Across Mississippi today, citizens will be going to the polls to cast their ballots in party primaries for municipal elections and it’s essential that they go vote.
In many instances, the most contested races are in the primaries, with little or no opposition in the general election June 7. So, a victory today is tantamount to election.
In Jackson, the hottest contest is between incumbent Mayor Harvey Johnson facing Frank Melton, former WLBT-Channel 3 CEO and former head of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, in the Democratic Primary.
This newspaper has endorsed Melton, seeing that the city needs a change in direction. For the City Council, we recommend Leslie McLemore, Ward 2; Stanley Amos, Ward 3; Bo Brown, Ward 4; Bettye Dagner-Cook, Ward 5; Marshand Crisler, Ward 6 and Margaret Barrett-Simon, Ward 7. Ward 1 Councilman Ben Allen is unopposed.
Leading issues in Jackson and the metro area are:
Crime/public safety;
Housing/zoning/neighborhoods;
Town development/character/quality of life;
Transportation/street maintenance;
Infrastructure/taxes/fees/costs of services.
Metro area cooperation.
When going to the polls, it is essential that citizens make an informed choice. The Clarion-Ledger and The League of Women’s Voters published a Voter’s Guide Sunday that may be useful and may be consulted. For questions, call the Jackson Area League of Women Voters Election Day Hotline (601) 355-7495, or to report problems, the Secretary of State 1-800-829-6786.
Go vote! The future of your community depends on it.
Clarion Ledger Editorial
5/3/5
