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The Politics of Voter ID
Photos by Adam Lynch and Kate Medley
Candidates tend to look for issues to separate themselves from their opponents. It's a tough order in conservative Mississippi, where many nominees on both sides of the political spectrum agree on many of the same issues.
Three Candidates Vying for Ward 1
Three Ward 1 residents are jumping up to replace former Council President Ben Allen, since the councilman retired over health issues June 22. Allen abruptly resigned his post days after reporting chest pains, saying his doctor had advised him to reduce his stress level.
Senate Race Heats Up In Hinds
Belhaven Democrat David Blount threw his hat into the race for the Hinds County District 29 Senate seat last Wednesday. Blount told the JFP that he wants to present a more middle-class-friendly attitude to residents in Terry, Byram and South Jackson.
Senator Warns of Hinds District Loss
Jackson Sen. Hillman Frazier called upon city residents to crowd the halls of Hinds County Circuit Court this month to voice their concerns about redistricting.
Money in For Farish
Development of the Farish Street Entertainment District got a shot in the arm this month. Farish Street developer Performa Entertainment Real Estate Inc., announced the closure of a $1 million Trustmark Bank loan for Phase 1 of the district's $12 million re-development. The money puts the finishing touches on plans for the King Biscuit Café and Funny Bone Comedy Club.
The Hidden Monopoly
The city of Jackson rakes in more than $1.5 million every year renting city-owned towers to cellular providers, and EZ 103.7 FM President Edward Saint Pé wants a piece of the action.
A New Sheriff? JFP Interview with Malcolm McMillin
My opposition in this race, their mantra is, "It's time for a change." Not that I've done a bad job, but that it's time for a change, just a change in the leadership. He hasn't said anything that he would do any differently, except that he would try to get along better with the board of supervisors. I've said in the past that I might even step down if it meant seeing him actually get along with the supervisors, just to see him try.
I'll Go to Flowood, I Swear
Developer Ted Duckworth, the man behind numerous development projects in Jackson including the 308 Electric Building, said the city is thwarting his efforts to move forward with a project he has planned for the city's old library, at 301 North State Street.
State of the City: "Mistakes of the Heart"
Mayor Frank Melton's State of the City Address was filled with determined talk, but no details.
JSU's Ronald Mason: Gee Whiz, I'm Sorry
Jackson State University President Ronald Mason mea culpas to residents he had earlier tried to displace from their homes.
Junior League Eyes Lefleur's Park
The Junior League of Jackson wants to build a children's museum on 4.3 acres of state parkland, but opponents say the construction will irrevocably damage the park.
Legislative Update: It's About Money, Stupid!
The Mississippi House of Representatives deeply involved itself in appropriation bills last week. The House is up against a March 12 deadline to weigh in on "money bills" originating in the House, but it also faces a March 18 end-date for House committees to ruminate over general bills coming in from the Senate.
JSU Tries, Fails to 'Quick Take' Private Land
Jackson State University tried to accelerate the eminent-domain process with a bill tailored to its needs in the Legislature, but the bill died in committee this week.
'Tort Reform' Not Working?
There's just no pleasing some people. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's tort-reform lobbying arm, the "Institute for Legal Reform," released a report last Wednesday ranking Mississippi as the 48th worst "legal climate" in the country.
Gas Ain't Forever
It's clear from the parking lots around the state capitol that the legislative session is a busy time for the building. During the session, those parking lots, empty for most of the year, suddenly fill with a wide assortment of vehicles from all across the state, be it a sleek BMW from an upscale suburb or a beat down 1980s Pontiac that the visiting legislator just hasn't got the heart to junk.
Council Considers Gate Ordinance
Under a new city ordinance Ward 1 Councilman Quentin Whitwell proposed today, 75 percent of a Jackson neighborhood's residents could vote to gate their community even though the city would continue funding its infrastructure. "This is a traffic-calming measure," Whitwell said at the Jackson City Council meeting this morning.
Mississippi Lawmakers on Smoking, Sex-Ed and Kicked Cats
Today is the deadline for Mississippi legislators to take floor action on all bills originating in their respective chambers, and the House and Senate passed several bills yesterday and this morning.
Candidates Reveal Differences at Debate
Three Republican Party gubernatorial candidates leaned heavy right on social issues, but differed slightly on some money matters at a Flowood debate sponsored by the Mississippi Tea Party.
Former JSU President Reflects on Shootings
Former Jackson State University President John Peoples, Jr. described with painful detail the 1970 shootings he witnessed at Jackson State University that resulted in the deaths of two students during Koinonia Coffee House's Friday Forum this morning.
Mayor-elect Announces Transition Team
Tonight Mayor-elect Harvey Johnson Jr. gave the Jackson Free Press a list of his diverse transition team members that will investigate the current condition of city administration and prepare reports for the incoming mayor by July. He announced a five-person steering committee chaired by attorney John Maxey and co-chaired by Glenda Glover. The other three members are Kate Jacobson, Robert Barnes and Beverly Hogan. He also announced administrative committee chairs: Bettie Mallett (legal); Troy Stovall (administration and finance); Charles Graham (Fire Department); Rims Barber (Health & Human Services); Rev. Author Sutton (Parks & Recreation); Sandra Sellers (personnel management); Otha Burton (Planning & Development); Rebecca Coleman (Public Safety); Matt Thomas (Public Works); Dorothy Triplett (Constituent Services); and Peter Marks (Public Relations).