04/26/09
Several months ago, I made the decision to run for the Ward 1 City Council seat. As should always be the case when running for public office, my single goal was to do my part to improve the city I live in and which I love.
However, due to the difficult constraints placed on municipal primary elections in Jackson, I now feel that the best thing for the city of Jackson will be for me to withdraw my name from consideration.
Jackson is not a great city, but it can be. To accomplish that it needs a strong & rational leader as mayor. In the current system of municipal government, the mayor of Jackson has tremendous power, so please give thoughtful consideration to this important decision. By removing my name from the Republican City Council race, now all residents of Ward 1 will be able to vote in the Democratic Primary election for mayor if they so choose.
I thank Jeff Weill for his dedicated service to the city as the Ward 1 council representative and I fully support his re-election to the council. If I had any doubts about his ability, I would not be doing this.
I clearly also thank all of my supporters for the hard work and dedication to my campaign. Stopping this race is not an end, but a beginning. I encourage us all to remain involved or to get involved. There are many ways we can all work to make Jackson a great city.
Jonathan S. Jones
Monday, April 27, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Jackson Free Press Questionnaire
The Jackson Free Press sent a candidate questionnaire to all city council candidates. Here is the link to find the candidate answers. I have also included the questions and my answers below.
http://www.jackpedia.com/index.php/wiki/2009_City_Election/
1. Explain how and why you would provide good leadership for your ward.
-Most importantly, I love Jackson and Ward 1. I believe that a Republic can only function justly and effectively if as many citizens as possible are involved in the process of governing. To this end I will be available to all residents of Ward 1. I will actively seek their input on as many issues as possible. And I have the leadership skills, interpersonal skills and work ethic to make this work. As a doctor in a busy Jackson emergency department, I am proficient at making critical decisions, leading multiple team members in complex tasks and effectively communicating and mediating with multiple different specialists as well as patients and family members.
2. What are your infrastructure priorities, and how would you pay for infrastructure repairs?
-Roads and sidewalks. First, many roads in Jackson, as well as in Ward 1, are in severe disrepair. Ridgewood Road, what many would consider the major road for Ward 1 is in dire need of repaving, which would potentially increase traffic at the multiple nearby businesses. I also feel that traffic flow needs to be studied to analyze possible changes that could decrease traffic congestion; specifically better timing of street lights. Second, if Jackson is to be a leading city in the state and in the South, it needs to be made more pedestrian and bike friendly. All parts of Jackson would benefit from more sidewalks, but particularly areas around Parham Bridges Park and UMC. People who walk are more likely to shop and spend money. Additionally walking is healthier for people and the environment. Please see #11 for funding.
3. What measures would you propose/support for combating crime in the city?
-More police officers and more community outreach. In 1983 the JPD had 400 sworn officers. Today it has 430; this is an incredibly small increase in over 25 years. Police officers are currently overworked. Additionally, I feel that resources at the JPD could be better utilized to support our sworn officer. Finally, the JPD needs to become more involved with individual neighborhoods to encourage a proactive approach to crime from all citizens. The city should support all resident initiatives that could improve safety, from neighborhood watch programs to private security guards to even gating communities.
4. How would you handle the police chief position? Would you support returning to a full-time chief? Why or why not?
-Jackson needs a police chief. The city and department are too complex for basically a part time job. The police chief needs to be the ultimate decision maker for the JPD and should be as independent as possible from the mayor and city council. While I care about crime, I clearly do not know enough about the inner workings of police departments to tell the chief what he can and cannot do. This should be the belief of all council members.
5. What are your economic-development priorities for the city?
-A city without an active business community cannot survive. Jackson needs to actively encourage and incentivize businesses to relocate to Jackson. I believe temporary tax breaks for businesses that relocate to Jackson should be offered.
6. How would you alter the employee pay/benefit structure?
-I believe city employees have competitive pay and benefits. I would not decrease any benefits. City employees work hard for the city and they should be compensated fairly. I do believe that several city departments could benefit from an independent audit to examine the efficiency of each department. I also support decreasing the salaries of City Council members to cover only direct expenses incurred.
