Mayoral Candidates Prepare for Voting

Jimmy Harris has spent the past 11 years as mayor of Madison County. In his time as mayor, the county has seen a lot of growth.

“I think we have had really strong and steady job growth in the community. We have a lot of industry in our community that are adding jobs,” said Harris.

But for Harris, the past success isn’t the reason he’s running for re-election. He wants to be a part of the process going on to improve Jackson-Madison County school.

“I really want to be a part of that because that is the primary key to the future of our community. Improvement of our school system.”

Harris’s opponent, Harrell Carter, is also putting a lot of his campaign’s focus on JMCSS schools.

“There is no doubt our school system is trying the best that they can but that is not enough. Our country commission, our school board have to step up and make education priority one,” said Carter.

Carter wants to invest more money into JMCSS school programs if elected as county mayor, specifically in programs for the youngest JMCSS student.

“We need early childhood development, our children need to be ready for the first grade when they start school, right now it’s just the opposite. We continue to pass them along pass the third grade without proficiency to be able to read.”

Early voting for the Madison County election begins this Friday taking place at the Madison County Agricultural Complex auditorium on 311 N. Parkway, 9 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday, and 9 AM to noon on Saturday.

The election takes place August 2nd.