Jackson Free Press

"Those that succeed are the ones that show up" is a mantra that I live by and practice. It is the simple premise that one's mere presence can be a positive influence or driving force to action. And while many Jackson residents, media outlets and inner-circle yes-men may be afraid to openly admit it, some of our city officials have not "shown up," and we have failed to hold them accountable.

I'm proud to be a member of the new Leadership Jackson class and blessed to be surrounded by men and women who exemplify the true meaning of the word "leadership." They have made a commitment to see a process through, and although it may not always be convenient or popular, they show up when called. Recently, our class had its local government session. During this day-long retreat, we were supposed to hear from our local elected officials and learn some of the inner workings of city and county government. I'm sorry to say that out of eight or nine mayors invited to speak to their state's future leaders, only two (mayors of Terry and Canton) bothered to show up. Of our county supervisors, only three bothered to show-up. And of our city council members, only one (Marshand Crisler) bothered to show up.

Aside from Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins-Butler, whom I believe would rather be held at Guantanamo Bay than to spend one moment of her time helping Jackson, I expect those whom we have elected to serve us to come when called. Sure, things come up, schedules get tangled, emergencies arise. However, when given fair notice and opportunity to speak to a group as talented as the one I am a part of, you should show up. Period.

As difficult as it is for me to say publicly about men and women I respect and call friends, we have some council members and county officials who have said in no uncertain terms that they will never serve on any committees and will not come to any meetings outside council meetings. They can't be reached when called by citizens, miss appointments, come late, leave early, lock colleagues out of meetings, never respond to e-mails, and bicker. It virtually appears that they could not care less when asked to simply do their jobs. We allow that cycle to continue because we refuse to hold anyone accountable.

We have officials who are well into their 70s. Officials who have been in the same office for more than 30 years. Officials who have no recognizable achievements, yet year after year, people re-elect them to serve. They're not there because we want them there, but because we're used to them being there—because we're comfortable with someone we know. This city fears change. And more than that, it fears youth.

Some of our public officials aren't doing their jobs because we aren't making them. Simple as that. This town needs a cleansing. Restaurateur Jeff Good has started a group on Facebook (Wanted: Progressive Jackson City Council Candidates ... PLEASE!!!), and Feb. 19, Jackson Progressives will hopefully be talking at Koinonia Coffee House about forming a government watchdog group designed to monitor and hold our public officials accountable. How? By making quarterly progress reports. We'll be watching how many meetings you miss; watching how many speaking engagements you cancel; how efficient your office runs; how many bills you sponsor, and your etiquette in meetings. We'll look for real accomplishments. The list will grow, and we will report our findings to the public and let you decide if you want to hold the future of your city or state in the hands of these folks.

When faced with the proposition of doing their jobs or being called out on them, some of your elected officials will buckle and reveal themselves as the charlatans they are. As Peter Drucker says: "Leadership is responsibility."

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

Previous Comments

ID

143510

Comment

Aside from Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins-Butler, whom I believe would rather be held at Guantanamo Bay than to spend one moment of her time helping Jackson, Wow. Didn't hold back, did you? :P

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2009-02-11T23:13:20-06:00

ID

143518

Comment

In the words of that great american hero...Popeye the sailor.."Thats all I can stands...I cna't stands no more" The golves are OFF. I simply cannot stand by and let my 11 yr old, 15 yr old, and soon to be 14 yr old stepson grow up in this BS that we tolerate in this city. change will come when folks in this city finally get MAD!

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2009-02-12T10:02:24-06:00

ID

143520

Comment

go get em, kaze. good luck and thanks for your leadership and courage.

Author

FriendsofJackson

Date

2009-02-12T10:15:47-06:00

ID

143523

Comment

We have to hold media accountable, too, as you mention. We've had media for years that send money to home offices outside Jackson, while not giving the community the information it needs to make wise decisions (can we say MELTON!?). Not to mention, all the crime sensationalism and running down Jackson that has helped build the flight out of the capital city. My new meme: Buy Local. Eat Local. Think Local. READ Local.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2009-02-12T10:25:22-06:00

ID

143539

Comment

Kaze, you are right on target about those who are in charge just because they have been around for years, and everybody knows their name. It's time for some leaders who give a damn to SHOW UP, make a difference, listen to the citizens, and bring Jackson to the forefront.

Author

chip

Date

2009-02-12T14:04:47-06:00

ID

143548

Comment

I don't know if this has been done or not, but have you thought about putting together a group/team of young progressive policy people to help candidates on speaking points and policy positions if they choose to run for elected office and consider themselves a young progressive.

Author

bookerdaboy

Date

2009-02-12T16:31:03-06:00

ID

143555

Comment

We will be doing exactly that booker at our next Jackson Progressives meeting. Thursday, Feb 19 @ Koinonia. 7:30pm. Hopefully there is a movement afoot.

Author

Kamikaze

Date

2009-02-13T07:19:53-06:00

ID

143560

Comment

Ok, great to know. I will definitely try to make it there.

Author

bookerdaboy

Date

2009-02-13T10:22:52-06:00