Water crisis tests Mississippi mayor who started as activist

By EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS
Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Democratic mayor of Mississippi’s capital is facing a leadership test as the city struggles to consistently produce clean drinking water. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba describes himself as a “radical” who is “uncomfortable with oppressive conditions.” But the city has been dogged for decades by water problems, and recent heavy rains exacerbated issues at a water treatment plant. Many people were without running water for several days. Lumumba’s supporters say he cares about Jackson but has inherited extensive problems with the water system, and he faces opposition from Republican state leaders. Critics say that’s true, but the mayor done too little to fix the issues.