Rev. Jerry A. James is a candidate for council representative for Ward Seven of the City of Laurel.
James said he is enjoying going door-to-door meeting the voters in Ward 7.
“I am the proud pastor of Second Allen A.M.E. Church,” he said. “ It is my chief joy to help people understand the mission and message of Jesus Christ.”
James earned a bachelor of science degree in marketing and accounting from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio and a Masters of Divinity degree from Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio.
However, James said, he is also a community activist.
“In every city where I have pastored, I have been involved in the community; starting right here in Laurel, Mississippi,” James said. “I have worked for many years in voter registration/voter education activities.”
In the late 1980’s James, along with other local residents, organized and founded the City of Laurel’s first celebration of the birthday for the great Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
James is currently president of the Queensburg Residential Association and a consultant with the Laurel/Jones County Methodist Ministerial Alliance.
He also serves as a member of the board of Laurel’s Community Family Center as well as a part of many other organizations and associations.
“Over the years, I have worked in various aspects of community service,” the candidate said. “I believe that you must be involved in your community in order to make changes.”
Some of the projects James has been involved in are:
* Community Planning - He’s worked to conduct/promote events and projects to better our community.
* Food Programs - James has also written grants to obtain Summer Food Service Programs, worked with programs designed to aide residents with energy assistance, housing and transportation.
* Health Care - He has been involved in groups and programs that actively worked to provide services to senior citizens and youth.
James has worked with the city's recreation department summer programs and have coached baseball, softball, football and basketball teams here in the City of Laurel and in other cities.
“Working with young people is a joy and we, as adults, must be willing to take the time to help them develop into productive citizens,” James said. “Taking part in community recreation programs is about more than sports. It’s about life. The young people learn sportsman-like conduct, character and teamwork while also learning how to play a particular sport.”
*James has also spoken out against and led challenges against injustice.
“I, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believe that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” James said. “If we are to truly be one community working together, we must speak out against injustice.”
*James, who has worked with the Meridian Community College Small Business Center and other entities, has worked to help develop new businesses and help them during their formative times.
In 2009, President Barrack Obama gave the nation a new challenge: to roll up our sleeves and help him rebuilt cities across America.
James said he believes in that challenge and believe that the citizens of Laurel can make that difference.
“I’m not running this race for Councilman of Ward 7 by myself, but with you _ the voting citizens of Ward 7,” he said.
James said there are many challenges the city will face in the next four years.
“It does not yet appear what we shall be,” he said. “We, as a community, have what it takes to face and resolve any obstacles that confront us.”
Some of the major issues to be addressed are:
* Infrastructure: new streets, water lines, sewer lines (larger one);
* Housing - For ALL Citizens;
* Community Clean-Up (Monthly);
* Job Training ;
* Community Involvement - Monthly Ward Meetings to keep the residents informed;
* To use the Ward 7 city cell phone strictly for city business.
James is married to Eloria Newell James, a reporter with the Laurel Leader Call. The couple has one son, Jerry James II.
“I believe in the family and community concept of everyone working together for the betterment of the whole,” James said. “So, if you want to work and help me make a diffeence in Ward 7, go to the polls on May 5 and June 2 and vote for Rev. Jerry James. Thanks for your support.”
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James seeking support in Ward 7 council primary
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