Jackson Jambalaya

When I click "Read More" all I get is a picture. Is there a story somewhere?

Well, now I know whom *not* to vote for -- anyone schmoozing with Hawk-But.

No, just something embedded in the template for expanded posts.

who is person in the middle?

He is the ultimate empty suit. But, he is hammerin' the campaign trail, and his papa-in-law is excited about his candidacy, ifyaknowwhadimean!

9:51, I have to respectfully disagree. Will Longwitz is a great guy with a passion for the law and applying it effectively. I think out of all the candidates he has more to offer than anyone else.
Not sure how you know him or what you know about him but I would encourage you to spend a few minutes with him and learn more.

Let me see, who is his opposition? Frank Blunton's daughter. No thanks. I don't think people in Madison county should let Frank and his family do to them what they helped do to jackson. The other opponent is a real estate attorney. What closing real estate loans has to do with a county court practice is beyond me because that is a narrow field of law.

who is his papa-in-law?

Nothing wrong with working your butt off on the campaign trail as opposed to some guys who run as if they are entitled to an office.

Will Longwitz is the person in the middle. He is running for Madison County judge and he has broad support across the county. I would urge anyone to meet him as well. I attended the event this picture was taken at, and his speech was wonderful.
10:01- his father in law is E. David Cox, whose family has lived in Madison County since probably the 1850s. He's a well respected commercial real estate broker, but he's never been real political.

Lordy he's handsome.

WL gets my vote on the hottie factor alone.

I do know him. Thanks for the tip.
And, KF, the real estate attorney actually has consistent experience doing SOMETHING. What does Mr. Longwitz employment history suggest he has experience doing?

Will Longwitz has been a federal prosecutor and is a special prosecutor for Madison county. He has a general private practice in Madison. I think that is plenty enough relevant experience.

So do garbagemen that work for BFI for 20 years. Real estate practice is not really a practice of law but is instead closing loans and dealing with plat maps, surveys, and issuing title opinions. Has nothing to do with criminal practice or litigation. There is a reason notaries can do the work in some states.

KF, re closing attorneys: agreed. Everyone knows the paralegals do all the paperwork anyway.

The federal prosecutor and special prosecutor in Madison county experience for Longwitz is overblown. He was a bureaucrat for about a year in DC and has handled some initial appearances in Justice Court filling in for Allen Phillips. I'm not saying this negative, but the truth needs to be out there.

Will Longwitz is a personal friend of mine, however, that is not why I am posting this response. Will has been campaigning for 2+ years and has been preparing for this run for office all of his professional life. He is an outstanding jurist and arbitrator, as he as demonstrated countless times with his handling of Katrina grant appeals for the Federal Government. Will has been a federal prosecutor and is a special prosecutor for Madison County. Will IS an exceptional judge and attorney and will continue to represent the great people of Madison County well! Please support Will's campaign and remember to vote November 2nd!

I see the PR folks showed up.

Look at there. It's a few of the same old, same old.

11:04- I've been in the courtroom when Will Longwitz prosecuted DUI cases. I think the defendants and opposing counsel found him quite capable. As far as filling in for Allen Phillips, it says to me that when the he isn't able to try a case, Will is the guy he calls and trusts.

Never did there live a more kinder, generous man than Will Longwitz. He's an overflowing cup of the cream of human goodness.

LOL!

roflmao, King. Thanks for the giggle.

12:23 He volunteers with a group of boys and girls in Canton and he's an Alabama fan, so no.

I've known Will Longwitz since I moved to Madison. In addition to knowing him personally, it's been my pleasure to work with him at many voter registration drives and other volunteer opportunities. He's always been an upstanding individual with morals and character. Will has integrity, is fair minded and will follow the rule of law. I have no doubt that he will be an asset to Madison County. I urge anyone to contact Will and learn more about him for yourself. Please don't listen and believe everything you read or hear.

when you look into his resume', it's pretty hollow for being out of school since '03.

you are right, though, he has been preparing for this his whole life. he's been campaigning for everything since i have known him.

dig into the background some. there's more than meets the eye here.

of course he's volunteering in canton. he's running for judge.

as far as someone being a closing attorney for a long time, you are all correct re: the fact that it isn't much of a law practice. However, the length of the career shows devotion and someone who has stayed the course in something.

as opposed to hopping through four or five jobs in seven years. hard to build expertise in any field doing that, wouldn't you say?