7. How would you improve transparency in government?
-First, the city needs to improve access to information that is already “transparent”. Specifically, the city’s website needs to be improved to include more information and simpler and more effective search features. Additionally, all departmental budgets need to be made more open and accessible. With very few exceptions (such as purely personal information and information about certain ongoing investigations and contract negotiations) nothing should be held from the citizens of Jackson.
8. There are various proposals that would ostensibly help with flood control on the Pearl, and perhaps increase development and/or green space for the city. What program would you support and why?
-First, the people making decisions about the best flood control measures do not need to be city council members, but rather engineers. While city officials certainly need to approve and review all such proposals, I do not think we need to be dictating requirements. That said, if possible, I would like to see an increase in green space and environmental recreation opportunities. Jackson does not have enough green space and city parks.
9. What needs to happen to improve the relationship between City Council and the mayoral administration?
-This basically comes down to personality. We all need to realize that we work for the citizens of Jackson and not vice-versa. It’s a good thing that council members and the mayor are passionate about issues, but we all need to realize that our opinions are occasionally wrong. While politicians don’t often like to admit this, it is a fact. I feel strongly about issues, but I also feel strongly that I am not omnipotent. I will approach issues with an open mind and a desire for compromise if it will improve the city.
10. What role should the city play to help the youth of Jackson? Please provide your specific plans.
-Instead of inventing new programs, the city needs to improve the current programs in place to help Jackson’s youth. Resources need to be invested in the school system. I feel strongly that if young people are given a good education and if there are recreational and job opportunities available, they will succeed. So I would propose to stop some of the extra or special programs and refocus efforts on schools, invest in better public parks/recreation leagues and improve the economic environment in Jackson so that kids can get jobs. I also feel that a stronger relationship with non-governmental organizations, such as Junior Achievement, should be encouraged.
11. How would you bring new funds into the city of Jackson’s coffers?
-A very large percentage of the city’s income is derived from sales tax on business done in the city. I propose giving tax breaks to businesses that relocate into Jackson. Not only will Jackson receive property tax revenue from these new businesses but also sales tax revenue. (Yes, with a tax break, the revenue may not be as much as it could, but without the tax break the business wouldn’t even be in Jackson, so the revenue would be zero.) To specifically fund the police department, as well as to make Jackson safer, I propose increasing fines for speeding and running red lights. I also propose a city fine for driving without insurance. Separately, I believe that it may now be cost effective to install solar panels on certain city buildings to reduce energy expenditures. I also would like to look into leasing the Jackson airport to a private company who would manage day-to-day operations and pay the city a fee.
12. Do you support making Capitol Street two-way?
-Yes, this would increase business opportunities and is one small step that could enliven the downtown area.
13. What can you do/support to make the city more attractive to residents?
-As mentioned above, I would like to improve roads, sidewalks and public parks. I would like to shift resources in the police department to have more active officers which would improve safety. Finally, I believe that a greater business presence will induce residents to move back to Jackson for ease of shopping, dining and leisure activities. Residents will move back to Jackson when it is safe and convenient.
14. What can you do/support to make the city more attractive to businesses?
-The basis of my economic policy is to lower taxes on businesses and provide temporary tax incentives for businesses that relocate into Jackson. This combined with an improved police department will make Jackson an attractive place to locate a business.
15. What is something fun/interesting about you that few people know?
-In the next few weeks I will run two races, the race for city council which will culminate on May 5th and my first marathon which will be run on April 25th. I honestly don’t know which race is more difficult. Thank you for your time.
http://www.jackpedia.com/index.php/wiki/2009_City_Election/
1. Explain how and why you would provide good leadership for your ward.
-Most importantly, I love Jackson and Ward 1. I believe that a Republic can only function justly and effectively if as many citizens as possible are involved in the process of governing. To this end I will be available to all residents of Ward 1. I will actively seek their input on as many issues as possible. And I have the leadership skills, interpersonal skills and work ethic to make this work. As a doctor in a busy Jackson emergency department, I am proficient at making critical decisions, leading multiple team members in complex tasks and effectively communicating and mediating with multiple different specialists as well as patients and family members.
