Fighting Crime A Priority In Jackson Mayoral Race

The primaries are less than two weeks away, and Jackson’s mayoral candidates are laying out their platforms and stroking potential voters.  Candidates and residents agree, crime is a major problem that must be tackled. 

At the Jackson Convention Complex, eight of the ten Democratic mayoral candidates squared off for a debate.  More than 300 people attended.  Many hung banners and posters supporting their pick for the city’s leader.
   

Incumbent Mayor Frank Melton did not participate.  Instead, he held his own event at the Clarion Hotel and talked about his accomplishments during his tenure.  He won his first election by talking tough about fighting crime, which is an issue many local residents say should be a top priority.

“I think that’s the only way crime can be solved is for police officers to get down and dirty,“ said Curtis Turner.  “Stay out of their vehicles and get into the streets.“

Turner says he’s impressed with Melton’s tough stance on crime.  He says the next mayor needs to tackle crime with the same tenacity.

Mary Bradley, who was born and raised in Jackson, says crime has pushed her out of the city.  She moved to Rankin County. 

“The final straw was that I was held up at gunpoint with a gun put to the temple of my head and was robbed,“ she said.

Local residents are divided on who they think should run city hall, but they agree the next mayor must make fighting crime a priority.