Last week I conducted a poll on this blog. The question asked, "Who would you support for Mayor of Jackson?" The choices were:
1. City Councilman Marshand Crisler
2. Attorney David Watkins, who represents the School Board and is heavily involved in several projects such as the restoration of the King Edward Hotel.
3. Current Mayor Frank Melton
4. Former Mayor Harvey Johnson
5. Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin
6. Tougaloo College President Beverly Hogan
7. Leroy Walker, former owner of Jackson-area McDonalds restaurants.
81 votes were cast. The results were:
1. Crisler: 11 votes (13%)
2. Watkins: 8 votes (7%)
3. Melton: 3 votes (3%)
4. McMillin: 13 votes (16%)
5. Johnson: 3 votes (3%)
6. Hogan: 1 vote (1%)
7. Walker: 43 votes (53%)
Is there something here that is undetected by the media? When the poll began, I thought that McMillin or Crisler would get the most votes. Mr. Walker's showing was very surprising to say the least. Mr. Walker at one point owned most of the McDonalds in the Jackson area and has been well-known in Jackson for years. After 4 years of the Melton mudpit, perhaps Jackson needs someone who is truly well-respected by the community, has a long record of community involvement (no keeping a primary residence in Texas for him), and is a true businessman (didn't get rich off of being the lucky dog when government licenses were awarded. He had to work his way up in the business world). Someone who is known for true achievement, not how well he can shoot his mouth off in front of a camera.
Given McMillin's popularity, I'm not surprised he came in second. Warning to Frank: anger Mac enough and he might just decide to run against you. He is quite capable of winning, especially since crime has sky-rocketed under your watch. Gee Tyrone, how would you like having Mac for a boss?
In my opinion, the two best qualified individuals came in last. Beverly Hogan, aunt of Crisler, is the current President of Tougaloo College. She served as the head of the Office of Federal and State Programs under Bill Allain, an agency that had a $500 million budget at the time. She then served on the Workers Compensation Board. If there is someone who really is highly qualified to be an administrator and understand how government works as well as being very much respected by her peers, it is Beverly Hogan. Her nephew can only dream of having her qualifications and resume.
David Watkins is probably my leading choice for mayor but unfortunately, that was not the choice of the voters. As school board attorney, he also has a very good understanding of how government works. He has a high level of expertise in the other major issue among voters: education. He has put his money where his mouth is and truly supported Jackson's growth by taking the lead role in several developments. One day soon there will be a beautiful King Edward taking its rightful place among the Jackson skyline. When that day comes, it will be because Jacksonians like David Watkins didn't merely gripe about the problems or how Jackson is declining but instead DID something about it.
Melton came in dead last as well, which is no surprise as more Jacksonians tire of his endless talk and growing signs of incompetence. Harvey, while a decent mayor, didn't do well as I think people are willing to thank him for his service but move on to the next chapter in Jackson's history.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Should Leroy Walker run for Mayor?
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10 comments:
Leroy Walker is backing Haley Barbour for Governor. That helps him in a general election but makes it tough for him in a Democratic Primary.
Maybe so but he is pretty well known in the Black community as well. If Melton was his opposition, well, different story. The NE Jackson money that went to Melton might go to him instead and like I said, I think he would pull in plenty of Black votes.
I am a bit confused here. Why in the world did you include Sheriff Malcolm McMillin in your list? Did you not know that he does not live in Jackson????
good point. Did not know that. I thought he did. I know he used to be JPD officer. Having said that, if Melton can get around residency requirements why couldn't Mac?
I'm sure everyone would agree that Mac would be a much better mayor.
Sheriff Malcolm McMillin's character would prevent him from attemping such an action.
I voted for Beverly Hogan. She'd be amazing. John Horhn is another name that has come up, and I think he'd also be great.
I can't see McMillin running for mayor; he holds the only political job I suspect he'll ever want.
Re Walker backing Barbour, I think so many people are this year that it'll be a non-factor.
What about Whitlow?
I didn't think to put him on the list and honestly if I had, I probably wouln't have. I was looking for people who I considered to be actually qualified for the job. I don't consider being involved with a private crime-fighting organization or being a long-time sportscaster qualifications for Mayor. Has nothing to do with his character or intelligence, I just don't think his resume is strong enough.
I understand your sentiment... It seems to me that the people that *should* run, don't... and furthermore, want to get as far away from politics as they can.
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