On 8 Sep 2015, the Transparency Committee turned in a report that included the documents that showed when our County Comptroller tried to vote at the Tunica Auditorium, he was not and is not a resident of Tunica County.
Had Adrian McKay's Affidavit Ballot not been rejected, the public would never have known that McKay and his wife are claiming their Homestead Exemption on a residence at 6425 Shenandoah Lane in Olive Branch and that Adrian McKay attempted to vote in Tunica County.
Supervisors...all of you..."Why is this man still employed with our County?"
At the very least, this is dishonest and most likely illegal. How can you continue to allow McKay to handle our money? You have the documents from Desoto County, what are you waiting for?
Supervisors, Adrian McKay needs to be fired. If you all are not going to be the leaders in helping us rid ourselves of unfair and dishonest elections, who will?
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
30 Sep 2015 Board of Supervisors' Meeting'
Well, James Dunn got his way again. At the 28 Sep 2015 meeting, he attempted to replace Robert Hall on the TCUD Board. Why was he trying to do this? Because Hall ran against him? Aren't we bigger then that? Tonight King James succeeded.
In regular session, my Supervisor, came in late and then:
1. Voted no to the year-to-date adjustment to the 2014-2015 Budget. He's never done that before and I don't remember any other Supervisor ever doing this either.
2. Abstained to Travel Requests for the Fire Coordinator and the County Administrator. The CA's request was to attend a grant writing workshop and we sure could use a couple of those.
3. Voted no to payroll but collected his check.
I don't know about you but I'm not getting my monies worth from my Supervisor. I don't think he will do a better job for us in the MS House but some of you obviously do because you voted for him. Please be responsible for the the vote you cast. If he doesn't do the job, you need to have a conversation with him.
In regular session, my Supervisor, came in late and then:
1. Voted no to the year-to-date adjustment to the 2014-2015 Budget. He's never done that before and I don't remember any other Supervisor ever doing this either.
2. Abstained to Travel Requests for the Fire Coordinator and the County Administrator. The CA's request was to attend a grant writing workshop and we sure could use a couple of those.
3. Voted no to payroll but collected his check.
I don't know about you but I'm not getting my monies worth from my Supervisor. I don't think he will do a better job for us in the MS House but some of you obviously do because you voted for him. Please be responsible for the the vote you cast. If he doesn't do the job, you need to have a conversation with him.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Pictures from the Titans' Game
On Sunday evening, pictures started being sent to me of a group of Tunicans who attended the Titans' Game on 27 Sunday. I would post the pictures here but you already know the drill. I can't load pictures and some documents to this blog. To see the photos, head on over to my Facebook page. I will post them there shortly.
Okay, so why are these photos of interest to Tunicans? Obviously, the pictures are disturbing to more people then just me or they wouldn't have been sent to me.
1. Elections: Included in these photos are pictures of two people who want to run for office in Tunica County. Both were not certified by the DEC. These 2 people are Jacqueline Boykin and Craig Jones. It has long been my personal belief that there is a group of people who are pushing to have their friends elected whether they live here or not or whether they qualify or not. There has been a lot of money spent by private citizens to try to have fair and honest elections in Tunica County. Now that would be new and different wouldn't it?
2. Sheriff's Office: Personally, I don't understand how the Sheriff can fire someone one day and party with the same person the next. Further, I don't understand how the Sheriff can just up and fire someone without first suspending pending investigation. Each officer represents an investment by Tunica County. So, is the Sheriff being a good steward of our resources?
3. Job Responsibilities: Shown in these pictures are both the Tunica County Sheriff and Supervisor Cedric Burnett. FOX 13 reported they were able to secure a phone statement from Hamp on Monday, 28 Sep 2015. The reason given was that he was out of town. Okay, so you attend a football game on Sunday but with everything that is being reported about the Sheriff's Department, one would think Hamp would be back to work on Monday morning. Hasn't the Sheriff relieved most of his Command Staff? Who was minding the store?
Supervisor Burnett did not attend the Board of Supervisors' Meeting at 5p on Monday, 28 Sep 2015. This meeting was a Public Hearing for the 2015-2016 Budget and Tax Levy. To me this is a pretty important meeting and Burnett was a no show. Let's think about this Tunica. Many of you voted to send Burnett to the MS House. Is he going to be a no show there also?
I remain disturbed and disgusted.
Okay, so why are these photos of interest to Tunicans? Obviously, the pictures are disturbing to more people then just me or they wouldn't have been sent to me.
1. Elections: Included in these photos are pictures of two people who want to run for office in Tunica County. Both were not certified by the DEC. These 2 people are Jacqueline Boykin and Craig Jones. It has long been my personal belief that there is a group of people who are pushing to have their friends elected whether they live here or not or whether they qualify or not. There has been a lot of money spent by private citizens to try to have fair and honest elections in Tunica County. Now that would be new and different wouldn't it?
2. Sheriff's Office: Personally, I don't understand how the Sheriff can fire someone one day and party with the same person the next. Further, I don't understand how the Sheriff can just up and fire someone without first suspending pending investigation. Each officer represents an investment by Tunica County. So, is the Sheriff being a good steward of our resources?
3. Job Responsibilities: Shown in these pictures are both the Tunica County Sheriff and Supervisor Cedric Burnett. FOX 13 reported they were able to secure a phone statement from Hamp on Monday, 28 Sep 2015. The reason given was that he was out of town. Okay, so you attend a football game on Sunday but with everything that is being reported about the Sheriff's Department, one would think Hamp would be back to work on Monday morning. Hasn't the Sheriff relieved most of his Command Staff? Who was minding the store?
Supervisor Burnett did not attend the Board of Supervisors' Meeting at 5p on Monday, 28 Sep 2015. This meeting was a Public Hearing for the 2015-2016 Budget and Tax Levy. To me this is a pretty important meeting and Burnett was a no show. Let's think about this Tunica. Many of you voted to send Burnett to the MS House. Is he going to be a no show there also?
I remain disturbed and disgusted.
Friday, September 25, 2015
The Circuit Court
From our notes and now from the Tunica Times...that's two sources, that made note of another comment from Judge Lackey at the Boykin vs DEC hearing on 22 Sep 2015.
Judge Lackey told us that our Circuit Clerk judges do not hear cases having to do with elections. Okay, so why is Judge Lackey hearing the Tunica County vs The Town of Tunica and the Tunica County School District?
Where are our elected Judges? We elect them and we pay them so why aren't they coming to Tuncia County in the above case?
Judge Lackey told us that our Circuit Clerk judges do not hear cases having to do with elections. Okay, so why is Judge Lackey hearing the Tunica County vs The Town of Tunica and the Tunica County School District?
Where are our elected Judges? We elect them and we pay them so why aren't they coming to Tuncia County in the above case?
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Just spoke with FOX Channel 13
I received a phone call earlier today saying that Channel 13 was running a story teaser about voter fraud in Tunica County. Immediately, I started trying to find out what was going on. I contacted both Channel 13 and WMC-TV Action News 5.
