Jackson Jambalaya

Didn't this already happen?

If anyone sees this as anything but pre-election grandstanding on an issue that's been dead as a hammer for months, you're as smart as the hammer.

I appreciate Senator Longwitz and his tenacity on this issue.

Wait, OH was run out by Dilbert weeks ago. Never had they met the wits of Bryant, Hoseman and Longwitz. It was a slam dunk.

There is no reason by MDMH should not account for regular drug and alcohol and drug testing of the residents, or for screening residents for sex offenders. Otherwise the State is just supporting an out of control situation that the neighbors are imposed with. Thank you Senator for speaking out for the interests of the neighbors.

I can hear the campaigning about a manufactured issue already.

Thank heaven someone is doing their best to look out for us and have MDMH tow the line.

And the state should drug test these people because...? They're private citizens and shouldn't be subjected to testing any more than anyone else. Maybe Longwitz can pass a law that requires anyone who has ever been in treatment to have to pee in a bottle every week, and then pass another one that requires anyone living in a neighborhood with children to have a criminal background check - I've heard he's the man in the state senate - but until then it's not gonna happen.

The OH at 1365 E Northside Dr has a new resident recoveree who sits in the carport during the day for many hours on end. I can understand his need for some space outside of house stacked to the rafters with other males unrelated to himself. If he has a job he's working the nightshift when JATRAN doesn't run.

4:34: You are right. Will is a hammer who is going to hammer at MDMH until they are held accountable for imposing group homes on other people's neighborhoods, while keeping them out of their own neighborhoods in the burbs. He will continue to hammer away on holding OH and MDMH to their stated but ignored standards. Please count me in as one of Will's hammers.

"If I had a hammer, I'd ring it the morning...I'd ring in the evening, all over this land. I'd ring it out for DANGER...." That's what Will is doing. Thank goodness he is.

Best statement of facts to date! Great letter. Senator Longwitz will get relected and then move on up the ladder - why? He gets it! He knows how fed-up we who pay the taxes are with politicians that TALK TALK TALK and nothing happens. Pull the MDMH funding and they will crawl on all fours begging to be forgiven. Why is TRUMP leading the polls - people are fed up with the political class that do NOTHING. And we are fed-up with the Kumbaya crowd that hold no one responsible for their behavior - "the devil made me do it. I need tax dollars to get my life together"

Way to go KF - only reporter with the stones to stay on this OH scam.

4:57 what kind of pervert ogles a man for hours at a time. I can understand your curiosity given you don't have a real life, but perhaps investing in others in your own house may help. If you've got a job, you've certainly got plenty of time to stalk the neighbors. Besides, how many times have you seen that man do something offensive to the neighborhood? I'm guessing none or we'd be honored to have read about it.

Get a life.

4:59. Thank you for proving my point. That's sad. I want to laugh, but it's just sad. You must be a relative, because you're a tool.

Will's a (cough) lawyer. He's alleged the violation of federal laws. Funny how a court action hasn't been brought with such a (cough) high powered attorney at the helm.

5:12 Will is much better than just a lawyer. He's our senator, and that means he has input into the budget process. That should frighten MDMH worse than any lawsuit.

You miss the point COMPLETELY, by a Tony Yarber property tax milk cow payer mile, @4:52 PM.

Madison County high end neighborhood residents Mikula, and the Billingsley campaign contributor of clerical error fame Avery, have claimed that there is a battery of various tests being actively and regularly conducted on Oxford House residents to insure their continued sobriety. Because that is the outright bullshit they used to sell the program internally to various decision makers.

BUT the tests are not only not taking place because tests of this sort of mandatory requirement WOULD NEVER and HAVE NEVER been agreed to by the Captain of the OH mothership Molloy because, and please play close attention here, if Molloy agreed to Mikula & Avery wish-list testing regime he would UNDERMINE EVERY OH in the rest of the nation to similar regulation.

