JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Councilman Kenneth Stokes held a public meeting Thursday that was not about the allegations, but still addressed the news in front of many Jackson residents, expressing his hope that everyone involved will think about their families before to move forward. .

Councilman Stokes described these recent allegations as painful and a problem, not only for those accused, but for the entire city.

In a statement, he took the time to encourage the defendants to think about their families and possibly reach a deal to receive less prison time, even though Mayor Chowke Antar Lumumba, District Attorney Jody Owens and Councilman Aaron Banks have maintained their innocence.

Councilman Stokes believes this only increases the lack of trust in the city’s leadership and sends a message to those in these roles.

“You are drinking dirty water. You can’t pave your streets. You’ve already lost confidence. You know, what we’re trying to do is build trust, and what these accusations will do is send a message that, you know, don’t say that you’re running for public office to help people and that you’re trying to help yourself. . If you’re going to help people, help them,” Councilman Stokes said.

Stokes is encouraging and hopes the city council can get Jackson to move forward with the issues at hand, rather than dwell on developments in the bribery case.

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