Cases DA Peterson Has Tried
Here is a preview of information we have in the print edition this week. We did some factchecking in response to Robert Smith's comment that Peterson isn't involved in trying cases in her office. Here are some of the cases she herself has tried and the outcome of the cases.
Prayers to Our Neighbors in Mexico and Belize
Here it comes.
GOP PR Firm, Others Under Scrutiny
Sid Salter has an intriguing bit today on his blog about PR firms under scrutiny by the legislative PEER Committee.
GOP Hinds Honcho on Coast Examining Democratic Ballots?
We just got a tip that Hinds County Republican Chairman Pete Perry is in Hancock County conducting the ballot box examination for Scottie Cuevas in the Democratic Senate race down there, which insurance-company critic David Baria won by just over 30 votes. And I just clicked over to the Cottonmouth Blog and see that we must have gotten the same tip. Per Cottonmouth:
Melton to Address ‘State of the City'
[Verbatim from Carolyn Redd] Jackson, MS - Mayor Frank E. Melton will address the City of Jackson in his State of the City Address on Friday, Aug. 24, at 10:30 a.m. at the Alamo Theater. The Mayor's address will focus on Housing and Economic Development. He will be flanked by the City Council, the City's CAO and Department Directors. The Melton Administration will also honor city employees with 25 and 30 years of service. The State of the City Address is open to the general public. Doors will not be open to the Public until 10:15 a.m.
‘Us v. Them': Why Didn't Hampton Name Hosemann?
David Hampton has a decent column today about all the ugly immigrant-bashing in our state and in the nation of late, as immigration becomes the new wedge issue. We've certainly seen our share of hateful immigration rhetoric right here on the JFP site (click here and here for those JFP threads). I especially appreciate this part near the end of his column:
The New, New Race-Baiting
Also see: Jackpedia: Southern Strategy
I'm in Love with Oliver
I'm not kidding. I am completely and utterly enamored with that sassy little monkey who wants so badly to get out of Tupelo, er, his cage in the Tupelo zoo. I just love his tenacity. I find myself rooting for the little bugger, even thought that's probably not a good thing. Where were he go? What would he do? Could he defend himself? What would he eat? But, still.
Alright, What's Going on Here?
Suddenly, today, FEMA is sending me press releases (see below). They have not sent me press releases before. I also am getting a flurry of statements from the governor's office about what he's doing on the Coast. Granted, I'm the suspicious type, but you don't suppose all this Katrina PR has something to do with this Bloomberg story yesterday, do you?
Chip Pickering Leaving Congress
Rep. Chip Pickering, a Republican representing the Third District, announced today that he is not seeking re-election next year. One wonders if the Democratic Party will now go out on a limb and attempt to take the seat, or if they will allow perennial candidate Jim Giles to take the seat by default.
Bloomberg: Barbour Friends, Family Profiting from Katrina
Also see: Jackpedia: Haley Barbour
JFP Re-launches Truthwatch as Reader Forum
As Mississippi heads into the fall campaign season, the Jackson Free Press has re-launched the Truthwatch blog, in order that readers might question and test statements made by candidates. Truthwatch was active during the last city elections in Jackson. Now the blog has been converted into a reader forum so that readers might start their own posts, asking questions about statements made by candidates and in their ads. We encourage your participation. The first two new questions involve statements that Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson and her challenger Robert Smith made the day after the primaries. She accused him of "being in bed with criminals" (Truthwatch #43), and he accused her of "not being involved with cases" in her office. (Truthwatch #42). Go take a look and help us out.
Jeff Weill Apparent Winner of Ward 1 Seat
The Clarion-Ledger is reporting that candidate Jeff Weill took just over 50 percent of the vote to replace Ward 1 Councilman Ben Allen Tuesday night. Weill ran on a platform of fighting crime and not raising taxes—two issues that tend to resonate in the city's most affluent ward.
Can Journalism Get Any Lazier Than This!?!
I just bumped into this entertainment feature that The Clarion-Ledger is doing—basically a Q&A interview with a local musician or band. Cool. But then you get to the bottom of the piece and realize just how far away from journalistic standards this Gannett rag is willing to go:
Youtube: Haley Barbour's ‘Trophy Wife' Gaffe
Also see: Jackpedia: Haley Barbour
Gannett for Sale?
The Wall Street Journal is blogging about the possibility that the Gannett Corp., which owns The Clarion-Ledger, may be girding itself to be sold:
Ward 1 Candidate Forum at Christ United
Councilman Ben Allen just alerted us that WJNT 1180 and the Northside Sun are sponsoring a "Meet the Ward 1 Candidates" forum tonight, Thursday, Aug. 9, at Christ United Methodist Church (6000 Old Canton Road) in the fellowship hall from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. All candidates will be making statements and answering questions.
Jack Wants to Know: Your Favorite Spot for WiFi?
Go tell us here: Free WiFi?