Can YOU even FATHOM that?

Your beef ain't with Longwitz. Your beef is with Mikula and Avery who are spreading bullshit in order to cover their pretty butts, burbs and jobs.

Sorry 5:08 loser. RE agent. House nearby. Drive by location multiple times a day. Thanks for sharing that your mind is in the gutter. Get a clue.

Will has been a good asset to the City of Jackson. I can't wait to see what a second term looks like.

Even if Longwitz is featuring the issue as one of many in his campaign he's winning and winning big. J.T. Williamson will show up anywhere if there is a free Tico's steak in the deal. Truth is the MRA voting community is very small, not concentrated fully within the district and JJ has quadruple the heft in the local marketplace and absolutely none of the fat!

DMH's budget is screwed come next session in Will's Senate.

What a snooze fest. Where's the real news, KF? This is just a running scared senator trying to grandstand & save his job! He's about as good a senator as he is an attorney & that ain't saying much. What has this man done for the last 4 years? Nothing! Oxford houses have been around for years. Why hasn't he done anything before April of this year???? Answer-because he wasn't running for reelection until now. Sad sad sad excuse for a senator. What's worse is that the people supporting him don't realize he's just grandstanding to get reelected. Has the lady who was complaining about the houses in HER neighborhood been mugged or harmed because all the horrible people coming to HER neighborhood? Answer-no. Nothing has happened to her. She's more at risk from her own behavior because she was stopped driving under the influence with her kids in the car. That's more of a danger than any house in HER neighborhood. Cue the allegations I'm Billingsly or from Maryland in 1, 2, 3....

I'm part of the MRA community and I'm voting for Will Longwitz. Most all of the parents I know at MRA would say the same.

Senator Longwitz - thank you for doing what you were elected to do. RARE and will not be forgotten on August 4. The OH bunch is sitting in MD tonight scratching their head and posting furiously on JJ and saying to themselves - 'that bunch in NEJ just don't intimidate worth a damn'.

LOL Not doubting you @7:04 but there are more Billingsley signs within a half-mile of the MRA campus than there are anywhere else in the SD#25.

Hmm. I'm also a parent at MRA and I don't know a single one who feels the same as you do. Bill has supported us long before he was running for office. Will shows up when he wants our money or our votes. I'll take years of loyalty over election year pandering every time.

Do any of you Longwitz loyalists actually read what he's said? On April 2 he posted on Facebook that he had known about the Oxford House situation for "several months." Even if he only meant two that got him back far enough in the session to put budget pressure on MDMH to keep the house at 2230 Northside from ever opening. He either ignored his own information and did nothing or he wasn't smart enough to understand it. Well, there's one more possibility. He knew it would be a great election year issue for him to use in a part of his district where he hadn't spent any time, so he shut up about it until he couldn't be accused of not taking action during the legislative session. Now all of you believe he's going to put the hammer down next year, but why wouldn't he go ahead and do it before? He's playing you for saps and you're eating it up.

"But it is simply inappropriate that the Department of Mental Health is relying on me to serve as their full-time Inspector General."

What kind of delusion is this guy living under?

Taking 7;29 one step farther, if he believed his own hype, he would take this to court and end it with a TRO in less than a week. He either (a) refuses to help his constituents or (b) knows he can't and just wants to milk it for more political points.

Bill has supported us long before he was running for office.

How? How has Bill supported MRA?

Geez, the guy is reading to the board all the crap that he's already read to them before, and his buddy Kingfish is dutifully recording it and reporting it to his loyal readers. KF, you couldn't be any more in the bag for this guy if you had Kroger tattooed across your butt.

July 16, 2015 at 7:29 PM

Besides his full throated support for his MDMH friends and Oxford House name one other issue where Bill has put a stake in the ground and taken a stance? All he does is post pictures to Facebook.

