Freedom of Information

The Transparency Committee has requested and received information leading up to the Public Hearing held 5 Dec 2011. We will be reviewing this information and will post our findings on this blog.

Keep it clean

This posting is being written to respond to the front page article “County; Keep it Clean” in the Fri, 16 Dec issue of the Tunica Times. I hope this letter will clarify the research the Transparency Committee did in preparation for this Public Hearing.

Our Committee reads the legal notices in the newspaper on a regular basis. When we noticed the resolution by the Board of Supervisors to hold a Public Hearing concerning the clean-up of property leased by Ed Walls, we thought that perhaps this was the first time this type of resolution by the Board of Supervisors had been posted in the Tunica Times. So, we researched each and every copy of the newspaper back to Nov 2010. We were correct. The Tunica County Board of Supervisors has discussed many properties that needed attention but they have not posted a legal notice in the newspaper about cleaning up those properties between Nov 2010 and 2 Dec 2011, except for the properties leased by Mr. Walls. We stand to be corrected if someone has other information.

As for the Public Hearing, Mr. Jewelie Brown, the Tunica County Code Enforcer, read more then a few names of properties that needed cleaning-up throughout the County. None of these residents have been posted in the newspaper by the Board of Supervisors so why was Mr. Walls? As a matter of fact, this Public Hearing was announced to specifically address the property leased by Mr. Walls. Therefore, discussing other properties during the Public Hearing was out of line.

Another paragraph in this article stated: “Beat 2 Supervisor Cedric Burnett asked if the tax obligations would fall on the tenant or the property owner.” Are you kidding me? Since when is a renter obligated to pay the property tax? Maybe I should rephrase this statement: Maybe the Beat 2 Supervisor is unaware of this logical conclusion because the last time I looked, his mother was still the taxpayer on the house and property he says he lives in.

All in all, I will stand by my statement. The actions of the Tunica County Board of Supervisors and the treatment of Mr. Walls by you during the 5 Dec 2011 Public Hearing “makes me think you are picking on Mr. Walls.

Harassment by Spotlight

That's right...spotlight.

Last Friday morning at 12:29a a Sheriff's car stopped in front of our house and shined a spotlight into our glass front door for 16 minutes. Since I was sitting not 6 feet from the front door, I got up and waved to the officer to show him or her that the person they were watching was in fact me. This didn't stop them either. Don't they have anything better to do? Geez.

This incident has been verified by the Sheriff's office as activity from each vehicle is recorded. The Sheriff's office cannot tell me the name of the officer who wasted our money or can they tell me who directed this officer to come by our house and waste our money shining a spotlight in our front door. I have been told the officer is being disiplined.

What a bunch of juvenile delinquents.

Code of Ethics for County Officials

Have been searching for a document I promised to one of our newly elected officials. Came upon the following from the National Association of Counties (NACo). Thought this might be helpful for our county as a whole. Here's the document:

"NACo Code of Ethics for County Officials

Preamble:

The National Association of Counties (NACo)is committed to the highest standards of conduct by and among county officials in the performance of their public duties. Individual and collective adherence to high ethical standards by public officials is central to the maintenance of public trust and confidence in government.

While county officials agree on the need for proper conduct, they may experience personal conflict or (a) differing view of values or loyalties.

In such cases the priciples contained in this Code of Ethics provide valuable guidance in reaching decisions which are governed, ultimately, by the dictates of the individual conscience of the public official and his or her commitment to the public good.

Certain of these ethical principles are best expressed as positive statements: actions which should be taken; courses which should be followed; goals which should permeate both public and private conduct. Other principles are expressed as negative statements: actions to be avoided and conduct to be condemned.

The Code of Ethics for County Officials has been created by and for elected county officials. However, these priciples apply to the day to day conduct of both elected and appointed officials and employees of county government.

NACo recognizes that this Code of Ethics should serve as a valuable reference guide for all those in whom the public has placed its trust.

Ethical Principles

The ethical county official SHOULD:

*Properly administer the affairs of the county.

*Promote decisions which only benefit the public interest.

*Actively promote public confidence in county government.

*Keep safe all funds and other properties of the county.

*Conduct and perform the duties of the office diligently and promptly dispose of the business of the county.

*Maintain a positive image to pass constant public scrutiny.

*Evaluate all decisions so that the best service or product is obtained at a minimal cost without sacrificing quality and fiscal resposibility.

*Inject the prestige of the office into everyday dealings with the public employees and associates.

*Maintain a respectful attitude toward employees, other public officials, colleagues and associates.

*Effectively and efficiently work with governmental agencies, political subdivisions and other organizations in order to further the interest of the county.

*Faithfully comply with all laws and regulations applicable to the county and impartially apply them to everyone.

The ethical county official SHOULD NOT:

*Engage in outside interest that are not compatible with the impartial and objective performance of his or her duties.

*Improperly influence or attempt to infulence other officials to act in his or her own benefit.

*Accept anything of value from any source which is offered to influence his or her action as a public official."

Board of Supervisors' Meeting 15 Nov 2011

We are now another $4 million dollars in debt. The first thing on the agenda was "Consider no protest resolution relating to the Community Disaster Loan from FEMA."

But wait...there has been a change in the agenda since 14 Nov 2011 at 1:47p. On this agenda was the following:

Bids: 9a Receive bids for the purchase of riot gear. (Note: Are you kidding me?)

Public Hearing: None.

Appointments: 9:15a Jewelie Brown - Lot Cleanup Issues
9:30a Barbara Tuchel - Transparency Committee

Now to be fair, I received an email from Clifton Johnson on 14 Nov 2011 at about 4p with a note saying that the Board would not be having any appointments today because the Board's Attorney, Andy Dulaney would not there. I've never been to a Board meeting where there was no attorney serving in Dulaney's absence. But hey, something new everyday.

Also, to be fair the information the Transparency Committee requested in a Freedom of Information letter sent on 3 Oct 2011 was attached to this email. Actually, we requested this information be added to the Supervisors' Minutes so that the records would be there for all to see. The requested information was a listing of employees and their wages. We will be discussing this information at the Transparency Committee meeting on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 at 10a.

Okay, so there is the agenda switcheroo.

Now, questions that need to be asked concerning this $4 million loan:

Is any part of this $4 million going to be used to satisfy the Board's "Memo of Understanding" to purchase the land for GreenTech from a private property owner? Want to answer that Clifton, Andy, any of you? Do you know?

This loan is going to be paid back with an increase in property taxes. That was what was stated in the legal advertisement. Are all of the Board of Supervisors going to be effected? District 1: James Dunn: yes; District 2: Cedric Burnett: no (The tax records are in Clara Burnett's name.) District 3: Paul Battle: yes; District 4: Bobby Williams; yes; 5. District 5: Billy Pegram: yes.

Don't think this wasn't strategic planning on the part of the Board of Supervisors. They gave us less then a week to get 1500 signatures on a protest petition. I'm saying less then a week because most of us who really care about this county were involved in getting most of this Board of Supervisors removed from office.

I did ask for an extension until the end of Nov for the registered voters of Tunica County to get their petition of protest together. No can do.

I can't wait until January.

Notice to Ed Walls in the Tunica Times

This is the kind of abuse of power the District 2 Supervisor Cedric Burnett uses to go after anyone who disagrees with him.

All of a sudden, Burnett is interested in cleaning up the North Sub? The Transparency Committee asked you about this in 2009 and you weren't interested in doing your job. As a matter of fact, you said it wasn't your job. You said it was the job of Jewelie Brown and Clifton Johnson. And now? You are targeting citizens. Seems to me, Burnett is using his office to "go after" those who supported his opponent.

How about the New Sub Cedric? Ever think about cleaning that up Cedric? Ever think of "serving" your constituents Cedric? You're just interested in playing games and pushing people around. Does pushing people around make you feel important?

You may have been re-elected but there were many, many votes against you. You need to remember that and start doing your job.

Unofficial votes...

Change has come to Tunica County. The counting is not over and it was 12 midnight when I left. There will be changes in the Board of Supervisors...

However, the one race that needs to have a comment is the Superintendent of Education because it is so important. This is the one place where change has to begin in order to turn the future of our children and our County around.

When given the choice, I bet on the Veteran. You can't compare T. Y. Hall's experience to a 20 something. I'll be waiting for him to prove me wrong.

Who really lives there...anybody?

Just went by the Tax Assessors' Office to see who was on the tax records for 1370 Beatline Road. The Tax Assessors' records show Clara Burnett as the taxpayer.

Hmmm, so let's see. District 2 Supervisor, Cedric Burnett, claims he lives there. The Courthouse land records show Clara Burnett transfered the property to Cedric Burnett on 30 Jun 2011 and the tax records are still in his mother's name? Dang, by the time I was in my 40s, my tax records had been in my own name for over 20 years.

And Clara, the Circuit Clerk's office is still showing your voter registration address as 1370 Beatline Road. Need a ride to the Courthouse Clara?

Aren't you all tired of this game playing? We have serious problems in Tunica County and these two seem more interested in playing games then solving the problems of Tunica County. Tunica County residents are not fooled by this craziness.

Freedom of Information Letter

On 3 Oct 2011, our Committee sent the following letter to Tunica County Administrator Clifton Johnson with a copy going to the Board of Supervisors' Attorney, Andy Dulaney. Comments are below the letter:

Sent via email: 3 Oct 2011

3 Oct 2011

Clifton Johnson
County Administrator
Tunica, MS 38676

Dear Mr. Johnson:

Pursuant to the state open records law, MS Code Sections 25-61-1 to 25-61-17, I write to request that a list of all persons employed by Tunica County as of 1 Oct 2011 be made available to the public by placing a copy of this listing in the Oct 2010 minutes of the Board of Supervisors of Tunica County, MS. This list would include the name of each employee, the department to which each employee is assigned and the corresponding salary for this employee for the period covering 1 Oct 2010 through 30 Sep 2011.

It is provided by the MS open records law that a response is expect within fourteen (14) business days (MS Code Section 25-61-5(1)). This is not necessary if you will just make the above request available to the public as stated.

If you choose to deny this request, please provide a written explanation for the denial including a reference to the specific statutory exemption(s) upon which you rely.

