Sunday, December 18, 2011
Freedom of Information
The Transparency Committee has requested and received information leading up to the Public Hearing held 5 Dec 2011. We will be reviewing this information and will post our findings on this blog.
Keep it clean
This posting is being written to respond to the front page article “County; Keep it Clean” in the Fri, 16 Dec issue of the Tunica Times. I hope this letter will clarify the research the Transparency Committee did in preparation for this Public Hearing.
Our Committee reads the legal notices in the newspaper on a regular basis. When we noticed the resolution by the Board of Supervisors to hold a Public Hearing concerning the clean-up of property leased by Ed Walls, we thought that perhaps this was the first time this type of resolution by the Board of Supervisors had been posted in the Tunica Times. So, we researched each and every copy of the newspaper back to Nov 2010. We were correct. The Tunica County Board of Supervisors has discussed many properties that needed attention but they have not posted a legal notice in the newspaper about cleaning up those properties between Nov 2010 and 2 Dec 2011, except for the properties leased by Mr. Walls. We stand to be corrected if someone has other information.
As for the Public Hearing, Mr. Jewelie Brown, the Tunica County Code Enforcer, read more then a few names of properties that needed cleaning-up throughout the County. None of these residents have been posted in the newspaper by the Board of Supervisors so why was Mr. Walls? As a matter of fact, this Public Hearing was announced to specifically address the property leased by Mr. Walls. Therefore, discussing other properties during the Public Hearing was out of line.
Another paragraph in this article stated: “Beat 2 Supervisor Cedric Burnett asked if the tax obligations would fall on the tenant or the property owner.” Are you kidding me? Since when is a renter obligated to pay the property tax? Maybe I should rephrase this statement: Maybe the Beat 2 Supervisor is unaware of this logical conclusion because the last time I looked, his mother was still the taxpayer on the house and property he says he lives in.
All in all, I will stand by my statement. The actions of the Tunica County Board of Supervisors and the treatment of Mr. Walls by you during the 5 Dec 2011 Public Hearing “makes me think you are picking on Mr. Walls.
Our Committee reads the legal notices in the newspaper on a regular basis. When we noticed the resolution by the Board of Supervisors to hold a Public Hearing concerning the clean-up of property leased by Ed Walls, we thought that perhaps this was the first time this type of resolution by the Board of Supervisors had been posted in the Tunica Times. So, we researched each and every copy of the newspaper back to Nov 2010. We were correct. The Tunica County Board of Supervisors has discussed many properties that needed attention but they have not posted a legal notice in the newspaper about cleaning up those properties between Nov 2010 and 2 Dec 2011, except for the properties leased by Mr. Walls. We stand to be corrected if someone has other information.
As for the Public Hearing, Mr. Jewelie Brown, the Tunica County Code Enforcer, read more then a few names of properties that needed cleaning-up throughout the County. None of these residents have been posted in the newspaper by the Board of Supervisors so why was Mr. Walls? As a matter of fact, this Public Hearing was announced to specifically address the property leased by Mr. Walls. Therefore, discussing other properties during the Public Hearing was out of line.
Another paragraph in this article stated: “Beat 2 Supervisor Cedric Burnett asked if the tax obligations would fall on the tenant or the property owner.” Are you kidding me? Since when is a renter obligated to pay the property tax? Maybe I should rephrase this statement: Maybe the Beat 2 Supervisor is unaware of this logical conclusion because the last time I looked, his mother was still the taxpayer on the house and property he says he lives in.
All in all, I will stand by my statement. The actions of the Tunica County Board of Supervisors and the treatment of Mr. Walls by you during the 5 Dec 2011 Public Hearing “makes me think you are picking on Mr. Walls.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Harassment by Spotlight
That's right...spotlight.
Last Friday morning at 12:29a a Sheriff's car stopped in front of our house and shined a spotlight into our glass front door for 16 minutes. Since I was sitting not 6 feet from the front door, I got up and waved to the officer to show him or her that the person they were watching was in fact me. This didn't stop them either. Don't they have anything better to do? Geez.
