Jackson Jambalaya

Would be nice to have all the fees and commissions paid out on the interest rate swaps NOW to put towards replacing the water and sewer infrastructure, now wouldn't it?

Looks like Harvey is reaping some of what he sowed back in his early mayoral days............

I am writing about it on my blog at www.mslitigationreview.com

Harvey Johnson is failing the leadership test.

I agree w/ you Philip. I don't blame them for not going out and finding pipes to update when they weren't broken.

But when you have a self-declared disaster, you've got to nut up. Some people rise and some people fall.

He doesn't get it.

Gotta love the Oompa Loompas at the JFP and their Wonka. She doesn't think the time is right during this water system fiasco to have the discussion about what has gone wrong. She sure didn't feel that way in the immediate aftermath of Katrina.

No Jeff Lucas. We didn't experience record low temperatures. Wrong.

She doesn't think the time is right during this water system fiasco to have the discussion about what has gone wrong.

The JFP is doing everything possible to avoid this story. But had Melton still been mayor or some other politician which they disliked you KNOW it would have been wall-to-wall commentary complete with special coverage blog, blah, blah, blah. You are right. She's a fraud.

1/13/10 5:26 AM is spam

The mayor is acting like this situation just appeared from no-where. there were perhaps 1 week or more amount of time before the cold set in to plan for this 'disaster'

It shouldn't be a surprise given the severity and duration of the cold, that we would have a large number of water main breaks.

It should have been more-or-less predictable...and the 5-6 days before the onset of the cold could have been ample to get the repair crews readied.

Its not just the current mayors leadership its a problem going back to many many admistrations. They should have had the foresight to fix this problem starting back in the 1960s.

It's the legislature's fault. They refuse to give Jackson any money to fix up its aging infrastructure and fight crime. Harvey has been warning us about this for many years and they didn't listen! Now everyone see's how smart he was....

Is it the Legislature's fault that residents continue to leave Jackson (and businesses follow) at the fastest rate of decline in the last four decades?

11:31, why is it the responsibility of the taxpayers of Biloxi and Tupelo to pay for the Jackson's "aging infrastructure", especially since the majority of citizens of MS will never set foot on the streets of Jackson? Of course I could ask the same question about the high speed rail line from Disneyland to Las Vegas in the stimulus plan....

I'm not 11:31, but I do partially agree. I don't think the pipes breaking is the legislature's fault per se, but I do know there are many state government buildings located in Jackson that do not pay taxes. I don't think that the state should be responsible for the majority of the maintenance, but it seems practical that the state would pitch in some amount to help maintain the services that they benefit from - specifically the infrastructure that is used on a day-to-day basis.

The amount that Legislature should kick in isn't the issue. That is the excuse. When you fail to plan you plan to fail.

I think the Legislature should contribute commensurate with what they accomplish.

Jackson is a perfect example of the successes of liberal (Democrat) policy and philosophy. But, keep electing these idiots, it has worked to increase the wealth of Rankin and Madison counties exponentially.

Nothing will CHANGE until the philosophy of the voters CHANGE. But, ignore the evidence, THERE IS GLOBAL WARMING!!!

I'm next to certain that the State doesn't receive free water. Thrusting out the Beggar's Cup and blaming the State is not the solution.

There are several reasons other states don't mind state monies going to their capitol city.
Some taxpayers want their capitol to make a good impression as a capitol is often the first place those who might invest in a state visit .Some are willing to support the larger cities in their state as they believe the whole state benefits in the long run if there are cities that attract visitors and investors.
For others, it's just a matter of pride.
Fortunately, the intense criticism,delight in any problems, and lack of support for one's own capitol as some bloggers here seem to have isn't shared in most of the nation or even most of world.

9:30, name a capitol city that you want to visit or one that is currently governed successfully.

Based on personal experience, St. Paul is a great city to work/live in, Annapolis is a gorgeous tourist destination, Trenton is a pit, Austin is a great college town, and Harrisburg is so-so. So it seems to be all over the map how states treat their capitol cities.

Fortunately, the intense criticism,delight in any problems, and lack of support for one's own capitol as some bloggers here seem to have isn't shared in most of the nation or even most of world.

Quite an exaggeration. Asking for a bailout from the State while supporting the status quo that is Jackson today is a dead end. Jackson is bleeding people, businesses and revenue. Stabilize the patient first.

Paul, here are not only the ones I wanted to visit, but DID visit
Phoenix, Denver, Annapolis, Boston, Santa Fe, Columbus, Salt Lake, Austin, Nashville, Concord, St Paul, Springfield, Honolulu, Atlanta, Raleigh

The list of national capitols is, of course, even bigger.

Broaden your horizons...

Thanks, Anon 5:23, I'll try to get out of Rankin County soon. I have even thought about buying a plane ticket to see what air travel could be like.

Did any of those cities 5:23PM go without water for a week? At any time?

Paul...might want to add Charleston and Savannah as two cities that had bad problems and were in decline that have turned things around for the better. Charlotte was struggling for a while as well...a bit a trouble this five minutes, but they've got great attitude.

And, you might,even try reading the local papers and watching a local news show or two while you travel or engage some natives in conversation.

I would think you were being sarcastic but it's hard to believe you've ever been to any of the cities listed and learned so little of their history. But, then maybe you're just a glass half empty kinda guy about everything. Or perhaps you don't think Mississippians are as smart and determined and creative as the folks in other states or too damn ornery that we just can't solve problems and work together.

Anon 11:03, thanks for all the worldly advice. Maybe I can get off the farm and into the big cities that have great attitudes. Because attitude is the most important thing in governance. Well, that and perception.

But, then maybe you're just a glass half empty kinda guy about everything.

You must be hung like a horse. Impressive.