GENERAL INFORMATION

Name: Jimmy Hassann

Candidate for: City Council District 7

Date of Birth:

Occupation: Business Owner/Entrepreneur

Educational Background:

• • High School: Booker T. Washington, 1971
  • College: 2 years at Shelby State Community College
  • Masters/Ph.D (if applicable):

Family: I am the proud father of 3 uniquely gifted adult daughters! Each very different in their own right and successful in their respective fields of endeavor.

Community Involvement: 1. 26 year business owner in the North Memphis area
2. Convener/Organizer of African American Peoples Convention to elect the first African American Mayor (Memphis)

WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA

Official Campaign Website:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelrwill/videos/10216695989766951/

CANDIDATE SURVEY:

What background/experience distinguishes you from the other candidates who want voters to elect them?

Hassann’s response:

I live and work in district 7. I understand the unique challenges this district faces. I want to bring about an effective change by working hard for the residents. I am a concerned citizen who wants to see my community represented and served in a way that the majority benefits. This has motivated me. I have been a business owner in this district for 26 years and have witnessed the lack of investment in our community by the elected officials. I have seen the hurt and pain that the community has suffered from and feel that same pain. I carry the passion to see and bring about a change for the community. I have a unique perspective of the problems in this district. A majority of the community residents are black and I have spoken with many of the residents. I have seen the discrimination, the unfair treatment, the lack of resources and the community needs someone willing to stand up for them.

What are the top three issues facing the City of Memphis?

Hassann’s response:

1. Lack of skill development and education of the youth 2. Underdeveloped communities 3. Lack of entrepreneurship in many communities by the residents of that community

What do you propose to address the three issues you rank as top priorities?

Hassann’s response:

Lack of skill development and education of the youth-properly educating the youth and providing them with skill development, so that they can enter adulthood equipped to self-sustain. Underdeveloped communities-economically developing communities using whatever help the city can give to improve the standard of living in the underdeveloped communities so the youth/young adults can have access to better opportunities and live in communities that promote better social behavior. Lack of entrepreneurship in many communities by the residents of that community-improvement in this area will bring back communities with pride, financial support, and rebuild healthy neighborhoods.

Do you favor the call for a half-cent sales tax increase to restore healthcare and retirement benefits for police officers and firefighters cut in 2014?

Hassann’s response:

I do favor this increase.

Do you think the local PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) program needs to be reformed? If so, why and how?

Hassann’s response:

I would like to see a reform. The recipients of the PILOT program need to be held more accountable with a stronger commitment to the City and its residents. A living wage for the residents is critical and should be imposed.

Do you see a risk of displacement and gentrification connected to the development boom in Memphis? If so, how would you address that risk from the position you seek?

Hassann’s response:

Yes, I do see a risk. To combat that, the city should make resources available for the current residents to improve their housing, remodel, etc. Investing in the current local home owner should reduce the risk of displacement and build up the community around the existing residents.

African-American-owned businesses have made up only 1 percent of all Memphis business receipts for several decades. If elected, do you see playing a role in changing that statistic? If so, what do you think that role would entail?

Hassann’s response:

The city should incentivize the residents who desire to open businesses in their own communities by offering or making available funds for those residents to do so. Just as the city uses incentives with the PILOT programs for big businesses; the city can offer incentives for the residents in the African American communities.