WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
I am Attorney Justis Gibbs.
IN 250 WORDS OR LESS, PLEASE TELL US WHY YOU ARE SEEKING PUBLIC OFFICE?
I am running to represent District 72 because our district deserves a continuation of “effective” leadership. I have the legislative knowledge and expertise regarding the chamber, house committees, house leadership, and I understand the importance of maneuverability and strategy when it comes to ensuring a high allotment of appropriations and tangible change for a majority Black, democratic district in a state like Mississippi. I am energetic, passionate, educated, and qualified to serve the people of the State of Mississippi with purpose.
I am willing to take on tough issues, in tough times, to find positive solutions. I am willing to work with all interested parties to benefit you, the people in my district, and across the State of Mississippi. I am running because I want to strengthen education from early childhood to post-secondary education. I believe education is a deterrent to crime and violence. 75% of all adults incarcerated in Mississippi read on a 6th grade level. 63% of all high school dropouts end in incarceration compared to their peers with 4-year degrees. We must increase funding for our public schools.
I am running because I will work to better paying jobs, economic development, our infrastructure, broadband connectivity, and healthcare. I believe in fair pay for fair work. I believe in stronger labor laws to protect the working-class.
I am running because I want to assist advocacy groups and support community activism, because there is a difference in being a policymaker. I am prepared to enact laws.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS/ARE THE GREATEST OBSTACLE(S) TO ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN HINDS COUNTY?
Our greatest obstacles include inadequacies of poor infrastructure, underfunding public education, poor health services, and poor governance. Our infrastructure within Hinds County is a lagging problem that stops any positive spurt of growth within our county, as businesses look to move into areas that are not plagued with potholes and rusted pipes. It’s not only up to the city and/or county to find solutions, but also the legislature to fund our improvement needs.
In addition, our legislature choosing to not fully fund MAEP affects majority-Black public school districts the most; we need an effective leader who will support public schools and find equitable solutions to ensure public schools are equal to one another and not different due to higher property values of one county in comparison to another county.
Poor health services and the lack of Medicaid expansion has not only affected the health of residents, but also has contributed toward the economic strain our hospitals are undergoing in Hinds County.
Lastly, poor governance has shifted the focus off of solving the problems of residents and instead on who’s right and who’s wrong. Public servants have a responsibility to the people and not to their own personal egos. I am committed to always working to assist the people of District 72 as a true servant.
IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THIS/THESE OBSTACLE(S)?
It’s important as a candidate for State Representative to understand what can be done legislatively to minimize these problems. As a legislator, I will not only fight, but strategize with my colleagues to ensure our capital city receives its “just” share of state allocated funds to begin fixing these concerns instead of putting a band-aid on the problem with inadequate funding. Instead of alienating colleagues who I disagree with on policy, I will work with them on issues concerning my local community so that the people of District 72 will see the results of the work we are tasked to do.
The lack of upward mobility for low- and middle-income children – who are products of inequality and poverty – is a deterrent to economic stability in our county. When it comes to ensuring quality public education school systems in our state, adequate and equitable public funding for education from pre-K through college would help level the playing field. Legislatively, I would support establishing universal pre-K and target loans, grants and tax incentives in higher education. I would also make it a top priority to sit on the Education committee to diversify conversations regarding what is best for our children.
We must fully fund MAEP and move toward ensuring counties with high property tax revenue are paying their fair share into the base student rate of our Mississippi Adequate Education Plan. Our health services are also a big obstacle in Mississippi. Not only will I support and fight for Medicaid expansion, but I will also support appropriating more than just 5% of our State’s budget to our Department of Health; this low percentage has a big effect on ensuring we have quality preventative care, prenatal care, and close proximity of community healthcare clinics to residents in both rural and urban areas. Medicaid expansion would also spur economic development and it would create more jobs for Mississippians. I will support these initiatives and provide a diverse voice at the table on the importance of these issues regarding our health systems.
The effects of poor governance can be a driver to economic decline and can refer to policy failure. Good governance would include community engagement participating in the discussion regarding the potential risk and rewards associated with proposed legislation. My leadership style is participatory to include my constituents in the legislative process and to utilize good governance which consist of accountability, responsiveness, and transparency.
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WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
My name is Synarus Green.
IN 250 WORDS OR LESS, PLEASE TELL US WHY YOU ARE SEEKING PUBLIC OFFICE?
I decided to run for office because I believe I can make a positive impact on the lives of the citizens of District 72 and the State of Mississippi. There are crucial issues confronting our community. New policies must be established in the legislature as it relates to voting rights, education, public safety, economic development, job creation, healthcare, and infrastructure. Strong leadership is needed in the legislature to bring about new policies. I am confident that I can provide that leadership when elected.
Having served as an educator, law enforcement officer, legislative aide to Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, chief administrative officer for the City of Jackson, federal Liaison to the U.S. Department of Justice for Hinds County’s Jail consent decree, and now as a small business owner, I am keenly aware of the issues confronting our community. My work and life experiences have uniquely prepared me to develop sound and informed policies that can transform not only District 72 and Hinds County, but the entire State of Mississippi.
A broad scope of experiences and skill sets are crucial for any aspiring candidate. My involvement in community initiatives and leadership roles at the local, county, state, and federal levels of government equips me with an understanding of the challenges and nuances of governance. Effective communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills are also indispensable assets I possess which will enable me to bridge divides and forge consensus in the pursuit of common goals.
Ultimately, the decision to run for office reflects my calling to service. Public service demands sacrifice, resilience, and a willingness to shoulder the challenge of genuine leadership. It is a challenge I am prepared to shoulder.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS/ARE THE GREATEST OBSTACLE(S) TO ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN HINDS COUNTY?
