Jackson City Council president weighs discipline for Stokes after outburst
A Jackson City Council meeting about a moratorium on data centers was disrupted by an outburst from Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes. Council President Vernon Hartley said the council will consider disciplining Stokes, while community advocates called for a public censure.
During a Jackson City Council discussion about a moratorium on data centers, Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes made offensive remarks after a resident confronted him. Stokes had said he wanted to vote to lift the block on data centers, then responded with abusive and disparaging comments about the resident, including remarks about women and Muslims.
Council President Vernon Hartley condemned Stokes’ conduct and said disciplinary action would be considered. Mayor John Horhn also criticized the exchange, while Mississippi for a Just World called for a public censure. Stokes said he would hold a news conference to address the incident.