[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 97 (Friday, June 20, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1033]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING TOWN OF JONESTOWN, MISSISSIPPI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 2014

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Town of Jonestown, Mississippi.
  The Town of Jonestown, Mississippi elected its first black Mayor, 
James A. Shanks, in June 1973. During these times, the struggle for 
freedom was very high, especially in the South. Mayor Shanks took 
advantage of available opportunities from federal, state and local 
resources. He partnered with organizations like the National Conference 
of Black Mayors and Mississippi Conference of Black Mayors.
  Additionally, Aaron E. Henry and other civil rights activists 
provided valuable assistance to Jonestown. Mayor Shanks and the Board 
of Aldermen, enhanced the community through housing, water and sewer 
projects, recreational facilities, and to improve the lives of the 
citizens. Mayor Shanks served a total of 12 non-consecutive years as 
mayor.
  In June 1980 Jimmy Wilkins was elected Mayor and continued moving 
Jonestown forward through excellent programs made by his predecessor. A 
modern fire station, a new fire truck and water and sewer projects were 
completed, upgraded housing complexes and new single family housing 
during Mayor Wilkins' tenure. Mayor Wilkins served eight nonconsecutive 
years (1981-1985 and 1993-1997).
  In 1989, Bobbie Walker became, the first female elected Mayor of 
Jonestown. In addition to ongoing projects, Mayor Walker increased 
community development by utilizing college volunteers, working with 
Habitat for Humanity and the Sisters of the Holy Name, whose members 
reside in Jonestown. They provide a cadre of services to citizens 
through education, medical contact, and recreation.
  In June 1997, Joe W. Phillips was elected Mayor of Jonestown. He 
emphasized a sense of community and urged the people of Jonestown to be 
proud of their community. Mayor Phillips continued to enhance the Town 
of Jonestown during his two non-consecutive terms in office.
  Patrick Leon Campbell was the youngest black Mayor elected to office 
in Jonestown and the State of Mississippi at age 28 in 2001.
  He was instrumental in numerous revitalization projects via grants 
such as the Mississippi Historic Preservation Grant, Small Town Limited 
Municipality Grant, Planning Grant, Water & Sewer Grant, Public Safety 
Grant, Home Grant, and others. Mayor Campbell initiated the Jonestown 
High School scholarship fund, and reinstated the Annual Jonestown Day 
Celebration which brings many former citizens and tourists to town. In 
June of 2013 Mayor Campbell was re-elected Mayor of Jonestown and with 
eagerness sought out numerous economic development opportunities.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing an amazing 
Town for their dedication to their community and change.

                          ____________________