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Biden Buzzes, Bites and Brays
Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Delaware, will headline the April 22 Democratic Elected Officials Appreciation Dinner at the Jackson Trade Mart Building on the Mississippi Fairgrounds.
Immigrants, Reform, and You
Republicans throughout the country, especially in the South, have raked "ObamaCare" over the coals, swearing that the president is paving the way for free health care to illegal immigrants.
A House Divided
Photo Brian Johnson
Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes called for the election of a new council president last week and thus the ousting of Ward 6 Councilman Marshand Crisler, who has occupied the post as council president for ten months, following his return from Iraq. But Stokes said Crisler is fomenting discord in the council chambers against Jackson Mayor Frank Melton. He also heavily criticized the council president for calling off last week's meeting when it became clear that the mayor had denied access to the council chambers by city TV cameras. The council later reconvened just long enough to vote on some budget matters before dispersing—putting some budget items at risk.
Home, Bittersweet Home
Mary Johnson was a resident of Rose Street back when Rose Street looked very different from how it looks now. In many ways, the story of Johnson is the story of Jackson's demographic history. Johnson had a house at the corner of Rose and Central Street. Though staunchly segregated, the black version of Jackson sat mere streets away from her. Sharing her local neighborhood in the 1960s, she says, were Ku Klux Klan members, people with possible connections to countless terrorist activities against black people, all while living mere streets away from their black neighbors.
Who Was That Badged Man?
Melton learned recently that people outside of Jackson get nervous when civilians pose as licensed law enforcement officers. Staff members at the office of U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson report that the congressman got a little shaky when Melton—who is not a licensed member of law enforcement—wore a badge claiming he was. Thompson's chief aide Lanier Avant said Thompson was more edgy knowing that the badge allowed Melton to carry a firearm into his congressional office.
Guv Candidate Looking Across Aisle?
Not surprisingly in a state where innuendo can be more common than facts, rumors are swirling around connections that a Democratic contender for the governor's mansions might have. This time, though, the rumors are about probable candidate Bill Luckett and possible connections with conservative Republicansconnections he denies.
Danks: Do Developer Due Diligence
Developer John Disotell and the city of Jackson recently approved a memorandum of understanding to tear down the Smith-Wills stadium and build an enclosed sports arena, but the agreement is drawing scrutiny.
‘Get Out Of The Way'
"If we don't take care of this soon, the situation will just linger and draw attention," said Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon. "We need to take care of this quickly. It's been going on too long as it is."
Fishing in Democratic Waters
Hinds County Republican Party Chairman Pete Perry is down on the Coast this week, looking for voter irregularities in a Democratic Senate district.
As the Budget Turns
After several stalled attempts, Jackson Mayor Frank Melton presented an overview of his revised budget to the City Council at a Monday evening work session. The new budget, which must be approved by Sept. 15, does not contain the $2.6 million tax increase of the old budget, but does recommend some painful cuts.
The King Gets Another Reprieve
In the nick of time, the Mississippi Senate approved an amendment this week that would provide a $2 million interest-free loan to the Jackson Redevelopment Authority to fund environmental cleanup and handle other preliminary costs associated with the redevelopment of the King Edward Hotel. The move came after the current developers of the King Edward Hotel learned that the city's application for its elusive $2 million BEDI environmental grant—needed to move the project forward—had once again hit a snag.
No Confidence in City Attorney
As the JFP goes to press, City Council is set to hold a vote of no confidence in City Attorney Sarah O'Reilly-Evans at the May 22 council meeting. Council members Margaret Barrett-Simon, Leslie McLemore, Marshand Crisler and Council President Ben Allen sponsored the resolution.
Not So Happy New Year
Jackson resident Oliver Bass, a 56-year-old Vietnam veteran, has been unable to get a job since 2009. He has experience in machine operation and cooking, and he can run a forklift. He says he will take any job and has applied at restaurants and warehouses all over the city.
My Malignant Neighbor
Connie Davis says a constant nosebleed has plagued her ever since she moved with her family to Columbus from Tupelo when she was 10. She also complains of skin infections and rashes. Her two sons, Delvin and Darrell, started suffering from asthma soon after they were born. Delvin has it, still. Darrell, however, died of circulatory complications at 19.
Suddenly, Mississippi Matters
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama rocked the campus of Jackson State University March 10, committing to an agenda of ending the Iraq War, universal health insurance and providing $4,000 in annual tuition credits to college students under his administration.
Open Season on George Dale
Anonymous opponents of Insurance Commissioner George Dale are circulating annual lobbyist's reports that show Dale's attorney, Greg Copeland, is a well-paid lobbyist for the insurance industry.
Hood Drops Barbour's Defense
Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood says he will not defend Gov. Haley Barbour in a Hinds County Chancery Court case, saying his defense would conflict with other branches of government.
Chump Change for Chimneyville
Though legislators refused to pass a bill providing $2 million in desperately needed funding to Jackson for law enforcement and street repair, they did produce legislation to help cities like Jackson collect more revenue. Barbour signed a bill allowing the city to collect an extra $1 for speeding or parking violations and another bill, yet to be signed, allows the city to act upon outstanding tickets by towing the offenders' vehicle.
Sheriff McMillin Hefting Heavy Load
A former city police chief said he fears Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin may be taking on an impossible burden in adopting the role of Jackson police chief while retaining his position of sheriff. "McMillin is a good friend, a pretty good administrator, one heck of a cop, first rate politician and a brilliant PR person. He offers 'comfort' and a sense of stability in the turbulent, roiled up waters that is the wake of Melton's march through the Jackson Police Department. That said, he cannot do both jobs effectively," former Jackson Police Chief Robert Johnson said.
The 2009 JFP Interview with Jabari Toins
Native son Jabari Toins says previous mayors have turned Jackson upside down, pushing him to run for the job.