People have spent decades leaving Jackson. Ward 7 Councilman Kevin Parkinson moved here, bought a house, and named his kids Jackson, Leland, and Magnolia. Nobody can accuse the man of hedging his bets.
On this episode of The Empower Podcast, Parkinson joins Grant Callen to talk about why he ran for office, what City Hall can actually do about potholes and other basic services, and whether the city is finally moving in the right direction. They get into water, public safety, population loss, and the gap between Jackson’s reputation and what you see when you visit.
Parkinson also makes the case for charter schools and more options for families. He’s optimistic about Jackson’s future, even on the days City Hall makes him want to bang his head against the wall.
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18 comments:
One thing I will agree with him on is that City Council should not be a part time job.
Of all the hills to die on.
Jackson ain’t worth it.
Political egg noodle in way over his head.
Is moving to Jackson a big deal?
People actually move TO Jackson? Who knew?
Kevin comes across as intelligent and reasonable, yet he still supports Jackson having control of the water system again despite admitting all of the dysfunction he sees with the City's government.
I think Jackson could get some Russian Oligarch to finance the city water department if they kissed Putins ass enough. Works well enough for the first family. And then every citizen of Jackson should get 5k regardless of who wins the midterms!
Actions speak louder than words. He’s clueless.
He's from Leland, MS (pop. 3,600), so Jackson is like the majors for him.
he is not from Leland. did you just make that up?
Amazing job Kevin did in Leland when he lived there. Kevin worked for Teach America. So many programs for students & parents. Kevin is a doer, not a politician.
He's an Illinois boy.
I have lived in jackson for 40 years. Best food and people around. Love it
Leland is a suburb of the metropolis of Greenville. Both have a lot in common with Jackson. The image of our centuries old, time-honored Magnolia has been forever tarnished.
Kevin is down the street from me. He is very nice and loves jxn. Great family and i wish him well
Gotta love a young urban pioneer.
Seems like a good man, his heart is in the right place, he wants Jackson to thrive, and he’s a smart guy. Also seems like he doesn’t grasp the problem. He mentions you can’t run a city like a business. He sounds like a typical educator. Budgets are like a business. Revenue and expenses are like a business. Managing staff is like a business. Hiring good employees and holding them accountable is like a business. Providing services is like a business. I know the council doesn’t handle all of that. But the “business” part is where Jackson has failed miserably over the last 30 years. He talks about museums and 5K races. Jackson needs water, sewer, streets, street lights, policing, etc. That’s going to take somebody handling some f***ing business. He talks about dreams and ideals. They can’t happen until somebody handles the business aspect.
Just think: He could have stayed in the Delta and become a famous grant writer. So many towns there have survived on Grants for right at 100 years, starting with Mound Bayou.
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