Whoever says Longwitz is doing this for votes doesn't know much about politics. It would be easier and better for him to say and do nothing regarding Oxford House.
Or give some limp answer like Billingsley did, who said he would be okay with Oxford Houses next door to him.
Thank you Will Longwitz.

MRA family. 2 HS students. Voting for Will. Where in the world has it gotten out that MRAers vote for intolerable JTW's frigging candidate? Sheesh.

8:02 nails it - the safe bet would have been the old reliable...I am looking into it or I will investigate. Senator Longwitz actually did investigate and found a scam. Come January a lot of folks will have to go on the record either supporting OH or not. Something tells me MDMH woes are just beginning. They want money and they will have to decide if OH is worth a budget cut.

KF - the audio from the board members is difficult to interpret. Any possibility of a transcript of their response. Sounded like Mr. Barry said he stands by his public comments, but did not answer the Senator's questions regarding how he substantiated his comments on oversight, testing, etc.

@ 4:34 - this issue will not die until the DMH board is held accountable for their lack of oversight on Oxford House.

"Something tells me MDH woes are just beginning" has been said repeatedly for months. As stated above, he read what he already wrote. Twice. What's that radio guy say about doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?

@8:34 You hit the nail on the head. Each member of the legislature is going to go on record with their stance on OH when they prepare the budget for DMH next year. Why DMH wants to martyr their budget over a program that is unpopular both within the realms of higher state government and the residents of this state is beyond me. Either the Attorney General's office is giving the DMH board woefully bad advice or they have been brainwashed by OH.....or likely a case of both.

Longwitz has worked tirelessly on this issue and we should all be greatful.

Go ahead and transcribe the audio @8:45 PM instead of expecting KF to do it. Then we will all read your transcription while we follow the audio and let you know of any errors you've made. Also, don't forget to hit KF's tip jar.

Thank.s

Are you kidding me? Do any of you understand how the legislature works? Longwitz has no chance of convincing any of his colleagues to punish DMH over a $180,000 blip in the budget. You are badly overestimating your hero's pull in the Senate, and there are 51 other people down there who could give a rat's ass about how a bunch of snobs in northeast Jackson feel about anything. He's not the most popular guy down there, so don't be surprised if they leave the money for OH in the budget just to make him look silly.

I've seen this question asked before but NO one (other than Longwitz & his homely wife) answer it, but what in the world has this man done for our district in 4 years OTHER than pick on recovering addicts?!?!? Nothing. He's running scared & needs to make a move, so he jumps on this issue. He is not a senator of our people. He is a politician trying to get votes. There are real issues in our community that he has done nothing about-car jacking, crime, bringing industry into our state... He has done nothing! The gov & lt gov can't stand him. He keeps trying to drag them into this issue. They want nothing to do with Longwitz or his agenda. Where has everyone gone? They don't support him. He's only supported by a small group of crazy home owners & his wife's family. That's it. Walter Michel ain't backing him, either. He lost his run for a judgeship & barely won this election. He's a sad excuse for our senator. We deserve better. Look how Billingsley conducted himself on this site-like a professional. Will stands up & reads a script. It's time for a change. I'll vote for anyone instead of Will. He has no friends in the legislature and will do for us what he's done the last 3 years-nothing.

Actually he got a pretty good bill on domestic violence passed last year in case you forgot. Police can now pursue felony charges on DV without the victim's consent or filing a complaint. Prior to the bill's passage, that only applied to a misdemeanor.

9:29, you won't get your man Billingsley not one additional vote with the way you act.

I've seen this question asked before but...

Nope, been answered repeatedly before. While you are catching up how about sharing Billingsley's specific plans to address carjacking, crime and bringing industry into our state. Because hot air Bill talks a bunch but is extremely short on the details. Maybe an big insider like yourself can fill in the significant blank spots in his platform. Too bad you found it necessary to attack Longwitz's wife. Doesn't reflect very well on Bill's campaign or the wisdom of his supporters.

