So Jackson's new mayor. Early thoughts? (West: school districts, to live in, office)

[madison2013]

It was either Yarber or a dead guys kid. Kinda a no brainer. Had to go with the guy with experience on the council. But to be honest I really thought that Jackson residents were going to vote for the inexperienced candidate.

Non-Mississippi residents need not respond with tedious boring diatribes.

Thanks.

[zblanton1]

I thought Chokwe Antar was just riding the coattails of his father and was running only because his father died in office. Tony I think is the one with the real experience and he to me seems to be very smart. Not to mention, he's had several leadership positions and that's what Jackson needs, a mayor with leadership skills and one that can unite Jackson on it's problems.

So I'm pleased that Tony Yarber won the election, because Chokwe Lumumba honestly was not in office long enough to really prove himself. So with that being said I had my doubts about what his son might do if he got into office. Just this morning WAPT ran an article with Yarber saying criminals must change their way if they are going to continue to live in the city of Jackson.

These are hopeful words, ones which I hope Yarber maintains and capitalizes on!

[Mouldy Old Schmo]

For starters, what is needed is someone who doesn't view problems and solutions through the lens of "civil rights".

[madison2013]

Jackson's biggest problem is the complete destruction of the family. Followed closely by lack of and a poor education system. No mayor in the world can fix those two issues. Yarber has a tough job trying to foster growth in the city.

[Popquez87]

I think Jackson is already on the cusp of growth, and it just needs a leader with a clear vision and proper execution. I'll say that I was highly impressed with the mayoral candidates, especially Yarber, Lumumba, Priester and Quinn. This is honestly the best selection of candidates I've seen in a Jackson mayoral race and think it illustrates Jackson's burgeoning growth.

I think Yarber will do a great job, he has some great ideas, seems willing to work with the surrounding communities (and the communities seem willing to work with him sans Mary Hawkins-Butler). He also seems like he'll work well with the business community. I have the utmost faith in Yarber, and I look forward to his administration.

[zblanton1]

Yarber needs to have the state Department of Education (housed in Central High School on North West Street) take over the Jackson Public School District. To me, this is the ONLY way I see JPS turning around and becoming a quality school district with quality schools and quality education.

The elementary schools are fine so we need to make sure they maintain good standings, but I think the problems begins with the middle schools and gets worse with the high schools. JPS has been given numerous chances to turn itself around and fix it's problems as a district, but they have proved time and time again that they cannot do this on their own.

It isn't gonna happen overnight, but DoE taking over JPS is a good first step for not only Yarber but for the district as whole.

[brickpatio]

Yarber looks impressive based on what I saw on the internet...i.e. a black belt in ju jitsu and tae quan do...degree from USM...Nice looking family....My first thought was if he plays his cards right...who knows, maybe governor. I hope he has a good understanding of the business community, because economic growth will be his best means to help the needy and provide opportunity for all. It sounds trite to say, but I feel like we should all pray for this guy. IMHO

[Madeline2121]

I like the things he had to say. I'm hopeful that he will do a good job.

[JacksonPanther]

Originally Posted by zblanton1

Yarber needs to have the state Department of Education (housed in Central High School on North West Street) take over the Jackson Public School District.

It isn't gonna happen overnight, but DoE taking over JPS is a good first step for not only Yarber but for the district as whole.

Not trying to be a smart ass, nor am I a shill for JPS. But what track record does the state have of taking over and improving any school districts in MS? What failing district was taken over, and is now excelling?

[JacksonPanther]

I am hopeful, but I guess for four years I really don't have a choice. Yarber was not my guy, mainly because he comes out of ward 6, which for my money is the worst ward in the city. If he hasn't made any appreciable improvements in his ward, what will he do for the city as a whole? I guess time will tell.