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Rodney R. Dixon
Name: Rodney R. Dixon
Candidate Web site(s):
Age and date of birth: 36 yrs old 10/20/1972
Education: Graduate of Provine High, Graduate of Tougaloo College, Graduate of Mississippi College School of Law
Current job: Solo Practice Attorney
Past public office: None; but, have worked for the “City” and the “State”
Spouse/family names: Dameta (wife of 12 years), Joel (age 5). Samantha (age 3)
Contact info: 6013161060
1. Explain how and why you would provide good leadership for your ward.
I will conduct council business in a professional bipartisan manner. I will be visible and accessible to my constituents. I am a man of ideas; however, I am open to listening to the ideas of citizens particularly those in my ward.
2. What are your infrastructure priorities, and how would you pay for infrastructure repairs?
I will push to have our streets repaired. I intend to propose a resolution to enact a commuter tax in the city of Jackson. Jacksonians will be exempted from the tax; however, persons entering and exiting the city at certain points will be taxed. The proceeds from the commuter tax will be placed in a fund for infrastructure projects.
3. What measures would you propose/support for combating crime in the city?
I will encourage more neighborhood patrols. I will encourage the administration and the police department to have officers with a set neighborhood “beat”. I would like for the officers to have a realistic assigned geographical area where they introduce themselves to residents and have a Hoppy/Smitty / Fred Sanford type relationship. I would also not block the appointment of qualified judges to hear cases regardless of race.
4. How would you handle the police chief position? Would you support returning to a full-time chief? Why or why not?
I will support whomever the elected mayor puts in place as long as the person is qualified. As a council person all I could do is vote to confirm or not confirm the mayor’s choice. I will vote to confirm any director (for any position) so long as the person is qualified to handle the post.
5. What are your economic-development priorities for the city?
I want to speed up the Farish Street project. I would also like the city to look into investing in its own indoor/outdoor stadium. I want to encourage small business ownership and lobby for businesses to come to Jackson.
6. How would you alter the employee pay/benefit structure?
I would need to look into what is the best way to do it. I am adamant about people being paid a fair wage and having a completive benefit package.
7. How would you improve transparency in government?
I am not a fan of the City of Jackson enforces the Open Records Act. I think at the municipal level information should be readily accessible, particularly to officials and the media. I am open to ideas that would make the sharing of information easier. I do understand; however, that the city has to be careful in guarding itself against liability.
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 will support any program that has a balance between economic efficiency and environmental safety.
9. What needs to happen to improve the relationship between City Council and the mayoral administration?
We need councilpersons who desire to be councilpersons. We need a mayor who desires to be mayor. This is the first step. When councilpersons have ambitions beyond their elected position; it can affect their decision making when it comes to voting on certain issues. Council persons should support the mayor’s agenda so long as it is not unconstitutional or contrary to the wishes of constituents.
Likewise the mayor has to understand that he or she is the leader and 24 hour face of Jackson. That person must conduct him or herself in a positive manner. This person may be firm in executing their agenda; but should be diplomatic in dealing with the council.
10. What role should the city play to help the youth of Jackson? Please provide your specific plans.
The City should provide more structured activities for our youth. Particularly the older teenage children. Our parks and gyms are under used. I would look into having more volunteer programs geared toward encouraging community involvement.
11. How would you bring new funds into the city of Jackson’s coffers?
See answer two.
12. Do you support making Capitol Street two-way?
I would need to hear what the benefit is in doing this. Downtown is not so large to where it is inconvenient to circle a block to get to where you are going.
13. What can you do/support to make the city more attractive to residents?
We must bring more business in, money is the solution. Once the city is more economically viable, then crime and other issues will fall into place. Thus attracting more people.
14. What can you do/support to make the city more attractive to businesses?
I am in favor of tax cuts for new businesses. I would also like the city to invest in its own office park.
15. What is something fun/interesting about you that few people know?
I am the best Hot Shots Golf Fore Video game player in the State.
