Jackson Free Press

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

I’ve been in Ward 6 for 19 years and it's been getting worse (with) the erosion in the tax base and the infrastructure. I haven’t seen many improvements that show that it (Ward 6) has gotten better because crime has gone up as well.

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?

I am unaware of any vote that the council has made that has impacted Ward 6.

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

That is the infrastructure and the repair of the roads. That’s the main issue with the (constituents) as well as crime. My main focus, if elected, would be to obtain knowledge on what’s critical for the Ward at the time and then develop a plan to implement action to see the quality of life improve.

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?

I disagree with Mayor Yarber. I believe it symbolizes a strength and represents a strong tax base because we are residential. There are some opportunities that need to be addressed in order to have economic development and first we must stabilize the tax base and we do that by addressing the crime.