Jackson City Council Ward 7 election: Five Democrats, one Republican and one Independent. Primary election set for April 1

Ward 7 residents will vote between seven candidates for a representative on the Jackson City Council after incumbent Councilwoman Virgi Lindsay announced she would not seek a third term.

Lindsay, who has served two terms and is the current council president, announced her decision in early January. Now, six Democrats, one Republican and one Independent are vying to replace her.

The Democrats include Kevin Parkinson, Corinthian "Corey" Sanders, Quint Withers, Bruce Burton and Turner Martin. These candidates will face off in the April 1 Democratic primary.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Taylor Turcotte and Independent Ron Aldridge in the June 3 general election.

The Clarion Ledger contacted the Ward 7 candidates to answer questions regarding who they are, why they decided to run for office and what their positions are on issues that face Jackson. Below is a look at the answers, which have been edited for length, style and clarity.

Where is Jackson's Ward 7?

Ward 7 encompasses the eastern portion of Jackson, starting as far south as Bounds Road and as far north as Meadowbrook Road. It includes neighborhoods such as Fondren, LOHO, Belhaven Heights, Belhaven and Midtown. The ward also encompasses Downtown Jackson and the Farish Street Historic District.

Meet the Democratic city council candidates

Turner Martin

Martin, 25, serves as the manager of the city's Arts Center of Mississippi. He received his undergraduate degree in art history from Millsaps College. His family lives in Jackson, including his father, stepmom and two younger siblings. His older brother lives in Hattiesburg. He has never served as an elected official.

Why are you running?: As a lifelong Jacksonian I grew up hearing and seeing negative narratives that surround our city, and I have spent most of my life fighting against them. My generation is currently being watched to see how we will get involved and improve the world around us; I believe that I can help make the changes Jackson needs by serving on our city council. We need younger voices represented in our local and state government to accurately reflect the change needed in our city. Working for the City of Jackson as a building manager for the past three years ultimately inspired me to run for this position. Through this work, I have learned to navigate city resources, bring people from across Jackson together, and turn challenges into opportunities. I believe that we need councilors who know how our City government works and can use that knowledge to push our city forward. 

What are issues you’d address in your ward if elected?: These are my top four priorities:

• First, infrastructure and city property maintenance: We need to review the budget and stop contracting out work that should be done by internal staff. Just one example is that the city does not currently employ a plumber; we need to offer competitive salaries for our public works staff and make sure these vacancies are filled.
• Second, transparent governance, which I believe can be immediately improved with a dedicated page for Ward 7 on the city’s website. I want to make information publicly available and accessible from a central hub using resources we already have. We need to advertise the work being done — from addressing crime, to street pavings, to water improvements.
• Third, investing in our younger generations by adequately funding Jackson Public Schools, so they can succeed. We have to prioritize support for our public schools and setting up young people to get a quality education and then supporting them and giving them opportunities to stay in Jackson after graduating.
• Lastly, economic growth throughout our ward, especially downtown. We need to prioritize local businesses and offer incentives to operate in Jackson; we need to keep our grocery stores, our small businesses, and our cultural institutions.

What issue do you think is most important/needs to be solved for Jackson’s future? How would you solve that?: I believe that we have to find ways to keep our younger generations here and incentivize young, talented people to move here from across the country and make Jackson their home. We have seen the effect of “brain drain” on our area, as well as many of the city’s residents leaving Jackson for the nearby suburbs and even other states. This is not an issue that we can solve overnight, we have to put in the work to prove to our current and potential residents that Jackson is worth investing in by investing in ourselves first.

This starts with a complete reassessment of our facilities, infrastructure and public education systems. We need to set up regular routines, inspections and processes for our infrastructure to make repairs and make sure it stays in good condition. And we need to give our public schools the support they need and deserve. I personally hope that as a council member I can be an example for other young people in our city that there are opportunities if you choose to stay, and that I want to be a voice for you and your needs so that you feel proud to call Jackson your home.

How would you engage with the city/mayor in a constructive manner as a council member?: I am committed to joining the council with the goal of working collaboratively with my fellow council members and the mayor to ensure we are best serving our community. We need to prove to Jackson that our government can function as intended: with a council that represents each of our ward’s best interests and needs and an executive branch that enforces all ordinances and resolutions passed by the council and that holds the departments accountable for their duties. We need to maintain a respectful environment in our government and keep in mind the people we are elected to represent in every action that we take.

Kevin Parkinson

Parkinson, 38, is an educator who lives with his wife Stephanie and their three kids. He received his Bachelor's degree in Communication studies and history from Illinois State University and a Master's degree in Educational leadership from Columbia University. This is his is first time running for office.

Why are you running?:  I was the principal of a public school in Ward 7 that serves students from all over the city. As I drove to home visits or community events, I was able to explore North, South, East, West and Central Jackson. I can say definitively that every neighborhood in our city has something about it that is truly special and inspiring. At the same time, I was able to see, firsthand, the many challenges that Jacksonians from every corner of the city experience. I am running to preserve the things about our community that make it so special while also addressing the many challenges we face.