12:55 It's a bit "hollow" to infer that someone is job hopping when they've been a federal prosecutor, worked for Haley Barbour, and has their own law practice, in addition to all his involvement in the community.
Apparently you think sitting around shuffling closing papers and not being involved in helping your community is preferable. To each his own.

12:55 - With all due respect, what would you like someone to do in preparation for running for judicial office? Will is currently an administrative judge for the federal government...I don't know how you can get much more experience, absent being appointed or elected to a judicial position.

I would encourage you to sit down and talk to Will and get to know him before "judging" him based on the information in his bio. I know he would enjoy getting to meet you and hearing your thoughts himself.

He's very photogentic.

Who's the hottie to his right? With a little makeup she could be a looker.

Phil Bryant looks like Dracula.

First of all, the event was at my house so I'm biased, but I believe that Will is the best candidate for this position. He's worked hard and earned my support, and I think he'll be an excellent judge. As far as his critics here are concerned, it appears to be easy to hide behind that Anonymous tag, which I find curious if not a bit cowardly. If you believe in what you're saying, sign your name to it as I have.

This is my first post to this blog, so I'm not one of the "same old, same old" that you think, but I'll try to be a more frequent visitor in the future. Bill Billingsley

Progressive?.....isn't that what the Discovery Channel terrorist dude is?

Welcome to the website, sir. We have alot of fun here and its a tough crowd. They dissect EVERYTHING. Feel free to comment again.

I cannot think of a better person to be a Judge than Will Longwitz. He has the highest degree of integrity and is fair-minded. He also has an abundance of common sense which is sorely lacking in many of those elected today. In addition, he has a heart for young people which is VERY IMPORTANT in this position. I know him, I have worked with him and he has my vote and support.

Rut ro, new meat!

Welcome aboard Bill!

Bill Billingsley - can't comment on the candidate, but nice house!

Yes! Welcome to the jungle Bill! Wear your seatbelt- it's a bumpy ride

That is Mr. Bill to you two young'uns. Show some respect.

Actually, if you want to be technical about it, it would be Mr. Billingsley.
And I know him....thanks.

Thanks, all. Just call me Bill, though there will doubtless be times when you'll want to call me other things. I look forward to the discussions...

Thanks Bill. Just one question. If necessary, can we use your wife for a jive translator?

I'm not sure what that even means, but I'll do anything to fit in...

I wonder how many people Phil Bryant pushed aside or knocked down to get in the picture.

"Will has been campaigning for 2+ years"

Reason enough to vote against him. I don't trust anyone who spends 2+ years running for county judge.

Plus his obnoxious (unsolicited) e-mails:

"On a daily basis, I am speaking with voters, local organizations and professional groups about why this election is so important to the future of Madison County."

Really? Or just important to the future of Will Longwitz?

He's handsome, apparently educated and has some support in these comments, but if he's in her pocket, then he's not the one for me...

Here ya go Mr. Bill:

Enjoy this clip

4:40--I wondered the same thing! I had heard nothing about any of the candidates for this race until recently. However, the fact that Mary Hawkins is backing him tells me all I need to know.

Remember that she gave us Tim Johnson, John Bell Crosby, and several other equally sorry officals through the years.

Perhaps one day, candidates in our county will learn the importance of standing on their OWN two feet. He loses my vote on the basis of this photo alone. I question the judgment of someone who looks proud to associate with these other two.

5:42 you get my vote for hitting the nail on the head. No vote for cutie pie if he is being backed by her. Never heard of the guy until I started seeing signs all over town (lots of money for a county judge job). Then when I saw on here who his Father in Law was it all started coming into focus.