Please be advised that I am prepared to pursue whatever legal remedy necessary to obtain access to the requested records. I would note that willful violation of the open records law can result in a fine of up to $100 and all reasonable litigation expenses (MS Code Section 25-61-15).
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,

Barbara R. Tuchel

cc: Andy Dulaney


Today, this email was sent to both Johnson and Dulaney.

Clifton:

Attached please find the FOI letter that our Committee sent to you on 3 Oct 2011. Today, I searched the public records and could not find the requested document within the Minutes of the Board of Supervisors.

Clifton, on your way out you indicated that the Board of Supervisors does not include a list of employees and their pay in their minutes unless there is an increase in pay. If you will search the public records, you will see that this is not true. You offered to give me a copy.

The point of the FOI letter was to make this information available to the public, not just to me. Further, it is the public's right to know who is on their payroll and what each individual is being paid.

Please include this information as an amendment to the Oct 2011 minutes. Also, please put the Transparency Committee on the agenda for the 15 Nov 2011 meeting to discuss this matter.

Barbara

Here is how we stop this loan...

Before 9a on Tue, 15 Nov 2011, Tunicans have to put together a protest petition "signed by not less than fifteen percent (15%) or 1500, whichever is the lesser, of the qualified electors of the County objecting to and protesting against the authorization of the loan..."

"If such protest and objection is filed...the question of authorizing the Loan shall be submitted to an election to be held as provided by the laws of the State of Mississippi."

This is a loan not a grant and we have to pay it back. With what? An increase in revenue from the gaming industry? We aren't expecting that to happen. Didn't I hear that 2 on our casinos have filed for bankruptcy?

What happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas. It's going to trickle down to us!

They are going to borrow 4 MILLION DOLLARS!!!!!

And pay it back with what...tax increases?

Here's the resolution:

"Resolution of Tunica County, Mississippi (The "County") declaring the intention of the county to authorize the borrowing of an amount not to exceed four million dollars ($4,000,000.00) by entering into a loan with the United States of America, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency ("FEMA") relating to the disaster experienced by Tunica County associated with the flooding of the Mississippi River, loss of revenues, damage to public property and infrastructure; and for other authorized purposes under the ACT."

Further, the Public Notice states that "the taxing power of the County will be pledged to the payments of the Loan..." That answers that question.

So, the Tunica County Board of Supervisors has authorized the building of all of this stuff around here and never thought to put money aside for a rainy day?

Throw the bums out!!!!

Superintendent of Education

As we all know, a community without a superior school system is not going to succeed economically. Tunica County's school system is not helping to bring new residents to our county and it is not fair to our children.

We just got rid of Gentry..hey, did you notice how fast that property went up for sale? Gentry doesn't want to help Tunica County. He just wanted to take our money and run. To my way of thinking, Gentry did our children a disservice.

We can't take a chance that the next Superintendent of Education might get things right. We have to know he is going to get things right. He has to know about children.

Did you read the Tunica Times this week? The article about the Halloween Party for the "K.I.D.S"? Very impressive.

If Tunica County voters do the right thing this coming Tuesday, 8 Nov 2011, we will elect a Veteran.

So, where were all of the Supervisors?

Last night, Bob and I attended a meeting about longterm aid for Tunicans who suffered losses in the Spring floods. Bob and I didn't have any losses. We just wanted to find out what was going on.

There were 3 candidates for Supervisor there but no incumbent Supervisors bothered to show up nor did they send a representative unless you want to count the Sheriff.

Just so you know, Sheriff Hamp, none of us were fooled by your remarks. It is easy for folks to recognize when someone is sincere and when someone is attempting to spin the facts. As you said: "Let's be honest."

The 3 candidates in attendance were all candidates for Supervisor. The 3 candidates attending were District 2 Candidate for Supervisor, Mark E. Hudson and both District 5 Candidates for Supervisor, McKinley Daley and Rico Harris.

As a resident of District 2, it sure felt good to have Candidate Mark Hudson there. I almost didn't know how to act. To have someone show some interest in what's going on in our District and our County? Wow, it was nice.

And, get this, as soon a Mr. Hudson found out that Tunica County didn't have representation on this longterm committee, he volunteered to serve. Thanks Mark.

Protests in America

Have you been watching the growing numbers of Americans protesting our national economic problems? I am so excited by what they are doing for all of us.

What can we do in our little part of this great nation? How can we contribute? One thing we can all do next Tue, 8 Nov 2011, is to change our elected officials. They don't own these seats and they are not unbeatable. Some of those running do not live here and therefore they are not as interested in Tunica County as real Tunica County residents.

As Bill Clinton once said...We need to throw the bums out.

Candidates Financial Reporting

Today, I went to the Courthouse to review the Candidates Financial Reports. It is scary to realize that one week from today, we will have elected some of these candidates to public office. I mean, really...how can we trust you with the Tunica coffers if you can't even fill out a simple report?

Examples:

1. One candidate reported $800 in contributions and $800 in expenses. What's wrong with this? Where is the Distribution part of the report? This particular candidate had to have spent more then $800 in printing.

2. Another candidate listed contributions but no expenses. So, did the T-shirts and printing in the Tunica Times just materialize? Or maybe you don't know how to fill out a report? Maybe you think you own your office and can't be bothered with such small details? And why aren't any of your contributions "from around here"?

3. An ex-candidate...that is one who lost his seat in the August Primary...received $1200 after the 2 Aug 2011 Primary. That might be okay but where are the expenses?

Other reports were just a mess. It looked to me like these candidate didn't have a clear picture of money coming in and going out. Don't get me wrong, some reports were just fine.

And it's not just what is in a single report that needs to be explored. What one has to do is look at all of the reports, get the big picture and see what might make you say "huh?"

For instance, one Supervisor made a $1000.00 contribution, through his business, to the Circuit Clerk's campaign and the Sheriff's campaign. Then you see that this Supervisor's opponent works for the Sheriff. There is probably not anything wrong with this in the State of MS but it sure does give me pause.

Another reason to have evening BOS meetings...

Just got a phone call about what went on at the 31 Oct 2011 Board of Supervisors' meeting. Haven't had time to check it out yet but from what I was told during the phone call, it was really quite a show.

This is one thing I do know for sure. Board of Supervisors' meetings should be held in the evening so more Tunicans can see what is going on.

It's time for a change...

Let's all get serious about moving our county forward.

Are you concerned about what is going on in Memphis, TN or are you more concerned about what is going on here in Tunica County, MS?

Are you concerned about what is going on in Senatobia, MS or are you more concerned about what is going on here in Tunica County, MS?

Are you concerned about what is going on in Coldwater, MS or are you more concerned about what is going on here in Tunica County, MS?

If you are like me, I'm more concerned about Tunica County, MS because Tunica County, MS is where I live.

Candidates are really no different then you or me. We are all more concerned about what is happening where we live.

The DEC didn't do the citizens of Tunica County any favors when they certified candidates to run for office without verifying residency. Excuses like..we don't have time...we don't have the resources...are just that...excuses for not doing what is right.

So, it is time for a change in Tunica County. It is time for new elected officials and it is time for a new Democratic Executive Committee. Some of us are just not buying your song and dance.

Training for Manufacturing Jobs

This information is being taken from the Tunica Times, 30 Sep 2011 Edition on pages 7 and 9. If you are not subscribing to the Tunica Times, you are missing out on your community news. Frankly, I don't know why anyone would not subscribe to their local newspaper. It's about caring what is going on in your community and figuring out what you can do to help make Tunica County better for yourself and everyone in the county.

The page 7 article is titled: "Schultz partners with NWCC for training"

"Area residents looking to gain the basic manufacturing skills needed to be considered for employment at emerging area industries are looking to Workforce Development at Northwest Mississippi Community College to provide the manufacturing basic skills (MBS) certificate program they need."

..."For more information about classes offered through Workforce Development at Northwest, contact Dwayne Casey at 662-562-3486 or dcasey@northwestms.edu."

According to this newspaper article, Schultz Xtruded Products LP is not the only manufacturing company needing employees in NW MS. In addition to Schultz there are the following two companies:

1. Solardigm in Olive Branch
2. Twin Creeks in Senatobia

So, this is the deal. If you are serious about starting a career at one of these facilities, go to the WIN-Job center to register. For starters, you must have a high school diploma or GED and pass a drug test. Then there is assessment testing and now this certificate program.

And while you are at it, subscribe to your local newspaper. It's the right thing to do for you and for your community.

Poll Manager Training

Tonight I dropped by the Courthouse to see what was going on with Poll Manager Training.

There didn't seem to be enough people there to fill the 36 spots needed. I counted 11 people who had signed up for our 8 Nov 2011 Election.

We need a minimum of 3 workers at each of our 12 Precincts. You have to be a resident of Tunica County and you have to be registered to vote in Tunica County. Anyone want to apply?

Time to get back to work....

I've been lazy long enough...time to get back to work.

Would first like to comment on the clean-up of the debris left at the cut-off by the flooding last spring. This is my understanding so if I have the facts wrong...just sing out.

Sometime last summer, the Tunica County Board of Supervisors voted to follow the FEMA guidelines for the handling of the clean-up. By following these guidelines, Tunica County would be reimbursed for 87% of their expenses regarding the same. The Road Department was charged with carrying out this project.

In Sep, the BOS discussed and discussed the fact that their directive was not being followed. Because the Road Department was not following FEMA guidelines as directed by the BOS, Tunica County was not going to be eligible to have 87% of their expenses for this clean-up paid for by the Federal Government.

What the heck is wrong with you guys? You gave a directive. It wasn't followed. Take the expense out of the Road Department budget and move on to the next subject.

Do this once and I bet you won't have to do it again.

And we're back...

Just returned from the 15 Sep 2011 Board of Supervisors' Meeting. You guys...I don't know what to say.

Sandy Williams, the Executive Director of the Tunica Humane Society, reported about all of the donations from Harrah's, Sidewalk Angels and others that have allowed this wonderful group of volunteers to provide Tunica County with this facility. Tunica County is a better place to live because of the Tunica Humane Society.

At the present time, Tunica County has budgeted $30,000 to the Tunica Humane Society. What Ms. Williams was asking for was an additional $20,000 per year to help pay the cost of utilities, supplies, etc. The motion was made by Supervisor Williams and seconded by Supervisor Pegram. Supervisors Battle, Burnett and Dunn voted against this motion.

