As the city of Jackson grapples with pressing issues like water scarcity, public safety concerns, and economic decline, it’s time for residents to come together towards a more just and thriving capital city. The upcoming mayoral runoff election on April 22 provides an opportunity for voters to take a long, honest look at themselves and ask if they’ve shown up for their city and worked with elected officials.
Jackson is facing crisis, including a projected loss of nearly 4,000 residents in a single year, and the long-standing issues of a crippled water system, public safety concerns, economic decline, and division among neighbors. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has faced criticism for his handling of these issues, while Democratic Sen. John Horhn’s legislative record raises questions about whether he’s used his influence to help the city.
However, building cities is hard, and it will take the collective effort of residents – voters, business owners, faith leaders, students, retirees, parents, and young people – to move Jackson forward. The city needs a new mindset, one that prioritizes unity, courage, and collective action towards creating clean drinking water, ensuring public safety, investing in education and workforce development, and delivering reliable city services.
This election isn’t just about who gets the title of mayor; it’s about whether Jackson gets another chance at becoming the capital city Mississippi deserves – a place that leads by example, not lags behind. The successful Blue Origin mission showed us that coordinated effort and diverse expertise can achieve great things, and this city needs the same kind of spirit to overcome its challenges.
Residents are encouraged to vote on April 22, not just for a person but for a path forward – one marked by cooperation over conflict, and sustained civic action over short-term outrage. Jackson deserves liftoff, and it starts with us.
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/opinion-blue-origin-returned-from-space-can-jackson-finally-take-off