WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
My name is Tamarra Grace Butler-Washington.
IN 250 WORDS OR LESS, PLEASE TELL US WHY YOU ARE SEEKING PUBLIC OFFICE?
As a lifelong resident of District 69, I have a vested interest in its future.In addition to growing up in the district, I attended schools, am a member of a church, and even purchased my home in District 69.I have intentionally remained in this district and raised my family in this district.I have a vision for this district, and that vision is one of greatness. District 69 deserves a leader working on behalf of the community and fighting for them to create positive change.For years, our community has not had access to opportunity, which has resulted in crumbling infrastructure, dwindling development, and inadequate schools.I’m committed not only to working on behalf of my family but also on behalf of the people.Being a leader with a servant’s heart, I live by the scripture, to whom much is given, much is required.I believe District 69 and Mississippi are destined for change, and I bring a different perspective to bring solutions to the table to help move my district and our state forward.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS/ARE THE GREATEST OBSTACLE(S) TO ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN HINDS COUNTY?
I believe the greatest obstacles to economic and community development in Hinds County are economic growth and lack of innovation. Hinds County needs economic growth that will create more jobs, boost wages and will also bring in more tax revenue. We must come up with creative solutions to address the lack of innovation for problem solving within the county. This will assist in the infrastructure of both economic and community development throughout Hinds County.
IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THIS/THESE OBSTACLE(S)?
If elected, I will work with existing local business owners, developers and community leaders to create a space that will allow me to receive insight on priorities and concerns in regard to economic and community development.This space will be an intergenerational approach to eliminating these obstacles.
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WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
My name is Patty Patterson, This is an open seat as the Honorable Representative Alyce G. Clarke is not seeking re-election.
IN 250 WORDS OR LESS, PLEASE TELL US WHY YOU ARE SEEKING PUBLIC OFFICE?
I am running to become the second woman to represent Mississippi’s 69th district at our state’s capitol andexpand the work I’m doing in our district that is already bringing about a change. I will proactively push for legislation that will fully fund public education and not continue the closings of our historic Black schools in the district and across Mississippi, assure affordable healthcare for all Mississippians, and assure our right to elect public officials is not violated. If I have the honor of taking oath as your representative of the 69th district, it will be with faith, integrity, experience, energy, and for the people. “Together, we can build back a better Mississippi and a greater district 69.”
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS/ARE THE GREATEST OBSTACLE(S) TO ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN HINDS COUNTY?
I see the greatest obstacles to economic and community development being a crumbled infrastructure, lack of public security, and no clear direction for moving forward. We just haven’t clearly defined what kind of place we want to be.
IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THIS/THESE OBSTACLE(S)?
If elected, I will work proactively with Federal, State, and Local governments and our constituents to ensure we are working collectively in moving ahead in order to eliminate all barriers. We have all the right and best tools, we just need a clear vision to progress.
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WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
My name is Iva Steptoe.
IN 250 WORDS OR LESS, PLEASE TELL US WHY YOU ARE SEEKING PUBLIC OFFICE?
Serving in public office is one of the ultimate sacrifices a person makes. I have been a lifelong resident of Jackson, residing in District 69 for 49 years. When I leave my home for work, church, and leisure, it pains me to see the decline in the Jackson I once knew.
I am seeking public office because I care. I care about the citizens, not only in my district, but the state of MS. But just caring and talking about it is senseless. I am seeking to be the residents of the District’s voice – the voice that stands for what is right and fair.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS/ARE THE GREATEST OBSTACLE(S) TO ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN HINDS COUNTY?
I believe our greatest obstacles to economic development are lack of infrastructure (soft and hard) and crime. During the peak of the water crisis, we saw existing businesses struggle not just to remain solvent but open. We saw employees unable to go to work because their children were out of school, or the employer was unable to open due to little or no water pressure. The combination of COVID-19 and the water crisis impacted everyone but especially our youth as we saw an increase in crime. Meanwhile, surrounding areas were reaching out to our businesses and their employees to leave Jackson. We must ask ourselves why other cities are flourishing while our tax base declines. I dare to say one of the unspoken obstacles is effective leadership.
IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THIS/THESE OBSTACLE(S)?
We must come together to combat these issues, but it has to start at the top with decisions being made for the interest of the people and not just those who benefit from contracts once federal funding is received. We deserve the necessities that only good government provide. If elected, I would propose meeting with city and local leaders to develop a plan to address short- and long-term solutions.
I will have an open mind to constituents and fellow House members and Senators recognizing no one can operate in a silo.
