Someone just forwarded me a letter they say was distributed today at Cade Chapel M.B. Church that appears to be from former Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. asking for support in his run in the special mayor election. We have been hearing that he is running again, and are trying to confirm it from him directly. Here is a JPG of the letter forwarded to us. I apologize that it's a bit blurry.
https://jacksonfreepress.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2014/03/09/IMG_7608_t298x400.jpeg?b996ccf6923053d2551663e619fe46f7502879df">Someone forwarded this letter, apparently from former Mayor Johnson, saying he is running for mayor in the April 8 special election. by Donna Ladd
Comments
goldeneagle97 10 years, 1 month ago
A friend told me that he and Johnson go to the same barber. The word in the shop is that Johnson is running. Of course, hearsay is hearsay, so take it for what it's worth.
I saw the former mayor and his wife walk to their car after the memorial service. I should've asked if he's running. Even if he does run, would people want to see a twice-defeated mayor in office again?
There's also that rumor of him not even living in Jackson anymore.
donnaladd 10 years, 1 month ago
We're hearing strong rumors that he's in, and I'd expect him to run. I'd be surprised if Lee doesn't as well. They both really want the job, clearly.
We can check that rumor out but watch the residency rumors. We've shot those down many times -- and even in cases where you show it's true, it seems nothing happens. But I have no idea whether the Johnsons might have left Jackson. It seems unlikely, but we'll see.
We've had at least two different sources tell us that Antar lives in Ridgeland--but the response seems to be that they (he?) owns two different places or such. Again: We have checked NONE of this out, yet, in an organized way, so give us a chance. We will.
NotLikeU 10 years, 1 month ago
I hope the City of Jackson is not expecting to take a leap back to stagnation.
goldeneagle97 10 years, 1 month ago
WLBT is reporting that Johnson is running.
JLucas 10 years, 1 month ago
I doubt Lee will run again. He knows that he is still perceived as NE Jackson's token candidate in the eyes of many, which is unfortunate but that's politics.
justjess 10 years, 1 month ago
I attended the press conference at Smith Robinson Museum on yesterday for former Mayor Harvey Johnson's announcement of his candidacy for Mayor.
Goldeneagle, the question was raised by a news reporter about the rumor that he lives in Madison. This is rumor that could have ended by checking the tax rolls. Johnson has lived on HalMark in the Woodlea Community for more than 20 years. Before that, he lived on Meadowlane where he and Kathy raised their two children and who are both graduates of Calloway High School-Not Madison High.
Johnson told the crowd that he owns a farm in HINDS COUNTY. "I have 5 horses, a pond and a barn." He further stated that people see him in Lowes and putting lumber on his truck. "I guess people thought that I was building a mansion." The crowd laughed!
On the issue of voters electing him again after two losses, Johnson reminded the group that he has had three (3)WINS!
justjess 10 years, 1 month ago
I sincerely hope that the citizens of Jackson will not fall for the sterotype of Johnson being a slow and stagnant person as one of the bloggers on this site suggested. This is the same kind of rhetoric we hear about President Obama. Saying things like this encourage others not the read or research the facts.
The JFP carried former Mayor Johnson entire State of the City Address as he left office in 2013. My challenge to voters is to find that link, read it word for word, fact check his accomplishments and then see if "stagnation" is an appropriate word for one who did so much with so little and during a short period of time. We much also remember that there was a four year period of interruptus wherein our city was turned up-side-down. Johnson came back as a healer and was able to put Jackson back on track. He has made the job of Mayor look easy when in actuality it is not. So, before we become a Detroit or some of the other cities that have fallen, we must go with what we know and that is EXPERIENCE< EXPERIENCE< EXPERIENCE!
Scott1962 10 years, 1 month ago
I couldn't agree more. I think Harvey Johnson is a man who truly cares about Jackson and who may have made a few mistakes but at least he's trying.
justjess 10 years, 1 month ago
Sorry for the mispelling of Smith Robertson Museum and especially with former Mayor Johnson saying on yesterday: "I am so grateful that the citizens of Jackson have allowed me to help write our City's story ....which includes the transformation of Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center. "
js1976 10 years, 1 month ago
Jess, since you metioned Obama in your comments need I remind you that he was not elected based on his experience. He was elected because he brought fresh ideas to the table, and thats what Jackson needs. I was very outspoken against the election of Lumumba, but I will say that he was making some headway in a very short period of time.
tstauffer 10 years, 1 month ago
FYI, I removed Scott's comment because it's not germane to the conversation. Please stay on the topic of the mayor's race.
JLucas 10 years, 1 month ago
I've voted for Johnson in the past, and I respect the man for the years of service and the experience he has at being the head of city government. He can clearly cite a number of accomplishments during his time as mayor. However, I would not vote for him again if I thought a better choice was in the running, and I believe there is a better choice in this race.