This is such a wonderful story and once again proves that The City of Jackson is on the move and in a positive direction. If this trend continues, our City will eventually be void of blight.

I offer my best to Mr. Reed and the Voice of Calvary Ministeries for continued success in the promotion of this valuable mission.

Great article, Ladd! There is another "motto" that seems appropriate with a few alterations:

If a "newspaperwoman" can write a better book, preach a better sermon or build a better
mouse trap than her neighbor; Though she builds her house in the woods, the world will
make a beaten pathway to her den."

More and more people are beginning to depend on you and the JFP to simply tell the TRUTH. Many times, the TRUTH is not PRETTY, but, it is what it is.

Just saying.

Ps. By the way, have you finished your e-book on the Gost of Hinds County?

Most Americans do not agree with the ACLU on this one. This is a case of Darn if you do and Darn if you don't. We would be in a real uproar if these terrorist attacs occured with even more frequency.

It is my opinion that Mr. Edward Snowden has gone too far, too fast with too much. He should be tried for treason and if found guilty - punished accordingly. It would not be called "secret service" if all strategies and information was known to the world. All agencies, to include the CIA and other U.S. National Security Agencies should be held to a standard that is far beyond Snowden's level of understanding. This young man has seriously violated this country and has rendered us vulnerable to many haters in the world.

Why didn't he disclose this information during the Bush Admiistration? After all, this is nothing new. President Obama only carried out a practice that has minimized harm to America and Americans.

Think about it!

@FrankMickens
"What reasons did Stokes give for voting against these proposals?"

Kenny said, "naw". lol!!!!!!!!!!!

i really don't know; however, in a review of many of her "NO"votes, they are without rhyme or reason. Usually there isn't an explanation.

Would it also be fair to say that Mayor Elect Chokwe Lumumba will also continue the many wonderful projects initiated by Mayor Johnson?

Just asking.

This Medicaid issue is just more of the same: An attempt to destroy the Affordable Health Care Act. It is soooo stupid and mean spirited that this governor would stand in the way of the needed coverage for one of the most unhealthy states in the nation, Mississippi. This kind of foolishness will go on until it is realized that it is not just about poor blacks. The sending back of these funds will impact every entity of the state; From hospitals, doctors, nurses, businesses to include grocery stores.

This is the chant from the Republicans on the hill: "We will defeat Obama-Care". Bryant is only one of the many Republicans whose negative voice is now sounding LOUD and CLEAR.

What you get from this maneuver, Gov. Bryant and others who support this idiotic notion, will have unexpected negative consequences.

Ps. Where are all of the members of the Black Caucus? Where are White Democrats? Where is the outrage from our citizens of all races?

I just WONDER!!

@sarahmina
"The past ends today and a new present and future begins. We have the opportunity to be GREAT - to exceed all expectations."

Please do not think that my query to you is encouraged by the fact that Mayor Jonson lost his race to be re-elected; however, I am concerned that you would make a statement that our "past ends". Before you start on a totally new direction for the "new present and future future" of our City to begin, may I suggest, if you were not present, to read Mayor Johnson's State of the City Address. Ms. Ladd published the entire Address here in the JFP.

It is my sincere hope that Mr. Lumumba will not end the many accomplishment and projects initiated by Mayor Johnson, but, that his Administration will build on them.

My fear is for the Legacy of a man who gave so much and who was able to bring Jackson back after it had been "run in the ground", will be trashed. If you and this incoming Administration are really about "unification", may I suggest that you cease and desist from your idea of forgetting about the past. For too often and too long, we as Black folks have forgotten the bridges that brough us over and in many cases, we make sure that the good ones are burned. We have so many herons and heroes who have been dropped from our "Oral History Books".

We must tell the truth about those who make outstanding contributions. Who will remember if WE forget.

I offer my best to you and the Lumumba Administration. Mayor Johnson is leaving this City with many, many positives. May I suggest that your focus will not be on "bending the negativity", but, with focusing on the positives. Always remember that we build on our strengths; Not our Weaknesses.

Maybe the Governor is speaking of his own family. Isn't it true that Mrs. Bryant is a High School Graduate and did not gaduate from a four year college? I know that family should be off limits in politics; however, a statement like this could not come out of anyone's mouth who didn't have something close to relate it to.

Shame on our Governor! Why not stop dumping your blame on "moms" and take responsibility for not being a strong push for investing in education in Mississippi.

@msnative

"I say bring it on, JSU. Let the marketplace decide if JSU, Tulane or podunk U prevails."

It has been brought on. The question now is, how much of a financial drain will this campus in Madison have on JSU's main campus? Mary Hawkins and Madison will be fine; That town will profit on the tax dollars from other sources. JSU has only a big bill because of their ignorance and arrogance of paying a high price tag for te FEW who would otherwise choose another college or university.

Think about it. It's time for those who care about the University to get focused on what is
R E A L L Y happening. Why was the Board so willing to approve this venture? Why aren't they concerne about the millions owed JSU through the settlement of the Ayers Case?

WOW!!!
I attended the State of the City Address today. Mayor Johnson delivered this speech with so much pride and also with the hope that the next Administration will continue to build on this solid foundation.

I challenge anyone who said, "He hasn't done anything" to compare his accomplishments to any person who has previously held this position. It is mind boggling to get your arms around his projects, his work ethics and his love for not only the physical structure of Jacson, but, for its people: the young, the old, the rich, the poor, the Whites, the Blacks, the Asians, the Hipanics, the Indians and all other ethnic groups.

Thank you, Mayor Johnson and also thanks to your wife, Kathy. Although it is coming posthumously, I want to thank his parents for raising this young man who will be written in the annals of history as the first African American Mayor of the City of Jackson and who also successfully completed three terms in office.

Mayor Johnson's LEGACY is rich with accomplishments! For those who write his history, all of his claims can be evidenced.