Bob was at City Hall this morning and ran into Tom Dees from Channel 13. I spoke with Tom on the phone and he came to the house.
The story Tom is working on today has to do with the rejected affidavit ballots from the Tunica County Primary on 4 Aug 2015. Apparently, on behalf of 19 of the disenfranchised voters, Mayor Chuck Cariker filed a complaint with the Secretary of States Office. Thank you for doing that Chuck. By my count, the disenfranchised voters from Precinct 4 is 27. So, I'm not sure who was included in Chuck's complaint. I think all disenfranchised voters deserve an answer from the Circuit Clerk.
To restate what has been said on this blog before: I was a Poll Watcher at Precinct 4 on 4 Aug 2015. The two Poll Managers were not newly trained. Both ladies have been Poll Managers at Precinct 4 on at least 3 separate occasions when I was a Poll Watcher for various candidates. As I understand it, these two Poll Managers are saying they were called the night before the election. So, what happened to the people who were trained for these positions and why did they call in at the last minute and say they couldn't work?
If we know for sure and for certain that the two Poll Managers at Precinct 4 were Poll Managers on at least 3 occasions, isn't it reasonable for us to expect that they know how to do their job? Isn't it reasonable for us to expect that when these two Poll Managers signed an affidavit ballot they would recognize that a ballot was not complete and they would be able to tell the voter what needed to be done to successfully complete their ballot? What a mess.
I hope MS State Officials will come in and investigate our Election Commission and the Circuit Clerk's Office. I hope the Board of Supervisors will call for a re-registration of voters in Tunica County.
All of us have a right to have fair and honest elections in Tunica County, MS.
Bob was at City Hall this morning and ran into Tom Dees from Channel 13. I spoke with Tom on the phone and he came to the house.
The story Tom is working on today has to do with the rejected affidavit ballots from the Tunica County Primary on 4 Aug 2015. Apparently, on behalf of 19 of the disenfranchised voters, Mayor Chuck Cariker filed a complaint with the Secretary of States Office. Thank you for doing that Chuck. By my count, the disenfranchised voters from Precinct 4 is 27. So, I'm not sure who was included in Chuck's complaint. I think all disenfranchised voters deserve an answer from the Circuit Clerk.
To restate what has been said on this blog before: I was a Poll Watcher at Precinct 4 on 4 Aug 2015. The two Poll Managers were not newly trained. Both ladies have been Poll Managers at Precinct 4 on at least 3 separate occasions when I was a Poll Watcher for various candidates. As I understand it, these two Poll Managers are saying they were called the night before the election. So, what happened to the people who were trained for these positions and why did they call in at the last minute and say they couldn't work?
If we know for sure and for certain that the two Poll Managers at Precinct 4 were Poll Managers on at least 3 occasions, isn't it reasonable for us to expect that they know how to do their job? Isn't it reasonable for us to expect that when these two Poll Managers signed an affidavit ballot they would recognize that a ballot was not complete and they would be able to tell the voter what needed to be done to successfully complete their ballot? What a mess.
I hope MS State Officials will come in and investigate our Election Commission and the Circuit Clerk's Office. I hope the Board of Supervisors will call for a re-registration of voters in Tunica County.
All of us have a right to have fair and honest elections in Tunica County, MS.
A reposting of the facts in Boykin vs DEC
From the MS Secretary of State’s Candidate Qualifying Guide:
Justice Court Judge: A candidate for Justice Court Judge shall be a qualified elector and resident of the county for two (2) years next preceding his selection and shall have a high school graduate or a general equivalency diploma unless he shall have served as a justice of the peace or been elected to the office of justice of the peace prior to January 1, 1976. Miss Code Ann. 9-11-3; Miss Const. of 1890, Article VI, 171.
- Boykin worked for the Shelby County Sheriff from 2 Jan 1990 until 31 Jan 2015.
- Boykin’s job with Shelby County required her to “reside in Shelby County by date of employment and must remain a resident of Shelby County.” Blogger's note: Boykin resigned her position in Shelby County on 31 Jan 2015.
- Records from Shelby County show Boykin’s residence to be 3451 Birdsong Ferry Road, Memphis, TN 38118 and she last voted in Tennessee on 4 Nov 2014 using this address.
- Boykin’s voter record from Shelby County shows she voted in Shelby County Elections from 1 Aug 1994 through 4 Nov 2014.
- Boykin canceled her voter registration in Shelby County on 9 Mar 2015 stating she had moved out of the County.
- Boykin registered to vote in Tunica County on 13 Jan 2015. Note: Boykin’s voter registration in Shelby County, TN was not canceled until 9 Mar 2015.
- Boykin’s Tunica County voting record states she lives at 3465 Dishmon Cove in Tunica, MS 38676 (PO Box 1814)
- With this address Boykin will vote in Precinct 8 at the Tunica Auditorium: Beat 4.
- On 10 Feb 2015 Boykin submitted a Qualifying Statement of Intent to run in the Democratic Primary for the office of Justice Court Judge in the Southern District.
- Boykin’s Qualifying Statement of Intent shows the 3465 Dishmon Cove in Tunica, MS 38676 (PO Box 1814) address. Note: She did not cancel her Shelby County, TN voter registration until 9 Mar 2015. Additionally, Boykin used the Cedar Drive address to register to vote on 13 Jan 2015 and she used the Dishmon Cove address on her Qualifying Statement of Intent on 10 Feb 2015. Blogger's note: These addresses are in 2 different Beats.
- Boykin’s Tunica County Voter Registration on 13 Jan 2015 lists an address at 1168 Cedar Drive and states she has lived at this address in Tunica County, MS from Feb 1998 until the present.
- Boykin’s Voter Registration on 13 Jan 2015 using the 1168 Cedar Drive, Tunica, MS address would put her voter registration in the White Oak Area: Beat 3.
- If Boykin told TN she lived in TN when she stated on her Tunica County Voter Registration she lived at 1168 Cedar Drive from 2/1998 until the present, she wasn’t being truthful to the requirements of her Shelby County, TN employer.
- If Boykin told Tunica County she’s lived in Tunica County, MS for “at least 2 years”, she wasn’t being truthful to Tunica County, MS. because she was telling Shelby County, TN, she lived at 3451 Birdsong Ferry Road, Memphis, TN. All this while she was telling Tunica County, MS she lived at 1168 Cedar Drive, Tunica, MS.
- If Boykin wants to satisfy the 2 year requirement for the office of Justice Court Judge for the Southern District, she needs to tell us where she was living on 4 August 2013. This would be 2 years before the primary election. Of course, she would have to explain to Shelby County why she voted in Tennessee as their records clearly show.
I can't say it enough. Thank you. Thank you, to the Tunica County Democratic Executive Committee for standing up for fair and honest elections in our County.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
UPDATED 25 Sep 2015: DEC to Appeal to the Supreme Court of MS
UPDATE: 25 Sep 2015
And here is another source and a quote from the 22 Sep 2015 hearing. This source is the Tunica Times dated 25 Sep 2015 with a by line for both Brooks Taylor and Meg Coker. The last line of the article is quoting Judge Lackey and his position that Boykin was not on the 4 Aug 2015 ballot. We all know this is not true because Boykin's name did appear on the ballot. So, here is Judge Lackey in his own words:
"The court finds that Ms. Boykin is entitled to sanctions for the willful disregard of this court's orders and the Supreme Court's order to put her name on the ballot."
