Desoto County resident Heather Fox sent this little column on Desoto County schools and legislators to JJ:
Representative Forrest Hamilton in 2013 session
It is a sad day in the United States of America, land of democracy – land of the free, when citizens are no longer given a vote or a choice in the very issues that affect us each and every day. Yes, we elect individuals, who we entrust with the responsibility of advocating for us, voting in a way that is representative of the majority of their constituents and represents their constituents in a way that citizens can be proud of. It is a sad day when those elected representatives care more about their own wants, needs or financial gains than that of the people that put them where they are. It seems to me that in a lot of cases, the legislators have become dictators.
In a state that has, for the most part, been considered rural and poverty stricken in comparison to other states in the country, we have individuals that like to take advantage of that fact. Leaders know and fully understand that the majority of people do not have the money to fund a campaign, and without big backers, your chances are not favorable. The longer an individual remains in the legislature, the more money and backers they gain. I bring this up to address the question many people have asked me time and time again, “Why do you keep re-electing them”.
Let us use DeSoto County as the example (since this is where I live). We have House Reps that REFUSE to respond to emails and phone calls. They do NOT care one thing about what their constituents want. They care only about those that back them or have dirt on them. Forrest Hamilton stated last year and this year, that money is being passed around, school boards can bought for $50,000 and HE does not want his vote taken away from him. YET, he is taking our vote away from us, citizens of DeSoto County and citizens throughout the state. When he used SNL type theatrics to wage war on the appointment of superintendents bill, he embarrassed his constituents and did not represent what they wanted. He represented the owner of the pocket he has long been stuck in. He took away our right to vote in November for what WE, THE PEOPLE, want. Forrest Hamilton, along with Wanda Jennings, Pat Nelson, Gene Alday and Bill Kinkade, have disappointed their constituents, and we will not forget this!!
Now we have Senate Bill 2166 that passed the Senate and is in the hands of the House. All of our hopes are left in the very place that took away our right to vote, our right to choose, our right to say what WE want. Senate Bill 2166 would make all superintendents in the state of Mississippi appointed, and it rests in the hands of those that said loudly and clearly this year, their constituents do NOT have a right to choose.
Last year, Forrest waved a flag and bible around, and this year he waved around a paint brush and a velvet drawstring bag. He admitted last year that in his 10 years of representing DeSoto County, he had only been to the podium 3 times to speak on a bill. That is EMBARRASING, and believe me when I tell you, his constituents are embarrassed of him and for us since that is who we have representing us. It also speaks loudly about how little he is doing for his county and the state. He calls out in support of our superintendent, Milton Kuykendall, and anything that HE wants. Forrest is not alone though. He has other musketeers there to help the cause (the Superintendent’s cause that is). They keep on with their antics, making a mockery out of democracy and out of our county. They keep voting in ways that ensure the people, in their county and in this state, do not get a choice in matters that affect us every day. And their peers in the legislature, Republicans and Democrats, buy into to their performances each and every time.
(Side Note: 3 of our House Reps have family members that work for the DeSoto County Board of Education in administrative positions that pay VERY WELL)
The time has come for our elected representatives to remember who they work for. It is time for the legislators at the Capitol to know that the people in DeSoto County are watching all of them. While we may not reside in the districts they represent, a LOT of us have family members that do. One elected official told me, “You don’t understand the political pressure we are under here from our peers in the legislature”. Well let me say to that, the time is coming where people aren’t going to have to worry about that “peer pressure” anymore or the wheeling and dealing, back room deals that go on. They won’t have to worry because they will not be re-elected!
Senate Bill 2166 is going to play heavily in determining the future of the DeSoto County House delegation. We have too many failing districts in this state. We have too many school districts in violation of federal laws, state laws and board policies. We have too much corruption and mismanagement of funds going on in the schools. We have to have more accountability and more transparency. We have to be able to terminate the employment of a superintendent when they are not effective in their role or when they are abusing the power of their position. School board members answer to the people, and do not spend their days parading around the Capitol with their feathers all cocked up.
I hope and pray that the Mississippi House of Representatives vote the right way on SB 2166. I pray that they will pass SB 2166 and give the power back to their constituents and to the citizens of this state. The people should not have to wait 4 years to make a change when a superintendent does wrong and then pray that someone has the money to run against them or isn’t living in fear of being fired if they do.
About Heather: Heather Fox is a parent from Olive Branch. She is a past PTO leader in Desoto County Schools, and a proponent and organizer for the school choice movement in North Mississippi. Follow her on Twitter @heatfox
Kingfish note: Forrest Fire? The only time he is aflame is when Kuykendall lights his pants on fire.