Welcome stranger,

Once you enter the cave you will need insight, humor, thick skin, question everything, a dislike for JFP and Madame Ladd,backbone and the ability to laugh at yourself and others.

Co-host David Landrum........HELLO

Okay, people, please understand how our political process works. Candidates always have fund raisers, and fund raisers always attract other candidates and elected officials. Do you like Tate Reeves, Toby Towbridge, D.I. Smith, and Rita Martinson? All were at my house last night, along with the mayor and lieutenant governor, and they'll also show up at Will's opponent's fund raiser if they're invited. Us old dogs who have been doing this awhile will tell you, it's polite to invite but don't count on outward support from elected officials just because they show up at your fundraiser. If the anti-Mary crowd is going to not vote for Will because she took a picture with him, then how can you vote for his opponent whose cousin is married to Mary's niece? To assume that an elected official only takes pictures with those he/she likes, or to assume that a candidate can pull back from the camera if he's asked to take a picture with an elected official is shortsighted, and to base your vote on who's in the picture with him without finding out anything more about him is absolutely ridiculous.

Ok, we "people" hear what you are saying. Just saying !!!!

(from a Madison County "Old dog" that remembers Queen Mary when she was just a little girl.)

I know Will Longwitz and have worked with him as well. He has not been running for this office for "2 years", as someone said. He announced his campaign at the beginning of the this year. I went to the announcement party and there were over 250 people there. Since then he's been actually getting out there, working hard, knocking on doors and meeting thousands of people. I believe he will do us proud.
As far as Mary Hawkins, she's done a great job as Mayor of Madison. Phil Bryant is going to be the next Governor of Mississippi. To have the support of these two, and the others who attended that event, is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

5:55 You clearly have never met his father in law. David Cox is one of the dearest people in this town. He is kind and would help anyone that crossed his path. He has been so good to so many over the years, in most cases helping people without wanting them or anyone else to know who it was. I've known him for over 40 years, and I don't know anyone who has anything bad to say about him.

Just because politicians appear at the same fund-raiser doesn't mean they agree with or like each other.

As for Phil, going to oppose him for now. He backstabbed Two Lakes this year in the legislature and this site is going to be laying into him on it. He earned it.

You must have misunderstood, I never and would never say any thing bad about David, have know him before the MR Braves days, all I said was that it came into focus, ie: well connected. I guess that makes me another "old dog"

Having been around Madison County politics all of my life, I can tell you we need Will in office. Maybe he will have a chance to change some of the underhanded dealings going on in Madison County now. Open your eyes people and support Will!

I beg too differ, the fact that Mayor Mary agreed to be photograph with him gives him the green light, I think. The lady has been around; she know's a little bit about Madison County politics; as for Elvis when a man makes up he's minded to commit suicide St. Dominic Hospital or a Pentecostal Preacher will be the only thing that can stop him.... as for John Bell the Pillsbury dough-boy evil communication corrupts good manners or Kills Kroger's bread.

This is 5:42 again, and I stand by my statement. If he is anointed by the queen, he doesn't get my vote. Her interest is in expanding her political power. She wants to run the city, the county, the whole shooting match. She supports candidates who can further HER aims. (See: Tim Johnson, et. al.) She cares not a shred for promoting candidates with integrity or intelligence. I don't know the candidate, but as soon as I saw that photo I knew everything I needed to know about him.

Excuse me...Could anyone tell me what law school the candidates attended and where they placed in their class? What is their rating as attorneys? Do either of them have a stated judicial philosophy? What reasons to they give for seeking this office? What are their accomplishments?
There are many attractive men with social skills who show up and make great,entertaining buddies but are generally just a warm body when it comes to getting things done or solving problems.

September 1, 2010 11:09 AM

"Will has been campaigning for 2+ years and has been preparing for this run for office all of his professional life."


If that is indeed the case, as was posted by someone earlier, he won't get my vote.