What are issues you’d address in your ward if elected?: There is already so much that makes Jackson special, and there is nowhere else I would want to live. At the same time, Jacksonians are facing real challenges that must be urgently addressed. We’ll know we are on the right path when city services work reliably (regular garbage collection, safe drinking water, quick pothole repairs, and enough police patrolling our neighborhoods). To do so, we need to elect a City Council that insists on transparency and holds the mayor accountable for the day-to-day running of the city government. Let’s govern with respect, partner together and put the people of Jackson first.

What issue do you think is most important/needs to be solved for Jackson’s future? How would you solve that?: Jackson needs as much help as it can get and I welcome assistance from federal, state, and regional partnerships that advance our city. And I also believe that government works best when local governments control basic local services. But most of all, I care about serving the citizens of Jackson and I will always ask this simple question: Which option is more likely to improve the situation quicker and better in the long run?

How would you engage with the city/mayor in a constructive manner as a council member?: The current relationship between the mayor and city council is dysfunctional. The mayor’s job is to run the day-to-day operations of the city and be transparent with the council about the progress made. The council’s job is to hold the mayor accountable. The council sets the budget and passes ordinances, and we should use our council meetings to insist on timely, accurate reports from the mayor. We should work alongside the mayor to advance the city, but we cannot be a rubber stamp.

Corinthian "Corey" Sanders

Sanders, 32, is a graduate of Callaway High School and Hinds Community College. He also earned a Bachelor of fine arts degree in architectural illustration and sequential design from Savannah College of Art and Design. He is a sixth generation Jacksonian and a ninth generation descendant of Louis LeFleur. Sanders has been married for seven years and has one son. He has never served as an elected official.

Why are you running?: I am running because I’m committed to a community that values responsive, effective governance and a clear vision for our future.

What are issues you’d address in your ward if elected?: In my ward, I will address aging infrastructure, public safety, and housing affordability through strategic investments and community partnerships. A key element of my plan is to pass a working budget that pays down our deficit, saves for the future, and leverages funds to complete necessary infrastructure projects.

What issue do you think is most important/needs to be solved for Jackson’s future? How would you solve that?: I believe the most critical issue for Jackson’s future is establishing a sustainable fiscal foundation to support essential projects and improve service delivery.

How would you engage with the city/mayor in a constructive manner as a council member?: As a council member, I will engage constructively with the city and the mayor by maintaining regular communication, focusing on shared priorities, and building consensus to achieve common goals. This collaborative approach will ensure that our decisions lead to lasting improvements and a stronger, more resilient Jackson.

Quint Withers

Withers, 42, works as a business and accounting professional, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business administration from Millsaps College. His mother and father, as well as his cat all live in Jackson. Withers also works as a realtor for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Ann Prewitt Realty. He has never served as an elected official.

Why are you running?:  I’m running for Ward 7’s council seat to ensure Ward 7 leadership remains strong. Ward 7 has played a critical role in providing smart, ethical leadership on the council. However, these have been turbulent years for our capital city. We must restore trust and rebuild Jackson. It is going to take ethics and professionalism.  I bring both of these to the table. Fiscal oversight and financial budgeting skills are paramount. We must insist on legal compliance with policies and procedures — while getting the job done the right way. As a professional accounting specialist and a third-generation real estate professional, I bring attention to detail and negotiation skills through experience.

For over 20 years as a Governor-appointed commissioner to Volunteer Mississippi, I oversaw the fiduciary and programmatic responsibilities of a major state agency with a multimillion-dollar budget. Twice, my peers elected me as board chair. Success will take a significant time commitment from your Ward 7 representative. People who have worked with me know that I have structured my schedule to include service hours since my college days. I will not have to find the time in my daily life for this — it has always been a core priority and lifestyle choice I’ve made. When it comes to representing Ward 7, Quint won’t quit!

What are issues you’d address in your ward if elected?: It is no surprise to anyone that Jackson needs an all hands on deck teamwork approach and a call for volunteerism. Volunteerism is the heartbeat of a thriving community. It is unity. It is service above self. I have a heart for service. There must a be a Voice of Reason and A Vision for All.  Like Ward 7, Jackson is a diverse city. One of the strongest attributes of leading is listening. It is open communication, relationship building, talking together, compromising for the common good, and collectively the power to get things done. It is recognizing different histories we have while bringing together fairness and a work ethic to a vision for all through leadership. We all share a vision for enhanced safety, improvements to infrastructure, blight, creeks, street lights, strong schools, and traffic light synchronization. We must strengthen neighborhoods and grow values. Economic development is key to Jackson’s future. I remain committed to fostering an environment where local businesses can thrive, new investments are welcomed, and job opportunities abound. 