You have got to be kidding me. This request amounts to an additional $1666.67 per month. Do you guys even know how much money you are wasting on this FEMA garbage pick-up deal? No, you don't. You, the Tunica County Board of Supervisors, are wasting so much money every month. I don't know how you sleep at night.

And now this wonderful facility, that was entirely built by volunteerism and donations, needs a little help, and you can't find $20,000 to do your part.

And Sheriff Hamp, you are in these meetings every month with some grant or new hire and you cannot even appoint and/or train an Animal Control Officer. Whose job did you think it was to pick-up stray animals? It's yours. Disgusting.

Affidavit Ballots

The following information is taken from my notes at the counting of the Affidavit Ballots for the Run-off Election.

There were 98 Affidavit Ballots.
There were 63 ballots accepted and 35 ballots rejected for various reasons.

If you voted by Affidavit Ballot, do you know that your vote counted? If you care if your ballot counted, do us all a favor and go to the Courthouse to:

1. Register to vote.
2. Correct your current address.
3. Ask the Circuit Clerk what Precinct is correct for "YOU".

Thank you.

Run-off Election

There has got to be a better way to handle the counting of ballots. We were there until 11p on Tue, 23 Aug and the next day until 4p.

As this committee talked about at the 6 Jan Public Hearing and 9 May Public Hearing: If you want your vote to count, "YOU" are responsible for going to the Courthouse and updating your information. And then, "YOU" need to make sure you are voting in the correct Precinct.

I am going to make another issue about our State Representative Clara Burnett and I will keep making an issue of her lack of responsibility in changing her address until she gets her business taken care of at the Courthouse. Clara: Your address is still listed as 1370 Beatline Road. You don't live there. Do you need a ride to the Courthouse? You may have been re-elected to your position but this does not relieve you of your responsibility in updating your address on the voter rolls.

While we are on the subject of Ms. Burnett: Aren't you on the Education Committee at the State Legislature? So, how come our schools are in such bad shape?

Tunica, we need to find a qualified candidate to run against Clara Burnett the very next time she is up for re-election. As has been stated before, we need to elect persons who will get the job done no matter what the color of their skin happens to be.

Tragedy in Desoto County

There doesn't seem to be much information available about this morning's auto accident in Desoto County. Tragically, one person was killed. What happened? What was the Tunica County Coroner's Van doing in Desoto County?

Here's another way we can lose money:

Before the 2 Aug 2011 Primary Election, I personally spoke with some candidates and asked them this question: If you are elected, are you going to replace the employees in your department? The answer to this question was always no.

In two of these cases, their answer was the deciding factor in gaining my vote.

Each time elections come rolling around in Tunica County, government workers start worrying about their jobs. They have good reason to worry. Historically, newly elected officials have replaced current employees. This isn’t good for our county.

1. Tunica County employees and their jobs are unprotected because each and every employee has not been given a written copy of their job description.

2. Tunica County employees and their jobs are unprotected because all employees are not given an annual written performance evaluation based on their performance and their specific job description. To be fair, this annual performance review needs to be signed by the employee’s supervisor and the employee should be given an opportunity to sign this evaluation as to agreement or disagreement with the report.

3. The Tunica County Employee Handbook has been in the process of being re-written for at least 2 years. The County Administrator and the Board of Supervisors don't adhere to the Handbook that is now in place and they need to start reading and following the written word. So, again, Tunica County employees and their jobs are unprotected. The Handbook is probably one of the biggest reasons employees and former employees sue the County. And lawsuits cost a lot of money.

4. Every time an employee is replaced with a “new hire”, there is a learning curve before the new employee will be efficient in their new job. And yes this does cost money. A lot of money. If the new employee is a member of the "Good Ole Boys and Girls" network, the replacement may not even be suited to the job.

5. And here's the biggest reason I asked this question: Why? Yeah, it's answering a question with another question. But why would a new to the job elected official even consider "cleaning house"? These employees are your most valuable assets. They can make you look like a rock star. They know the job for which you were elected even if you don't.

Mississippi is an "at will" state. This means employees can be hired and fired "at will." However, if you abuse employees by firing them just because you were elected, you can be un-elected next time. We, the people, still have the vote and we will be watching.

Whoa....Somebody is reading this blog!!!!

You wouldn't believe the stats for today. I only have one thing to say: I am not from Madison, WI. Where the heck did that come from?

Last night...

Last night was National Night Out in Tunica. Candidates were invited to give their last pitch to the attendees...even a candidate for Governor showed up...Bill Luckett of Clarksdale. So, how about that. Go Tunica.

The MC called each candidate to speak using a list of offices and candidates. She didn't leave anyone out. One of the first offices was that of Sheriff.

This is the point: This is the second time Tunica County has had an event to hear from all of the candidates. At each of the events the Sheriff staged his entrance to be heard at the end...I don't know if his buddy, my Supervisor, ever showed up because I left. And when I got outside, I found that other candidates were leaving too. It did not go unnoticed that the audience was again being used as if the Sheriff and maybe my Supervisor too were "rock stars". Silly men.

1 Aug 2011 Board of Supervisors Meeting...And Jobs

I really do wish these Board Meetings were held at night so everyone who was interested would have an opportunity to see what goes on. Anyway...

At the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting this morning, the bills the county owed for Jul 2011 were read and approved.

One of the bills was for $10,000.00 to a company to cut grass and clean ditches. Over the last 2 years, I’ve been following the payments to this company and during the season, payment to this company has ranged from $10,000.00 per month to $17,000.00 per month. So, I ask you, why hasn’t this Board of Supervisors made the decision to purchase some lawn mowers and give these jobs to some folks who are unemployed and live in Tunica County?

We’ve all come to realize that jobs at the new Schultz plant may not be as...let’s say…”Tunica Friendly” as we were led to believe before all the loans and grants and whatever else were signed. What is stopping the current Board of Supervisors from making an appointment with Schultz and negotiating some jobs?

Come to think of it, what is stopping this Board of Supervisors from making an appointment with GreenTech and negotiating some jobs?

Don't know about you, but personally, I am tired of paying salaries to Tunica County employees who don't want to live in Tunica County. What is stopping this Board of Supervisors from giving these jobs to qualified Tunica County residents?

There is another area where I think my personal Supervisor is failing the people he was elected to serve. He has jobs in his family business but he chooses to fill these positions with people who already have good paying jobs with the county. I’m talking about our current Sheriff, one of our Constables (we paid him over $6,000.00 this morning for his Constable services) who also draws a salary from the Sheriff's Department, a former Sheriff and 2 employees from Youth Services. Why won't he give some of these jobs to unemployed Tunicans? How does he sleep at night? This whole situation makes me very uncomfortable. It feels like we have a sub-government of sorts going on in Tunica County and it needs to stop.

I am tired of watching my Supervisor walk out of meetings to have private conversations. What could possibly be more important than the people's business?

I am tired of watching my Supervisor not paying attention and sending text messages during Board Meetings.

If the Board of Supervisors meetings were held in the evening then more Tunicans could observe our Supervisors "in action."

This is weird

Now we have people reading our blog from the United Kingdom, Russia, Australia and Germany is back. I don't get this techno stuff. On to something more interesting.

Ugh!!! Back to this library stuff...

Okay, so you missed the Board of Supervisors' Meeting on Friday. Do you want to know what happened? This is hilarious...

Remember how we found out there really isn't a Board of Directors for the R. C. Irwin Library? And if our Board of Supervisors wanted to appoint somebody to this Advisory Board of Trustees they would have to first create an Advisory Board of Trustees? And so far they haven't chosen to create an Advisory Board of Trustees for the R. C. Irwin Library? Well, this same group of people who used to call themselves the Board of Directors of the R. C. Irwin Library are now calling themselves the Advisory Board of Trustees for the R. C. Irwin Library. And you know what else? Billy Pegram, Paul Battle and Bobby Williams all sat there and didn't say a word. Of course, the person representing this Advisory Board of Trustees is Billy Pegram's daughter.

Oh, Cedric Burnett wasn't there and James Dunn came in after Catherine Nathan, the Director of the First Regional Library introduced Lynn Ryals as a member of the Advisory Board of the R. C. Irwin Library.

The financial request from Tunica County to the Regional Library for 2011-2012 is $294,720. Last year there was an attempt to start a satellite at the Robinsonville Elementary School and this was not included in the request this time because the library says there were only 410 people who used the satellite and they (the library) didn't think Tunica County would want to spend money again for this same service.

Mr. Dunn asked the County Administrator if Ms. Nathan had talked with him about the satellite and the County Administrator said no.

So, let's see. We gave the First Regional Library...I think it was about $35,000...extra dollars last year to operate the satellite at Robinsonville Elementary. And there was no conversation between the County Administrator and Ms. Nathan about this operation until they showed up to ask for more money for next year?

Maybe they could have had a conversation about...let's see...the Book Wagon may be a better choice for Tunica County? First Regional Library does have a Book Wagon. How come it wasn't offered to Tunica County? I think Ms. Nathan owes Tunica County an explanation.

And how come Billy Pegram, Paul Battle and Bobby Williams sat there and didn't ask one question? And we still don't have an African American on the R. C. Irwin Advisory Board of Trustees because the Tunica County Board of Supervisors hasn't created it yet.

Why do these people spend so much time and money playing these games instead of doing the right thing? There was a problem. The problem was identified. Fix it. Don't cover it up. It makes you look silly.

Important Board of Supervisors Meeting Coming Up

That's this Fri, 29 Jul at 9a. Think you can get off work and make the meeting? Oh, sorry. Wish the meeting was in the evening so you could come.

Well, I understand that one of the items on the agenda is a request by the Regional Library for funding for the upcoming year. Don't know what the request will be for but typically the funding has run between $300,000 and $350,000.

I do want the Supervisors to include the Library funding in the upcoming budget. I also want them to take control of our investment by creating and appointing an Advisory Board of Trustees for the R. C. Irwin Library. This would be the ideal.

This is the story...have written about this before...this subject needs repeating.

Last fall, I, and a few others on the Transparency Committee went to the Board of Supervisors with the intention of asking them to appoint an African American to the Board of Directors of our local library.

