WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
My name is David Blount, a candidate for re-election. District 29 contains part of Jackson and most of the Byram/Terry area.
IN 250 WORDS OR LESS, PLEASE TELL US WHY YOU ARE SEEKING PUBLIC OFFICE?
The reason I first ran for the Senate was to support our public schools. My two children were in Jackson Public Schools (JPS) and I was Vice President of Parents for Public Schools. The Legislature was not providing the necessary state support for our schools and teachers. They weren’t fully funding the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP). Now, thanks to legislative seniority, I am Vice Chairman of the Senate Education Committee. I helped pass the largest teacher pay raise in history, and helped the Senate pass and fully fund MAEP this year (the House of Representatives refused to go along but we did agree to increase K-12 funding by $100 million). I wrote the bill to provide money to help new teachers pay back their college loans. I have been endorsed by the Mississippi Association of Educators and the Jackson Association of Educators for my record of supporting our public schools.
Beyond education, I work to expand access to health care (including successfully passing legislation to extend health care coverage to new mothers on Medicaid and authoring legislation to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act), protect your right to vote, and fight for our capital city. In the Legislature, seniority and experience matter. As your Senator, I can get more done for District 29.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS/ARE THE GREATEST OBSTACLE(S) TO ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN HINDS COUNTY?
We must build a partnership between the state government and the city government. Mississippi cannot be successful if Jackson is not successful. The state must increase investment in the city – locating state agencies in Jackson and contributing more to infrastructure and public safety and fire protection. Instead, we have seen state leaders encourage suburban flight with tax incentives and by directing state agencies and funded projects to outlying areas. State government must listen to the people who live in Jackson and not force bad bills like House Bill 1020. A real partnership is not paternalistic; it is a cooperative effort toward a shared goal of progress for all. The current situation needs to change and as the only candidate who lives in Jackson I am dedicated to that effort.
IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THIS/THESE OBSTACLE(S)?
I am a proud Democrat and the #2 ranking Democrat in the State Senate. That said, I have the ability to work with leaders in both parties to get things done (see public education above). I’ve worked with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents for constituents in Byram and Terry. I’m not afraid to stand up to bad proposals (like House Bill 1020) and administrative failure and corruption (like the Welfare/TANF scandal). I’m also willing to talk to anyone, regardless of party, when it will make Jackson and Mississippi better.
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WHAT IS YOUR NAME?
My name is Bishop Dr. Dwayne K. Pickett, Sr.
IN 250 WORDS OR LESS, PLEASE TELL US WHY YOU ARE SEEKING PUBLIC OFFICE?
I am running for State Senate District 29 because I believe I can make a meaningful, positive difference on the issues that matter most to our community. As someone rooted in faith and a Black pastor for 25 years in the district, I understand how serving this district gives me an opportunity to make a real impact in people’s lives, from improving educational opportunities to ensuring access to quality health care. I will bring a commitment to bridging the divides between rural and urban, rich and poor, young and old, and church and state. I will bring my values of compassion, fairness, and justice to ensure that everyone in our district, including those facing poverty and oppression, have the same opportunities to succeed. I will use my voice in the legislature to fight for racial and economic justice while also protecting our environment, supporting small businesses, providing access to quality healthcare, and transforming our education system. It is time to move beyond divisiveness, false promises, and rhetoric. We deserve leaders who will act with integrity and dedication to serve our community. I have the experience and commitment to serve our district with compassion, courage, and passion.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS/ARE THE GREATEST OBSTACLE(S) TO ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN HINDS COUNTY?
In Hinds County, the greatest obstacles to economic and community development can vary depending on specific circumstances. However, some common challenges are limited access to quality education and job opportunities, insufficient infrastructure and transportation systems, racial and income inequality, lack of affordable housing, and crime rates. These obstacles require a multi-faceted approach involving collaboration between government, community organizations, and private sector entities to implement sustainable solutions that address these issues and promote economic growth and community development.
IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THIS/THESE OBSTACLE(S)?
Eliminating economic and community development issues in Hinds County requires a multi-pronged approach involving various stakeholders and strategies. Here are some possible steps to address the challenges:
1. Education and Job Opportunities: Improve access to quality education, vocational training programs, and mentorship opportunities to ensure residents have the skills needed for available jobs. Collaborate with local businesses and industries to create job opportunities and attract businesses to the area.
2. Infrastructure and Transportation: Invest in improving infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public transportation options. Upgrading these systems can enhance connectivity, attract businesses, and improve the overall quality of life for residents.
3. Racial and Income Inequality: Address systemic issues that perpetuate racial and income inequalities by implementing policies that promote equal opportunities, equitable access to resources, and diverse hiring practices. Encourage and support minority-owned businesses.
4. Affordable Housing: Develop strategies to increase the availability of affordable housing options and address homelessness. This can include policies such as rent control, subsidies, partnerships with non-profit organizations, and incentivizing affordable housing development.
5. Crime Prevention and Community Safety: Collaborate with law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and residents to implement crime prevention strategies, increase police-community partnerships, and improve community safety through initiatives such as neighborhood watch programs and community policing.
6. Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaboration between government, businesses, non-profit organizations, and community members to leverage resources and expertise to address the development challenges holistically. Encourage investments in the local economy and support local entrepreneurs.
These strategies should be tailored to address the specific needs of Hinds County, and it’s important to involve the community in the decision-making process to ensure their needs and concerns are adequately represented.
