Mayor Gist talks next four years for Hub City
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JACKSON, Tenn. — After 51 percent of voters secure a third term for Jackson City Mayor Jerry Gist, he says crime and employment are among his top priorities for the next four years. In the most expensive municipal race the city has ever seen, Mayor Gist said he is humbled by the nearly 6,000 votes he received. “You never know if you’re going to win by 2,000 or lose by 2,000 votes. That’s the exciting thing about politics,” he said. The 2015 mayoral election also brought on record-breaking number of voters during early voting. “Traditionally we have not had a great record as far as city turnout for elections,” Gist said. Gist’s second run for re-election operated under the slogan,” Service minded. Storm tested. Standing Strong.” He said his third term will focus on uniting as a city. “Now it’s times for everyone to put this election behind them and move forward in a collaborative effort,” he said. The mayor said his first priority is continuing to build a safer city. “Our city needs to be safe — people need to feel safe in this city,” Gist said. “We’re not going to eliminate crime. It’s just not the way society acts today, but that will still be a top priority.” The mayor said he also would like to see more employment opportunities added to the city. “We have about 3,000 unemployed, and they need jobs,” he said. Known for his healthy living initiatives and downtown enhancement projects, Gist said those are still important but his goals also go beyond the steps of city hall. “A lot of work is next,” he said. “We have a lot to do in east Jackson. We have a lot to do in midtown. We have a lot to do all over the city.” “There’s no limitation to what this city can be,” Gist said. When asked if he planned to appoint Interim Police Chief Julian Wiser to chief status, the mayor said it’s a conversation the two need to continue to see if they can get something permanent in place.
