2009 JFP Interview with Frank Melton, Part VI: Of Alcohol and GunsIn his office in February, Mayor Frank Melton talked about many issues with the Jackson Free Press. Here is an excerpt about his past abuse of alcohol and, if true, some surprising revelations about the guns he used to strap …
Open Ward 2 Race Brings Competing SolutionsIn the wake of Ward 2 Councilman Leslie McLemore's decision not to seek re-election, eight candidates are vying to replace him. They offer similar views of the ward's needs but disparate visions of how to address them.
The 2009 JFP Interview with Dorothy BenfordJackson resident Dorothy "Dot" Benford seems to run for office almost every time an election year comes around. She has a small list of unwavering supporters and an ant's determination to topple a rubber-tree plant.
Know Your LimitationsThe elections are well underway, and the plate is piling high with campaign promises, in both the council and mayoral races. There are good, noble, smart campaign priorities out there.
Strong Mayor, Weak Council42 candidates are looking to claim a seat on the Jackson City Council in this year's elections. All have high aspirations, but many don't know what they're getting into.
Committee to Study Car Tag CostsMississippi's Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant yesterday announced the creation of a special legislative committee to study the cost of car tags in the state. The proposed committee will contain three members from each chamber, and "be responsible for providing reliable …
Dry Rankin May Vote To Get WetDry sections of Pearl and Flowood may see liquor sales soon, as Gov. Haley Barbour signed a bill that precedes putting the issue to county voters.
Survey Puts Crisler, Harvey Johnson in the LeadWashington, D.C. based Democratic political consultants Zata|3 have completed a fourth survey on the Democratic slate of mayoral candidates in Jackson. Brad Chism, president of the company, said in an e-mail that 515 voters responded to a survey conducted last …
Mayoral Candidates Speak with VotersThis Thursday, April 23, the Jackson Free Press is co-sponsoring a mayoral debate at the Jackson Convention Complex beginning at 7 p.m.. Submit your questions and get more information in this story. For tickets, contact [e-mail missing] or the Jackson …
Demand the Facts, Ma'amThe only time Jackson drives me crazy is during local campaign cycles. To be fair, of course, it's not every Jacksonian who goes insane and starts pushing lies and conspiracy theories—it's pretty much the same people every time.
Submit Questions, Get Tickets for April 23 Mayoral Debate Now!The Jackson Free Press is a sponsor of the April 23 debate featuring Democratic candidates for mayor of Jackson at the Jackson Convention Complex. You can watch a feed of the debate here at jacksonfreepress.com, as well as on the …
[Kamikaze] The Dark Side of ElectionsElection years are always bittersweet for me, especially in Jackson. This city is abuzz with frenetic energy—some good, some bad.
The 2009 JFP Interview with John Jones: 21st Century ManJohn Jones is probably one of the most scientifically versed candidates to ever run for mayor of Jackson. Jones' resume is longer than some small-town Mississippi phone books, with experience in electronics training to field engineering, and from air-traffic control …
Know Your OptionsAlmost every day, Jackson voters can hear and question the candidates who will be making decisions on their behalf in the upcoming months and years.
Squeezed by Taxes? You're Not AloneChewing some gristle on tax day? Here's a bit of news for you. Mississippi's two Republican senators in Washington, D.C., Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker, voted for another tax break for the über-wealthy this month, voting to raise the full …
42 candidates are looking to claim a seat on the Jackson City Council in this year's elections. All have high aspirations, but many don't know what they're getting into.