Also, what are your favorite services, you know like "wash and fold" or shoe repair or whatever. Tell us here: Repair Services
Clarion-Ledger Tiptoes Back Into Hinds DA Race
Read/hear interviews with the D.A. candidates
Listen to the Moans
Sunday morning, I was organizing my new writing room at home and turned on the Galloway Methodist broadcast on WAPT to keep me company. I didn't pay much attention until I heard Rev. Ross Olivier challenge his audience to "listen to the moans." I pulled up a chair to listen.
Let the Big State Races Begin
As the dust settles on last night's primaries, one huge issue looms as the big statewide races begin in earnest: the Katrina effect. Get ready for a populist debate on insurance reform—not to mention health care, tobacco taxes and education—like this state has never seen as attorney John Eaves challenges Haley Barbour for governor; Rep. Jaimie Franks takes on Phil Bryant for lieutenant governor (and control of the Senate); and Gary Anderson battles Mike Chaney for insurance commissioner.
Gary Anderson Sends George Dale to the Showers
Democratic challenger Gary Anderson defeated incumbent Insurance Commissioner George Dale 51-49 percent Tuesday night. Dale had mounted his re-election campaign under intense scrutiny for his support of and by the insurance industry in the wake of Katrina. The tort-reform lobby had campaigned heavily for him, saying he was the candidate to counteract "lawsuit abuse" and accusing him of being the candidate for "personal injury lawyers." Many victims of Katrina have sued their insurance companies for trying to pay their policies, in most cases saying they lost their homes due to wind, not water. Because only a slab was left in many cases, policy holders could not point to a water line, as insurance companies said they needed to do. Many people on the Coast are still living in FEMA trailers.
Pro-Choice Candidate Defeats Erik Fleming
It appears that Kimberly Campbell, who was forced out of the Jackson City Attorney's office for questioning city policy, has defeated Rep. Erik Fleming for the District 72 Hinds-Madison seat in the Mississippi House of Representatives.
McMillin Kicks Butt; Peterson Leads into Runoff
Predictably, Sheriff Malcolm McMillin won the right to keep his site over challengers tonight, including Mayor Frank Melton's choice, police spokesman Tyrone Lewis. WAPT guest political analyst Matt Friedeman summed it up well: "Mayor Melton is a loser tonight."
Problems at the Polls? Post Here.
Be sure to include which precinct you voted in, what time and even descriptions of the poll worker if you had a serious problem. And, remember to call the secretary of state's office at 800-829-6786 to report problems. Call us here at the Jackson Free Press if you have a really egregious experience and think we should try to get out there: 601.362.6121 ext. 2, 5 or 7.
Where the Elections Parties Are
These are the ones we've heard about. Feel free to add others:
we are just staying at the headquarters at 1755 Leila drive and preparing for a run-off which will be on august 28th and then the general election. we are low key and it will be really a working night for us. we are inviting everyone to stop by. probably between 9 and 10:30 as we will know where we are then.
Jackpedia Quiz: You Are A Jacksonian If ...
Remember the controversial list, "You Are a Jacksonian If ..." that we published two years ago? It was a throwaway piece, but it got all sorts of chatter going on the site. We always say that it's not the real controversy that causes controversy. Anyway, as we gather user- and staff-generated content for the print edition of Jackpedia, the coolest guide to Jacktown you've ever seen, I've resurrected the list over on Jackpedia, starting a version for 2007. So head on over and add your own by clicking right here.
Clarion-Ledger Fails to Endorse Hinds D.A. Candidate
... or a single woman, for that matter. The Ledger edit-boyz surprised us today by not enthusiastically endorsing one of the challengers of Hinds County District Attorney Faye Peterson in the race that is, arguably, the hottest contested and most closely watched in the city where they're located. They did, however, endorse candidates for Madison County district attorney.
Secretary of State: Heavy Turnout Expected Tuesday
[Verbatim/Aug. 6, 2007] Secretary of State Eric Clark today predicted that voter turnout in Tuesday's party primaries will be up slightly from the last statewide primary election and anticipates 710,000 ballots will be cast in races from Governor to Coroner. "I encourage every Mississippian to vote in these primary elections," Clark said. "Many important races will be decided tomorrow, not just in November."
Rudy Giuliani, Family (Values) Man
The "family values" mantra of the national Republican Party must really be in trouble when this is one of their front-runners:
Caution: Morons Committing Fraud on the Internet
All, beware that there is some cyber-fraud occurring by some lowlifes out there. We just received this e-mail, which constitutes fraud, and it is being investigated. Obviously, I do not send e-mails out on behalf of candidates, so please send us anything suspicious you get so they can be added to the file. Here's one fraudulent e-mail:
'Nothing But Negative Attacks'
Minutes after Gov. Haley Barbour began his prepared speech at the Neshoba County Fair last week, a transcript of the speech arrived in the Jackson Free Press' e-mail box.
Why Isn't Gene Phillips Mentioned?
Blog post by Donna Ladd:
Jack Mazurack never mentions controversial developer Gene Phillips in this story today about TCI's plans for downtown Jackson, helped along by City Council yesterday. And then there is this:
Hear DA Faye Peterson on Radio JFP
District Attorney Faye Peterson appeared on Radio JFP on WLEZ-FM last Friday. The audio of the show, which focused on criticisms of the D.A., is available here. Click to listen to the show.