All the tea party candidates are going to lose in Madison this year! Polls show a landslide defeat for Billingsly and Bomgaars!!!!

Kingfish-we expect you to back Longwitz, since he pays you thru the Godwin Group. But, thanks for confirming that.

@9:20 - Longwitz may not be able to convince anyone in the legislature to hold MDMH accountable for the handling of the OH situation, but this is on the radar of the Governor, Lt. Gov, and Speaker of the House also. Senator Longwitz was a part, but not the only person that worked to get this on their respective agendas.

Now that the DMH board has gone on record stating that they do not care what the Governor's opinion is, a line has been drawn in the sand.

Furthermore, a grass roots effort has been in place to educate citizens in other communities about OH and the DMH board plans for expansion. This will become important to more state level elected officials by the time the new year rolls around.

The DMH board's continued adversarial stance and withholding of public information will only serve to further isolate them from the executive and legislative branches of government. These bullying tactics have worked for OH in the past, but it will not win many people over in MS in the long run.

9:29, I've figured out who you are. You must be Charles Barbour, trying to rewrite history like that. You know Longwitz beat you by almost 10 points.

@9:20 - I have personally contributed to the campaigns of legislators of districts I don't live in and let then know that OH and DMH is an issue that concerns me. I don't claim that I can sway any votes, but I got my moneys worth of their time discussing this issue.

10:55: Ha! Good luck writing more fiction.

Go look up the bill. Its there.

9:29: Ps ID yourself so I can teach you some manners. Will has a lovely wife and lovely children. You should look yourself in the mirror. I'm sure you ain't going to win no prize at the Fair.

Bomgar loses in a landslide? Not going to happen.

As a Patron at MRA, I would appreciate it if everyone keeps politics away from our school. This senate race has zero to do with our school.
Rebekah Hixon

I must agree with the previous posters who said this was a political move by Mr. Longwitz. I live in his district, well educated, stay fairly abreast of political issues, and I am involved in my community. I rarely hear his name. If it were not for these houses, I wouldn't have heard anything from him. I want a legislator and senator who care about more than one issue. I don't believe in saying bad things about their families, etc. the facts speak for themselves. I just prefer to have a Represtative and a Senator who are balanced in their interests, level headed on issues and politically in the know. I don't believe Mr. Denney nor Mr. Longwitz are what I want representing me for the next four years.

People who do not support Mr. Longwitz: Walter Michel, Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler, Gov Bryant, Lt. Governor Reeves, just to name a few. This tells me all that I need to know-Will is not liked by people who can make things happen. If I am wrong about any of these people, please provide me proof (not a comment like-Tate and Will were both at the same bar que restaurant last week). If they are publicly supporting Will, show me. If not, the fact that none of them support an incumbent Republucan Senator speaks volumes

"I'm part of the MRA community....." And therein lies the bright light. You hooties actually believe you're separate and apart from the regular herd. Prissy, pretentious, aloof, above the fray, on the leading edge, exclusive membership. And you're not normal. Preach it bro!

7:42 PM, Bill has donated thousands of dollars to MRA over the years, including a new piano for the music department. He is a regular donor to the booster club and always buys sponsorships for the Gardens events. He served on the Board of Trustees for five years, and chaired the Development Committee for much of that time, raising more thousands for the school. Senator Longwitz has been to MRA a couple of times to speak to the government students and was well received, but never attended any of our fundraising events - and certainly hasn't sponsored anything or made a donation - until he was challenged by Bill. I'm with Rebekah - this election doesn't have anything to do with MRA, but I'm not going to let you suggest that Bill has done nothing for us.

To the stalker at 4:57, please get a life or a real job. Leave these people alone. They have done nothing to you. The man you're stalking has every right to do what he's doing free from your nosey leering.

