District 5 Supervisor Kenneth Stokes, who brought the motion to hire Alexander, acknowledged that bringing in a lobbyist wouldn't be a panacea to the county's problems but is a step in the right direction toward presenting the county's agenda to state lawmakers. File Photo/Jackson Free Press
Monday, January 7, 2013
The Hinds County Board of Supervisors will have an advocate when the Legislature convenes tomorrow.
With District 4 Supervisor Phil Fisher as the lone dissenting vote, the board agreed to hire attorney Firnist Alexander as the county's lobbyist.
District 5 Supervisor Kenneth Stokes, who brought the motion to hire Alexander, acknowledged that bringing in a lobbyist wouldn't be a panacea to the county's problems but is a step in the right direction toward presenting the county's agenda to state lawmakers.
Fisher said board members have never discussed a legislative agenda, and had questions about how much it would cost to hire the lobbyist.
Alexander, addressing the board, suggested being paid a retainer of around $10,000 plus an hourly rate, but said the most important component of his fees would be expenses.
"It's going to be important to wine and dine" legislators, Alexander told the board.
Alexander was a registered lobbyist for three firms in 2012: Alexander & Alexander Consultants LLC, Jubilee Mortgage Company and Mississippi Valley State University National Alumni Association, according to state records.
The Mississippi Bar Association lists Alexander as disbarred. Calls placed to telephone numbers for Alexander listed on the Mississippi Secretary of State's and Mississippi Bar Association's websites went to disconnected numbers.
District 3 Supervisor Peggy Calhoun, who stated the county hasn't had much luck with lobbyists in the past, could not recall any lobbyist the county has hired who has secured legislation the county wanted. She recommended paying Alexander on a contingency basis, based on his results.
Stokes also called for the county to become more involved in development along U.S. Highway 80. Even though the city of Jackson has spearheaded the development efforts on U.S. 80, Stokes said the county takes a bigger hit when businesses shutter their doors in the corridor because the county does not receive sales taxes.
"If we allow Highway 80 to continue to decline, it's going to be a sad day for this county, not just the city. We need to do everything in our power to keep Highway 80 from declining more," Stokes said.
Comments
robbier 11 years, 3 months ago
Nothing says trust me with an open bar tab at Tico's like being disbarred. Facepalm.
darryl 11 years, 3 months ago
Well, nothing should surprise anyone anymore regarding the behind-the-doors shenanigans this board proposes. At one point in an interview, Mr. Stokes states that Mr. Alexander was "one of the greatest minds in law." This would be laughable on its face, as Mr. Alexander repeatedly demonstrated malfeasance as a practicing attorney (thus leading to his disbarment), but to come out of the pie hole of Mr. Stokes (who has never passed the bar exam) makes it farcical at best. At worst, it represents the stagnant cronyism that Hinds County has become...
bill_jackson 11 years, 3 months ago
I, for one, applaud the Hinds Co. BOS for their commitment to diversity...
darryl 11 years, 3 months ago
Congratulations, Hinds County...
bill_jackson 11 years, 3 months ago
And folks wonder why people cannot move to Madison or Rankin County fast enough. Congratulations, indeed, Hinds County. You've made your bed, now lie in it.
JLucas 11 years, 3 months ago
Hinds County ... A World of Difference!
/sarcasm
darryl 11 years, 3 months ago
Not sure what's worse - having the BOS create a position out of thin air, nominate/vet (inaccurately, as it turned out)/affirm someone within 10-minute session or, when the big bully Mr. Stokes is out of the building, turn around and rescind the nomination and job position. I mean, damn.
donnaladd 11 years, 3 months ago
Darryl, you make some good points. But I know you know that our suburbs aren't exactly immune to buffoonery (and perhaps a bit of corruption) in its elected offices. We're going to have fun when we have enough resources to cover those city and county governments as well.
darryl 11 years, 3 months ago
Donna, I agree. This is Mississippi after all and cronyism, white and black, happen all over the place. But, as this is the capitol of our state and the most populated county within said state, it is a shame that it exists to this degree of buffoonery. Outside of Kingfish, there is very little coverage of the surrounding areas. I would also hope that with the increased media coverage of the surrounding populace, they would be more up on their "P's and Q's" than Jackson/Hinds. They believe that they are above public scrutiny - and they are because THEY KEEP GETTING ELECTED...
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