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Robert Amos
Candidate: Robert Amos
Office seeking: Mayor
Candidate Web site(s): Robert Amos for Mayor
Age: 35
Education: B.A., Alcorn State University; M.S., Jackson State University
Current job: Small business owner; Adjunct Professor, Jackson State
Past public office: None
Spouse/family: Lesley (wife); Hannah, Helena and Ashley (daughters)
Contact info: P.O. Box 9732, Jackson, MS 39286
Bio:
A native of Jackson, Robert Amos earned a B.A. in criminal justice from Alcorn State University and a M.S. in education from Jackson State University.
He has worked at the Hinds County Youth Detention Center, as a teacher and coach at Callaway High School, and a student finance officer at Virginia College.
Platform:
1. Explain how and why you would provide the best leadership for Jackson.
I bring experience from three walks of life 1. Criminal Justice 2. Finance 3. Education. Many of Jackson’s youth are somewhat beyond control and by being young and energetic I am best qualified to change this behavior through education and job training.
2. What are your infrastructure priorities, and how will you pay for infrastructure repairs?
I plan to ensure that the public works dept utilize novel construction materials to build better infrastructure. I will continue to seek grants as partial payments and to redirect money from other departments to pay for the yearly work.
3. What will you do to combat crime in the city (other than reinstating the Crime Prevention Unit)?
Increase the number of current officers to beef up patrol beats and I will explore ways to create mini precincts in high crime areas.
4. How would you handle the police chief position? Would you return to a full-time chief? Why or why not?
This arrangement was not necessary there exists many capable individuals on the Jackson Police Dept to serve as chief of police. What’s important is that the county and city continue to work in harmony. I don’t think an elected official should serve a dual role as an appointed official because he can’t be objective.
5. What are your economic-development priorities for the city? I plan to use community development block grants to acquire real property with low down payments for low and middle income residents, provide tax incentives to retain and entice new businesses to come to Jackson, and to merge down town development with south and west Jackson.
6. How would you alter the employee pay/benefit structure? Because of the current recession my priority would be to save jobs for now and explore ways in the future to alter the employee pay benefit structure.
7. How would you improve transparency in government? How would you change the way the city responds to public-records requests?
All information shall be posted on the cities web site in a timely manner. I will also appoint a full time designee to handle all records requests and have them ready within 48hrs of the request.
8. There are various proposals that would ostensibly help with flood control on the Pearl, and perhaps increase development and/or green space for the city. What program would you support and why?
I support the two lakes plan because it would reduce flooding by 11 feet in North Jackson and 5 feet in downtown Jackson.
9. What is the first thing you would do as mayor?
The first thing I would do is to interview potential candidates for the job of police chief.
10. What role should the city play to help the youth of Jackson? Please provide your specific plans.
As mayor my plan for the city’s youth is pretty cut and dry, all compulsory school age children will attend school and will graduate on time with no exceptions. This will be done by appointing school board members who believe in children first and in turn will set policies that are in their best interest.
11. How would you bring new funds into the city of Jackson’s coffers?
Short term I will continue to seek grants and collect fine money and long term I will continue to work to make the city more attractive to entice more citizens to buy homes In Jackson to Increase the tax base.
12. Do you support making Capitol Street two-way?
Not until I can examine some evidence that would reflect a need to make It two way.
13. What can you do/support to make the city more attractive to residents?
Revitalize neighborhoods by eliminating slum and blight and work to reduce violent crime by designing Interventions for at risk families.
14. What can you do/support to make the city more attractive to businesses?
Provide tax breaks right now because not many want to come here.
15. What is something fun/interesting about you that few people know?
I believe people can change with the right guidance and that’s why I have served as a voice for those who are In need of help for the past 13 years.
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