Begin Original Post:
I am so proud of this group of private citizens who have stood up for what is right. They have been working tirelessly to make elections in Tunica County fair and honest. They have been working for you and for me and I am grateful.
This morning, Judge Lackey ruled against the DEC and charged members of the DEC personally to cover sanctions he imposed to the tune of $15,000.00. As a part of his ruling, Judge Lackey stated that there was a letter, signed by DEC Vice Chair Mark Hudson. This letter supposedly stated that the DEC had hired Willie Griffin to represent them in the Boykin case. This is not true. Willie Griffin was hired by Sonny Nickson and McKinley Daley for their cases only. The following is a reprint of a section of an affidavit signed by Hudson and other DEC Members:
"4. At no time did the Tunica County Democratic Executive Committee pay and/or retain Attorney Willie Griffin to represent the Tunica County Democratic Executive Committee.
5. At no time did the Tunica County Democratic Executive Committee ever authorize Mr. Willie Griffin or any other attorney to enter into any agreement to have Ms. Jacqueline Dishmon-Boykin's name placed on the primary election ballot."
Judge Lackey also stated that the DEC prevented Boykin from being placed on the ballot. That is not true and we all know that Boykin appeared on the 4 Aug 2015 Primary Ballot.
Then Judge Lackey thanked Kenneth Grigsby for representing the DEC pro-bono. Mr. Grigsby stood and told Judge Lackey that he was not working pro-bono; he was being paid by members of the DEC. Where did Judge Lackey get the idea that Attorney Grigsby was working for free?
Then Judge Lackey stated that the DEC had used the Tunica County Courthouse as a play ground and that the DEC had used him. What? Citizens have a right to redress in the Courts. What the heck is Judge Lackey talking about?
It appears to me that Judge Lackey had it in for this group of citizens. It is my understanding that the two attorneys had reached an agreement to settle this case this morning and Judge Lackey would not accept their agreement. None of the facts in this case have been heard by Judge Lackey. Last week, there wasn't a Court Reporter and this week the DEC was not allowed to present their evidence. Just how is this fair in the United States of America?
The facts remain: On 4 Nov 2014, Jacqueline Dishmon-Boykin voted in TN. Therefore, her claim that she was a resident of Tunica County for 2 years prior as is required to run for Justice Court Judge in the State of MS, is not right. If it is true that she was living in MS and voting in TN, this would be an even bigger problem for her and I would not want to be standing in her shoes.
The next time you meet up with a member of the Tunica County Democratic Executive Committee, tell them thank you for standing up for fair and honest elections. And you might think about giving them a donation to help pay their costs in standing up for all of us.
And here is another source and a quote from the 22 Sep 2015 hearing. This source is the Tunica Times dated 25 Sep 2015 with a by line for both Brooks Taylor and Meg Coker. The last line of the article is quoting Judge Lackey and his position that Boykin was not on the 4 Aug 2015 ballot. We all know this is not true because Boykin's name did appear on the ballot. So, here is Judge Lackey in his own words:
"The court finds that Ms. Boykin is entitled to sanctions for the willful disregard of this court's orders and the Supreme Court's order to put her name on the ballot."
Begin Original Post:
I am so proud of this group of private citizens who have stood up for what is right. They have been working tirelessly to make elections in Tunica County fair and honest. They have been working for you and for me and I am grateful.
This morning, Judge Lackey ruled against the DEC and charged members of the DEC personally to cover sanctions he imposed to the tune of $15,000.00. As a part of his ruling, Judge Lackey stated that there was a letter, signed by DEC Vice Chair Mark Hudson. This letter supposedly stated that the DEC had hired Willie Griffin to represent them in the Boykin case. This is not true. Willie Griffin was hired by Sonny Nickson and McKinley Daley for their cases only. The following is a reprint of a section of an affidavit signed by Hudson and other DEC Members:
"4. At no time did the Tunica County Democratic Executive Committee pay and/or retain Attorney Willie Griffin to represent the Tunica County Democratic Executive Committee.
5. At no time did the Tunica County Democratic Executive Committee ever authorize Mr. Willie Griffin or any other attorney to enter into any agreement to have Ms. Jacqueline Dishmon-Boykin's name placed on the primary election ballot."
Judge Lackey also stated that the DEC prevented Boykin from being placed on the ballot. That is not true and we all know that Boykin appeared on the 4 Aug 2015 Primary Ballot.
Then Judge Lackey thanked Kenneth Grigsby for representing the DEC pro-bono. Mr. Grigsby stood and told Judge Lackey that he was not working pro-bono; he was being paid by members of the DEC. Where did Judge Lackey get the idea that Attorney Grigsby was working for free?
Then Judge Lackey stated that the DEC had used the Tunica County Courthouse as a play ground and that the DEC had used him. What? Citizens have a right to redress in the Courts. What the heck is Judge Lackey talking about?
It appears to me that Judge Lackey had it in for this group of citizens. It is my understanding that the two attorneys had reached an agreement to settle this case this morning and Judge Lackey would not accept their agreement. None of the facts in this case have been heard by Judge Lackey. Last week, there wasn't a Court Reporter and this week the DEC was not allowed to present their evidence. Just how is this fair in the United States of America?
The facts remain: On 4 Nov 2014, Jacqueline Dishmon-Boykin voted in TN. Therefore, her claim that she was a resident of Tunica County for 2 years prior as is required to run for Justice Court Judge in the State of MS, is not right. If it is true that she was living in MS and voting in TN, this would be an even bigger problem for her and I would not want to be standing in her shoes.
The next time you meet up with a member of the Tunica County Democratic Executive Committee, tell them thank you for standing up for fair and honest elections. And you might think about giving them a donation to help pay their costs in standing up for all of us.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
My Platform for Election of Barbara R. Tuchel: Supervisor, Beat 2
On Nov 3, 2015,
Vote for Transparency
Vote for Transparency
Elect Barbara R. Tuchel
Supervisor Beat 2
Beat 2 Meetings will be held each month on the following dates.
Beat 2 residents will have an opportunity to voice his or her concerns.
We will be discussing anything that is of concern to you, the residents of Beat 2.
Beat 2 residents will have an opportunity to voice his or her concerns.
We will be discussing anything that is of concern to you, the residents of Beat 2.