Party Surprises Former Councilman Ben Allen
Supporters of former city Councilman Ben Allen gathered tonight at Bravo! restaurant for a surprise party to honor him for his service. Secretary of state candidate Delbert Hosemann was a primary organizer, and Bravo! owner Jeff Good opened his restaurant specially for the occasion. More details to come Tuesday.
Reporters Committee Urges ABA to Reject Access Limit
[verbatim] July 26, 2007 -- The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press urges the American Bar Association to reject proposed resolutions that would drastically limit public access to criminal justice system records. The measures would violate the First Amendment and state public disclosure laws and roll back the presumption of openness in law enforcement and judicial records.
John Arthur Eaves' Speech at the Neshoba County Fair
[verbatim] I'm John Eaves, and I am running for Governor because I believe it is time for a new day in Mississippi. I am tired of hearing our leaders tell the people of Mississippi to lower their expectations. I have seen far too many broken schools and witnessed our neighbors stuck in FEMA trailers along the coast for too long. And I'm sick and tired of Mississippi always being last in jobs, healthcare, poverty, and education and then hearing our leaders say, "What do you expect?" Well, I expect a whole lot more, and I believe Mississippians deserve much, much better. And so I am running for Governor to declare that this era of low expectations is over and a new day is dawning in Mississippi.
DA Faye Peterson on Radio JFP Friday at Noon
District Attorney Faye Peterson is the guest this Friday, July 27, at noon on Radio JFP on WLEZ. Listen at 103.7 FM, or hear the stream live at http://www.wlezfm.com. The JFP will record the show and link it here later that day. Please feel free to post questions here that you would like us to ask Peterson during the show. Candidate Michele Purvis previously appeared on the show (hear the audio and read a long discussion thread here), and Robert S. Smith was invited to appear last week, but could not make it. The JFP also moderated a Q&A session with the three candidates recently at Schimmel's. Hear the audio here.
Toyota Supplier to Locate In Mississippi
[verbatim from Gov. Haley Barbour] (JACKSON, Mississippi) – Governor Haley Barbour said today Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. (TAB) will build a $180 million plant in North Mississippi, becoming the first announced supplier to Toyota's new auto assembly plant in Blue Springs. TAB officials made the decision public in Japan overnight.
It's Official: The Ledger Thinks Readers Are Stupid
In an editorial today, we learn just what The Clarion-Ledger edit-boys really think of their readers, in and outside the city:
Hello, and Goodbye
I've never been great at goodbyes. When I meet people I dig, I want them around. But I've learned that a life filled with interesting experiences and people does mean, sometimes, saying goodbye. Since I've been in the weekly newspaper business, I've figured out that putting out a dynamic, fresh newspaper means embracing change, even when it makes one a tad grumpy.
Robert And Michele And ... Edna?
District Attorney candidate Robert Shuler Smith has taken an interesting journey to his current spot on the primary ballot. Smith said at a July Jackson 2000 forum at Schimmel's restaurant that he is in the race because former District Attorney Ed Peters asked him to run two years ago.
Transcript: 2007 JFP Interview with DA Faye Peterson
Interview by Adam Lynch
In 1997, when I started working at the public defender's office, I got hired when they were trying to create this drug court prosecution thing, because drug cases were lingering on the dockets, they were not a priority, so they hired two ADAs, two public defenders to work on drug cases. Then, a few years later, they began the treatment aspect of the drug court program. When I became DA in 2001, the human aspect of the program had been in place maybe about two years. It was kind of struggling, but I liked the concept, because it gave people the opportunity for treatment under a court order.
Transcript: JFP Interview with DA Candidate Michele Purvis
Interview by Adam Lynch
Mt. Olive, and I'm not a Jackson resident. I live in Clinton. I've lived in Clinton about three years.
Transcript: JFP Interview with DA Candidate Robert Smith
Interview by Adam Lynch
How old are you?I'm 36.
UPDATED: Mayor's Summer Youth Camp Schedule
Update: Here's a PDF of the liability and media releases that parents had to sign in order to send their kids to Melton's camp this week.
JFP Radio on WLEZ - Noon Friday
Download the show: JFP 7/20/07
Tune in today at noon for the return of Radio JFP on WLEZ, 103.7 FM, or listen online at http://www.wlezfm.com live at noon. The show will be podcast later if you miss it.
NYT: Mississippi Ruling a ‘Racial Split'?
The New York Times has a piece today called "In Mississippi, Ruling Is Seen as a Racial Split" (photograted by none other than one of the JFP's star photogs, Kate Medley):
Ledger Edit-Boyz on ‘the Peter Principle'
If I were the gentlemen over on The Clarion-Ledger's editorial board, I don't think I'd be talking publicly about the problem of incompetence at the tops of organizations. Just sayin'. Here's the beginning of their editorial today on the topic; Do the edit-boyz really not see the passive-ridden irony here!?!