Jackson Free Press

On Tuesday, April 1, candidates seeking the office of Jackson mayor are required to submit their campaign-finance reports.

The law states that candidates are required to itemize each contribution over $200; donations under $200 can be lumped together.

Runoff candidates would need to file another report by April 15. All candidates must also file statements of economic interest (SEI) with the Mississippi Ethics Commission as are current office holders and some other appointed officials.

These are important reports that come with absolutely crucial deadlines in a campaign as short as this one. More so even than last year's protracted campaign, the amount of money spent, and how it is spent, could make or break the bids of the 13 individuals vying for the post.

We already know that most of the top candidates are buying advertising on local radio and television as well as in print publications (full disclosure: that includes the Jackson Free Press). We also know that campaigns or their agents are running so-called robocalls, some of which are negative.

Fundraising and drawing contrasts between oneself and one's opponent are necessary parts of our political process. However, the integrity of a political campaign is a bellwether for the level of transparency and accountability that will be present during a leader's administration. Running an underhanded, dirty campaign usually carries over into administration of government duties. Likewise, a clean, transparent campaign instills trust in the electorate and helps build political campaign that a mayor can spend in times of turmoil.

In the endorsement interviews we've conducted so far with the three members of the Jackson City Council who are running for mayor we're already getting a taste for how transparent some administrations would be.

So far, Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon has been most forthcoming about the source of her campaign funds; she named her top three contributors who have given a total of $5,000.

Councilmen Tony Yarber and Melvin Priester, who took control of Lumumba's seat on the council and rose to the rank of council president following the mayor's death, declined to disclose to the Jackson Free Press editorial board who was giving to their campaigns. Yarber, who is being supported by developer Socrates Garrett, did acknowledge that businesses that do business with the city are donating.

Withholding those names makes no sense to us; they must tell us by law within a week anyway.

Why the secrecy now?

So we're calling on candidates—and PACs and surrogates—to not only comply with the campaign-finance deadlines, but to fill out the forms completely, with names, addresses and phone numbers of contributors. Yes, we intend to scrutinize and publish these lists. Yes, we will raise questions about where the money is coming from.

But, believe it or not, candidates for mayor, this is good for you, it's good for Jackson, and it's good for democracy.

See jfp.ms/documents for all campaign-finance reports.