Mon, 25 Jan 2016 @ 5:30p in the Courthouse
Mon, 22 Feb 2016 @ 5:30p in the Courthouse
Mon, 28 Mar 2016 @ 5:30p in the Courthouse
Mon, 25 Apr 2016 @ 5:30p in the Courthouse
Mon, 23 May 2016 @ 5:30p in the Courthouse
Mon, 27 Jun 2016 @ 5:30p in the Courthouse
Mon, 25 Jul 2016 @ 5:30p in the Courthouse
Mon, 29 Aug 2016 @ 5:30p in the Courthouse
Mon, 26 Sep 2016 @ 5:30p in the Courthouse
Mon, 24 Oct 2016 @ 5:30p in the Courthouse
Mon, 28 Nov 2016 @ 5:30p in the Courthouse
Mon, 19 Dec 2016 @ 5:30p in the Courthouse
Additionally, I will have an office in our home at 1268 Hickory Lane in Tunica.
My sole reason for running for the Supervisor's position in Beat 2 is to serve you.
My main focus will always be the residents of Beat 2. You are my first priority. You come first.
Additionally, I will be exploring Monthly Projects in addition to my other Supervisory responsibilities. Here is my plan:
Additionally, I will have an office in our home at 1268 Hickory Lane in Tunica.
My sole reason for running for the Supervisor's position in Beat 2 is to serve you.
My main focus will always be the residents of Beat 2. You are my first priority. You come first.
Additionally, I will be exploring Monthly Projects in addition to my other Supervisory responsibilities. Here is my plan:
Jan 2016: Employees:
Review each employee’s file to make sure each person is being paid the correct salary and receiving their full benefits.
Review each employee’s file to make sure each person is being paid the correct salary and receiving their full benefits.
Feb 2016: Parks and Recreation:
Discuss how to increase the participation at the Aquatics Center.
Review Recreation Programs.
Review Senior Citizen Programs.
Explore moving Summer Jobs Program to the Tunica County School District and reassigning Parks and Rec employees to Senior Services.
Discuss how to increase the participation at the Aquatics Center.
Review Recreation Programs.
Review Senior Citizen Programs.
Explore moving Summer Jobs Program to the Tunica County School District and reassigning Parks and Rec employees to Senior Services.
Mar 2016: Arena:
Review the Arena’s event calendar.
Find ways to increase bookings.
Discuss forming a Citizen’s Committee for the purpose of assisting with ideas for events.
Review the Arena’s event calendar.
Find ways to increase bookings.
Discuss forming a Citizen’s Committee for the purpose of assisting with ideas for events.
Apr 2016: Economic Development:
Encourage diversity in recruiting new businesses. Example: Distribution Centers.
Keep an active list of Tunicans who have successfully completed the manufacturing courses. Make this list public.
Create a new list of acceptable concessions for prospective companies.
Example: Most important on this list must be: Hiring of Tunica County residents.
Create a list of benefits: Example: Highway and River Transportation.
Discuss forming a Citizen’s Committee for the purpose of making sure all lists are up-to-date; create a list of prospective companies.
Encourage diversity in recruiting new businesses. Example: Distribution Centers.
Keep an active list of Tunicans who have successfully completed the manufacturing courses. Make this list public.
Create a new list of acceptable concessions for prospective companies.
Example: Most important on this list must be: Hiring of Tunica County residents.
Create a list of benefits: Example: Highway and River Transportation.
Discuss forming a Citizen’s Committee for the purpose of making sure all lists are up-to-date; create a list of prospective companies.
May 2016: Lawsuits:
Review past and active lawsuits.
Identify problems areas and/or personnel.
Implement training through Human Resources.
Review past and active lawsuits.
Identify problems areas and/or personnel.
Implement training through Human Resources.
Jun 2016: Housing and Planning:
Come up with a plan to beautify our community.
Work with the Board’s Attorney to streamline the clean-up process.
Develop links to grants and funding sources.
Come up with a plan to beautify our community.
Work with the Board’s Attorney to streamline the clean-up process.
Develop links to grants and funding sources.
These are the first six months of special projects. Future months will include: the Airport, Golf Course, River Park and Museum.
I am asking for your vote on 3 Nov 2015
Vote for Transparency
Elect Barbara R. Tuchel, Supervisor Beat 2.
I promise, you will not be disappointed.
Vote for Transparency
Elect Barbara R. Tuchel, Supervisor Beat 2.
I promise, you will not be disappointed.
Everybody wants to be a Supervisor...Beat 2
There are 5 candidates on the 3 Nov 2015 Ballot for the position of Beat 2 Supervisor. I am the only one who has done the work to become familiar with our government and it's problems. I've been doing this work for many years. There will be no learning curve if I am elected.
I continue to be baffled by the other 4 candidates lack of participation. To be fair, one of the candidates has attended the last 2 Board of Supervisor meetings but he leaves before the results of the Executive Session are even heard by the public. And you want a seat at the table?
The number of candidates for this office will divide the vote. I have to ask: Why are you running?
Last week the political ad for Michael Eugene Johnson, Jr. was included in the 11 Sep 2015 issue of the Tunica Times. Johnson did not participate in the Supervisor debates. The moderator stated that he was only interested in debating the General Election Candidates. Let's have that debate now:
Johnson's ad is headed with: VOTE, Michael E. Johnson, Jr., Supervisor, District 2
My platform is headed by: Vote for Transparency, Elect Barbara R. Tuchel, Supervisor Beat 2
See the difference? Johnson's ad is all about him. My platform is all about YOU.
Johnson: "My wife Elizabeth and I are both lifelong residents of Tunica who desire to see our hometown flourish while we raise our two sons here."
Tuchel: Hometown? Beat 2 takes in more than the Town of Tunica.
Johnson: "I realize that tough decisions have to be made to make Tunica sustainable, and that business as usual will not work. We need elected officials who serve the public and truly care about what is best for our community."
Tuchel: And you've shown this how? Where were you when many citizens were working to remove the former Superintendent of Education? He was harming our children, ruining our schools and therefore, making us less attractive to new businesses and residents. I've never seen you at a Board of Education Meeting. But you don't really care about that, do you? To ignore our public schools and their impact on our children, our economy and our potential residents speaks volumes about your willingness to serve all residents of Beat 2 and all of Tunica County.
Johnson: "We must act together to create jobs rather than taxing our existing businesses and residents until they fail or leave."
Tuchel: It was large landowners and others who sat on the Board of Supervisors from 1998 until 2011 who reduced and/or continued our tax base for essential services to just about nothing. And who did this benefit the most? Who were these Supervisors?
Dunn, Henderson, Battle, Jr., Tucker, Pegram, Burnett, Battle,III, Jackson, and Bobby Williams.
What has to happen is this: When revenue from gaming started going down, we needed to increase revenue from other sources. Essential governmental services have to be funded by taxes because we can control this source of income.
To make matters worse, the above Supervisors bonded all of these Tourism Assets (Arena, Museum, Airport, RiverPark and Golf Course) without doing any feasibility studies. Then they kept refinancing these bonds and borrowing a little here and a little there and we still owe the money. What is your solution? Close the doors on these facilities? Put people out of work?
Johnson: "Simply raising taxes will not solve our problems."
Tuchel: You are right...simply raising taxes will not solve our problems but cutting taxes to next to nothing created a huge financial mess. We have to right size our government by being taxed for essential services. We have to make our public schools desirable. We have to get Economic Development to work for all of us and not just the rich landowners with property to sell. What have these manufacturing plants done for the citizens of Tunica County? The landowners made some money. The plants don't pay any taxes for 10 years...except for School taxes...and there are virtually no jobs for Tunicans. How's this working for us? It's not. We need to get a return on our investment from Economic Development.
