Millsaps College hosted a Jackson mayoral forum that provided an opportunity for the community to engage directly with candidates ahead of the April 1 primary election.
The event was organized in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Jackson Area and the Greater Belhaven Foundation. With 13 of 19 candidates attending, voters learned about the different visions, goals and ideas for the future of Mississippi’s capital city.
The forum, open to all, was created to encourage civil discussion and public engagement in a neutral setting. All candidates – Democrat, Republican and Independent – were invited to participate to provide voters with the information necessary to make decisions at the polls.
This is not the first time Millsaps has hosted such an event; Millsaps recently helped organize the Ward 7 city council forum, reinforcing our belief in the importance of civic participation at every level of government.
Rather than just
sitting and listening, the audience got a chance to actively participate. Attendees were encouraged to submit their questions to the moderators, who then directed a select few to the candidates for responses.
The moderators, including Dr. Eric R. Schmidt, assistant professor of government and politics, ensured the event remained focused on the issues that matter most to Jackson residents: public safety, economic development, education and infrastructure.
“We’re proud to have hosted this forum for our community,” said Schmidt, who was also one of the event’s main organizers. “Events like this are a cornerstone of an informed, democratic society. The ability to engage in civil discourse and have open conversations about the issues that affect us all is something we hold in high regard.”
The mayoral forum underscored the critical role that open dialogue and transparency play in shaping the future of Jackson. Rich in history and culture, the city is known for its Southern hospitality and connections to soul music. Jackson also stands as the heart of the Mississippi Civil Rights movement, with iconic landmarks and museums that reflect its central role in the struggle for equality.
Beyond its historical significance, Jackson is a city with a thriving food and music scene, offering lively arts and diverse cultural experiences that make it the true heartbeat of the state. This dynamic environment provides a backdrop for meaningful conversations, making the mayoral forum a fitting occasion for citizens to connect with the candidates and hear their visions for the future.
“As the election draws near, Millsaps remains committed to fostering a non-partisan environment where respectful disagreement, thoughtful exchange of ideas and community participation are prioritized,” said Schmidt. “The mayoral forum is just one example of our ongoing efforts to support an informed and active citizenry—an essential element for a thriving democracy.”