The city of Jackson has an opportunity, but it lacks resources due to a lowered tax base. Even with revenue, you cannot spend your way to prosperity.
I wish the state would help more, but then part of the problem is that state and federal properties pay no taxes, but they do provide employment.
Jackson State University and Millsaps, Belhaven, Tougaloo and Hinds Community Colleges are gems. JSU deserves a stadium on its campus. JSU's e-Center: what a development tool.
If only Jackson would go after every private-sector employer possible and work to retain homegrown companies. If only the citizens of Jackson could band together and renovate and revitalize their neighborhoods and do something about abandoned homes and businesses.
My whole point is this: The people of Jackson are not helpless pawns. It is not 1960 or '70. The world has changed, and now people have more control over their lives. Live in the past, die in the present. The people of Jackson should band together, pool resources and get involved. You can transform your city; you don't need some politician to tell you what needs doing. You are free, and you have the skills to innovate and create, and the resource is you.
Michael McNelis grew up in northeast Jackson and lived in the city until age 40.
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