With six weeks remaining before election day, four candidates looking to become the next Mayor of the City of Jackson answered questions that dealt with schools, a hotel and convention center, revitalization, quality of life, unemployment rates, a Metro Form of Government, infrastructure and health care during a Mayoral Forum at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, Tuesday.
Dr. Jerry Woods, an educator, Jimmy Eldridge, a retired State Representative from Jackson, Scott Conger, president/CEO of the United Way of West Tennessee and Mark Johnstone, a Jackson businessman each walked away with added confidence, leading up to Election Day, May 7.
Candidate Vicky Foote, who also serves as a Jackson City Councilwoman – District 1 – was unable to attend the forum due to a prior commitment.
“I thought the evening went well,” said Mark Johnstone, a 23-year Jackson businessman, “We were able to get our message out there – safe streets, better schools, improved infrastructure along with economic growth and prosperity.
“We believe people want to buy this vision.”
Jerry Woods said the line of questioning gave him ideas when he – and his competitors – return to the campaign trail.
“I thought the forum went over quite well, and I was very pleased with the attendance as well as the questions we had,” Woods said, “They caused us to think about some things we will want to (concentrate) on during the remainder of the campaign.
“We can make a good city even better.”
For Scott Conger, a more efficient way of operating is one of several priorities.
“We have a lot of opportunities … some people may say they are challenges, but I see them as opportunities,” Conger said, “We can do things better … we can be more efficient, we can be more succinct and reduce redundancy … how we do things and make sure we are providing the best services for the citizens of Jackson while we are reducing our overall costs.”
Jimmy Eldridge served 16 years in the State’s General Assembly, but the desire is there to lead Jackson for the next four years.
“I thought it was a very fair forum, and I think the Jackson Chamber did an excellent job,” Eldridge said, “We were able to get our message across.”
(PHOTO: From left, Scott Conger, Mark Johnstone, Jerry Woods and Jimmy Eldridge)
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
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