. melton did not ask for Johnson's or the citizens of Jackson help. In fact, he said that he didn't give a shi! what they think."

Author

justjess

Date

2009-02-04T14:13:31-06:00

ID

143253

Comment

uh ohhhhhhh. You have to be talking to me! Or at least I assume. so since you called me out in a slick manner:-) let me make sure I make myself perfectly clear. Yes, I am said writer or one of em..and YES! this town needs an enema. New leadeship top to bottom. Replace them ALL! Even the ones I love and respect dearly! It needs new, fresh, progressive leadership with new, fresh, progressive ideas for the changing demographic of this city i.e. the generation with the disposable income and the generation not hindered by the albatross of "white/black power structures". Now sure, your response will be normal and predictable as usual when these discussion arise but my mind and the minds of many others are made. Jackson could very well have the highest median age of elected officials in the country. We have a councilman thats nearly 80 for crying out loud! This city fears change, and even moreso fears youth. With all due respect, we love and honor those who have paved the way for us and look to you for wisdom. But email it to me, or call me on the phone with it..In other words get out of our way! ONLY because it seems that they wont do it willingly. Im not trying to convince anyone of anything jess. Im not the only one who feels this way. All of these candidates, including Johnson, made their own beds and will have to lie in them. The term "old" means in thought, manner, and morays as well. and we wont be swayed..At least I wont be. Im standing my ground. Now I could just get real aggressive and say lets not vote for anyone over 50 but I wont go there. Even though I should because the problems that exist in this city, state, and world come from the failures of generations before. It is what it is. Failures that OUR generation is having to face now. and FYI, Im an investor and one of those who look to be power brokers in this city soon and last time I checked I wasnt white. The other investors of Farish street are all African-American except for one and they too ARE power brokers in this town. So stop with the lame, white power structure excuses. I work with everyone white or black and everyone who is dedicated to pushing this city forward and understands the true power of our demo and nobody over 50-55 can, sorry. I didnt make it like that. Now to my part, Jxn Progressives and a few other entites will be sponosoring a 2 part mayoral debate along with WAPT. and each week we host a forum at Peaches where all the candidates mayoral and city council will give voters some intimate face time answering questions etc. Im dedicated to making sure that this city and my folks in particular are much better informed on ALL the candidates this time before election day lest some of us make the same mistakes as before. I dont profess to be a man who knows it all. I do have a degree, I did take honors classes at JSU, I DID graduate cum laude however but even in my YOUTHFUL IGNORANCE lol I know that backwards does not denote forward progress, no matter how good it looks. Period. The attitude that you express on this thread and the other as to how you believe a Black candidate should handle these power brokers. and your puppet theory does more to hold us back in this city than anything you can accuse someone else of doing. its old tired, outdated gotcha politics. And we're bigger than that.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2009-02-04T14:37:06-06:00

ID

143254

Comment

And just so ya know..we can agree to disagree. everyone has thier opinion. You're entitled to yours, but dont condemn others for theirs regardless. you're clearly a Johnson supporter with personal feelings. Cool. Others have presented decent arguments as to why they WONT support Johnson as they will with ALLLLLLL the candidates. You act as if you are mad when someone says they wont vote for him. and trust ALL black folks arent voting for one candidate and ALL white folks arent voting for one candididate. Ultimately, the candidate who undertands where this city is GOING and can change with it will be the one who should win. And any candidate with any ties to ye olden days doesnt understand that...or me as a voter. And BTW...if youre gonna call me out..say my name(and spell it correctly when ya do!)

