They said 85 percent likes the town-hall format.

Woman who's concerned about crime asked why he's having police arrest pro-life protesters who are trying to save lives?

He said they are arresting people breaking the law.

Mentioning St. Paddy's Parade; someone got arrested; question about whether officer used baton in the right way.

Due to large crowds, "I think JPD did a pretty good job."

Now they're polling about whether telephone town-hall meetings are a good idea. We'll let you know the response. ;-)

Woman: What about South Jackson?

Mayor: Says he has not abandoned South Jackson ... one of most diverse parts of the city. Talking about Jackson Square redevelopment by developer Jesse Wright. Also proud of Vowell's Market on corner of Raymond Road and McDowell Road. Helped them get grant to get in old Kroger building that "had a blighting effect." Now other business coming there.

Working with developers of Cedar Falls, housing development. About to extend Forest Hill Road; put more retail operations there.

Wants to "come up with an economic development strategy for south Jackson ..."

Now, he's saying people need to make economic decision on whether to "follow them out there."

Said talking to a consultant to "look at a movie theater situation here in Jackson."

(We've heard a rumor about a possible one; we'll report when we can confirm.)

I really would like to hear the mayor urge people to shop local more such as with McDade's.

Woman asking about city employees living outside the city, and whether considered tax for people who work here but don't live?

Mayor: In about half the state capitals, state govts provide PILTs (payment in lieu of taxes). About 30 percent of property, and 60 percent downtown, is non-taxable. A lot of users of streets are state government employments.

Also some cities have income taxes on income generated in city, but city cannot do that. Has to come from the Legislature. We would support that.

Marietta on keeping dollars here in Jackson; mentions Sam's Club moving to Madison. "Has anybody tried to reach out to a Costco or other warehouse company to fill that space?"

Mayor: "We have reached out to Costco" ... went to Vegas in 2010 to get Costco interested in city. Said he wrote Costco, just got response, got information on real estate company. "We're going to follow up with them."

Had some success stories: I-55 corridor: Comcast and Carmax in old Kmart. Virginia College in old Brookshire's. (Mentions others.) Talks about Whole Foods, etc.

Woman with question about Farish Street Entertainment District.

Mayor: "That project has gotten caught up in the recession. ... I'm afraid that the private section hasn't done as well of a job (as the city in weathering the recession)."

"There's no city money involved with the project. All private money or state money."

"Storefronts look good on outside ... the inside where the rub is."

"I'm just as frustrated as anybody."

"Quite frankly, if the developer does not do what he needs to do to move the project forward, we're going to have to get another developer." Said B.B. King's still in.

"We're going to keep fighting to make it a reality."

Woman with fear about water bill being too high with new system -- mayor said fear being pushed by opponents.

He doesn't anticipate water bill going up too much in Jackson -- but needs new billing system. Can flag system when get to a certain amount. People need to conserve water. "Only trying to be sure people pay for the water that they're using."