Boy, did we open a can of worms! First, the Board of Supervisors discovered they hadn't appointed a Board of Directors for the R. C. Irwin Library.

So, we did a little research and found that when our local library went into the Regional Library System, we could no longer have a Board of Directors. Under the Regional Library System there is a Board of Trustees. Each county appoints one person to the Board of Trustees and our Board of Supervisors had already done that. The Board of Trustees is on the Regional Level.

Now on the local level, our Board of Supervisors can choose to create an Advisory Board of Trustees. And the Board of Supervisors hasn't chosen to do this yet.

So what's the problem? There is a group of people in Tunica who think they are the Board of Directors of the R. C. Irwin Library and apparently they have been passing these memberships on this Board of Directors down through their family and friends.

When I realized this, I was shocked. I never in a million years thought people did things like this anymore. This kind of thing was done back in the day but not anymore.

At this point, I don't care if the Board of Supervisors chooses to create this Advisory Board of Trustees or not. I don't even care if they create an Advisory Board of Trustees and appoint the same people who think they are the Board of Directors of the R. C. Irwin Library now. Although, I would hope that under this scenario each Supervisor would be allowed to appoint one of his constituents to the Advisory Board of Trustees. But that's dreaming.

This is what I do care about. I care about the truth.

You see several months ago, there was a program at the library...a reception and meeting with the author of "The Fall of the House of Zeus". It was really a nice event. During the refreshment set-up there were some ladies talking about me in the hallway. You see, I was teaching my Needle Arts Class in the room right next to where they were standing and I could hear every word they were saying. The discussion was centered around why I thought an African American should be appointed to the "Board of Directors" of the library. One lady said: "Oh, she's just saying that because it's an election year."

No, I'm not. I'm saying it because it is the right thing to do. And that's the truth.

And here's another one

When we reviewed the list of Tunica County employees, we noticed that at least two people we could name had been left off the list. One of these employees had been left off two years in a row.

We reported our findings to the County Administrator and were told it was an oversite. We are still waiting for the public records to be corrected.

Another piece of information

Last summer Tunicans for Transparency in Government started looking into the the number of vehicles our county owned and we wanted to know which department had assignment of each vehicle.

It took us months get a workable list.

Did you know that the Road Department has 19 pick-up trucks assigned to it? And they have 22 employees. We came to this realization by putting together two different sources of information.

Do you think the Board of Supervisors realizes this or should we tell them?

Isn't this interesting

On 10 Jul 2011, in the manager's view of this blog, I found we had one reader from Germany. A couple of days later, I noticed we had three readers from Germany. Today, 25 Jul 2011, we have no readers from Germany. How'd that happen?

Executive Sessions and Transparency

Picking up on the Board of Supervisors' Meeting on 15 Jul 2011. Specifically, about the Executive Session.

To the best of my knowledge there are specific reasons why a Board of Supervisors would hold an Executive Session. One reason could be to discuss a particular employee. It really shouldn't be for the hiring of an employee as we've seen in the past. The public has a right to know who their government is employing; how much their government is paying each employee and the jobs their government is creating.

Another reason for a Board of Supervisors to go into Executive Session would be to discuss prospective business opportunities for our county. We surely wouldn't want initial discussions to be made public if the possibility exists for another county to get the jump on our opportunity.

So, why was it necessary for the Board of Supervisors to go into Executive Session to discuss GreenTech? For heavens' sake, there has already been ground breaking ceremonies held. There is heavy equipment on the site and it looks to me like they are under construction.

Was this "Memo of Understanding" such a delicate subject that they had to go into an Executive Session to discuss it? I think not. In my opinion, this particular Board of Supervisors has no intention of being transparent.

Friday night in Tunica, MS

So, here we are watching the news and along comes an unmarked white truck and the driver is taking pictures. Cute house, eh? This is really too funny.

Statistics for this Blog

We now have 3 people reading our Blog in Germany. All other viewers are in the United States.

If these three viewers are connected to Schultz, thank you for reading. Please, please, please talk with our Supervisors about jobs at Schultz for the unemployed people who live in Tunica. We are glad you are here. Our citizens just need jobs and maybe you can help.

This ain't Madison, WI

So, now we know the Board of Supervisors is going to borrow more money and take on more debt in order to purchase land from the same landowner who sold us the Schultz site.

How do I know this isn't Madison, WI? NO ONE IS PROTESTING AT THE COURTHOUSE. NO ONE HAS CALLED IN THE MEDIA. BET YOU HAVEN'T EVEN CALLED YOUR SUPERVISOR TO COMPLAIN. In Wisconsin when their government goes against the wishes of the people, the people head to the state capital. So, you agree with this decision?

Apparently, Tunicans are even so scared of their public officials that they won't even reply to this blog. I know you are reading it. There is a manager's site that is hidden from public view. If you Google Tunica and Transparency, this site comes up on the first page. Lots of people are reading but Tunicans are not doing.

Sadly, Tunica is not like Madison, WI. We like it when our government abuses us. We like it so much that we keep putting the same "Good Ole Boys" back in office. Anybody want to buy a house?

Oh, and about calling the media. Don't bother. The Memphis TV stations only come when "certain people" call.

Updated Contributions

Additions to this list since the last posting are indicated by a square.

This is a list of candidates and who has contributed to their respective campaigns. Don't jump to any conclusions if you don't recognize a name or they are not from Tunica. The contributor could be anyone...an old friend, a relative, an old college buddy...who just wants to support the candidate. If you have a question, ask the candidate. You have a right to know and a responsibility to be informed. Some of this updated information does not make sense to me from my notes. When I have a moment, I will go back to the Courthouse and will make any corrections. Hey, any complaints, keep them to yourself. At least I’m trying to give you a little bit of the information you need to make an informed decision. What are you doing to bring "change" to Tunica County?

Incumbent for Constable of the Northern District: Eugene Bridges
 Contributor: Keller Pawn; local; $500.00.

Incumbent for Supervisor in District #2: Cedric Burnett
(Note: This information is taken from the 8 Jul 2011 report. There are no dates listed for the date the contributions were made; there were no disbursements and the cash on hand was left blank. Contributors information is incomplete.)
 Contributor: Sam Keys; Jackson, MS; $250.00
 Contributor: Elizabeth Garner: Jackson, MS; $250.00
 Contributor: Steve Pittman; Jackson, MS; $400.00
 Contributor: Carol Smith; Meridian, MS; $400.00

Candidate for Superintendent of Schools: Canada, Joe Lee "Doc"
***Contributor: David Williams; local; $100.00.
***Contributor: Gene Davis; Germantown, TN; $300.00.
***Contributor: Sharon Austin; Orange Park, FL; $100.00.
***Contributor: Michelle Springer; Nashville, TN; $200.00.
***Contributor: Williams;Meridianville, AL; $100.00.
***Contributor: Dr. Jacob O. Ogunlada; Memphis, TN; $100.00.
***Contributor: Carolyn Jackson, not listed; $100.00.

Candidate for Superintendent of Schools: Steve Chandler
***Contributor: Sheawanna Woods; local; $276.06.
***Contributor: David Melton; local; 400.00.
***Contributor: Melissa Williams; Charlotte, NC; $1,400.00.
 Contributor: Delores Hardiman; local; $200.00

Candidate for Supervisor in District #5: McKinley Daley
***Contributor: Dolly Hudson; local; $100.00
 Contributor: No one listed; not listed; $100.00
 Contributor: No one listed; not listed; $350.00

Incumbent for Justice Court Judge for the Northern District: Ellis W. Darby
***Contributor: William Gidden; local; $200.00.
***Contributor: Tunica Rentals; local; $1,000.00.
***Contributor: Tucker, Seldon, Tucker; local; $250.00.
 Contributor: McLean Grain; local; $500.00.

Incumbent Supervisor for District #1: James E. Dunn
***Contributor: Samuel Keyes; Ridgeland, MS; $250.00.
***Contributor: Elizabeth Garner; Ridgeland, MS; $250.00.
 Contributor: Richard Corkern; Jackson, MS; $500.00; to date $1,000.00

Candidate for Constable for the Southern District: Omar Elkouz
***Contributor: Donald Pruett; Arlington, TN; $390.00.

Candidate for Supervisor for District #4: Linda Fay Engle-Harris
***Contributor: Tinsley Sims; local; $20.00.

Candidate for Tax Assessor/Collector: Angie Floyd
***Contributor: Kenny & Angie Floyd; local; $1,000.00.
***Contributor: Green Scape, Inc.; not listed; $250.00.
***Contributor: No one listed; not listed; $50.00.
***Contributor: Charles & Shirley Pitts; not listed, $500.00.
***Contributor: No one listed; not listed; $100.00.

Candidate for Tax Assessor/Collector: Leigh Graves
***Contributor: Battle Farms; local; $1,500.00.
***Contributor: Shea Leatherman; local; $750.00.

Candidate for Superintendent of Schools: Dexter Green
***Contributor: Shirley Miller; local; $50.00.
***Contributor: Ben Elliott; local; $100.00.
***Contributor: Brad Cobb; local; $100.00.
***Contributor: Vicki Mauney; local; $200.00.
***Contributor: Louise Henningway; local; $100.00.
***Contributor: Gene Brown; Jackson, MS; $100.00.
***Contributor: Willie Green; Jackson, MS; $200.00.
***Contributor: Rosetta Bell; Canton, MS; $200.00.
***Contributor: Eloise McClinton; Southaven, MS; $50.00.
***Contributor: Fulton & Antrie Caston; Raymond, MS; $75.00.
***Contributor: Sandra Jackson; Jackson, MS; $100.00.
***Contributor: Jean Woodley; local; $200.00.
***Contributor: Howard Hollins; Webb, MS; $100.00.
***Contributor: Nick Floyd; Mendenhall, MS; $100.00.
***Contributor: Chris & Marie McGowan; Horn Lake, MS; $50.00.
***Contributor: Nathan Bendenstill; Hernando, MS; $25.00.
***Contributor: Jack Day Perry; local; $300.00.
***Contributor: A. T. Tucker; local; $50.00.
***Contributor: M/M Charles Berry; local; $50.00.
***Contributor: William Dulaney; local; $65.00.
***Contributor: Kathleen Gann; local; $50.00.