2. What are your infrastructure priorities, and how would you pay for infrastructure repairs?
-Roads and sidewalks. First, many roads in Jackson, as well as in Ward 1, are in severe disrepair. Ridgewood Road, what many would consider the major road for Ward 1 is in dire need of repaving, which would potentially increase traffic at the multiple nearby businesses. I also feel that traffic flow needs to be studied to analyze possible changes that could decrease traffic congestion; specifically better timing of street lights. Second, if Jackson is to be a leading city in the state and in the South, it needs to be made more pedestrian and bike friendly. All parts of Jackson would benefit from more sidewalks, but particularly areas around Parham Bridges Park and UMC. People who walk are more likely to shop and spend money. Additionally walking is healthier for people and the environment. Please see #11 for funding.
3. What measures would you propose/support for combating crime in the city?
-More police officers and more community outreach. In 1983 the JPD had 400 sworn officers. Today it has 430; this is an incredibly small increase in over 25 years. Police officers are currently overworked. Additionally, I feel that resources at the JPD could be better utilized to support our sworn officer. Finally, the JPD needs to become more involved with individual neighborhoods to encourage a proactive approach to crime from all citizens. The city should support all resident initiatives that could improve safety, from neighborhood watch programs to private security guards to even gating communities.
4. How would you handle the police chief position? Would you support returning to a full-time chief? Why or why not?
-Jackson needs a police chief. The city and department are too complex for basically a part time job. The police chief needs to be the ultimate decision maker for the JPD and should be as independent as possible from the mayor and city council. While I care about crime, I clearly do not know enough about the inner workings of police departments to tell the chief what he can and cannot do. This should be the belief of all council members.
5. What are your economic-development priorities for the city?
-A city without an active business community cannot survive. Jackson needs to actively encourage and incentivize businesses to relocate to Jackson. I believe temporary tax breaks for businesses that relocate to Jackson should be offered.
6. How would you alter the employee pay/benefit structure?
-I believe city employees have competitive pay and benefits. I would not decrease any benefits. City employees work hard for the city and they should be compensated fairly. I do believe that several city departments could benefit from an independent audit to examine the efficiency of each department. I also support decreasing the salaries of City Council members to cover only direct expenses incurred.
7. How would you improve transparency in government?
-First, the city needs to improve access to information that is already “transparent”. Specifically, the city’s website needs to be improved to include more information and simpler and more effective search features. Additionally, all departmental budgets need to be made more open and accessible. With very few exceptions (such as purely personal information and information about certain ongoing investigations and contract negotiations) nothing should be held from the citizens of Jackson.
8. There are various proposals that would ostensibly help with flood control on the Pearl, and perhaps increase development and/or green space for the city. What program would you support and why?
-First, the people making decisions about the best flood control measures do not need to be city council members, but rather engineers. While city officials certainly need to approve and review all such proposals, I do not think we need to be dictating requirements. That said, if possible, I would like to see an increase in green space and environmental recreation opportunities. Jackson does not have enough green space and city parks.
9. What needs to happen to improve the relationship between City Council and the mayoral administration?
-This basically comes down to personality. We all need to realize that we work for the citizens of Jackson and not vice-versa. It’s a good thing that council members and the mayor are passionate about issues, but we all need to realize that our opinions are occasionally wrong. While politicians don’t often like to admit this, it is a fact. I feel strongly about issues, but I also feel strongly that I am not omnipotent. I will approach issues with an open mind and a desire for compromise if it will improve the city.
10. What role should the city play to help the youth of Jackson? Please provide your specific plans.
-Instead of inventing new programs, the city needs to improve the current programs in place to help Jackson’s youth. Resources need to be invested in the school system. I feel strongly that if young people are given a good education and if there are recreational and job opportunities available, they will succeed. So I would propose to stop some of the extra or special programs and refocus efforts on schools, invest in better public parks/recreation leagues and improve the economic environment in Jackson so that kids can get jobs. I also feel that a stronger relationship with non-governmental organizations, such as Junior Achievement, should be encouraged.