This incident has been verified by the Sheriff's office as activity from each vehicle is recorded. The Sheriff's office cannot tell me the name of the officer who wasted our money or can they tell me who directed this officer to come by our house and waste our money shining a spotlight in our front door. I have been told the officer is being disiplined.
What a bunch of juvenile delinquents.
Last Friday morning at 12:29a a Sheriff's car stopped in front of our house and shined a spotlight into our glass front door for 16 minutes. Since I was sitting not 6 feet from the front door, I got up and waved to the officer to show him or her that the person they were watching was in fact me. This didn't stop them either. Don't they have anything better to do? Geez.
This incident has been verified by the Sheriff's office as activity from each vehicle is recorded. The Sheriff's office cannot tell me the name of the officer who wasted our money or can they tell me who directed this officer to come by our house and waste our money shining a spotlight in our front door. I have been told the officer is being disiplined.
What a bunch of juvenile delinquents.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Code of Ethics for County Officials
Have been searching for a document I promised to one of our newly elected officials. Came upon the following from the National Association of Counties (NACo). Thought this might be helpful for our county as a whole. Here's the document:
"NACo Code of Ethics for County Officials
Preamble:
The National Association of Counties (NACo)is committed to the highest standards of conduct by and among county officials in the performance of their public duties. Individual and collective adherence to high ethical standards by public officials is central to the maintenance of public trust and confidence in government.
While county officials agree on the need for proper conduct, they may experience personal conflict or (a) differing view of values or loyalties.
In such cases the priciples contained in this Code of Ethics provide valuable guidance in reaching decisions which are governed, ultimately, by the dictates of the individual conscience of the public official and his or her commitment to the public good.
Certain of these ethical principles are best expressed as positive statements: actions which should be taken; courses which should be followed; goals which should permeate both public and private conduct. Other principles are expressed as negative statements: actions to be avoided and conduct to be condemned.
The Code of Ethics for County Officials has been created by and for elected county officials. However, these priciples apply to the day to day conduct of both elected and appointed officials and employees of county government.
NACo recognizes that this Code of Ethics should serve as a valuable reference guide for all those in whom the public has placed its trust.
Ethical Principles
The ethical county official SHOULD:
*Properly administer the affairs of the county.
*Promote decisions which only benefit the public interest.
*Actively promote public confidence in county government.
*Keep safe all funds and other properties of the county.
*Conduct and perform the duties of the office diligently and promptly dispose of the business of the county.
*Maintain a positive image to pass constant public scrutiny.
*Evaluate all decisions so that the best service or product is obtained at a minimal cost without sacrificing quality and fiscal resposibility.
*Inject the prestige of the office into everyday dealings with the public employees and associates.
*Maintain a respectful attitude toward employees, other public officials, colleagues and associates.
*Effectively and efficiently work with governmental agencies, political subdivisions and other organizations in order to further the interest of the county.
*Faithfully comply with all laws and regulations applicable to the county and impartially apply them to everyone.
The ethical county official SHOULD NOT:
*Engage in outside interest that are not compatible with the impartial and objective performance of his or her duties.
*Improperly influence or attempt to infulence other officials to act in his or her own benefit.
*Accept anything of value from any source which is offered to influence his or her action as a public official."
"NACo Code of Ethics for County Officials
Preamble:
The National Association of Counties (NACo)is committed to the highest standards of conduct by and among county officials in the performance of their public duties. Individual and collective adherence to high ethical standards by public officials is central to the maintenance of public trust and confidence in government.
While county officials agree on the need for proper conduct, they may experience personal conflict or (a) differing view of values or loyalties.
In such cases the priciples contained in this Code of Ethics provide valuable guidance in reaching decisions which are governed, ultimately, by the dictates of the individual conscience of the public official and his or her commitment to the public good.