Johnson: "This government must be treated like a business that spends less than it takes in. This is currently not the case."
Tuchel: And who put us in this position? Former Supervisors and two of these guys are on the 3 Nov 2015 Ballot so they can take another shot at us? Pegram and Jackson were listed above. They didn't make decisions that benefitted Tunica before so what is their plan now?
Johnson: "We do not have the revenue from gaming that we have enjoyed in the past. However, Tunica County receives more gaming revenue than any other county in the Mississippi Delta. If we all work together, Tunica can be the most desirable, safest, cleanest community in Mississippi, full of growth and prosperity."
Tuchel: Those sure are some pretty words. Here are the facts: We have more debt than other gaming locations too. Go take a look at the taxes from other MS counties. Those that have gaming didn't get rid of their tax base. Tunica did.
Johnson: "As a Tunica County leader, I will work to create unity and partnerships so we can address our challenges together. My decisions as Supervisor will consider what is best for all the people of Tunica, and I will not be motivated by personal gain."
Tuchel: What? Who are your supporters? The farming community? Who are you related to? Where have you been? I haven't witnessed any leadership from you or any other Beat 2 Candidate.
Johnson: "We have to come together to provide a better quality of life for all the people in our community."
Tuchel: And just how are you going to do this? You haven't been involved with our government before. So, why now? Are wealthy Tunicans losing their power? Are you representing them or us?
Conclusion: Beat 2, meet your new Supervisor: Michael Eugene Johnson, Jr. Make no mistake, he is going to win this election. Tunica won't stand-up for what is best for them. We have continued to elect and re-elect those who say they are running to serve all of the people. The result is always that they serve themselves and their friends. Beat 2 isn't ready for a candidate who isn't related to anyone in the State of Mississippi. Beat 2 isn't ready to stand-up for a candidate who has already stood up for you.
I continue to be baffled by the other 4 candidates lack of participation. To be fair, one of the candidates has attended the last 2 Board of Supervisor meetings but he leaves before the results of the Executive Session are even heard by the public. And you want a seat at the table?
The number of candidates for this office will divide the vote. I have to ask: Why are you running?
Last week the political ad for Michael Eugene Johnson, Jr. was included in the 11 Sep 2015 issue of the Tunica Times. Johnson did not participate in the Supervisor debates. The moderator stated that he was only interested in debating the General Election Candidates. Let's have that debate now:
Johnson's ad is headed with: VOTE, Michael E. Johnson, Jr., Supervisor, District 2
My platform is headed by: Vote for Transparency, Elect Barbara R. Tuchel, Supervisor Beat 2
See the difference? Johnson's ad is all about him. My platform is all about YOU.
Johnson: "My wife Elizabeth and I are both lifelong residents of Tunica who desire to see our hometown flourish while we raise our two sons here."
Tuchel: Hometown? Beat 2 takes in more than the Town of Tunica.
Johnson: "I realize that tough decisions have to be made to make Tunica sustainable, and that business as usual will not work. We need elected officials who serve the public and truly care about what is best for our community."
Tuchel: And you've shown this how? Where were you when many citizens were working to remove the former Superintendent of Education? He was harming our children, ruining our schools and therefore, making us less attractive to new businesses and residents. I've never seen you at a Board of Education Meeting. But you don't really care about that, do you? To ignore our public schools and their impact on our children, our economy and our potential residents speaks volumes about your willingness to serve all residents of Beat 2 and all of Tunica County.
Johnson: "We must act together to create jobs rather than taxing our existing businesses and residents until they fail or leave."
Tuchel: It was large landowners and others who sat on the Board of Supervisors from 1998 until 2011 who reduced and/or continued our tax base for essential services to just about nothing. And who did this benefit the most? Who were these Supervisors?
Dunn, Henderson, Battle, Jr., Tucker, Pegram, Burnett, Battle,III, Jackson, and Bobby Williams.
What has to happen is this: When revenue from gaming started going down, we needed to increase revenue from other sources. Essential governmental services have to be funded by taxes because we can control this source of income.
To make matters worse, the above Supervisors bonded all of these Tourism Assets (Arena, Museum, Airport, RiverPark and Golf Course) without doing any feasibility studies. Then they kept refinancing these bonds and borrowing a little here and a little there and we still owe the money. What is your solution? Close the doors on these facilities? Put people out of work?
Johnson: "Simply raising taxes will not solve our problems."
Tuchel: You are right...simply raising taxes will not solve our problems but cutting taxes to next to nothing created a huge financial mess. We have to right size our government by being taxed for essential services. We have to make our public schools desirable. We have to get Economic Development to work for all of us and not just the rich landowners with property to sell. What have these manufacturing plants done for the citizens of Tunica County? The landowners made some money. The plants don't pay any taxes for 10 years...except for School taxes...and there are virtually no jobs for Tunicans. How's this working for us? It's not. We need to get a return on our investment from Economic Development.
Johnson: "This government must be treated like a business that spends less than it takes in. This is currently not the case."
Tuchel: And who put us in this position? Former Supervisors and two of these guys are on the 3 Nov 2015 Ballot so they can take another shot at us? Pegram and Jackson were listed above. They didn't make decisions that benefitted Tunica before so what is their plan now?
Johnson: "We do not have the revenue from gaming that we have enjoyed in the past. However, Tunica County receives more gaming revenue than any other county in the Mississippi Delta. If we all work together, Tunica can be the most desirable, safest, cleanest community in Mississippi, full of growth and prosperity."
Tuchel: Those sure are some pretty words. Here are the facts: We have more debt than other gaming locations too. Go take a look at the taxes from other MS counties. Those that have gaming didn't get rid of their tax base. Tunica did.
Johnson: "As a Tunica County leader, I will work to create unity and partnerships so we can address our challenges together. My decisions as Supervisor will consider what is best for all the people of Tunica, and I will not be motivated by personal gain."
Tuchel: What? Who are your supporters? The farming community? Who are you related to? Where have you been? I haven't witnessed any leadership from you or any other Beat 2 Candidate.
Johnson: "We have to come together to provide a better quality of life for all the people in our community."
Tuchel: And just how are you going to do this? You haven't been involved with our government before. So, why now? Are wealthy Tunicans losing their power? Are you representing them or us?
Conclusion: Beat 2, meet your new Supervisor: Michael Eugene Johnson, Jr. Make no mistake, he is going to win this election. Tunica won't stand-up for what is best for them. We have continued to elect and re-elect those who say they are running to serve all of the people. The result is always that they serve themselves and their friends. Beat 2 isn't ready for a candidate who isn't related to anyone in the State of Mississippi. Beat 2 isn't ready to stand-up for a candidate who has already stood up for you.
Beat 2 isn't ready to Vote for Transparency by Electing Barbara R. Tuchel, Beat 2 Supervisor.
Or are YOU?