What issue do you think is most important/needs to be solved for Jackson’s future? How would you solve that?: Those who know me will tell you I’m a firm believer in optimism. It was a lesson my grandmother instilled in me during childhood.  There is always a bright spot in the day regardless of the potholes we might encounter on the day’s journey. The job that Jackson needs will take more than Positive Attitude and Enthusiasm. It is going to take courage.  The courage to take risk. Success never happens in the comfort zone. It is the bravery to push beyond the status quo. The courage to lead through uncertainty. It is the ability to navigate uncertainty with calm, confidence, being adaptable, and decisiveness. It is knowing your grace and forgiveness are necessary when errors are made by your Ward 7 council representative. Errors will be made – it is only human. It is the courage to uphold values.  It is knowing what is right, ethical, and to lead with integrity.  It is the courage to inspire others.  It is empowering and uplifting others. It is the Power to Create Change. I will show up informed and prepared to work.  It is about standing firm on difficult issues while respecting opposing views shaped by our diverse histories without creating division.

How would you engage with the city/mayor in a constructive manner as a council member?: While disagreements are inevitable, we must focus on collaboration rather than division. Strong community ties, optimistic ethical leadership, a vision for progress, a heart for service, and a head of financial transparency and responsibility make me ready to Restore Trust and Rebuild Jackson into the safe, clean, functional, and thriving city we are ALL proud to call home. Quint won’t Quit!

Bruce Burton

Burton did not respond to repeated attempts to answer Clarion Ledger election questions by publication time.

At a recent forum, Burton said he works as an attorney with his wife at their own law practice Burton Law Firm and he wants to bring more transparency to city government.

According to a past campaign website, Burton ran for Mississippi Court of Appeals for District 4 in 2022.

Meet the Independents

Ron Aldridge

Aldridge, 74, previously served in the Mississippi House of Representatives for District 66 from 1984 to 1988. He is a graduate of Jackson Public Schools and the University of Mississippi's School of Law. He also attended the U.S. Army Engineer Officer School. He is married to his wife Beth. Together they have three children and four grandchildren.

Why are you running?: I’ve never stopped working for Jackson, its residents and businesses my entire career. Our capital city must have elected officials who come ready to restore the broken trust. I love Jackson and its people, have “no fear” of going anywhere, I weep and cry out at the neglect and hazardous life too many have had to endure. My heart won’t accept that for these forgotten. I have a broad successful experience in life, business, government and community service, and strong work ethic to continue bringing and working together our neighborhoods, churches, ministries and government to stop Jackson’s downward spiral and begin immediately to restore an entire city we can all be proud to call home and as our capital city. We have too many positive attributes to allow this to continue and we must quickly focus also on our positives! I’m ready to continue working for all of Jackson!

What are issues you’d address in your ward if elected?:

1. Crime and Safety — gangs, drugs, homeless. I’d do what I helped do in Fondren — bringing our professional law enforcement together, improving crime communication between all, as well as our residents and businesses.
2. Infrastructure — Safe smooth streets, proper drainage, safe reliable water. I’d use my extensive relationships built on years of trust to seek assistance from the county, state and federal officials and agencies.
3. Good Paying Jobs and Training — My past State Workforce Investment Board service, decades of solving business legislative and regulatory problems, and as Fondren Business Improvement District’s (BID) Board Chair will facilitate attracting businesses to all areas of Jackson.
4. Clean neighborhoods to live, grow businesses, work, play, attend school and attract more to build the tax base. My 33 years on Keep MS Beautiful’s board and my work ethic helping cleanup all over Mississippi are committed to clean up every area of this city by working together. My involvement the last three years extensively with Bridging the Gap Outreach Ministries, also evidences my commitment to all the people of Jackson as we’ve brought churches, ministries, and neighborhoods together for the common good and make our community safer.

What issue do you think is most important/needs to be solved for Jackson’s future? How would you solve that?: We must elect officials who have have proven they will unify and restore the people’s trust, and also city and also with other level government officials. We don’t have time to waste. This foundation is a must to fix all else that’s broken. My extensive record of doing that is well established, and I’m committed to be that person I’ve always been — one whose word is his bond.

How would you engage with the city/mayor in a constructive manner as a council member?: I’d do as I’ve done throughout life with my solid record of forming personal relationships, listening, encouraging, being truthful, getting all facts - pro/con, working tirelessly together in a congenial, cooperative manner, building unity and working to find common ground and practical solutions, while establishing various time levels of goals toward working a plan to fix our obvious problems, while also addressing other citizen concerns

Meet the Republicans

Taylor Turcotte

Turcotte did not respond to repeated attempts to answer Clarion Ledger election questions by publication time. She does not have a campaign website.

According to previous Clarion Ledger reporting, Turcotte ran as a Republican in Mississippi's U.S. Congressional District 2 race in 2023. Turcotte lost in the Republican primary.

She owns own a small advertising agency that focuses on the advertising and marketing needs of small businesses, according to previous reporting. Turcotte earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing and a specialty in pharmaceutical sales from the University of Southern Mississippi.