WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
I am Malcolm K. Johnson.
IN 250 WORDS OR LESS, PLEASE TELL US WHY YOU ARE SEEKING PUBLIC OFFICE?
After a constant search within and realizing that a positive change for our district will not occur unless one takes a stance and makes progress happen. As a resident of Hinds County and former employee of the county, I have seen some measures that through collaboration and due diligence would bring value to the district and the county. I plan to put forth an administrative team to survey the district and craft priority points of change which shall assist in navigating substantial positive changes in District 5.
I plan to acquire the services of professional grant writers to seek low hanging fruit that we have missed in the past. I will make myself available to visit with CMPDD; to explore more funding of matching dollars from the Department of Transportation and Federal entities for our bridges, roads, and especially potholes which are too numerous in our District. I plan to use my position to open doors that seem difficult to unlock and rally to seek more data from MDA to justify our request and strategies.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS/ARE THE GREATEST OBSTACLE(S) TO ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN HINDS COUNTY?
The greatest obstacle is having access to CAPITAL. The county’s budget is $80,000,000 per year of which approximately 30% is designed for the Sheriff’s Department. Another opportunity is making the district understand the value of the tax base and the inability of our supervisors to govern in a marketplace which depends on the taxes generated from the residents. We must increase our tax base in order to sustain the services that are needed in the county.
IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THIS/THESE OBSTACLE(S)?
Communication, cooperation, and examinations are the clear methodology which I will utilize to attract new industry; retain those who are presently here and develop a plan of action to give workforce development a change in Hinds County. This type of measure and concentration on the workforce can and will allow our County to return to its rightful place in the State of Mississippi. The board has to be united and governed by the rules of law which will allow success from within; and casting a wider net across the spectrum that we all love, Hinds County.
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WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
I am Robert Wall.
IN 250 WORDS OR LESS, PLEASE TELL US WHY YOU ARE SEEKING PUBLIC OFFICE?
I want to be a part of making Hinds County a better place for our families, youth and seniors to feel safe and businesses to prosper.
I am serious about serving the citizens of the 5th District and Hinds County. I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that is needed to work with stakeholders. I will establish and maintain effective working relationships with government agencies, civic and community groups as well as professional volunteers.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS/ARE THE GREATEST OBSTACLE(S) TO ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN HINDS COUNTY?
One of the greatest obstacles is Broadband and Wi-Fi Internet Connectivity. Businesses and manufacturers want local services in your communities if they can’t communicate across the globe. Law enforcement is also a vital part of economic and community development. Businesses want their employees to feel safe.
IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THIS/THESE OBSTACLE(S)?
The steps that I have begun to work on are bringing more attention to the 1.2 billion dollars that have already been awarded to Mississippi for Broadband Extension and Accessibility. I have been organizing communities to sign up for the past 5 months. I have also sent an email to Congressman Bennie Thompson requesting a town hall meeting to bring more light to this important issue.
I would like to see the key decision makers from Internet Service Providers come before the community so we will have a voice in how they spend our tax dollars.
These funds will create a wealth of opportunities for education, economic development, infrastructure, and telehealth.