11 comments:
Desoto County is an island unto itself. I don't know how this phenomenon took place or exactly when, but, it's like an untouchable country of its own. I guess the same is true on the other end of the state with Harrison County.
I can see Ms. Heather's point but, I can see it the other way as well. I have a very good friend who is a superintendent of schools. It would be a huge mistake to let that group of idiots that are elected to the school board in there to appoint. It all depends on where you live. Some counties have smart, well intentioned board members. Others do not. So you want to appoint the "Super" but its ok for the board members to be elected? At least in some counties the people get a true say in who will lead the schools. Like I said, I see both sides of this issue but because you Ms Fox don't like it in your county doesn't make you right either. Look at Madison County. Up till a few months ago, the mayor of Ridgeland, with Gerald Steens help, was running the Mad County BOS. They would have had the final say in who was the "Super". Queen Mary at one time had that pull. So you see, some counties its OK to do what you want, not so much in others.
Heather is quite eloquent and I admire her for trying to make things better.
The sad fact is that first people vote on party lines or else they vote because they know or know " of" Bubba and he seems like a personable. Or, someone they respect , like their preacher or friend or employer tells them that Bubba is " his" guy.
Because MS is a poor state, the educational systems are where you have found historically, the bulk of the voting middle class. So legislators listen to the Superintendents or junior college Presidents or IHL bigwigs because they believe those folks can influence their local vote in sufficient numbers. Only the evangelical preachers with large congregations enjoy more influence these days.
So, I fear that Heather is fighting an uphill battle. Convincing Mississippians to vote based on how their legislators perform is difficult. It's more difficult because the legislators have a bag of tricks to disguise their real positions on any issues. They can rant and rave in favor of a popular bill and kill it behind the scenes. So, I wish Heather well but have little hope for her success.
Getting off subject, but why do we have an IHL? Its a HUGE waste of money. The HEAD CHEESE makes over 300K a year. Many states have a board for each University, with no salary.
Does anyone else see the irony in her complaining about not having a voice when she's advocating for a bill that would REMOVE her right to vote for an elected official?
If this lady had an ax to grind (and I spent about 10 minutes on her twitter and Facebook -- she does) with the superintendent, there's a remedy. Vote him out. Seriously, muster your friends (including those that actually send their kids to the district) and vote in the next Superintendent's election.
If you can't vote him out, then develop a coping mechanism. That's the society we live in, we get to vote for who represents us. And go ahead stow your complaints about how powerful the superintendent is and how he controls everyone. That's politics. It's called a 'base'.
Don't try and end-run around the process because you don't like how other people vote. Next, she'll try and suggest that her reps be appointed because she doesn't like the way they vote.
Give me a break. Welcome to a democracy.
We do not have a pure democracy. We have a constitutional republic that utilizes a representative form of democracy.
And next, you'll suggest that U.S. Senators be directly elected by the people.... oh, wait.... some idiots already did that with the 17th.
Next you'll suggest that one shouldn't try to end-run around the process (hello 17th) by if they suggest term limits for elected individuals.
Perhaps you would like to shut her up by her "stowing her complaints", I mean, who cares about free speech and debating ideas. We have a process and a society we live in.....
She's a malcontent. Spends her days digging up dirt on people she perceives are incompetent. A malcontent with a lit fuse up her ass is a dangerous thing. An angry malcontent with a lit fuse up her ass is not going to accomplish jack shit.
February 19, 2014 at 6:30 PM = big anonymous anonymous ponders impact of big anonymous dud
First, let me clarify my point on the bill, I think the House should amend the Senate's bill to, at the very least, give elected supt. districts the option to vote on it in November. They should have never voted down the HB to begin with. They need to right the wrong. All districts are different and have a right to choose what works best for them. After all, we are a local control state.
Next, to the malcontent commenter, you have to be the wife of one of our school board members or her twin. She is the only one that has ever made such ridiculous comments. She attempts to use large words that she thinks give her the appearance of being an intelligent person. Sadly it does not work. No matter who made the comment, I will respond.
It is not my fault that so many people in the county office have documented, unfavorable pasts. That's what happens when you hire all of your family and friends.
-Heather Fox
She is the most hateful, condescending person I have ever come across. If you don't drink her kool aid there is hell to pay in terms of personal attacks. The good news is... Every time she blows her top she loses a little more credibility.
Gov. Bryant should call a special session to revamp education from top to bottom. That way nothing else can be discussed. The entire structure is failing our kids and our republic. Each region has some unique issues and needs unique options.
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