By By Ben Alexander/The Meridian Star
March 2, 2001
Four years after being narrowly defeated by incumbent Ward 4 Councilman Jesse E. Palmer Sr., John Nelson Jr. has decided to throw his hat in the ring for councilman once again.
Nelson said he lost the last election by only 75 votes and claims it's not sour grapes motivating his second bid for a council position, but a desire to give the city and Ward 4 a more aggressive leader.
Nelson said Palmer is "fair to lax" in his council duties and has not fought hard enough for improvements in Ward 4.
Nelson said bad street conditions and a drainage problem that causes flooding are among Ward 4's biggest problems. He said it's time Meridian had more aggressive council members, willing to fight and lobby on behalf of their citizens for better jobs.
Nelson, a retired Lieutenant with the Meridian Police Department and a U.S. Army veteran, said higher-paying jobs for city employees is also one of his goals.
Nelson says he plans to take his campaign directly to the voters.
Ben Alexander is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail him at balexander@themeridianstar.com.