Funeral services have been set for next Saturday, March 8th for Jackson's late mayor, Chokwe Lumumba. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports City Council members could soon announce plans for a special mayoral election.
The Jackson City Council is expected to meet Monday to possibly set the date for a special mayoral election to replace the late Mayor Chokwe Lumumba. Under state law, the election must be held within in 30 to 45 days after council sets the date. At yesterdays city council meeting, Acting President, Ward 2 Councilman, Melvin Priester Jr. discussed the lengthy process.
"We've gotta take care of things such as getting the voter rolls done. One of the most important things for us to sort out is whether we've gotta do voter ID with this. Because of when the date is going to fall voter ID will not be required in this election. It's gonna be one of the last elections in Mississippi where voter ID is not going to be required."
Even as the election process runs its course, Ward 4 Councilman De'Keither Stamps says it’s important that the governing body remains strong.
"This administration has been successful because it was everybody working together. In 7 months we've received more racial harmony in Jackson, Mississippi than this state has ever seen and this state cannot lose that,"
Those feelings are echoed by long time Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simone of Ward 7.
"We've already begun presentations and all of the things necessary to keep the city running. And we also are looking at the 1% sales tax coming in which is gonna further enhance what we're doing in public works and water and sewer. We very much miss the mayors leadership but I think we'll all step up to the plate to see these things are done."
City Council President Charles Tillman of Ward 5 is the acting mayor, The 66-year-old Lumumba took office in July. According to the Hinds County coroner, he died of natural causes Tuesday at St. Dominic's Hospital. Lawayne Childrey, MPB News.
