WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
My name is David L. Archie, a candidate for re-election.
IN 250 WORDS OR LESS, PLEASE TELL US WHY YOU ARE SEEKING PUBLIC OFFICE?
I ran to make sure that all citizens of District 2 get some of their tax dollars back into their community. Prior to my taking office, there were certain areas that got all of the attention and I promised that I would be fair and spread resources around to areas that had been left out and locked out, and I have done that. We have accomplished a lot during this first term, but there is still so much work to be done. More funding to repair and pave roads, cut grass, and clean up illegal dumping is what I am fighting for. I am Minority representative on the Central MS Planning and Development District and in that position I am working to make sure that Hinds County is at the table and a contender for major economic development projects, not just the surrounding counties.
I am seeking re-election so that we can continue making sure that we have a full accounting of money taken into the county coffers and to balance the budget of Hinds County. I have paid a visit to elected officials and advocated for additional funding for Hinds County on the State Level as well as Federal Level. Working with the City of Jackson, I helped to secure $20 million in funding for the Medgar Evers Blvd. Improvement Project. I am seeking re-election so that I can help our young people with parks and places where they can play and have fun without fear of harm or danger. When re-elected, I will fight until funding is fully restored to our Hinds County park system. I will petition all levels of government to have more funds allocated to our Capitol County Rural Areas, as well as our Capital City.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS/ARE THE GREATEST OBSTACLE(S) TO ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN HINDS COUNTY?
There are several obstacles that I have noted since serving as supervisor for District 2. Crime is a big one. We need transparency and to keep the public informed on where the money is going and how it is being spent. We need to identify sites throughout the county that are Shovel Ready for development. Housing stock is old and needs to be upgraded where possible. Since elected supervisor, we are getting major projects in areas that many thought would remain blighted such as the Livingston Road Housing Project in Virden Addition, where work has already begun. Also, the McRae’s Department Store that was long abandoned in Meadowbrook is getting a major development project. We as Hinds County officials must work on getting illegal dumping under control, repair and repave roads and bridges, and work on reducing and eliminating loitering and panhandling.
Non-competitiveness with wages is also a big problem. That is why I have pushed for across the board pay raises for all county employees so that we can keep quality, competent staff in all departments, including the courts and sheriff’s office.
IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THIS/THESE OBSTACLE(S)?
As solutions to these obstacles, we need functioning Boards and Commissions that are bringing results to our county. We need experienced lobbyists that know how to bring resources to Hinds County. We need proficient grant writers with a proven track record in securing funding so that we can take advantage of opportunities that are presented regarding grants from State, Federal and Private sources and not miss deadlines. Hinds County needs a new jail and repairs to our courthouses that are crumbling. We need Public Works to place dedicated crews in all five Supervisor Districts in the field daily working on our roads and cutting grass. Again, more funding to repair and pave roads, cut grass, and clean up illegal dumping is what I am fighting for.
Also, lack of proper facility for treatment of mental illness has led to a lot of homelessness and loitering in Hinds County. I am chair of the Homeless Task Force for Hinds County and we have implemented Operation Safe Corners because folk were feeling threatened by the many panhandlers on every corner. As a solution, we need alternative housing such as refurbishing abandoned hotels to accommodate the homeless and working with the Hinds County Continuum of Care to identify additional resources. We put together a booklet of local resources for District 2 to give to the homeless. I have met with the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Hon. Xavier Becerra and asked for his assistance. We need to beautify our county because economic developers look at all of that when deciding where to locate. Together, we must develop a plan to aggressively deal with these issues to grow our tax base and move all of Hinds County forward.
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WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
My name is Anthony Tony Smith.
IN 250 WORDS OR LESS, PLEASE TELL US WHY YOU ARE SEEKING PUBLIC OFFICE?
I am running because we need a change. I bring forty three years of management experience; 34 years owning my own business. I have been married to my wife for 34 years. I have the stability and experience to do the job. We need someone who is professional, able to listen to the voice of the people, and willing to resolve their problems.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS/ARE THE GREATEST OBSTACLE(S) TO ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN HINDS COUNTY?
The greatest obstacle is that we have accepted our conditions and lost hope in democracy and our duty to vote.
IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THIS/THESE OBSTACLE(S)?
This is what my platform is about – the rebirth of Hinds County. We have to change the perception of Hinds because we have accepted anything and everything. Now is the time to stand and rebirth with a new attitude. This alone will begin the process of making this county great again and attracting new opportunities and businesses. We have to regain our pride. My belief is “If you build it, they will come.” –The Field of Dreams movie.