11. How would you bring new funds into the city of Jackson’s coffers?
-A very large percentage of the city’s income is derived from sales tax on business done in the city. I propose giving tax breaks to businesses that relocate into Jackson. Not only will Jackson receive property tax revenue from these new businesses but also sales tax revenue. (Yes, with a tax break, the revenue may not be as much as it could, but without the tax break the business wouldn’t even be in Jackson, so the revenue would be zero.) To specifically fund the police department, as well as to make Jackson safer, I propose increasing fines for speeding and running red lights. I also propose a city fine for driving without insurance. Separately, I believe that it may now be cost effective to install solar panels on certain city buildings to reduce energy expenditures. I also would like to look into leasing the Jackson airport to a private company who would manage day-to-day operations and pay the city a fee.
12. Do you support making Capitol Street two-way?
-Yes, this would increase business opportunities and is one small step that could enliven the downtown area.
13. What can you do/support to make the city more attractive to residents?
-As mentioned above, I would like to improve roads, sidewalks and public parks. I would like to shift resources in the police department to have more active officers which would improve safety. Finally, I believe that a greater business presence will induce residents to move back to Jackson for ease of shopping, dining and leisure activities. Residents will move back to Jackson when it is safe and convenient.
14. What can you do/support to make the city more attractive to businesses?
-The basis of my economic policy is to lower taxes on businesses and provide temporary tax incentives for businesses that relocate into Jackson. This combined with an improved police department will make Jackson an attractive place to locate a business.
15. What is something fun/interesting about you that few people know?
-In the next few weeks I will run two races, the race for city council which will culminate on May 5th and my first marathon which will be run on April 25th. I honestly don’t know which race is more difficult. Thank you for your time.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
How to raise revenue by lowering taxes?
Taxes: not many people like to talk about them and even fewer like to pay them. But if we are to improve Jackson, it’s time to have serious discussion.
First, if Jackson is to improve public safety as well as improve infrastructure, more money is needed. There are only two ways to get more money, the first being to reallocate money from other resources and spend more wisely, the second is to increase the city’s tax revenue. While I clearly support wise spending habits, I think we cannot make Jackson into the finest city in the southeast without increases in revenue.
The conventional wisdom states that raising taxes would accomplish this. And the conventional wisdom is wrong.
I want to raise city revenue by lowering tax rates. To understand how that is possible, first we must understand how the city generates revenue.
Jackson has multiple revenue streams, but by far, the largest two are property taxes and sales tax which make up 44% and 27% of total revenue respectively. The question I ask, is: Can we increase overall revenue by decreasing the tax rate? The answer is yes.
Over the last several years, multiple residents and businesses have left Jackson to move to the surround cities and counties. As well as losing vibrant and interesting people, the city also loses their money. A relatively small percentage of the lost revenue is from lost property taxes. A much higher percentage of lost revenue is from decreased spending in the city which results in decreased sales tax.
I propose decreasing the property taxes for businesses to operate in the city. This can be accomplished by decreasing the overall tax rate, or better yet, by granting a several year tax incentive/rebate for companies that relocate into Jackson. While the city will not be generating as much revenue from the property taxes as they otherwise would, they still will increase property tax revenue as businesses that once were outside of the city, now move into the city. More importantly, the city will start generating revenue on all the sales from those businesses.
There is a state sales tax of 7%. The city keeps 18.5% of all sales tax collected in the city, or 1.295% of total sales.
To exemplify this, let look at the recent move of Barnes & Noble from the shopping center on County Line road in Jackson to the Renaissance shopping center in Ridgeland. Using data from the 2007 B&N annual report, average store sales for the year were $5,656,250. So in 2007, the city of Jackson made $73,248 just from a single Barnes & Noble business. And in 2008, the city lost that revenue.
Jackson needs to become pro-business. We need to attract businesses and help them become successful because the more successful they are, the more Jackson profits.
I think I’ve written enough, but don’t worry, more to come on this topic soon. Keep checking back.
First, if Jackson is to improve public safety as well as improve infrastructure, more money is needed. There are only two ways to get more money, the first being to reallocate money from other resources and spend more wisely, the second is to increase the city’s tax revenue. While I clearly support wise spending habits, I think we cannot make Jackson into the finest city in the southeast without increases in revenue.
The conventional wisdom states that raising taxes would accomplish this. And the conventional wisdom is wrong.