5:42, I respect your right to select a candidate based on any criteria, but who's in the picture with him seems to be trivial. I could almost see your argument if Mary had sponsored or co-hosted the event. Maybe even if she made public comments in support of him. However, I don't see how you're taking a photograph and assuming that everyone in it is somehow under the control of the mayor or is otherwise going to do her bidding after the election. She gets her picture made with school kids and church groups. Does that mean you pull your kids out of school and quit going to church? As I stated in an earlier post, there are plenty of reasons to vote for Will Longwitz, and I suppose his opponent might think there are reasons to vote against him, but having his picture made with the mayor of Madison shouldn't be one of them. I'm glad the rest of the electorate puts a little more thought into the races than you appear to.

5:42, it's a free country and you can vote for or against anyone based on whatever criteria you choose. At least you're taking a stand and making a choice, even if that choice is based on something most people would consider outright silly. Maybe you'd have a point if Mary had sponsored or co-hosted the event, or even if she made favorable comments about the candidate in public. Do you warn all your candidates to stay out of pictures with Mary? I understand your opposition to her - lots of people don't like her, but lots do if the last three or four elections count for anything - but pictures at a fundraiser are as American as apple pie. You still haven't answered my other questions, by the way. Are you against every candidate at any level who has taken a picture with Mayor Hawkins? If so, you'll have a hard time pulling the handle for any Republican and most Democrats, because she's had her picture made with all of them.

Sorry all. I didn't think my first response to 5:42 had posted. This sign in thing is confusing - I've had to sign up for a Google account every time I want to post something. I'll get better at it...

I get it now, Kingfish. I'm actually related to BB, although distantly. She married - follow me closely - the nephew of my grandfather's first cousin. I don't know what that makes her to me, but my dad actually met her once out in LA. She's 94 and still kicking...

First of all, it is a picture. When you go to any event in Jackson- political, fundraiser, social, wedding, etc- people are going to snap pictures. Do you think everyone in the VIP or Northside Sun who is photographed all have weekly brunch together? No. I was standing next to Musgrove at an event a few years ago and VIP told everyone to turn around and smile. Did it mean I voted for him? No. Did it mean we have the family together for Easter? No. We were simply standing next to each other at an event. To base your political standards on pictures of people who were simply at the same event is absurd...and just uneducated. If you ever go to any campaign fundraiser in the future, you will see all different kinds of people...and they will get snapped together in the same picture. It doesn't mean they share the same values. It doesn't mean they are on the same team. It simply means they were at the event, at the same time. Perhaps if this was an event in the backwoods for a KKK rally, I could see some concern. I would probably share your concern. But, this was simply a social/political event. Get used to seeing Mary with everyone....that is who she is. SHe isn't going to change and she isn't going away...People can hate her for many reasons, but she does a good thing for Madison. Jackson could learn something from her

but she does a good thing for Madison

Permit me to doubt. Her shelf life is long expired, and bad roads, red brick everywhere, and treating responsible, conscientious renters like second-class citizens do not a good mayor make.

Wow, I go home, take a respite from this thread and BOOM!

The only comments I have are...

Is the camera man standing on a ladder taking this picture? Or, are they all really, really short?

And, do you really think that Mary needs to wear a name tag?

Now THAT was funny....
The nametag was there to refrain her from having to ask "Don't you know who I am?!!"

OK, after reading all 70 comments, its a picture.

9:43, you are exactly right! Mary was good for Madison when it was new and growing, but her brand of dictatorship is no longer needed or wanted (by me, anyway).

11:21- I used to think Mary was weird. Why so many churches? Why don't I have more places to eat and shop? Now I can see that the overwhelming majority of people who live here like Madison because of what she's done. They like her desire to keep it small. And who doesn't like living in a safe city? Those who would complain about Mary (who actually live here) could have a sad meeting in a phone booth.

Damn I'm gonna miss Judge Agin.

11:21- you couldn't be more wrong about the number of people who don't like Mary. You'll get a better taste when the folks she annexed get to vote against her.

KK, the cameraman was standing up the stairwell two or three steps. I thought it looked a little silly, but I'm not very creative. BB