When I think of economic and community development in Hinds County, I think of an environment that spurs opportunities for companies to grow. This includes the creation of jobs that pay livable wages and benefits and an educational school system that provides training for workers.
The obstacles preventing a healthy economy in Hinds County are multifaceted. One notable factor is the lack of coordination between communities within Hinds County and the inability to develop a comprehensive plan supported by the State Legislature and other counties. In my opinion, Hinds County stakeholders must develop plans and practical solutions for funding locally, supplemented by state and federal means.
Other impediments to economic growth include educational disparities, issues with public safety and crime, the lack of investment and resources, limited job opportunities, poor healthcare systems, failing infrastructures, and negative perceptions and stigmas.
IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THIS/THESE OBSTACLE(S)?
Addressing these obstacles requires comprehensive and coordinated efforts from various stakeholders, including local government, community organizations, businesses, and residents. In collaboration and cooperation with the Hinds and Madison County Legislative Delegations, I will propose, draft, and support legislation that targets investments in infrastructure and education, crime reduction strategies, attracting new industries, providing incentives for businesses, and fostering community empowerment and engagement. Breaking the cycle of challenges in such areas requires long-term commitment, dedication, and the collective will of stakeholders to bring about sustainable change.
Legislatively, I will sponsor and support legislation:
A. That Increases Educational Development & Job Training:
– Allocate more funding to public schools to improve the quality of education and resources available to students and
– Increase teacher training and professional development opportunities.
B. That Spurs Job Growth:
– Develop economic diversification strategies that attracts new industries and businesses;
– Support job training and skill development programs; and
– Support small businesses and startups.
C. That Promotes Adequate Funding for Healthcare and Social Services;
D. That Enhances Public Safety and Reduces Crime; and
E. That Promotes Community Engagement and Voter Empowerment.
Sustainable change requires a comprehensive approach that tackles each obstacle holistically while nurturing a sense of ownership and empowerment within the community.
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WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
My name is Rukia Lumumba.
IN 250 WORDS OR LESS, PLEASE TELL US WHY YOU ARE SEEKING PUBLIC OFFICE?
I am running for State Representative to protect our democracy by increasing resident access to information and participation in the legislative process. Now is the time for courageous, committed-service leadership. It is time that we (as community members) move from being governed to having a full opportunity to be a part of the governing process.
I am a firm believer that constituents deserve the right and the resources to improve their communities. Whether in my work with University of Mississippi Medical Center to build Mississippi’s first hospital-based violence intervention program; or my leadership in the #JXNUndivided coalition to protect our democracy and challenge HB1020/SB2343; or my work to build self-determined communities as the executive director of the People’s Advocacy Institute, founding board member of Black Voters Matter, legal advisor for the MS Poor People’s Campaign, co-founder of the MS Rapid Response Coalition, and incubator of the Strong Arms of MS Credible Messenger Mentoring Program and the Operation Good Cure Violence program, I have been leading communities in participatory governance, community-driven public safety efforts, and an intentional process for cultivating ideas and solutions to our common problems. I am a strong supporter and advocate for job and economic development, equal pay, a liveable wage, affordable housing, medicaid expansion, voting rights restoration, an end to predatory lending, and full funding for public education. As State Representative, I will work with you to bring these issues to the forefront of legislation. I look forward to working with you to achieve these goals.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS/ARE THE GREATEST OBSTACLE(S) TO ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN HINDS COUNTY?
I believe there are many opportunities as well as obstacles to economic and community development in Hinds County. I will highlight the most consistent obstacle that has plagued our communities for decades – the need for residents to be fully engaged in the process of developing economic solutions. Far too often we are left out of the conversations or brought in as an afterthought, if at all. Policies and decisions are made without us, but we feel the burden of the decisions made without our input. After years of working in the policy and advocacy field, I have come to understand that when you elect a representative, you are electing an advocate to fight for the things that matter to you. Food on the table. Good paying jobs. Safe neighborhoods. As a long-time organizer, I know what it takes to organize and build power in our communities. I have been bringing people together for more than a decade to win material benefits like jobs and housing to ensure that our communities can live better and in peace, see our lives go forward, and guarantee the future of our children to have a better quality of life. I have done this work through the development of several programs including the Community Love Fund, which provides social support and mutual aid to community members in need of financial assistance. I also created a Dignity Economy Fellowship to increase the employability and rehabilitation of young people that have experienced incarceration. I have visited and studied cooperative economies across the nation and worldwide to learn about ways Mississippians can collectively increase our personal, family, and collective wealth.
IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THIS/THESE OBSTACLE(S)?
My economic development platform reflects my commitment to collective solutions that center residents who are often left out, or worse, harmed by state policies anchored in racism, classism, sexism, and the status quo. Below I highlight ways I plan to eliminate these obstacles.
Inform, Motivate, and Organize Residents to be a part of the Policy Creation Process for Economic Development.
Develop Policy to Increase Minimum Wage to a Livable Wage for all Mississippians
Promote Policy for Equal Pay for all Mississippians
Develop a Guaranteed Income Policy
Develop Anti-Predatory Lending Policy and Safeguards
Develop Policy that Increases Youth Employment and Skill Development Opportunities
Develop Policy that Creates and Increases Job Opportunities for Formerly Incarcerated People
Develop Policy that Creates and Increases Job Opportunities for People Living with Disabilities
Develop Stronger Affordable Housing Policy
Develop Policy that Increases Accountability in Code Enforcement
Establish Marketing Campaign Designed to bring new Businesses and Jobs to District Residents
Broaden Contractual Awards Criteria to Include More Businesses
Develop Policy that Allows for More Cooperative and Green Industry