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2009-02-04T14:50:36-06:00

ID

143257

Comment

I never take anything wrong brother. Good question. dont ever apologize for asking questions or standing your ground. Our demo does that and gets accused of being disrespectful when its faaaaaar from that. Now Ive pondered over that same question as Ive been here my WHOLE life, born and raised. Ive even started doing some independent research because Ive heard excuses all my adult days as to why black folks havent this and black folks havent that. Ive wondered why we now make up nearly 75% of the population but have no economic power. Ive wondered why seemingly whether true or contrived the 25% have controlled the purse strings. There are affluent Black folks in this town, not wealthy by the real definition, but they have money. And there are some of who we have grown up looking at as "power brokers" the problem has been that they have been traditionally stand-offish and full of the "I got mine, you get yours" mentality. Never thinking of the advantages of pooling together resources or forming and entity(until Farish). chances are a LOT of things in this town could have been moving forward development wise had they had the foresight to see what white developers have. the same electric building was here, the same King Edward was here, hell Farish has been there forever. You cant wait until someone says "Ill do it" then cry foul. Im hoping to change that dynamic baquan. Ive been given a golden opportunity and my charge is to make sure I help other young African American males to create generational wealth. Maybe the holdup has been fear of failure. dunno. But Im asking the right questions...I think..and Ill keep researching right now Im researching who the top 15 richest folks in Jackson is. and Ill tell you this..number one IS white and has amassed over a billion dollars..and its not even who ya think it is..but more on that later...we DO have a long way to go brother lol.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2009-02-04T15:44:31-06:00

ID

143259

Comment

it IS now, especially since a lot of intelligent young folks started pressing the issue, and talking. simple as that. But it wasnt like that true. but it was pulling away from both sides of the fence. Black folks with money and white folks with money pulling in opposite directions. Its a boondoggle yes, and I doint profess to have all the answers. I Love this city...hard lol and Im trying everyday to do my part and me doing what m doing on Farish is a small component of that. So to saty on topic. Im looking for a candidate who sees that in us and can cultivate it

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2009-02-04T15:49:50-06:00

ID

143260

Comment

Baquan, if you write to me off line, I will give you the names of the property owners on Farish Street. My best friend owns the best looking property on Farish Street and the vacant lot across the street from it. MS College has been trying to buy it and their plan was to make it a dead in. I will also let you know the games that are being played to the point that several business owners are uncertain about being able to stay in their locations.

Author

justjess

Date

2009-02-04T16:08:42-06:00

ID

143264

Comment

And Ill do ya one better bruh. You can email me or hit me at our ofcs 601 842 0257 if you want the REAL deal about Farish. You can come by and as a matter of fact anyone reading can come by and see what's happening. The Farish st. Group which is a Majority african american investment group and Watkins development have all the parcels on the first 2 blocks except the old Fields cafe and the Alamo. There won't be gentrification and nobodys moving. Infact I personally went to the COJ and found monies for existing biz on Farish and some of the tenants have gotten theirs(the Advocate and Classic Printing) and Roderick at Peaches will be gtting his soon. An African American attorney/club owner purchased the shotgun houses and washerteria at the end of the street and plans to develop it. Don't be fooled bruh that's been our problem. No games anymore, the kid is on the scene and that street WILL happen and EVERYONE who is there now will BE there. Hit me if you wanna know anything else. We're an open book

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2009-02-04T16:28:19-06:00

ID

143266

Comment

oh and a sidebar..Dean Rosenblatt has been very supportive and will assist as the Minnesota developers Hope Development put their residential component off Farish moving back into their parking lot. And Dr. Holly's building will stay and her family still and always will own it. But this is info you'll get if you come take one of our downtown tours and walk the first two blocks of Farish. come see for yourself..I DO this bruh..everyday...so if ya want more of the scoop holla or......lol

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2009-02-04T16:34:04-06:00

ID

143269

Comment

and justjess if you know of some business owners that have concerns they can call me directly at the number above and Ill be happy to answer any questions they have. Ive spoken with most of them..Willa at Classic Printing, Roderick at Peaches, Dr. Harmon, the bookstore next to it, Rev. Johnson, New Hope Church, Rev. Neddie Winters..Havent gotten to everyone but will that part of my charge..I deont associate myself with foolery or treachery..and everyone that knows me knows that. rest assured great things are happening so lets put away the old conspiracies..they may have been alive 10 years ago but its new kids on the block now...I await a call from anyone you have..even you..

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2009-02-04T16:41:44-06:00