Jackson Jambalaya

As soon as Phil Fisher leaves on June 30, 40% of Hinds County voters will not have representation on the board. Watch the videos below to see what I mean, as Robert Graham gavels down all opposition and refuses to let anyone in the audience speak.





District 4 Supervisor and Clinton Mayor-Elect Phil Fisher nominated Planning & Zoning Director Darrell McQuirter to replace Doug Anderson. The Board of Supervisors directed the county administrator to place an advertisement for resumes in the Jackson Advocate and the Mississippi Link at the last meeting. County Administrator Carmen Davis informed the board she had not done so. District 1 Supervisor Robert Graham said he had not "had an opportunity" to review the resumes that were submitted for the position. He stated he had been out of town. Ms. Davis said she had to make sure the advertisements complied with statutory requirements. The motion to appoint Mr. McQuirter failed on a 2-2 vote. Then the fun started.

District 3 Supervisor Peggy Hobson-Calhoun said the "request was made two weeks ago" and it was "sufficient time" to place the ads and for the board attorney to review the ads. She said this was an "attempt to stall the process" and the board has repeatedly delayed all attempts to appoint someone. "I see these tactics as actually to utilize to delay the process. The citizens of district 2 are entitled to representation" and "have that right". Several audience members raised their hands to speak. Ms. Hobson-Calhoun asked Mr. Graham to allow them to speak. "Ms. Calhoun, I'm not going to honor your request" as he talked her down. He gaveled her down and told her she was out of order when she protested his decision.

District 2 Justice Court Judge Ivory Britton later told the board "I'm an elected official of District 2... We are terribly under-served by not having a supervisor sit in that seat... It is most unfortunate this matter is continually tabled or passed on, passed over, for whatever reason but it concerns me greatly that I don't have a supervisor for my district I can refer to if an issue comes up and I ask the board to reconsider."

The Judge then brought up Mr. Fisher's vacancy. The Judge said "we may not be able to have a quorum" and "I will say it again, we are underserved." Mr. Graham thanked him for his comments and move on to other issues. He refused again to let anyone in the audience speak. However, he did allow Mr. Stokes to bring up to the podium various members of his district to complain about their personal problems.