The person who posted at 12:29 is correct. Senator Longwitz aligned himself with Chris McDaniels and company. This move had the potential of splitting the Republican Party. He then tried to change course, but the damage was already done. He is a very disliked outsider in the legislature. Disliked outsiders are ineffective politians. That's an unbiased and honest assessment of where he is.

Your characterization of Longwitz's reputation in the legislature is correct. The rest of your comment could just as easily been said of Billingsley though, who dove head first in the kool aid McDaniel had.

My understanding is that MRA recently hired Anna Fiser Stephens; isn't she the one that got all this mess about OH started to begin with?

AGENDAS IN PLACE:

1. Bill Billingsley's supporters (6-12 total) are out in force
2. MDMH (2-3 total to include Mikula and Avery) are posting furiously to ensure no further investigation into their actions occurs, and their funding doesn't get cut which means they cannot donate to Bill (which Avery has) because their jobs might be jeopardized.
3. OH -- VERY concerned that they'll be more issues from an IG investigation at the federal level, we're they'll have to answer questions well beyond their little MS problem.

I'd say the triumverate is working furiously to negate Will and anything he is doing. The wheels of justice move slowly -- but they're moving. Nothing any of the above mentioned can do, to stop them. Will - keep moving forward and don't let this group dissuade you.

Also -- Will, your wife is a lovely person (both inside and out). We will all take the high road, as opposed to the Billingsley group, and refrain from posting anything about Bill or his family. Even if I weren't a supporter of Will's, this "McDanielesque" group's personal attacks on Will and his family would have made me NOT vote for Bill PERIOD. This group knows no boundaries (except with their inability to go on the record about issues such as OH). Personal attacks = nursing home pictures. Learn what is appropriate Billingsley group -- attack the candidate but not the family and attack the candidate based on their record!!!!

Senator Longwitz - you have a wonderful family. Your wife is a lovely person both inside and out. The remarks made by MDMH, OH, and BB personnel or supporters is typical for their ilk. Like most losers, when they lose the argument they go to personal attacks on family members to wound or hurt. Just one more reason these people need to called on the scam they are involved in/with using our tax dollars.

Not supported by the Governor 12:29? Did we imagine that letter from Phil condemning OH? Did Phil have a change of heart and release a letter now supporting OH? Nope - and Digbert whacked them with a fine for failing to register as a charity. I don't know if Phil, Will, Tater, and Durbert are drinking buddies, but it would appear they all share a similar view of OH. I guess we will have to wait and see what happens in January. May be a cold month (pun intended) for OH and MDMH.

That is great news. Now Anna can help Neal dupe MRA families into draining their savings for the DORE flim-flam treatment. Maybe Neal can get a whole group of them onto the football field to walk back and forth while staring at the ground. There is a reason why the Stephens crew is selling this quack science in Mississippi.

That's an unbiased and honest assessment of where he is.

My anonymous unbiased and honest assessment is that your anonymous comment is biased and dishonest.

Elect Bill Billingsley!

He is the only candidate qualified to review new piano purchasing and will provide the sort of time tested tough oversight of sponsored Garden events that the voters of SD#25 deserve!!!

I must agree with the previous posters who said that Will Longwitz is ably supporting all the people of his district. I live in this district, well educated, stay fairly abreast of political issues, and I am involved in my community. I hear Will's name mentioned frequently and positively. He is well known in the district. I want a Senator who cares about more than one issue and Will has proven that he does by getting numerous pieces of legislation passed over the past four years. I don't believe in saying bad things about their families, etc. but the facts that Bill Billingsley's supporters are attacking Will's wife speak for themselves. I prefer to have a Senator who is balanced in their interests, level headed on issues and politically in the know. Will has a proven record that passes all three tests. Will Longwitz is who I want representing me for the next four years.

I don't see where the wife was attacked. Just a standard comment about a candidate being supported by only his family. Said in most elections.

OK everyone, yes, there is an election but try to keep the comments to the subject of the post. There is plenty of information in those statements and documents posted as well as the video. I think you can find plenty to discuss than yapping about the election.