Certain of these ethical principles are best expressed as positive statements: actions which should be taken; courses which should be followed; goals which should permeate both public and private conduct. Other principles are expressed as negative statements: actions to be avoided and conduct to be condemned.
The Code of Ethics for County Officials has been created by and for elected county officials. However, these priciples apply to the day to day conduct of both elected and appointed officials and employees of county government.
NACo recognizes that this Code of Ethics should serve as a valuable reference guide for all those in whom the public has placed its trust.
Ethical Principles
The ethical county official SHOULD:
*Properly administer the affairs of the county.
*Promote decisions which only benefit the public interest.
*Actively promote public confidence in county government.
*Keep safe all funds and other properties of the county.
*Conduct and perform the duties of the office diligently and promptly dispose of the business of the county.
*Maintain a positive image to pass constant public scrutiny.
*Evaluate all decisions so that the best service or product is obtained at a minimal cost without sacrificing quality and fiscal resposibility.
*Inject the prestige of the office into everyday dealings with the public employees and associates.
*Maintain a respectful attitude toward employees, other public officials, colleagues and associates.
*Effectively and efficiently work with governmental agencies, political subdivisions and other organizations in order to further the interest of the county.
*Faithfully comply with all laws and regulations applicable to the county and impartially apply them to everyone.
The ethical county official SHOULD NOT:
*Engage in outside interest that are not compatible with the impartial and objective performance of his or her duties.
*Improperly influence or attempt to infulence other officials to act in his or her own benefit.
*Accept anything of value from any source which is offered to influence his or her action as a public official."
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Board of Supervisors' Meeting 15 Nov 2011
We are now another $4 million dollars in debt. The first thing on the agenda was "Consider no protest resolution relating to the Community Disaster Loan from FEMA."
But wait...there has been a change in the agenda since 14 Nov 2011 at 1:47p. On this agenda was the following:
Bids: 9a Receive bids for the purchase of riot gear. (Note: Are you kidding me?)
Public Hearing: None.
Appointments: 9:15a Jewelie Brown - Lot Cleanup Issues
9:30a Barbara Tuchel - Transparency Committee
Now to be fair, I received an email from Clifton Johnson on 14 Nov 2011 at about 4p with a note saying that the Board would not be having any appointments today because the Board's Attorney, Andy Dulaney would not there. I've never been to a Board meeting where there was no attorney serving in Dulaney's absence. But hey, something new everyday.
Also, to be fair the information the Transparency Committee requested in a Freedom of Information letter sent on 3 Oct 2011 was attached to this email. Actually, we requested this information be added to the Supervisors' Minutes so that the records would be there for all to see. The requested information was a listing of employees and their wages. We will be discussing this information at the Transparency Committee meeting on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 at 10a.
Okay, so there is the agenda switcheroo.
Now, questions that need to be asked concerning this $4 million loan:
Is any part of this $4 million going to be used to satisfy the Board's "Memo of Understanding" to purchase the land for GreenTech from a private property owner? Want to answer that Clifton, Andy, any of you? Do you know?
This loan is going to be paid back with an increase in property taxes. That was what was stated in the legal advertisement. Are all of the Board of Supervisors going to be effected? District 1: James Dunn: yes; District 2: Cedric Burnett: no (The tax records are in Clara Burnett's name.) District 3: Paul Battle: yes; District 4: Bobby Williams; yes; 5. District 5: Billy Pegram: yes.
Don't think this wasn't strategic planning on the part of the Board of Supervisors. They gave us less then a week to get 1500 signatures on a protest petition. I'm saying less then a week because most of us who really care about this county were involved in getting most of this Board of Supervisors removed from office.
I did ask for an extension until the end of Nov for the registered voters of Tunica County to get their petition of protest together. No can do.
I can't wait until January.
But wait...there has been a change in the agenda since 14 Nov 2011 at 1:47p. On this agenda was the following:
Bids: 9a Receive bids for the purchase of riot gear. (Note: Are you kidding me?)
Public Hearing: None.