Incumbent Sheriff: K. C. Hamp, Sr.
***Contributor: Battle Fish North; local; $1,000.00.
***Contributor: Ewing Enterprises; not listed; $500.00. (5 Jan 2011)
***Contributor: Tunica County Farms; Memphis, TN; $1,000.00.
***Contributor: Lawson Bail Bonding; Cleveland, MS; $300.00.
 Contributor: Ewing Enterprises; not listed; $500.00. (3 Mar 2011)
 Contributor: Ed and Susie White; local; $1,000.00.

Incumbent for Supervisor District#5: William E. Pegram
***Contributor: Samuel Keyes; Ridgeland, MS; $250.00.
***Contributor: Elizabeth Garner; Ridgeland, MS; $250.00.

Incumbent Circuit Clerk: Sharon Reynolds
***Contributor: American Dream; Southaven, MS; $1,000.00.
***Contributor: Battle Fish North; local; $1,000.00.
***Contributor: Texasco; local; $30.00.
***Contributor: A4H; local; $30.00.

Candidate for Superintendent District #1: Thomas Swindoll
(This candidate lists the total amount of contributions as $8200.00.
The amounts below equal $3550.00.)
***Contributor: John Almond; local; $300.00.
***Contributor: Nolan Cannon; local; $500.00.
***Contributor: Melton Dunn; Clarksdale, MS; $250.00.
***Contributor: Shea Leatherman; local; $750.00.
***Contributor: Penn Owen, III; local; $500.00.
***Contributor: Jack Day Perry; local; $500.00.
***Contributor: Kenny Piel; local; $250.00.
***Contributor: Whittington-Sanders; local; $500.00.

Incumbent Chancery Court Clerk: Susie White
***Contributor: Whittington-Sanders; local; $550.00.
 Contributor: Ray Smith; local; $250.00.

Incumbent Supervisor for District 4: Bobby E. Williams
 (Couldn’t figure this out from the reports. This incumbent is listing an aggregate year-to-date for Samuel Keys as $1450.00 and for Elizabeth Garner as $1700.00. When I have time, I will go back and look at this one again. Or as stated above, if this information interests you, call the candidate.)
***Contributor: Samuel Keyes; Ridgeland, MS; $250.00.
***Contributor: Elizabeth Garner; Ridgeland, MS; $250.00.
***Contributor: Samuel Keyes; Ridgeland, MS; $200.00.
***Contributor: Elizabeth Garner; Ridgeland, MS; $200.00.
***Contributor: Jimmie/Carol Smith; Meridian, MS; $400.00.
***Contributor: Steve Pittman; Jackson, MS; $400.00.

Candidate for Supervisor for District 3: Phillis Williams
 Contributor: Steve Gelvin; local; $200.00.

Supervisors' Meeting and Executive Session

15 Jul 2011

You know, why do I keep going to these meetings? Here's the thing.

There was an Executive Session during the meeting. You know, the Sheriff stands up and announces: "The Board is now in Executive Session." He sounds like a baliff on TV. What a joke. There were maybe 10 people in the room.

Anyway, one of the items discussed in the Executive Session was the new GreenTech Plant on Hwy 304.

Apparently, the Board of Supervisors agreed through a Memo of Understanding (MOU) to purchase the land from the landowner and I guess the company will pay the county back through some sort of payment agreement.

Here's a thought: Since this "landowner" is making this deal with this private company, why doesn't he finance the land himself?

The County is already contributing a tax abatement for 10 years. Isn't that enough? There's suppose to be around 350 jobs at GreenTech. That sounds good.

Any guaranteed jobs for Tunicans? Nope.

The Board of Supervisors fooled us once with Schultz and now they are going to try to do it again. Did any one of you Supervisors ever think to say no?

And while I'm on the subject...How about holding the Supervisors' Meetings in the evening so everyone can see what you guys are doing? Oooops, sorry, already asked about this 2 years ago. Answer: Nope, nada, no can do. The Supervisors think they can be transparent at 9 a.m. in the morning.

So, who are you voting for?

Before you make your final decision about who to vote for in our uncoming Primary on 2 Aug 2011, take a look at this list.

This is a list of candidates and who has contributed to their respective campaign. Don't jump to any conclusions if you don't recognize a name or they are not from Tunica. The contributor could be anyone...an old friend, a relative, an old college buddy...who just wants to support the candidate. If you have a question, ask the candidate. You have a right to know and a responsibility to be informaed. To me, the local contributors are much more interesting.

Candidate for Superintendent of Schools: Candada, Joe Lee "Doc"

***Contributor: David Williams; local; $100.00.
***Contributor: Gene Davis; Germantown, TN; $300.00.
***Contributor: Sharon Austin; Orange Park, FL; $100.00.
***Contributor: Michelle Springer; Nashville, TN; $200.00.
***Contributor: Williams ;Meridianville, AL; $100.00.
***Contributor: Dr. Jacob O. Ogunlada Memphis, TN; $100.00.
***Contributor: Carolyn Jackson, ???; $100.00.

Candidate for Superintendent of Schools: Steve Chandler
***Contributor: Sheawanna Woods; local; $276.06.
***Contributor: David Melton; local; 400.00.
***Contributor: Melissa Williams; Charlotte, NC; $1,400.00.

Candidate for Supervisor in District #5: McKinley Daley
***Contributor: Dolly Hudson; local; $100.00

Incumbent for Justice Court Judge for the Northern District: Ellis W. Darby
***Contributor: William Gidden; local; $200.00.
***Contributor: Tunica Rentals; local; $1,000.00.
***Contributor: Tucker, Seldon, Tucker; local; $250.00.

Incumbent Supervisor for District #1: James E. Dunn
***Contributor: Samuel Keyes; Ridgeland, MS; $250.00.
***Contributor: Elizabeth Garner; Ridgeland, MS; $250.00.

Candidate for Constable for the Southern District: Omar Elkouz
***Contributor: Donald Pruett; Arlington, TN; $390.00.

Candidate for Supervisor for District #4: Linda Fay Engle-Harris
***Contributor: Tinsley Sims; local; $20.00.

Candidate for Tax Assessor/Collector: Angie Floyd
***Contributor: Kenny & Angie Floyd; local; $1,000.00.
***Contributor: Green Scape, Inc.; ???; $250.00.
***Contributor: ???; ???; $50.00.
***Contributor: Charles & Shirley Pitts; ???, $500.00.
F**Contributor: ???; ???; $100.00.


Candidate for Tax Assessor/Collector: Leigh Graves
***Contributor: Battle Farms; local; $1,500.00.
***Contributor: Shea Leatherman; local; $750.00.

Candidate for Superintendent of Schools: Dexter Green
***Contributor: Shirley Miller; local; $50.00.
***Contributor: Ben Elliott; local; $100.00.
***Contributor: Brad Cobb; local; $100.00.
***Contributor: Vicki Mauney; local; $200.00.
***Contributor: Louise Henningway; local; $100.00.
***Contributor: Gene Brown; Jackson, MS; $100.00.
***Contributor: Willie Green; Jackson, MS; $200.00.
***Contributor: Rosetta Bell; Canton, MS; $200.00.
***Contributor: Eloise McClinton; Southaven, MS; $50.00.
***Contributor: Fulton & Antrie Caston; Raymond, MS; $75.00.
***Contributor: Sandra Jackson; Jackson, MS; $100.00.
***Contributor: Jean Woodley; local; $200.00.
***Contributor: Howard Hollins; Webb, MS; $100.00.
***Contributor: Nick Floyd; Mendenhall, MS; $100.00.
***Contributor: Chris & Marie McGowan; Horn Lake, MS; $50.00.
***Contributor: Nathan Bendenstill; Hernando, MS; $25.00.
***Contributor: Jack Day Perry; local; $300.00.
***Contributor: A. T. Tucker; local; $50.00.
***Contributor: M/M Charles Berry; local; $50.00.
***Contributor: William Dulaney; local; $65.00.
***Contributor: Kathleen Gann; local; $50.00.

Incumbent Sheriff: K. C. Hamp
***Contributor: Battle Fish North; local; $1,000.00.
***Contributor: Ewing Enterprises; ???; $500.00.
***Contributor: Tunica County Farms; local; $1,000.00.
***Contributor: Lawson Bail Bonding; Cleveland, MS; $300.00.

Incumbent for Supervisor District#5: William E. Pegram
***Contributor: Samuel Keyes; Ridgeland, MS; $250.00.
***Contributor: Elizabeth Garner; Ridgeland, MS; $250.00.

Incumbent Circuit Clerk: Sharon Reynolds
***Contributor: American Dream; Southaven, MS; $1,000.00.
***Contributor: Battle Fish North; local; $1,000.00.
***Contributor: Texasco; local; $30.00.
***Contributor: A4H; local; $30.00.

Candidate for Superintendent District #1: Thomas Swindoll
***Contributor: John Almond; local; $300.00.
***Contributor: Nolan Cannon; local; $500.00.
***Contributor: Melton Dunn; Clarksdale, MS; $250.00.
***Contributor: Shea Leatherman; local; $750.00.
***Contributor: Penn Owen, III; local; $500.00.
***Contributor: Jack Day Perry; local; $500.00.
***Contributor: Kenny Piel; local; $250.00.
***Contributor: Whittington-Sanders; local; $500.00.

Incumbent Chancery Court Clerk: Susie White
***Contributor: Whittington-Sanders; local; $550.00.

Incumbent Supervisor for District 4: Bobby E. Williams
***Contributor: Samuel Keyes; Ridgeland, MS; $250.00.
***Contributor: Elizabeth Garner; Ridgeland, MS; $250.00.
***Contributor: Samuel Keyes; Ridgeland, MS; $200.00.
***Contributor: Elizabeth Garner; Ridgeland, MS; $200.00.
***Contributor: Jimmie/Carol Smith; Meridian, MS; $400.00.
***Contributor: Steve Pittman; Jackson, MS; $400.00.

Where are the jobs Mr. Boehner?

In December 2010, the Democratic Party and our President compromised with the Republican Party to extend the Bush tax cuts for all Americans for two years. I believe Mr. Obama agreed to this extensions so middle class Americans would not receive a tax increase.

House Majority Leader John Boehner said we could not raise the taxes on the richest Americans...those making over $250,000 a year...because these very rich people were the "very people who create jobs."

