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Wydett Hawkins
Candidate:
Office seeking: City Council, Ward 2
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Platform:
Leadership
During the past thirty nine years I have served Ward 2 faithfully, I have served as president and former president and vice-president of the Planning and Zoning Board for the City of Jackson.
Additionally, I have been a community organizer, a home developer, and businessperson. As a concerned resident of ward 2 I organized Lake Hico and Woodlea Homeowners’ Associations; served as president and vice- president of Woodlea Homeowners Association; organized the Northwest Jackson Coalition; and in 1972 organized the reopening of the 13.5 -acre Lake Hico.
I am a graduate of Leadership Jackson, received the Jackson Urban League Community Award, Firefighters Community Service Award for Justice, Virden Grove Youth Department Service Award, and the Jackson Board of Management Leadership Award. I have a proven track record of community leadership. Therefore, I believe that I am qualified to efficiently carry out the responsibilities of a City Council Member.
Infrastructure Priorities
My priorities for improving Jackson’s infrastructure will of course include the repairing of our streets. However, I will devote considerable attention to our bridges, water and sewer lines, as well as the City buildings that are in disrepair. In order to pay for the identified repairs I will first do an extensive examination of the current City budget to ascertain whether any additional funds may be made available. Also, I will review the Stimulus funds which are currently being designated for the City, and finally look into the possibility of obtaining Grants from the Federal Government.
Combating Crime
In order to combat crime in the City I propose that we increase the Police Force to at least five hundred officers (500). Also, I will strongly recommend that emphasis be placed on Community Policing.
City of Jackson Police Chief Position
Due to the City of Jackson’s current crime rate, and the population of our City I am not in favor of a Chief/Sheriff. However, I due support a mutual working relationship between the Jackson Police Department and the Hinds County Sheriff department.
Economic-Development Priorities
While I support economic development for the City, as you are well aware currently most of the development is centered in the down town area, as very little or no development is being done in
the City’s seven (7) wards. My priorities will be to encourage developers to build modern homes, businesses (retail outlets), and recreational facilities, (theaters, bowling alleys, skating rinks) in ware 2 as well as throughout the City.
Employee Pay/Benefit Structure
This question is some what difficult to answer since it pertains to City personnel; I am not privy to this information. However, When I am elected, I will ensure you that I will review whatever files are made available, after which I will have a better understanding of the structure and then I will be able to make a judgment and therefore offer a recommendation.
Transparency in Government
When I am elected, again I will have an opportunity to review the existing procedures after which I will be better able to offer suggestions for improvements in this area.
Flood Control on The Pearl
When I am elected, I will have an opportunity to review the various proposals which you mentioned that will help with flood control of the Pearl River. After having studied the plans, I will be able to make a recommendation regarding what program I will support.
Relationship Between the City Council and Mayoral Administration
It is extremely clear to me that in order to improve the relationship between the City Council and the Mayoral Administration is Leadership and Effective two way communications.
The Role of the City to Help the Youth of Jackson
As economic development progresses and a coalition is formed with the City’s parks and recreational department, opportunities will be made readily available for the youth to engage in structured activities. More developed programs should be made available for older youth to participate in a planned work opportunity with local businesses.
Bring New Funds into the City of Jackson
In order to determine if new funds are needed and the amount, an analysis of the current budget will be necessary. After this review is completed I will work diligently with the administration and the City Council to identify a funding source, Economic development, grants, etc.
Capital Street two way
With the projected economic development in the Jackson down town area the traffic flow will be much easier if the street is used for two way traffic.
City more attractive to Residents
The City will definitely be more attractive to residents when more jobs are made available; CRIME is under control, quality housing, entertainment, and better restaurants.
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