Sunday, September 13, 2015
8 Sep 2015: Election Commission Meeting
So where was everybody? I was upstairs delivering a report to the BOS on the 4 Aug 2015 Election
Where is your outrage now? These problems are not going away by themselves. Do you even recognize how much effort goes into just bringing problems to the public's attention.?
Maybe having your ballot thrown out wasn't that important to you.
Where is your outrage now? These problems are not going away by themselves. Do you even recognize how much effort goes into just bringing problems to the public's attention.?
Maybe having your ballot thrown out wasn't that important to you.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
8 Sep 2015 Board of Supervisors' Transparency Report
The following is the report I presented at last night's BOSs' Meeting. As always, I do not know how to upload documents and pictures. There is a list to the documents at the end of this post. If you would like to see these documents, they are available in the Chancery Clerk's Office.
I feel a need to make this statement: I have been criticized for well, criticizing Cedric Burnett. Do you think this is fun for me or I go looking for things to report to you? If you think that, you would be wrong. I report what I can document from what others tell me and when I am hit in the face with wrong doing. For the life of me, I do not under why some people blindly follow this man and keep voting for him.
So, here's the report:
8 Sep 2015 @ Board of Supervisors’ Meeting @ 5p
I feel a need to make this statement: I have been criticized for well, criticizing Cedric Burnett. Do you think this is fun for me or I go looking for things to report to you? If you think that, you would be wrong. I report what I can document from what others tell me and when I am hit in the face with wrong doing. For the life of me, I do not under why some people blindly follow this man and keep voting for him.
So, here's the report:
8 Sep 2015 @ Board of Supervisors’ Meeting @ 5p
Thank you for the appointment
this evening.
The purpose of this report is
to give you documented information from my experiences as a Poll Watcher at the
Tunica Library on 4 Aug 2015. At the
conclusion of this report, the Transparency Committee will be asking you to
consider voter reregistration for all of Tunica County.
At approximately 11:30p on
Mon, 3 Aug 2015, I received supplies to use as I volunteered to Poll Watch for
Candidate Marilyn Young. Included in
these supplies were my Credentials to be a Poll Watcher and a copy of the voter
rolls for Precinct 4. As you are now
aware, I am not one who just shows up without doing my homework. So, at 11:30p I sat down to review the voter
roll.
As I’ve reported to you more
than a few times in the past, the first thing I looked for was voters who had
not voted since 2004. I have been trying
to get the Election Commission to purge the voter rolls for the County and place
those who had not voted since 2004 on the inactive voter roll. This latest voter roll proved that voters who
had not voted since 2004 were still on the voter.
As an aside, Election
Commission President Elijah Williams stated to me that “You don’t really expect
any of these people to come in and vote do you?” Well, guess what Mr. Williams, 2 such voters
voted on 4 Aug 2015 at the Tunica Library.
Back to my examination of the
voter rolls for Precinct 4 on the evening of 3 Aug 2015. After highlighting those who have not voted
since 2004, I went column by column to familiarize myself with the list of
voters.
On 4 Aug 2015, I arrived at
Precinct 4 before 7a. During the day I
witnessed more than a few problems at this location. I will limit this report to 3 instances and
the harassment I experienced as I watched the polls.
It’s Election Day:
- There are 30 absentee ballots listed for Precinct 4.
- Voters who are listed as not having voted since 2004 but voted in
this elections:
- Shirley R. Figgs
- James Henry Wilson (voted absentee)
- Early on it became apparent that there was something wrong with
the voter rolls as many citizens were arriving to vote and found their
names were not on the rolls.
- When Candidate Cedric Burnett arrived at the polls, both Poll
Managers (Ruby Jones and Mary Carter) jumped up for hugs. Let’s be clear, Poll Managers, Bailiffs
and Poll Workers as their first qualification to volunteer have to be
impartial. I have been a Poll
Watcher for various candidates at Precinct 4 at least 3 times. All three times both Jones and Carter
were Poll Managers. Their behavior on 4 Aug 2015 was nothing new. Additionally,
Jones and Carter called the Circuit Clerk and asked the Circuit Clerk to
decide questions around whether a voter can vote on a machine or a
challenge or an affidavit. These
decisions are to be made at the Precinct and if Poll Managers are not
capable of making those decisions they do not need to be placed in these
very important positions.
- During the morning 2 Town of Tunica police officers were
dispatched by the Sheriff’s Department to investigate a disturbance at Precinct
4. There was no disturbance.
- Then the Chair of the DEC and Marilyn Young were called by the Sec. of States Office with a complaint that I needed to be removed from the Precinct because I was trying to find out how people were voting. This complaint was quickly debunked. The Sec of State’s Office reported that the complaining phone call came from the Tunica County Circuit Clerk. Blogger's note: Isn't it strange that I was Poll Watching for Marilyn Young and "someone" wanted me removed? And isn't it strange that it is pretty well known in Tunica County that I am not going to be quiet when I see something that is wrong? Just saying.
- First of 2 voter problems:
- Michael Eugene Johnson, Jr. is a resident of Beat 2 and lives at
917 School Street.
- Johnson, Jr. came in to vote and found his name was not on the
voter rolls.
- Johnson, Jr. was allowed to vote on a machine.
- However, I believe when the voter roll was checked off, the Poll
Manager marked Michael Eugene Johnson, Sr. who lives at 1300 Cummings.
- After Johnson, Jr. left, I asked the Poll Manager to check to see
if she had marked Johnson, Sr. as having voted. Reason: What would happen if Johnson,
Sr. arrived to vote only to find out his name had already been marked as
having voted?
- The Poll Manager slammed the roll book, said she isn’t lookin’ up nothin’ and left the room.
- Then a process server from the Sheriff’s Department showed up at the Precinct to ask the location of Bob Tuchel so that he could be served a summons for the next day, 5 Aug 2015 at 10a. This is the second time the Sheriff’s Department has done this. First of all, they know where we live and second they know the difference between Bob and me. Quit bothering me with summons for Bob. I am not a member of the DEC and I am not Bob Tuchel. Btw, how did the Sheriff’s Department know that I was at the Library? Blogger's note: Summons are to be served 10 days prior to appearance.
- The second voter problem I am reporting about came at approximately 12:25p. The evening before, I recognized an address on the voter roll as being concerning. Googling the address found that it did not exist. And here we go again! Clara Burnett’s address on the voter roll is listed as 1095 Prichard which is where she lives. The address for Rachelle Burnett is listed on the voter roll as 1095 Beatline Road. Now, I don’t know Rachelle Burnett from Adam’s House Cat. I look at what is listed and try to find the truth or the problem.
- When Rachelle Burnett arrived at the Precinct, I approached the sign-in table and asked which address was correct so that it could be corrected on the voter roll. Rachelle stated that both addresses were correct. I then told the Poll Manager I was challenging this ballot. Rather than making the decision at the Precinct as is the procedure, the Poll Manager called the Circuit Clerk and said she was told to let her (Rachelle Burnett) vote on a machine rather than a Challenge Ballot. Blogger's note: The Challenge was not accepted. Why? Because her last name was Burnett?