Well, it's July 2011, Mr. Boehner. Where are the jobs? The unemployment rate has continued to rise so why aren't you asking the richest Americans why they are not creating all of these jobs you promised in exchange for their continued tax cut?

So, now we have to raise the debt ceiling. Mr. Boehner, this is a stand alone piece of legislation. Please quit trying to talk about tax cuts, loopholes, Social Security, Medicare and Medicade in conjunction with raising the debt ceiling. The American people are not buying what you are selling.

Social Security is paid for by payroll deductions and Medicare is paid with a deduction from our Social Security checks. Leave them alone.

You wanted the Bush tax cuts for the richest Americans to be continued because you said these were the same people who created the jobs.

Again, Mr. Boehner, where are the jobs?

5. Schultz

As the manager of this blog I can see from the statistics that we have one reader from Germany. I am sure hoping it is somebody at Schultz.

When Schultz was first announced here in Tunica County, MS, the announcement was coupled with the prospects of jobs for Tunicans. We were told that if you could read, write and pass a drug test, you would be eligible to be hired by Schultz.

Now, we are being told the following:

1. You must have a High School Diploma or GED.
2. You must pass a drug screen.
3. You must take an assessment Test at NWCC.
4. If you are the right fit for Schultz, the company will call you and ask for your resume.
5. If Schultz likes what they see on your resume, they will call you for an interview.

It is my understanding that a few Tunicans have been hired by subcontractors but not by Schultz. I suppose these subcontractor jobs will go away once construction is completed.

Understandably, Tunicans are upset. This committee, Tunicans for Transparency, asked the right questions before any contracts were signed. We weren’t told the truth. By in-large, I don’t believe the average Tunica County resident fits the Schultz corporate profile.

So, what can happen now? Maybe our Supervisors could sit down with Schultz and ask some questions? Ya think? Maybe there are some jobs for Tunicans. Maybe the Supervisors could negotiate something with Schultz. What we are being told now is this is a private company and our Tunica County Government doesn’t have anything to do with the hiring practices at Schultz.

If anybody at Schultz is listening, we need jobs in Tunica County, MS. Help!!!!

4. My Supervisor doesn't make good decisions.

And he is not the only one. I've disagreed with so many of their decisions that I've lost count.

Recently, I wrote in this blog about the Sheriff’s request for grant approval from the MS Victims of Crime Program. This grant would be $38,628.00 from the federal government with a $12,876.00 local match.

This item was first on the 30 Jun 2011 agenda and my Supervisor moved to approve this grant. The motion died for lack of a second.

So, at the next Board of Supervisors’ Meeting on 5 Jul 2011, this same item was placed on the table for consideration. This time the Sheriff was present to present his case. The Sheriff said that the Fire Department hasn’t paid the Sheriff’s Department for dispatch services in at least 2 years. The Sheriff said he was going to get the Board’s Attorney to help him collect the money from the Fire Department.

This time the entire Board of Supervisors approved this motion.

Didn’t anyone of them think to tell the Sheriff to collect the money first and then come back for approval? My Supervisor sure didn’t. So, who is going to pay this “local match” if the Fire Department doesn’t have the money? No one even thought to ask the County Administrator who was sitting right there if the Fire Department had the money to give to the Sheriff’s Department. Nobody!!!!

So, what happens if the Fire Department can’t pay this money? We get to pay it out of the General Fund. Just the good old boys going along to get along. In my opinion there isn’t a thinking head in this bunch.

3. I don't like the way my Supervisor runs his personal business.

So, why is this any of my business? Because the current District 2 Supervisor, as President of Henderson Funeral Home, has people working for him who already have well paid jobs with Tunica County Government.

These Tunica County employees and elected officials are listed below with their county salaries:

Sheriff K. C. Hamp, Elected Sheriff: $62,000.00 (Salary set by State Legislature)

Eugene Bridges, Sheriff’s Patrol Commander: $55,166.83 (Bridges is also an Elected Constable and earns between $4,000 and $5,000 per month on commissions.)

Ann Johnson, Juvenile Court Dept. Head: $62,745.54. (Johnson also does the funeral programs for Henderson Funeral Home and is the wife of County Administrator, Clifton Johnson.)

Dr. Henry I. Hargrow: Adolescent Offenders Program: $50,608.50.

John Pickett, Administration: $46,673.36 (Pickett is assigned to Administration but actually runs the Meals-on-Wheels program through an agency Tunica County supports.)

Glen Grant, Elected Coroner: Grant’s salary is unknown through the Public Records.

As a point of information, when asked through a Freedom of Information letter that the salaries and rate of pay for Tunica County employees be made a part of the Public Record as of 1 Oct 2010, we didn’t specifically ask that elected officials be included. Therefore, the County Administrator didn’t include them. We will not be making this mistake again.

Back to the subject at hand: At the moment, the unemployment rate in Tunica County is hovering around 18%. As a Supervisor, wouldn’t you think if you had jobs available at your company that you would offer them to the unemployed rather then to people who already have jobs?

I have no idea whether District 2 Supervisor, Cedric Burnett, as President of Henderson Funeral Homes, is paying the above Tunica County Employees or if they are working for him free. Either way, it just feels wrong. It makes me feel we have a “sub government” of sorts going on in our county.

So, reason #3 is the current District 2 Supervisor is able to and chooses not to help cut the unemployment rate in Tunica County and I am uncomfortable with his personal business practices.

Problems with Financial Reporting

Will get back to the subject of why I am bothering to run for office after this post.

At the moment, we have a problem with Incumbents and Candidates complying with getting their financial reports in on time, some are not reporting at all and some are incorrect.

Here is the law, you figure it out:

Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-813

MISSISSIPPI CODE of 1972

*** Current through the 2010 2nd Extraordinary Session ***

TITLE 23. ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 15. MISSISSIPPI ELECTION CODE
ARTICLE 23. DISCLOSURE OF CAMPAIGN FINANCES

Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-813 (2011)

§ 23-15-813. Civil penalty for failure to file campaign finance disclosure report; notice to candidate of failure to file; assessment of penalty by Secretary of State; hearing; appeal


(a) In addition to any other penalty permitted by law, the Secretary of State shall require any candidate or political committee, as identified in Section 23-15-805(a), and any other political committee registered with the Secretary of State, who fails to file a campaign finance disclosure report as required under Sections 23-15-801 through 23-15-813, or Sections 23-17-47 through 23-17-53, or who shall file a report which fails to substantially comply with the requirements of Sections 23-15-801 through 23-15-813, or Sections 23-17-47 through 23-17-53, to be assessed a civil penalty as follows:

(i) Within five (5) calendar days after any deadline for filing a report pursuant to Sections 23-15-801 through 23-15-813, or Sections 23-17-47 through 23-17-53, the Secretary of State shall compile a list of those candidates and political committees who have failed to file a report. The Secretary of State shall provide each candidate or political committee, who has failed to file a report, notice of the failure by first-class mail.

(ii) Beginning with the tenth calendar day after which any report shall be due, the Secretary of State shall assess the delinquent candidate and political committee a civil penalty of Fifty Dollars ($ 50.00) for each day or part of any day until a valid report is delivered to the Secretary of State, up to a maximum of ten (10) days. However, in the discretion of the Secretary of State, the assessing of the fine may be waived in whole or in part if the Secretary of State determines that unforeseeable mitigating circumstances, such as the health of the candidate, interfered with timely filing of a report. Failure of a candidate or political committee to receive notice of failure to file a report from the Secretary of State is not an unforeseeable mitigating circumstance, and failure to receive the notice shall not result in removal or reduction of any assessed civil penalty.

(iii) Filing of the required report and payment of the fine within ten (10) calendar days of notice by the Secretary of State that a required statement has not been filed, constitutes compliance with Sections 23-15-801 through 23-15-813, or Sections 23-17-47 through 23-17-53.

(iv) Payment of the fine without filing the required report does not in any way excuse or exempt any person required to file from the filing requirements of Sections 23-15-801 through 23-15-813, and Sections 23-17-47 through 23-17-53.

(v) If any candidate or political committee is assessed a civil penalty, and the penalty is not subsequently waived by the Secretary of State, the candidate or political committee shall pay the fine to the Secretary of State within ninety (90) days of the date of the assessment of the fine. If, after one hundred twenty (120) days of the assessment of the fine the payment for the entire amount of the assessed fine has not been received by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State shall notify the Attorney General of the delinquency, and the Attorney General shall file, where necessary, a suit to compel payment of the civil penalty.

(b) (i) Upon the sworn application, made within sixty (60) calendar days of the date upon which the required report is due, of a candidate or political committee against whom a civil penalty has been assessed pursuant to paragraph (a), the Secretary of State shall forward the application to the State Board of Election Commissioners. The State Board of Election Commissioners shall appoint one or more hearing officers who shall be former chancellors, circuit court judges, judges of the Court of Appeals or justices of the Supreme Court, and who shall conduct hearings held pursuant to this article. The hearing officer shall fix a time and place for a hearing and shall cause a written notice specifying the civil penalties that have been assessed against the candidate or political committee and notice of the time and place of the hearing to be served upon the candidate or political committee at least twenty (20) calendar days before the hearing date. The notice may be served by mailing a copy thereof by certified mail, postage prepaid, to the last known business address of the candidate or political committee.

(ii) The hearing officer may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and papers at the hearing. Process issued by the hearing officer shall extend to all parts of the state and shall be served by any person designated by the hearing officer for the service.

(iii) The candidate or political committee has the right to appear either personally, by counsel or both, to produce witnesses or evidence in his behalf, to cross-examine witnesses and to have subpoenas issued by the hearing officer.

(iv) At the hearing, the hearing officer shall administer oaths as may be necessary for the proper conduct of the hearing. All hearings shall be conducted by the hearing officer, who shall not be bound by strict rules of procedure or by the laws of evidence in the conduct of the proceedings, but the determination shall be based upon sufficient evidence to sustain it. The scope of review at the hearing shall be limited to making a determination of whether failure to file a required report was due to an unforeseeable mitigating circumstance.

(v) Where, in any proceeding before the hearing officer, any witness fails or refuses to attend upon a subpoena issued by the commission, refuses to testify, or refuses to produce any books and papers the production of which is called for by a subpoena, the attendance of the witness, the giving of his testimony or the production of the books and papers shall be enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction of this state in the manner provided for the enforcement of attendance and testimony of witnesses in civil cases in the courts of this state.

