Jackson council blocks street paving bonds

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Jackson City Council has overwhelmingly rejected a $10 million bond issue for street repaving, a stinging rebuke of Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr.'s agenda in the waning months of his current term.

On Monday, council members gave varying reasons for the measure's defeat, but Budget Committee Chairwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon blamed it on an unwillingness among members of council to compromise.

The Clarion-Ledger reports (http://on.thec-l.com/YyAFN3) Councilman Frank Bluntson wanted the money earmarked for streets and sidewalks only. Councilman Charles Tillman threw in culverts. And the measure that the administration proposed was broad enough that it allowed money to be used for parking garages.

The mayor said he was disappointed. Johnson said it was unlikely the bond issue would be revived before city elections are held in May and June.

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Information from: The Clarion-Ledger, http://www.clarionledger.com