MC School of Law Hosts 2014 Jackson Mayoral Debate

MC Law Dean Jim Rosenblatt

Voters will get the opportunity to size up Jackson’s mayoral candidates during an April 4 debate hosted by the Mississippi College School of Law.

About a dozen candidates are in the running to succeed the late Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba.

Lumumba, then a member of the Jackson City Council and an attorney, emerged as the clear winner when the MC School of Law hosted a debate in May 2013.

“MC Law School is pleased once again to host the debate involving the candidates for mayor of Jackson,” said Dean Jim Rosenblatt. “These debates will offer the citizens a fresh look at the candidates in a personal way.”

Rosenblatt will be on hand to welcome the candidates and visitors during the April 4 debate sponsored by “The Clarion-Ledger” and Jackson television station WAPT-16. With so many candidates seeking the job in the capital city, a runoff debate at the MC Law School is booked for April 16.

The debate will air live on WAPT-16’s website, with the event taped and broadcast on WAPT-16 on Sunday April 6 at 10:30 p.m. A runoff debate set for April 16 would air live on WAPT, the ABC television affiliate in Jackson.

MC’s Law School in downtown Jackson has hosted gubernatorial and U.S. Senate debates over the years.

This year’s mayoral debate figures to be interesting, informative and lively before Jackson voters go to the polls in a special election.

“The personalities and the true platforms of the candidates will emerge during the give and take of the program,” Rosenblatt said. “I am confident the voters will be better informed as a result of the debate.”

The debates are expected to begin around 7 p.m. Seating at the MC Law School auditorium is limited, so visitors should arrive early.

For more information, contact Dana Terry, the MC Law School director of communications at 601.925.7148 or dterry@mc.edu. The debate will be available via live-stream on clarionledger.com