(vi) Within fifteen (15) calendar days after conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall reduce his or her decision to writing and forward an attested true copy of the decision to the last known business address of the candidate or political committee by way of United States first-class, certified mail, postage prepaid.

(c) (i) The right to appeal from the decision of the hearing officer in an administrative hearing concerning the assessment of civil penalties authorized pursuant to this section is granted. The appeal shall be to the Circuit Court of Hinds County and shall include a verbatim transcript of the testimony at the hearing. The appeal shall be taken within thirty (30) calendar days after notice of the decision of the commission following an administrative hearing. The appeal shall be perfected upon filing notice of the appeal and by the prepayment of all costs, including the cost of the preparation of the record of the proceedings by the hearing officer, and the filing of a bond in the sum of Two Hundred Dollars ($ 200.00), conditioned that if the decision of the hearing officer be affirmed by the court, the candidate or political committee will pay the costs of the appeal and the action in court. If the decision is reversed by the court, the Secretary of State will pay the costs of the appeal and the action in court.

(ii) If there is an appeal, the appeal shall act as a supersedeas. The court shall dispose of the appeal and enter its decision promptly. The hearing on the appeal may be tried in vacation, in the court's discretion. The scope of review of the court shall be limited to a review of the record made before the hearing officer to determine if the action of the hearing officer is unlawful for the reason that it was 1. not supported by substantial evidence, 2. arbitrary or capricious, 3. beyond the power of the hearing officer to make, or 4. in violation of some statutory or constitutional right of the appellant. The decision of the court may be appealed to the Supreme Court in the manner provided by law.

(d) If, after forty-five (45) calendar days of the date of the administrative hearing procedure set forth in paragraph (b), the candidate or political committee identified in paragraph (a) of this section fails to pay the monetary civil penalty imposed by the hearing officer, the Secretary of State shall notify the Attorney General of the delinquency. The Attorney General shall investigate the offense in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, and where necessary, file suit to compel payment of the unpaid civil penalty.

(e) If, after twenty (20) calendar days of the date upon which a campaign finance disclosure report is due, a candidate or political committee identified in paragraph (a) of this section shall not have filed a valid report with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State shall notify the Attorney General of those candidates and political committees who have not filed a valid report, and the Attorney General shall thereupon prosecute the delinquent candidates and political committees.

2. More on 1370 Beatline Road

I've just spent over an hour trying to get pictures uploaded to this blog. I can't figure it out. However, I do have pictures and copies of documents in my possession. If you want to see them, you can come by my house and I will show them to you.

In January 2010, the house at 1370 Beatline Road was set-up for construction or remodeling as there was a dumpster in the carport and debris was being removed from the interior of the house, etc.

The first picture was taken on 31 Jan 2010. It shows a construction dumpster in and out of the carport at the above address.

As months rolled by, carpenters, etc. started working on the house.

On 15 April 2010, I noticed there was no Building Permit visible on the premises. So, I went to the Planning Office and was told there was no Building Permit issued for 1370 Beatline Road.

The second document is #08944 from the Tunica County Building Department. It is a Stop Work Order issued for 1370 Beatline Road on 15 Apr 2010. In the body of this document it says: "Must obtain permits" and is signed by B. Meredith.

Let's see, the Beat 2 Supervisor who with the other Supervisors helps set the rates for various permits does not know he needs a building permit or he thinks this applies to all of us but not to him? Wonder which is the right answer.

The next document is THE BUILDING PERMIT!!!! Yea!!! Issued 15 Apr 2010...15 Apr 2010 was a very busy day. The Permit #10bldg1703; Receipt #4260; paid with check #1308. The Owner's Name: Cedric Burnett. But wait...there's another document.

This document is a Warranty Deed dated 30 Jun 2010 transferring ownership of this property from Clara Burnett to Cedric Burnett by Board of Supervisors' Attorney, Andy Dulaney. You can find this document in the Land Records of the Tunica County Courthouse: Book A-7; pages 281 through 287 or as previously stated, you can come by my house and have a look at the certified copy.

So, on that very busy day in Apr 2010, Cedric Burnett was not the owner of the property known as 1370 Beatline Road as he stated on the Building Permit issued on 15 Apr 2010.

You know what is so sad about all of this? You don't have to own property in the State of Mississippi to hold public office. You just have to reside in the district you wish to represent.

And here is a final thought: The building permit states that this house is around 1500 square feet and the cost of renovations is $30,000. What bank would issue a construction loan without verification of ownership?

1. So, why am I running for office?

Because I hate dishonesty. However, I'm not really sure the citizens of Tunica County are ready to listen to the truth. It seems to me that most are waiting for someone else to do the job for them...to make everything okay. This is not going to happen folks. Each of us has a right and a responsibility to question our government. When you don't, your silence is endorsing what they do.

What started this burn in my belly was attending Board of Supervisors meetings and watching my Supervisor playing with his cell phone. I guess he was text messaging. Who cares. He wasn't giving his undivided attention to the business at hand and that was what was important to me.

The Transparency Committee asked the Board of Supervisors to move the first meeting of the month to an evening time so that more citizens could see what was going on in our government and our government would therefore be more transparent. The answer from the Board as a whole was no. Billy Pregram said anyone could come into the meeting at 9a in the morning. Guess this went over his head as most people are working at that hour. Bobby Williams wanted to know who was on our Committee and said we weren't being "transparent" because we wouldn't tell them. Why do you need to know? So you can fire them? If you don't know this by now let me put it in writing. Our county government has a reputation of getting rid of anyone who doesn't go along with the program. That's why I wouldn't tell you.

However, this isn't to say we were hiding anything. Every month we have specifically invited elected officials to our meetings by placing this item on the Calender of the Tunica Times. Not one of you has ever shown up.

Back to why I am bothering to run for office:

In the summer of 2009, I was given information that my Supervisor, Cedric Burnett did not live at 1370 Beatline Road as indicated on his Statement of Intent for the above listed office.

I went by this address and could verify from my van that no one could be living in this house as it was filled to the gills with junk.

I then verified that Cedric Burnett had used this same address in his previous 2 terms as the Supervisor for District 2. Additionally, his voter registration and that of his mother, State Representative Clara Burnett, also show this address.

At the next Public Hearing, I asked Burnett if he lived at 1370 Beatline Road.

Burnett said, “No, I don’t live there.”

Please note that at this Public Hearing the following people were present:

District 1 Supervisor, James Dunn

District 2 Supervisor, Cedric Burnett

District 3 Supervisor, Paul Battle

District 4 Supervisor, Bobby Williams

District 5 Supervisor and Board President: Billy Pegram

Board of Supervisors’ Attorney Andy Dulaney

County Administrator, Clifton Johnson

Publisher and owner of our local newspaper, The Tunica Times.

Citizens interested in having the newly formed Humane Society included in our county Budget.

Members of Tunicans for Transparency in Government of which I am a member.

I then asked Burnett to tell us where he lived.

Burnett stated, “Keep looking, you’ll find it.” Can you imagine the arrogance of an elected official making such a statement?

I then asked the other Supervisors to vacate the District 2 seat and hold a Special Election to fill the vacancy.

The Tunica County Board of Supervisors took no action. Not one of them even had the guts to say: "Cedric, tell her where you live."

Stay tuned, there is more to come.

Last week's debate....

This is not going to be pretty.

One of the last people to speak at the Community Debate on 28 Jun was District 5 Supervisor Candidate Rev. McKinley Daley. He was so out of line.

At the end of his time, Daley said he wanted the people to elect him and to help him get Sonny Nickson, Phillis Williams and the 2 Supervisors who showed up elected too. Daley happened to be sitting next to me and when he returned to his seat, I told him I considered what he said a racist remark as everyone he named just happened to be an African American.

Daley said no, no, he's not a racist and then told me I just don't understand what is going on. He asked, did I happen to know that the Board of Supervisors had hired Ken Murphree and paid him $85 an hour? Are you kidding me? Just who do you think has been digging up all of this mess?

At that point, I gave Daley my contact information and told him to call me. We need to talk. It's been over a week, so he's lost his chance.

Okay, so the first thing Daley did wrong was to ask for a totally African American Board of Supervisors. Wrong Rev. Daley. This community needs to work together. If you can't help. Get out of the way.

The second thing wrong with what Daley said was insinuating that he, as a CANDIDATE in District 5, could use this Community platform to influence the votes in any other District but his own.

Rev. McKinley Daley you insulted the other Candidates for Supervisor who were participating in the Debate: Linda Fay Engle-Harris, Mark Hudson, Brian Smith and me.

Board of Supervisors Meeting 5 Jul 2011

Did you see the Thank You to the Supervisors in the last post? Well, I take it back.

This morning this same item was back on the agenda and the Sheriff showed up to again request approval. This item was to "Consider grant application for Tunica County Sheriff's Department - MS Victims of Crime Program - $38,628.00 federal; $12,876.00 local match."

Again it was brought up that the Sheriff intended to pay for the local match from the funds the Fire Department owes him for dispatch services. Apparently, from what was said, the Fire Department hasn't paid the Sheriff's Department for dispatch services in at least 2 years. The Sheriff said he was going to get the Board's Attorney to help him collect the money from the Fire Department.

So, the Board approved the grant. WRONG! Let the Sheriff get the money and then approve the grant. Doesn't that make more sense?

Board of Supervisors' Meeting 30 June 2011

Just returned from the above meeting.

The first thing on the agenda was a request to approve a grant application for the Tunica County Sheriff's Department. The grant was from the MS Victims of Crime Program. The amount of the grant would be $38,628.00 with matching funds of $12,876.00 coming from Tunica County.

The County Administrator explained that the Sheriff expected around $20,000 from the Fire Department for dispatch services provided to the Fire Department by the Sheriff's Department and he (the Sheriff) would pay the $12+ from these funds.

The District 2 Supervisor, Cedric Burnett, moved to accept this grant. The motion died for lack of a second. Don't get to say this much so here it goes: Thank you gentlemen for putting a stop to this request.

We need more jobs not more grants.

