Jerry Woods ‘riding the waves’ of first campaign to win Mayoral election

Longtime educator Jerry Woods is one of the six candidates running for City of Jackson Mayor. Woods was a candidate in the 2019 election that forced a runoff between him and Mayor Scott Conger. 

Even though Woods did not win that runoff, he still considers it a victory. 

“That was phenomenal, and some of us are still riding the waves of that. Because that was surreal,” Woods said. 

Woods has an extensive resume: principal at three schools, superintendent at three school districts, and faculty at three local colleges. Woods received his PhD from the University of Mississippi and is currently the Center Director at Washington-Douglass Headstart. He has also served on the board of directors for over a dozen organizations. 

“I would make a difference by bringing the wealth of experience to the city of Jackson, by working in distinctly different areas. I learned that culture is everything. And it's not that one is better, or one is worse. Sometimes they can be different. It’s about being able to work with people and bring people to the table,” Woods said, “I feel that my working with people from all facets, from all walks of life, people that have a lot of money, people that don't have a lot of money. People that are not the color I am, people that are the color that I am.”

If elected, one of Woods’ specific priorities is to serve the young people of Jackson. 

“I want a strong emphasis on youth development and education. And one of the things I'm looking at is looking at maybe a revamping of really having a Department of Youth Services for the City of Jackson,” Woods said. 

Woods said even though Jackson does not fund schools, he wants to have a department that works directly with schools, law enforcement, and other organizations to create successful outcomes for people growing up in Jackson.

“There is no way that we could think of ourselves as a forward-thinking and a progressive city without emphasizing education,” Woods said.

Woods also plans to work on affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, and economic development in the city.

“Not everyone wants to move. So I don’t want someone to feel like they have to move because of crime,” Woods said. 

Woods referred to his campaign as “grassroots” and is taking lessons from his first campaign. He also says there is a place on his campaign for everyone who wants to be a part of it.

“You get their trust. People can see your integrity. And you can serve people,” Woods said “That is servant leadership. I can work with anyone, and that’s what you need. That’s what Jackson needs.”

Candidates for City of Jackson Mayor are the following: Ray Condray, Scott Conger (Incumbent), Daryl K. Hubbard, Paul Sherrod, Lisa Williams-Lyons and Jerry Wayne Woods. 

Election Day for the City of Jackson Municipal Election is May 2. Early voting is April 12-27.

Julia Ewoldt, julia@jacksonpost.news