- After the Election I researched the above circumstance. Bob and I took pictures on Beatline Road and there is no such address. I have included among the documentation in this report what I found online. The documents show an address at 2052 Heritage Place in Morrow, GA 30260-2500. Her relatives are listed as Cedric Burnett, Clara Burnett, Earl Burnett and Tishia Hollerway. I have to ask you all. You know this type of stuff is going on. Why aren’t you acting?
- So, that’s the 2 examples from the Precinct.
- The next example came from the Affidavit Caucus during the afternoon of Wed, 5 Aug 2015. At the Tunica Auditorium there were 9 Affidavit Ballots and all nine were rejected. The rejected ballots were:
i. Tony Miller
ii. Florine Shannon
ii. Florine Shannon
iii. Marlon Sutton
iv. Beatrice Monroe
v. Rena Jackson
vi. Doris Shannon
vii. Patricia Pounds
viii. Shandrica Pearson
ix. Adrian McKay
- When McKay’s name was announced I asked if this was the same Adrian McKay that was the Tunica County Comptroller. The answer was yes. I asked the address. I was told 1008 Wilson in Tunica. Note: The Tunica Times was present during this questioning.)
- i. I knew that McKay lived at 6425 Shenandoah Lane in Olive Branch.
ii. I asked the Chancery Clerk in Hernando to send copies
of Adrian and Shawonda McKay’s Homestead Exemption for their home in Olive
Branch and copies are included in this report.
iii. The McKays’ Homestead Exemption Application was filed
on 15 Jan 2015.
iv. The home on Wilson was deeded to Adrian McKay on 28
Jul 2015 and this documentation is also included with this report. Owning property in Tunica County does not
necessarily mean you can vote in Tunica County.
v. Since when is it okay to live in another county, claim
a tax credit in another county and vote in Tunica County? We even have people claiming Homestead in
other counties and trying to get on our ballot.
This just isn’t right and you all know it isn’t right.
vi. Hopefully, this Board and the County Administrator
will discuss this with the Comptroller and report back to the public. We do have a right to know why someone who is in-charge of Tunica
County finances thought this was okay.
Blogger's Note: There are those in our Community who want to replace the current County Administrator with Adrian McKay. Now that this has come up in a very public setting, how can you support this? If you do, you are a problem.
Blogger's Note: There are those in our Community who want to replace the current County Administrator with Adrian McKay. Now that this has come up in a very public setting, how can you support this? If you do, you are a problem.
Conclusions: The Election on
4 Aug 2015 in Tunica County was a disaster on so many levels. I’ve only reported to you some of what I witnessed. Believe me, I have heard a lot more but I try
to report only what I can document.
At Precinct 4, we’ve learned
that Ruby Jones and Mary Carter were called the night before the Election. If that is true, what happened to the 2
Managers who were trained by JJ Clay?
Are we to believe they both were sick or had to work or decided at the last minute not to serve?
After all of the problems,
I’m more inclined to believe this “switch” was planned all along. Maybe you have another idea but this is what
has occurred to me.
What can you do to help? Get the list of who was trained by the
Circuit Clerk’s Office, learn where they were assigned and find out why they
decided to not serve.
What else? The Board of Supervisors can take over the
duties of the Election Commission because they are not doing their job. You’ve heard this request before. When are you going to act?
And finally, the 2010 Census
reported we had 10,778 men, women and children in Tunica County. On 27 Jul 2015, the Tunica County Voter Rolls
showed 6,554 registered voters. That
seems a bit high to me. Perhaps it is time the Tunica County Board of Supervisors called for a
voter reregistration of Tunica County.
Documents in the Chancery Clerk's Office:
1. My Poll Watcher Credential Authorization
2. Page 199 of the Tunica County Voter Roll dated 27 Jul 2015. This shows a listing for Michael Eugene Johnson, Sr. but no listing for Michael Eugene Johnson, Jr.
3. Page 179 of the Tunica County Voter Roll dated 27 Jul 2015. This shows a listing for Clara Burnett and Rachelle Burnett.
4. A picture of the residence at 1075 Beatline Road.
5. A picture of the residence at 1077 Beatline Road.
6. A picture of the residence at 1099 Beatline Road. Note: There is not 1095 Beatline Road.
7. An online record for Rachelle Burnett showing her relatives as Cedric Burnett, Clara Burnett, Earl Burnett and Tishia Hollerway.
8. An online record for Rachelle Burnett showing her address at: 2052 Heritage Place in Morrow, GA.
9. My handwritten notes from the Affidavit Ballot Canvas on 5 Aug 2015.
10. Page 250 of the Tunica County Voter Roll dated 27 Jul 2015. This shows no listing for Adrian McKay.
11. A picture of the envelope from the Desoto County Chancery Clerk.
12. A copy of the Homestead Application for Adrian McKay in Horn Lake, MS for the year 1997.
13. A copy of the Homestead Application for Adrian and Shawonda McKay in Olive Branch, Mr. This application is dated 15 Jan 2015.
Blogger's note: I also have a copy of the transfer of the 1008 Wilson Street property to Adrian McKay on 28 Jul 2015. I didn't turn this in with this report because owning property in Tunica County does not give you the right to vote in Tunica County unless the property is where you are domiciled. Just how many other people are influencing our elections while not living here? How many of you are ready to stand-up and help make the necessary changes?
Documents in the Chancery Clerk's Office:
1. My Poll Watcher Credential Authorization
2. Page 199 of the Tunica County Voter Roll dated 27 Jul 2015. This shows a listing for Michael Eugene Johnson, Sr. but no listing for Michael Eugene Johnson, Jr.
3. Page 179 of the Tunica County Voter Roll dated 27 Jul 2015. This shows a listing for Clara Burnett and Rachelle Burnett.
4. A picture of the residence at 1075 Beatline Road.
5. A picture of the residence at 1077 Beatline Road.
6. A picture of the residence at 1099 Beatline Road. Note: There is not 1095 Beatline Road.
7. An online record for Rachelle Burnett showing her relatives as Cedric Burnett, Clara Burnett, Earl Burnett and Tishia Hollerway.
8. An online record for Rachelle Burnett showing her address at: 2052 Heritage Place in Morrow, GA.
9. My handwritten notes from the Affidavit Ballot Canvas on 5 Aug 2015.
10. Page 250 of the Tunica County Voter Roll dated 27 Jul 2015. This shows no listing for Adrian McKay.
11. A picture of the envelope from the Desoto County Chancery Clerk.
12. A copy of the Homestead Application for Adrian McKay in Horn Lake, MS for the year 1997.
13. A copy of the Homestead Application for Adrian and Shawonda McKay in Olive Branch, Mr. This application is dated 15 Jan 2015.
Blogger's note: I also have a copy of the transfer of the 1008 Wilson Street property to Adrian McKay on 28 Jul 2015. I didn't turn this in with this report because owning property in Tunica County does not give you the right to vote in Tunica County unless the property is where you are domiciled. Just how many other people are influencing our elections while not living here? How many of you are ready to stand-up and help make the necessary changes?
