In the emailed responses below, the District 3 council candidates outline their plans and priorities.
Pearl Eva Walker, activist/community organizer: I’m running for city council District 3 because I believe in the power of public service to affect positive changes in our community. For the past 20 years, I have been working across our district to inform our community of its hidden gems, history, and opportunities.
I am committed to addressing the concerns of our district to improve the future for all residents of District 3. Once elected, I plan on helping with community organizing to strengthen neighborhoods, and [will] work to ensure the community stays well-informed. I will bridge the communication gap between the community, police, and leadership by engaging District 3 on multiple platforms to include a monthly newsletter with an option to share feedback.
As councilwoman, I plan to focus on three key areas:
1. Safer & cleaner neighborhoods: I will address public safety by working closely with local law enforcement to enhance public trust thus supporting community policing efforts [to] reduce crime and increase residents’ overall sense of security. Data shows that safer neighborhoods are cleaner, so addressing litter, blight, and illegal dumping must be a priority as it relates to safety as well.
2. Economic development: Just as I have been supportive of businesses and economic development in Whitehaven, I want to be sure we increase economic development across all of District 3. I will advocate for small business support and local job creation to boost our economy and revitalize our neighborhoods.
3. Youth programs and young adults: I am committed to improving our public education system by expanding access to after-school and youth-development programs to ensure our children have every opportunity to succeed. I also want to support our young adults 40 and under as District 3 has the largest millennial population in Memphis.
By prioritizing these areas, we can create a stronger, more prosperous District 3 that benefits everyone. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community.
Rev. James Kirkwood, pastor, former MPD official: While canvassing, I’ve noted the following are significant issues to the people: crime, city services, reducing poverty, blight, and the lack of youth engagement.
We must work together to move our city forward to becoming the city that welcomes people like it used to and encourages people to live, work, and visit. I love District 3, and it pains me that three of the highest crime zip codes (38115, 38116, and 38118) are in my district. My priority is to ensure District 3 is a safe place for all. I will rally the communities to support community policing to reduce crime. Colonel Davis at Raines Station and Colonel Adair of Ridgeway Station need the help of the entire community to create a safe district.
My game plan also includes working with our division director of Solid Waste and Street Maintenance to support a major District 3 cleanup alongside our churches and neighborhood watch groups to implement Councilwoman Rhonda Logan’s Code Green program.
People want to see District 3 grow and prosper. I will work to bring our CDCs together with investors and developers to turn our empty lots into booming businesses, emphasizing the importance of creating housing and fortifying small businesses. Poverty is also taken into consideration when addressing blight.
Children are our most valuable assets, and I am committed to their success [and will continue] to support organizations that work to engage youth programs that build character, cultivate dreams, and inspire hope for a promising future.
District 3, it’s time to make Memphis the city we love, one of the best destinations for living, working, and visiting.