Tell readers a little bit more about yourself.
Are you from Memphis?
I grew up right in the heart of District 8 on
Mississippi Blvd in South Memphis. I spent
a little time further east and graduated from
Bolton High School, played a bit of college
and semi-pro basketball, and eventually
went to law school. After a few years
practicing law at a big firm in Arkansas, I
returned to South Memphis, opened a law
firm, and set out to make a difference at
home.
Other than practicing
law, how do you believe
you make a difference?
I do what I encourage
everyone to do: notice a
problem and be a part of
its solution. In my District,
people need healthcare
and jobs, so I organized a
community fair that
brought both to the Gaston
Community Center.
Children need inspiration
and motivation, so I
mentor middle and high
school students. Families
are struggling to make
ends meet, so I helped host
the South Memphis
Christmas Party and provided
gifts to 200 children.
What made you interested in politics?
The desire to do more. In my neighborhood,
you don’t have to walk far before you see
abandoned houses and blighted property. As
an attorney, I encounter Memphians who are
struggling to keep their loved ones out of
prison. Children are not convinced that we
care about their futures. These are issues
that we must address locally and I want to
be the person who does that.
The seat you’re running for – County
Commission, District 8 – was first acquired
by Walter Bailey in 1971. What are your
thoughts on his leadership? What would
you do similarly… differently?
Walter Bailey is the definition of a servant
leader. He’s been on the right side of history
for civil rights, women’s rights, youth, small
businesses, neighborhood revitalization, and
more.
I want to take the baton and run with it.
Differently? As a new County Commissioner,
I’ll work to earn trust from constituents based
on my own deeds; I won’t attempt to ride in
on his coat tails.
What has been the hardest part of running
for office?
My biggest challenge has been one of the
most rewarding. District 8 includes three of
our most impoverished zip codes, some of
our wealthiest households, and the
largest population of homeless
residents in the city. I set out to be
the Commissioner who represents
the needs of all of my constituents.
Based on the feedback I’ve been
receiving on the campaign trail, I’m
confident that my platform will
accomplish that.
Are you a member of a church?
Absolutely. I’m a lifelong member of
New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist
Church, home to Pastor Luther R.
Williams.
Finally, tell people where they can
find more information about your
c
candidacy for County Commission
District D
8.
Visit my website at votejbsmiley.com to learn
more about my platform and why I’m running.
If you have a question or unique need, give me
a call at 901-300-0589. I want to touch every
family in District 8 before election day (May
1). It’s my goal to be the advocate that our
district deserves. With the help of the people,
we can make that happen.
/votejbsmiley.com