Appointments: 9:15a Jewelie Brown - Lot Cleanup Issues
9:30a Barbara Tuchel - Transparency Committee
Now to be fair, I received an email from Clifton Johnson on 14 Nov 2011 at about 4p with a note saying that the Board would not be having any appointments today because the Board's Attorney, Andy Dulaney would not there. I've never been to a Board meeting where there was no attorney serving in Dulaney's absence. But hey, something new everyday.
Also, to be fair the information the Transparency Committee requested in a Freedom of Information letter sent on 3 Oct 2011 was attached to this email. Actually, we requested this information be added to the Supervisors' Minutes so that the records would be there for all to see. The requested information was a listing of employees and their wages. We will be discussing this information at the Transparency Committee meeting on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 at 10a.
Okay, so there is the agenda switcheroo.
Now, questions that need to be asked concerning this $4 million loan:
Is any part of this $4 million going to be used to satisfy the Board's "Memo of Understanding" to purchase the land for GreenTech from a private property owner? Want to answer that Clifton, Andy, any of you? Do you know?
This loan is going to be paid back with an increase in property taxes. That was what was stated in the legal advertisement. Are all of the Board of Supervisors going to be effected? District 1: James Dunn: yes; District 2: Cedric Burnett: no (The tax records are in Clara Burnett's name.) District 3: Paul Battle: yes; District 4: Bobby Williams; yes; 5. District 5: Billy Pegram: yes.
Don't think this wasn't strategic planning on the part of the Board of Supervisors. They gave us less then a week to get 1500 signatures on a protest petition. I'm saying less then a week because most of us who really care about this county were involved in getting most of this Board of Supervisors removed from office.
I did ask for an extension until the end of Nov for the registered voters of Tunica County to get their petition of protest together. No can do.
I can't wait until January.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Notice to Ed Walls in the Tunica Times
This is the kind of abuse of power the District 2 Supervisor Cedric Burnett uses to go after anyone who disagrees with him.
All of a sudden, Burnett is interested in cleaning up the North Sub? The Transparency Committee asked you about this in 2009 and you weren't interested in doing your job. As a matter of fact, you said it wasn't your job. You said it was the job of Jewelie Brown and Clifton Johnson. And now? You are targeting citizens. Seems to me, Burnett is using his office to "go after" those who supported his opponent.
How about the New Sub Cedric? Ever think about cleaning that up Cedric? Ever think of "serving" your constituents Cedric? You're just interested in playing games and pushing people around. Does pushing people around make you feel important?
You may have been re-elected but there were many, many votes against you. You need to remember that and start doing your job.
All of a sudden, Burnett is interested in cleaning up the North Sub? The Transparency Committee asked you about this in 2009 and you weren't interested in doing your job. As a matter of fact, you said it wasn't your job. You said it was the job of Jewelie Brown and Clifton Johnson. And now? You are targeting citizens. Seems to me, Burnett is using his office to "go after" those who supported his opponent.
How about the New Sub Cedric? Ever think about cleaning that up Cedric? Ever think of "serving" your constituents Cedric? You're just interested in playing games and pushing people around. Does pushing people around make you feel important?
You may have been re-elected but there were many, many votes against you. You need to remember that and start doing your job.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Unofficial votes...
Change has come to Tunica County. The counting is not over and it was 12 midnight when I left. There will be changes in the Board of Supervisors...
However, the one race that needs to have a comment is the Superintendent of Education because it is so important. This is the one place where change has to begin in order to turn the future of our children and our County around.
When given the choice, I bet on the Veteran. You can't compare T. Y. Hall's experience to a 20 something. I'll be waiting for him to prove me wrong.
However, the one race that needs to have a comment is the Superintendent of Education because it is so important. This is the one place where change has to begin in order to turn the future of our children and our County around.
When given the choice, I bet on the Veteran. You can't compare T. Y. Hall's experience to a 20 something. I'll be waiting for him to prove me wrong.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)