Jackson Mayoral Candidates Square Off

Mayoral Candidates Speak to Around 50 Voters

With the possibility of a second federal trial facing Jackson Mayor Frank Melton, some high-profile candidates are lining up to challenge him in the mayoral race. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

More than 10 candidates have filed paperwork to run for mayor of the capital city. This weekend eight of them gathered at a forum to tout their experience. They come from a variety of backgrounds, including a radio host, state senator and a former Jackson mayor. They mostly shared a message of change in Jackson, though none of them named Melton specifically. Here’s two-term city councilman Marshand Crisler.

“Things have not gotten better, things have not stayed the same. Things have gotten worse. Jackson needs a new beginning and we need it now. We need new leadership, better leadership. We need a new vision and new energy. We don’t need the same old political banter and politics as usual.”

The candidates shared proposals to combat some of the city’s problems, including increasing police coverage and fixing Jackson’s many potholed roads. Robert Johnson is a former head of the state Department of Corrections and Jackson police chief.

“We can be that world-class city that each of us desires. But we can’t be a first-class city if we keep electing second-rate leadership that allows third world conditions to continue to exist in our city. It’s shameful.”

Melton hasn’t yet filed his paperwork to run. The deadline is Friday. Candidates will face off in a May 5th primary. The general election is in June, with the new term starting in July.