I am writing in response to an opinion piece written by Keith Dunn in the December 21 issue of the Northside Sun entitled “Separate but not equal still exists.” In the article, he compares education and facilities at Madison County Public Schools with those at Jackson Public Schools. I would first like to applaud him for pointing out these differences and encouraging us all to care. Regardless of where we live (Madison, Jackson, or somewhere else), we are all Mississippians and should care about the education of all Mississippians.
However, without singling out Mr. Dunn, I also feel that actions speak a lot louder than words. A large portion of school revenue is from local taxes. While there certainly may be some mismanagement in the JPS system, a major problem is a loss of revenue due to a loss of people living and spending in Jackson. While I am glad that a Madison resident cares about JPS, the problem is that a Madison resident who cares about JPS is not actually as useful as a Jackson resident who doesn’t care about JPS.
We all need to choose a place to live which is best for us and our families. I have many friends who live in Madison or other suburbs and I am happy for them. People should obviously be free to live anywhere they want. The problem isn’t that many people choose to live in Madison, the problem is that too many people don’t even consider Jackson or worse, actively discourage others from living in Jackson.
When my wife and I moved to central Mississippi in 2004 and asked about where to live, the only thing anyone told us, or actually everyone told us, was, “Don’t live in Jackson.” Luckily, we’re stubborn and ignored them all. By 2015, our family outgrew our first house and we chose to move…to another house in Jackson.
We don’t live in Jackson because we’re altruistic, feel guilty, or anything like that. We live in Jackson because Jackson has the best restaurants and the most walkable locations. We live in Jackson because it’s central to everything and we don’t want half-hour or longer commutes. We live in Jackson because we hate traffic and love unique houses with oddly shaped wooded yards.
Jackson is not the perfect place to live for everyone, but as the health of the Capitol City is vital to central Mississippi, I implore everyone to stop the negativity around Jackson. If you’re looking to move, consider Jackson. There are many wonderful neighborhoods. When you’re recommending locations to new employees or friends, don’t give them the advice we received. When you’re stuck in traffic on I-55, know that I’m already home relaxing with my family.
Jonathan S. Jones, Proud Jacksonian
