Jackson contends the 8th District in Richmond’s South Side has not received the kind of support — financial and administrative — for economic development that other districts have.

Particularly, she notes, the Jefferson Davis Highway corridor continues to plague the area. Jackson suggests the reasons have as much to do with neglect as crime.

“It looks the same,” she says of much of her neighborhood. “We have received a lot of police presence but nothing else.”

Councilwoman Reva Trammell insists that an even greater police presence in her district is essential. “I love my job and the people,” Trammell says, and she maintains she’ll fight for both. “Until we curb crime there will be no economic development,” she insists. “You have to address public safety first.”

Last week, the Richmond police department announced it would ask City Council to approve the hiring of an additional 30 officers to patrol high-crime areas throughout the city.

Jackson would like to see the resources go toward schools and development. “We’re asking for more police, more police,” Jackson says. “If we asked for other things then the need for police might decrease.”

Jackson says she has the support of civic association members, power brokers and developers. “It’s a prime area,” she says of the area’s potential. “I plan to work on building up the reputation of the 8th District to show we’re serious. This is not a game. We’re not a laughing stock.” — B.W.