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.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
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.
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.
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?
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.
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, July 22, 2011
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.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, July 18, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, July 15, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, July 11, 2011
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?
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?
Sunday, July 10, 2011
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!!!!
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
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?
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
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?
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?
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