Carole King’s enduring 1971 song counsels:
“Ain’t it good to know that you’ve got a friend
When people can be so cold
They’ll hurt you, yes, and desert you
And take your soul if you let them
Oh, but don’t you let them”
I had the pleasure of visiting with Mayor Richard White of Byram during the Mississippi Symphony Gala, on Friday March 21 and Mayor Dan Gibson of Natchez — native Northsider: Murrah High School Class of 1983, where he was student body president — at the Save the Hall Ball, on the following evening.
Both men are outgoing and engaging. They are individuals with whom one would enjoy dining — not leaving the table for two and half to three hours; then spending 30 to 45 minutes talking outside before heading home; with an e-mail message addressing multiple points discussed, awaiting one upon arising, the following morning.
They are prototypes for Gallant — the exemplary individual — contrasted against the Mayor of Jackson’s seeming Goofus — a persona to avoid — if creating “Highlights for Children” delineation between political virtue and political ineptitude.
The Mayor sat behind me at the USA International Ballet Competition Gala on Friday June 22, 2018. We spoke but the “fire in the belly” — eagerness to win the hearts and minds of the public (“people skills”) — appeared absent.
My cousin from Natchez conveyed that, after her 102 year-old mother died, five years ago, an issue arose about the electric line feeding the house. Mayor Gibson would not rest until the problem was resolved — constituent services; “feeling one’s pain:” wanting to see that a city satisfies its citizens.
I had no such feeling in my limited interactions with the incumbent Mayor of Jackson.
The federal indictment against the incumbent Mayor of Jackson suggests where his priorities lie. Two thirds through Doris Kearns Goodwin’s “The Bully Pulpit” as I write, I am regularly reminded, as I read, that bribery and corruption was rampant during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency. His anticorruption agenda was reviled by those who stood to lose following reform.
Robert Caro shares the story that, while visiting his ranch, President Lyndon Johnson appeared, unannounced, in the Austin office of Ed Clark, legendary advisor of LBJ — whose wife Anne was from Washington County; whose only child Leila lived in Greenville during adulthood; and whose grandchildren are lifelong Mississippians. (Leila reminded me, shortly before she died, that the friendship between the Clark and Wiener families began in her grandparents’ generation, rather than with her father). LBJ, in one of his legendary funks, sat in a chair and asked “Ed, why don’t people like me?” Ed Clark replied, “Lyndon, it’s because you became rich in office” (or words virtually identical to those quoted). The President arose and departed without saying another word.
People dislike politicians enriching themselves while in public office.
If facts are forgotten, please review the WLBT video, below:
https://search.app/L7yx3wfL3s9M71oA6
Everyone enjoys a presumption of innocence. Guilt can only be ascertained after a trial or plea bargain. Readers should nevertheless watch the video —perhaps daily until the April 22 second primary — and ask whether what is known reflects the focus and public service befitting citizens of Jackson.
Family and friends should be sent the video link and prodded to ponder the city’s future if the incumbent is reelected.
People are encouraged to differ — to draw their own conclusions and pursue separate paths if appropriate. Play your part to GET OUT THE VOTE, imploring people to go to the polls on Election Day and make their sentiments known.
The 2025 municipal elections are a watershed: People can opt for the status quo should they approve of the city of Jackson’s current direction or chart a new course. Whether you believe that Jackson became more prosperous and vibrant under the current administration or not, please VOTE ON TUESDAY APRIL 22ND.
Jay Wiener is a Northsider
