Jackson Free Press

In the time you’ve lived in Ward 6, how has it changed—for better and for worse?

It has not changed for the better. It has steadily been going down and down. The streets have gotten worse. Ever since I’ve been there, I’ve been in Ward 6 for the last 20-some-odd years, and it has not gotten better at all. Crime has gotten worse. Houses are being broken in all the time. Police are not doing their jobs.

What’s a vote the city council has taken in recent years that significantly affected Ward 6? Did you agree or disagree with the vote of the council member at the time? Why?

The vote that has been taken that I disagreed with was the sales tax (increase). They raised the taxes on water bills. Nothing has been done with the money. So, I was wondering why did they take another vote on it. They haven’t done anything with the money that already got allocated to be on the water bill.

And, the monies for putting the new leaders in. The contract for $90 million dollars and they had one for $30 million, and they turned it down. So why did they go with the highest bidder?

What is currently the most significant issue in front of the council with respect to Ward 6?

Crime and infrastructure—the roads.

If you obtain the position, what would be your main priorities during your first few weeks on Council?

To get the crime under control. Go directly toward the crime.

When Mayor Tony Yarber served in the Ward 6 seat, he talked how economic development was one of the greatest challenges for the area since it is mostly residential. What are your plans in regard to economic development for the area?

First, try to get the crime under control. You can’t do anything because nobody wants to come while the crime is high. Try to get it under control and then go toward some of the businesses and try to get the businesses to come in there. Talk to other businesses in other areas, and go to Madison and talk to some people that are in Madison and see if we can get them to come to Jackson.