Now this is upsetting....
Did you know that the man who is accused of killing Attorney Ellis Pittman was being housed in the Tunica County Jail until a day or so ago? I've been checking the Tunica County Inmate Roster every so often and wondering how long he was going to be a guest of our Sheriff? My question here is why wasn't he transferred to Coahoma County as soon as he was taken into custody.
Now, I'm being told this person has bonded out for $250,000. Are you kidding me? I sure don't feel safe with someone like this running around in the Delta. Do you?
Now, I'm being told this person has bonded out for $250,000. Are you kidding me? I sure don't feel safe with someone like this running around in the Delta. Do you?
Thursday, September 3, 2015
UPDATE 8 Sep 2015: Tonight at the DEC
Tonight I attended the DEC hearing that was requested by Supervisor 5 Candidate Curly Mathews..
I only want to make one point. It appears to me that some Tunicans are under the impression that the DEC has some responsibility for the voter rolls provided to the Precincts on election day. They do not. These rolls are provided by the Circuit Clerk.
The Election Commission receives voter applications through the Circuit Clerk. The Tunica County Election Commission is not doing their job. How do I know this? Because I have been attending their meetings...when I could find them having a meeting.
I have continued to report to this Board of Supervisors and the previous Board of Supervisors about the Election Commission. Neither Board has done anything about the Election Commission. When I have reported to either Board of Supervisors the Tunica Times has been in attendance. However, the Tunica Times has never made mention of this report to the Boards in their publication. (If I missed a mention, please let me know and I will correct this statement.) What I am saying is that the Tunica Times has had first hand knowledge that things pertaining to the Circuit Clerk's Office and the Election Commission were not as they should be. As a matter of fact on 4 Jun 2013, I was standing under Brooks Taylor's election tent across the street from City Hall. Brooks said when this election was over, she wanted to talk with me about the Circuit Clerk's Office.
UPDATE: The Tunica Times did run an article about my report to the current BOS. This story ran in the 5 Jun 2015 issues of the TT. Have been waiting to hear if there are other articles that I missed. Maybe there are others. At this time, I do not remember them. So, if there are others, somebody please refresh my memory.
Now that this is cleared up, and since we now know the article ran on 5 Jun 2015 in the Tunica Times, we can conclude that the community was made aware there was a problem with the upkeep of the voter rolls in Beat 2. You could have heard it if you came to the BOSs' Meeting; you could have read it in the Tunica Times or you could have read it on this blog.
Now here is the point I wish to make: Perhaps it would help if we could all remember that the DEC is affiliated with the Democratic Party. The Circuit Clerk and the Election Commission are associated with our government. We would all be quite alarmed if a party had control of our voter rolls or our voter registration.
I only want to make one point. It appears to me that some Tunicans are under the impression that the DEC has some responsibility for the voter rolls provided to the Precincts on election day. They do not. These rolls are provided by the Circuit Clerk.
The Election Commission receives voter applications through the Circuit Clerk. The Tunica County Election Commission is not doing their job. How do I know this? Because I have been attending their meetings...when I could find them having a meeting.
I have continued to report to this Board of Supervisors and the previous Board of Supervisors about the Election Commission. Neither Board has done anything about the Election Commission. When I have reported to either Board of Supervisors the Tunica Times has been in attendance. However, the Tunica Times has never made mention of this report to the Boards in their publication. (If I missed a mention, please let me know and I will correct this statement.) What I am saying is that the Tunica Times has had first hand knowledge that things pertaining to the Circuit Clerk's Office and the Election Commission were not as they should be. As a matter of fact on 4 Jun 2013, I was standing under Brooks Taylor's election tent across the street from City Hall. Brooks said when this election was over, she wanted to talk with me about the Circuit Clerk's Office.
UPDATE: The Tunica Times did run an article about my report to the current BOS. This story ran in the 5 Jun 2015 issues of the TT. Have been waiting to hear if there are other articles that I missed. Maybe there are others. At this time, I do not remember them. So, if there are others, somebody please refresh my memory.
Now that this is cleared up, and since we now know the article ran on 5 Jun 2015 in the Tunica Times, we can conclude that the community was made aware there was a problem with the upkeep of the voter rolls in Beat 2. You could have heard it if you came to the BOSs' Meeting; you could have read it in the Tunica Times or you could have read it on this blog.
Now here is the point I wish to make: Perhaps it would help if we could all remember that the DEC is affiliated with the Democratic Party. The Circuit Clerk and the Election Commission are associated with our government. We would all be quite alarmed if a party had control of our voter rolls or our voter registration.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Hello Mayor
Last night after the Board of Supervisor's Meeting, I had a conversation with Tunica Mayor Chuck Cariker.
Part of this conversation had to do with information Chuck received from the Secretary of State. As I understand it, Chuck was told that I should not have been a Poll Worker at the Tunica Library on 4 Aug 2015. I want to set the record straight for all of you who may be thinking the same thing.
1. I was not a Poll Worker.
2. I was a Poll Watcher.
And here is the difference.
1. A Poll Worker is hired to work the polls by checking in voters, opening the polls, closing the polls, etc. Poll Workers also include a Poll Manager and a Bailiff..
2. A Poll Watcher is credentialed by a candidate to observe what happens at the Precinct and/or to check off the names of voters as they sign-in to vote. The purpose of checking off the names is to be able to communicate with the candidate who may have come to vote and who has not yet arrived at the polls With this information, the candidate can then communicate with the voter about how to get them to the polls to cast their ballot.
So, there it is sports fans. I was not a Poll Worker. I was a Poll Watcher. There is a difference.
PS: It is not illegal for me to have been a Poll Worker. It is just a little concerning when a General Election Candidate is also a Poll Worker. It doesn't look very good. Poll Workers are supposed to be fair and impartial. Again, I was not a Poll Worker. I was a Poll Watcher.
Part of this conversation had to do with information Chuck received from the Secretary of State. As I understand it, Chuck was told that I should not have been a Poll Worker at the Tunica Library on 4 Aug 2015. I want to set the record straight for all of you who may be thinking the same thing.
1. I was not a Poll Worker.
2. I was a Poll Watcher.
And here is the difference.
1. A Poll Worker is hired to work the polls by checking in voters, opening the polls, closing the polls, etc. Poll Workers also include a Poll Manager and a Bailiff..
2. A Poll Watcher is credentialed by a candidate to observe what happens at the Precinct and/or to check off the names of voters as they sign-in to vote. The purpose of checking off the names is to be able to communicate with the candidate who may have come to vote and who has not yet arrived at the polls With this information, the candidate can then communicate with the voter about how to get them to the polls to cast their ballot.
So, there it is sports fans. I was not a Poll Worker. I was a Poll Watcher. There is a difference.
PS: It is not illegal for me to have been a Poll Worker. It is just a little concerning when a General Election Candidate is also a Poll Worker. It doesn't look very good. Poll Workers are supposed to be fair and impartial. Again, I was not a Poll Worker. I was a Poll Watcher.
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