This ain't no popularity contest

On 24 May and 31 May, there was information posted on this site regarding a MANDATORY report for all candidates to report to the Circuit Clerk their campaign receipts and expenses. The first report was due on 10 May and the second report was due on 10 Jun.

This isn't a popularity contest. We need people in office who will pay attention to the details. Holding public office in Tunica County, MS is serious business. Why would anyone trust you if you can't even get your reports in on time?

As of 15 Jun 2011, about 11 a.m., this is what was in the Circuit Clerk's file or rather what wasn't in the Circuit Clerk's file:

The following candidates have missed both the 10 May and 10 Jun filing deadlines:

Casey L. Johnson: Candidate for Coroner
Lawyer Porter: Candidate for Circuit Clerk
"Big" Brian Smith: Candidate for District 2 Supervisor
Christopher Thomas: Candidate for Coroner
Tammie Turner: Candidate for Tax Assessor & Collector

The following candidates missed the 10 Jun filing deadline:

Lil Joe Anderson: Incumbent Constable for the Southern District
Arthur "Hot Shot" Ankston: Candidate for Sheriff
Ellis W. Darby: Incumbent Justice Court Judge for the Southern District
James E. Dunn: Incumbent District 1 Supervisor
Thommy Gibbs: Candidate for District 3 Supervisor
Glen Grant: Incumbent Coroner
Tyrone Hall: Candidate for Superintendent of Education
Rodney Hibbler: Incumbent Justice Court Judge for the Northern District
Mark Hudson: Candidate for District 2 Supervisor
Curtis "Rerun" Jackson: Candidate for District 4 Supervisor
Louise Linzy: Candidate Justice Court Judge for the Southern District

I hope I have the offices correct. By the way, when you turn in your reports at the Circuit Clerk's Office, make sure the Circuit Clerk or one of her staff puts a date stamp on the document. Three reports had not been stamped.

Another subject about last night

When the Community Debate started, only one Supervisor was there on time. That Supervisor was the District 1 Supervisor, James Dunn. Thank you James for showing the respect this County's citizens deserve. Billy Pegram, Paul Battle and Bobby Williams never did show up.

For those of you who were not there, the questions from the panel were posed first to the Candidates for Superintendent of Education. The second set of questions were for the Supervisors and Candidates for Supervisor.

After the Superintendents' part was completed, in walks the District 2 Supervisor, Cedric Burnett and the Sheriff. Gladhanding all around. How disrespectful of the citizens who attended and the candidates for Superintendent of Education. You both know better.

I want to say something specifically to our Sheriff, K. C. Hamp. When you were elected to be the Sheriff of Tunica County, I thought we elected a 24/7 Sheriff. However, almost everytime I see you, there too is Cedric Burnett. Hamp we elected you the Sheriff of Tunica County not bodyguard for Burnett. Enough said.

And More on Jobs:

And here is another place to employ Tunicans who are unemployed: Henderson Funeral Home.

This is one of the many reasons I am running for public office. I live in Beat 2 and my Supervisor's full-time job is running Henderson Funeral Home. Instead of giving an opportunity to an unemployed Tunican, my Supervisor has chosen to employ people who are already employed by the County.

Want to know who they are?

1. Sheriff K. C. Hamp: Last night at the Community Debate, Sheriff Hamp told us his job was 24/7. I agree. Our sheriff needs to work for Tunica 24/7. That's what we elected for him to do.

2. John Pickett, III: Pickett is listed under Administration but he actually runs the Meals on Wheels program out of the President's Building.

3. Dr. Henry Hargrow: Hargrow works in Youth Services under the County Administrator's wife, Ann Johnson.

4. Ann Johnson: Johnson runs our Youth Services department and does the programs for Henderson Funeral Homes. How do I know this? I have at least one such program stating "Programs by: Ann Johnson (662) 541-0210."

5. Eugene Bridges: Now this would be a third job for Bridges. Bridges is employed by our Sheriff; he is one of our 2 elected Constables and he is listed as being a Director at Henderson Funeral Home.

Now because Hamp and Bridges are elected, it is unclear whether they have to go before the Board of Supervisors and ask for permission to "Moonlight." There is no question that Pickett, Hargrow and Johnson must have the approval of the Board of Supervisors.

This is what the Tunica County Employee Handbook says about Moonlighting:

"Public Records: Book 94 Page 145 – 146

6. Outside Employment or “Moonlighting”

No employee may engage in employment which could cause a conflict of interest, or use his County employment for personal gain. Outside employment must not interfere with performance of duties for the county. Any outside employment must have prior approval of the Board of Supervisors. To apply for approval, you must submit a written request clearly describing the outside employment duties and hours to your department head who will send the request to the Board of Supervisors for their approval. Your first loyalty has to be to your duties with the County."

Seems pretty clear to me. I've checked the Public Records and no such letters of approval exist.

At present, Tunica County's unemployment is about 18%. Doesn't my Supervisor, Cedric Burnett, have the slightest bit of guilt about what he is NOT doing? There are 5 jobs listed here that could take 5 people off our unemployment rolls.

More on Jobs

Another question asked at the Community Debate last night had to do with the recent pay cuts while our income was reduced due to the Casinos being closed while our county was flooded.

It was interesting that the candidate didn't really answer the question. First, it needs to be said we should never have been in this position. Tunica County has purchased more then we can afford. That being said, here's my take on what should have happened.

1. If the Board of Supervisors was going to cut salaries, they needed to cut from the top and leave the folks at the bottom alone.

2. The Board of Supervisors needs to take a good look at the Road Department. Did you know that our Road Department has 22 employees and 19 pick-up trucks? This didn't happen without the Board of Supervisors approval.

3. The Board of Supervisors needs to tell the Road Manager that we are not buying anymore equipment until we get all of our people back to work and our financial house in order. I swear, it seems that every month the Road Manager is in there with yet another bid on some type of equipment.

4. Why are we paying between $14,000 and $17,000 every month to get the grass cut? And it's not even being cut by a Tunica owned company!!! How about buying a couple of lawnmowers and putting some of our folks to work? This has been suggested to the Board of Supervisors by Tunicans for Transparency in government. To date, there has been no action.

5. So, I then went to the Road Manager and posed the same question. Answer was "Little Lady, you just don't understand." First, I understand perfectly and I AM NO ONE'S LITTLE LADY.

More to think about later....

Jobs for Tunicans

Last night at the Community Debate there were several questions asked of other candidates about creating jobs for Tunica County residents. I wish I had been asked that question because I have a couple of ideas.

Let's start with this: On 25 Aug 2011, I wrote the following letter to the editor.


"Hire Tunicans 1st

Here’s the deal. It’s become pretty obvious that Schultz is not going to be “making pipe by Christmas” for various reasons. So, what can be done about the unemployment in Tunica County right now?

The 1st thing that needs to be done is for the Board of Supervisors and the County Administrator to take a look at the personnel records of County employees and employees of the agencies we fund. The Board and the County Administrator will have to require that all employees provide the physical address of their residence. A Post Office Box will just not get it. We’re not looking for people who say they live here and are using someone else’s address. We are looking for people who have both of their feet firmly planted in Tunica County, MS.

Second, identify the skills required for jobs held by non-residents. Does an unemployed resident of Tunica County possess these particular skill sets?

Third, hire the Tunica County resident and make an effort to find a job for the non-resident somewhere else. It’s tough for anyone to be unemployed but we need to take care of our own first. Personally, I’m really sick of people who don’t want to live in Tunica County having jobs here and at the end of the day, going home to wherever it is they prefer to live."

So, what did the current Board of Supervisors do with this idea? Nothing.

Thank you

Want to say thank you to Rev. Fullilove and his wife, Tina, for all of the work it took to put on the Community Debate last night. For those of you who did not attend, you missed a wonderful opportunity to start making your personal decision of who to trust with your vote. This is not a popularity contest and Tunica needs a fresh start.

Thanks again to Rev. and Mrs. Fullilove.

Redistricting

And now let’s take a look at the Tunica County Redistricting Committee’s report turned into the Board of Supervisors on 31 May 2011. Subtitle: “Uncracking the Town of Tunica by Reuniting Communities of Interest.”

Don’t know what “uncracking” means? I didn’t either. Here is the definition of “cracking” provided by Southern Echo. “Cracking is a redistricting device by which concentrations of Black or Latino voters are divided up or fragmented among several districts or wards, to prevent the community of color from winning enough seats to gain a majority of votes on a municipal or county board, or to win enough seats at the state level, to impact the formation of public policy.”

How is this possible? The 2010 Census tells us that Tunica County, MS is 73.5% Black and 23.7% White. Therefore, this “cracking” business is impossible in Tunica County.

Let’s read further into the Tunica County Redistricting Committee’s report and maybe we will find what is really being suggested.

1. There is the suggestion that the Black or Latino citizens are being placed in districts “with Whites with high income and more education” and that “voter turnout is affected by the level of income and education. People with less income and education tend not to vote to the same extent as those with more income and education.” And you know this how? Every American has a chance to improve their circumstances. Take a look at who is living in our White House. Additionally, there are no tests for income or education attached to a person’s right to vote. Redistricting has nothing to do with these quoted statements.

2. There is also the suggestion that Tunica County residents needed to be divided into “communities of interest.” Apparently, this means that in the White community we attend the same churches, our children attend the same schools, we use the same recreational facilities and we eat in the same restaurants. Further, according to this report the Black community would do the same…attend the same churches, same schools, and same recreational facilities and eat in the same restaurants. Says who? What a divisive attitude.

I will say this regarding Tunica County Recreational Facilities. Since 2008, Tunicans for Transparency in Government has been asking the Board of Supervisors to have a weekly schedule of what is going on at the Rec advertised in the Tunica Times. By not doing so, it is my opinion that the Board of Supervisors is contributing to the activities not being marketed to all of the residents of Tunica County.

Back to the original discussion:

In the first paragraph of this report from the Tunica County Redistricting Committee is the following: “The committee has attempted to be transparent and inclusive in the development of community plan 1a.” Really? I didn’t know about it. The President of the Tunica County Branch of the NAACP didn’t know about it. It wasn’t advertised in the Tunica Times. Afterwards, I did hear these meetings were held at the G. W. Recreational Facility.

Tunicans for Transparency in Government advertises their meetings in the Tunica Times. And every adult resident of Tunica County is welcome.