Rev. Jerry A. James is a candidate for council representative for Ward Seven of the City of Laurel.

James said he is enjoying going door-to-door meeting the voters in Ward 7.

“I am the proud pastor of Second Allen A.M.E. Church,” he said. “ It is my chief joy to help people understand the mission and message of Jesus Christ.”

James earned a bachelor of science degree in marketing and accounting from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio and a Masters of Divinity degree from Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio.

However, James said, he is also a community activist.

“In every city where I have pastored, I have been involved in the community; starting right here in Laurel, Mississippi,” James said. “I have worked for many years in voter registration/voter education activities.”

In the late 1980’s James, along with other local residents, organized and founded the City of Laurel’s first celebration of the birthday for the great Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

James is currently president of the Queensburg Residential Association and a consultant with the Laurel/Jones County Methodist Ministerial Alliance.

He also serves as a member of the board of Laurel’s Community Family Center as well as a part of many other organizations and associations.

“Over the years, I have worked in various aspects of community service,” the candidate said. “I believe that you must be involved in your community in order to make changes.”

Some of the projects James has been involved in are:

* Community Planning - He’s worked to conduct/promote events and projects to better our community.

* Food Programs - James has also written grants to obtain Summer Food Service Programs, worked with programs designed to aide residents with energy assistance, housing and transportation.

* Health Care - He has been involved in groups and programs that actively worked to provide services to senior citizens and youth.

James has worked with the city's recreation department summer programs and have coached baseball, softball, football and basketball teams here in the City of Laurel and in other cities.