I want to raise city revenue by lowering tax rates. To understand how that is possible, first we must understand how the city generates revenue.
Jackson has multiple revenue streams, but by far, the largest two are property taxes and sales tax which make up 44% and 27% of total revenue respectively. The question I ask, is: Can we increase overall revenue by decreasing the tax rate? The answer is yes.
Over the last several years, multiple residents and businesses have left Jackson to move to the surround cities and counties. As well as losing vibrant and interesting people, the city also loses their money. A relatively small percentage of the lost revenue is from lost property taxes. A much higher percentage of lost revenue is from decreased spending in the city which results in decreased sales tax.
I propose decreasing the property taxes for businesses to operate in the city. This can be accomplished by decreasing the overall tax rate, or better yet, by granting a several year tax incentive/rebate for companies that relocate into Jackson. While the city will not be generating as much revenue from the property taxes as they otherwise would, they still will increase property tax revenue as businesses that once were outside of the city, now move into the city. More importantly, the city will start generating revenue on all the sales from those businesses.
There is a state sales tax of 7%. The city keeps 18.5% of all sales tax collected in the city, or 1.295% of total sales.
To exemplify this, let look at the recent move of Barnes & Noble from the shopping center on County Line road in Jackson to the Renaissance shopping center in Ridgeland. Using data from the 2007 B&N annual report, average store sales for the year were $5,656,250. So in 2007, the city of Jackson made $73,248 just from a single Barnes & Noble business. And in 2008, the city lost that revenue.
Jackson needs to become pro-business. We need to attract businesses and help them become successful because the more successful they are, the more Jackson profits.
I think I’ve written enough, but don’t worry, more to come on this topic soon. Keep checking back.
How to Contribute
04/01/2009
Now accepting campaign contributions through paypal - JonesWard1@bellsouth.net. If you like what you read and want to help make Jackson a better city for us all, I encourage you to contribute what you can. I need to let you know that your contribution will not change any of my positions. My campaign is operating on a limited budget and will not take any contributions from businesses, unions, or others with potential conflicts of interest. Please help if you can.
Now accepting campaign contributions through paypal - JonesWard1@bellsouth.net. If you like what you read and want to help make Jackson a better city for us all, I encourage you to contribute what you can. I need to let you know that your contribution will not change any of my positions. My campaign is operating on a limited budget and will not take any contributions from businesses, unions, or others with potential conflicts of interest. Please help if you can.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Position on Public Safety/Police
In order for a city to thrive, its citizens must feel safe. That’s a simple statement that all can agree upon. Figuring how to accomplish that is something more complicated. I believe a two pronged approach is needed.
First, no city can be safe without an adequate police force and judicial system to back them up. While I am proud of the service our current officers provide, I feel they are overworked and expected to cover too much territory. We need more police officers. When people know that officers regularly patrol the area or knowing that an officer is only minutes away if needed, they will be less inclined to cause disturbances or to break the law.
In addition to and increased police force, Jackson needs to increase its ability to efficiently prosecute those arrested. As recent events in Oakland California point out (an individual on parole for “assault with a deadly weapon” killed four police officers), simply arresting the ‘bad guys’ doesn’t really do any good if they are sent back out on the streets either awaiting trial or paroled from jail. Our criminal prosecutors and the court system need to be better supported so as to more effectively deal with those arrested.
Residents and businesses need to have the support of the city to watch over their own neighborhoods. A stronger emphasis needs to be placed on “Community Policing”. The U.S. Department of Justice defines Community Policing as, “Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies, which support the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques, to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime.” The city of Jackson does not have an overabundance of resources. Hiring more police is important, but maximizing the effectiveness of each officer and of each dollar spent is equally important.
The key word in the definition of Community Policing is “proactively”. When a person commits a crime and is arrested, does that really help the victim of the crime? Not particularly. Arresting perpetrators is a retroactive approach to crime, and while needed, can never solve the problem on its own. A proactive approach to crime includes organizing and enabling neighborhoods and business districts to better understand crime and how to prevent it. Would better communication between neighbors decrease crime? Would a strategically placed street light or house light reduce crime? Would improved signage reduce crime? Would private security guards reduce crime? Would knowing that the city and the police department are supportive and readily available reduce crime? The answers to these questions are not all cut and dry. What may seem obvious or what may have worked in another city, may not work in Jackson.
All of this will take money. Check back in a few days to read about my plan to increase city revenue while lowering taxes.
Your city council representative needs to be responsive to your concerns, ideas, suggestions and criticisms. So please feel free to respond to this post with any questions or email me at JonesWard1@bellsouth.net
Remember vote on May 5th for Jonathan S. Jones, Jackson City Council Ward 1.
First, no city can be safe without an adequate police force and judicial system to back them up. While I am proud of the service our current officers provide, I feel they are overworked and expected to cover too much territory. We need more police officers. When people know that officers regularly patrol the area or knowing that an officer is only minutes away if needed, they will be less inclined to cause disturbances or to break the law.
In addition to and increased police force, Jackson needs to increase its ability to efficiently prosecute those arrested. As recent events in Oakland California point out (an individual on parole for “assault with a deadly weapon” killed four police officers), simply arresting the ‘bad guys’ doesn’t really do any good if they are sent back out on the streets either awaiting trial or paroled from jail. Our criminal prosecutors and the court system need to be better supported so as to more effectively deal with those arrested.
Residents and businesses need to have the support of the city to watch over their own neighborhoods. A stronger emphasis needs to be placed on “Community Policing”. The U.S. Department of Justice defines Community Policing as, “Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies, which support the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques, to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime.” The city of Jackson does not have an overabundance of resources. Hiring more police is important, but maximizing the effectiveness of each officer and of each dollar spent is equally important.
The key word in the definition of Community Policing is “proactively”. When a person commits a crime and is arrested, does that really help the victim of the crime? Not particularly. Arresting perpetrators is a retroactive approach to crime, and while needed, can never solve the problem on its own. A proactive approach to crime includes organizing and enabling neighborhoods and business districts to better understand crime and how to prevent it. Would better communication between neighbors decrease crime? Would a strategically placed street light or house light reduce crime? Would improved signage reduce crime? Would private security guards reduce crime? Would knowing that the city and the police department are supportive and readily available reduce crime? The answers to these questions are not all cut and dry. What may seem obvious or what may have worked in another city, may not work in Jackson.
All of this will take money. Check back in a few days to read about my plan to increase city revenue while lowering taxes.
Your city council representative needs to be responsive to your concerns, ideas, suggestions and criticisms. So please feel free to respond to this post with any questions or email me at JonesWard1@bellsouth.net
Remember vote on May 5th for Jonathan S. Jones, Jackson City Council Ward 1.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Welcome
First, let me warmly welcome you all to my page. I am appreciative you took the time to find out more about me and about my campaign.
I am running for the Jackson City Council Ward 1 seat and I ask for your support.
But why should you support me?
- I love Jackson. While some may consider the fact that I am not originally from Jackson, and have only lived in Jackson for 5 year a detriment, I think it is an attribute. I made an active decision to move to Jackson and an active decision to stay in Jackson. I am not here by chance. I am also not mired in old Jacksonian politics (I'll let you decide if that's a positive or a negative). And while I love Jackson, it is not perfect and I do not think we all must just accept its imperfections. We must ALL strive to improve it.
- I believe in Jackson. I believe people that live in Jackson are smart and hard-working. I believe the people and businesses that have left Jackson were basically forced to leave. I believe that if it wasn't for a difficult tax structure, poor infrastructure and inadequate public safety, these people and businesses would still be in Jackson.
- I have lived and worked in other cities. Each city I've ever lived in has done something great. It has also done something poorly. Jackson is no different. We need to work hard to maintain the great things and equally as hard to change the not-so-great things.
- I am NOT "connected". I don't vacation with legislators, big business or lawyers. I live and work and spend time with a bunch of "average" people like me. I only want what is best for this city's citizens.
There's not much in the form of substance there. I will address specific issues in individual posts. Please read and comment. Your City Councilmember needs to be accessible, open and to know your concerns. I want to be that councilmember. Please vote on May 5th (primary election) and June 2nd (general election).
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