The attacks on Will's wife just made me break out my checkbook again for Will! Keep attacking her you dimwits and we will keep sending in the checks for Will! This seems to be a pattern of behavior with BB supporters and by extension MDMH and OH.

The story everybody is missing here is the dumpster fire that is MDMH. To begin this discussion, let's start with the lawsuit from the Clarion Ledger filed last week alleging mdmh is concealing public records.

It is difficult to watch that video and see Jim Herzog sit there with disinterest as Senator Longwitz raises multiple issues with OH. I wonder what his opinion would be if one of these OH were to open in Oxford, MS next to his daughter and grandchild? Yet he supports subjecting the families of other communities to OH. It is very disappointing that he has let OH impact his family's relationships with a community that they have been connected to for decades.

@ 9:15 you are so correct. If MDMH would have been adequately serving the needs of individuals suffering from mental illness, the DOJ would not have been in out state to begin with. Instead, they choose to withhold information, bully those that are trying to improve the system of care and create more problems than they solve.

Of course, on the flip side, MDMH keeps scores of inefficient government bureaucrats employed and sends hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to corporations in Boston and Maryland to keep the DOJ at bay.

KF - the election is all about OH and the scam(a dishonest scheme; a fraud) they are running. Hard to separate the two but let me give it a shot:

1. Senator Longwitz points out repeatedly in his letter to Mikula the incongruities of the OH/MDMH arguments with the stated policy and arguments before US Courts. Arguing against their own stated policies is rich, but not uncommon when a full blown CYA is required; they know they are now on the hot seat. EVERYONE is looking now.

2. Since Senator Longwitz is running for reelection this year, the OH/MDMH/BB bunch want to attribute ALL his actions on the part of his constituents, which have been adversely affected by OH/MDMH, to election motives. For those of us adversely affected by OH we do not care what motivates his actions on our behalf. We care what he does. He shows up at Board of Mental Health meetings and advocates for accountability. No one else has nor even asks the questions. BB has actively supported OH positions. Why?

3. BB brought the heat on himself by supporting OH and MDMH. It is his right to support any organization he wants, but like McDaniel he runs the risk of having supporters that will stop at nothing to discredit the opposition. Running down family members wins you no friends.

4. None of the election year back and forth changes the fact that OH is a tax payer supported scam. Take the tax dollars out and people can do what they want with THEIR money. You can send it to Nigeria or you can send it to OH. We don't care where you send your money as long as it is YOUR money and not the tax payers.

9:15 - wow, we didn't know that. That is big!

When did anyone attack Longwitz's wife? I missed that one...

To answer your question 10:27 - July 16, 2015 at 9:29 PM - stated "his homely wife" in the first sentence. Homely is defined in American English as "unattractive or ugly".

That is a direct personal insult and attack. The BB/OH/MDMH bunch cannot spin their way out of it.

I find it ironic that the MDMH chooses to remain "tight lipped" about the infractions made by The Oxford House. Another issue that concerns me is about the outreach worker being transferred to another state. Perfect timing, don't ya think? He had already been transferred to MS from his position with OH in Oklahoma. Makes one wonder if this same outreach worker falsified documents in Oklahoma like he has done here in MS? I applaud Senator Longwitz for having the backbone to confront this situation and demand answers. I anxiously await the response from MDMH. Keep up the great work, Senator! There are people who respect your fight.

You are right. Was in the first line. Pretty pathetic. Hope someone feels better about themselves. I'll leave it up there. Makes him seem pretty stupid.

If there was ever a case for an investigation by Mr. Pickering's office the mess at MDMH is it! Stacey where are you? Time for a change at the AG office as well - Mike Hurst take note. State and Federal money is involved!

Despite my disagreement with the attacks against OH, I would like to applaud KF for stepping up and providing more of a balanced report and blocking all the attacks against the individuals (except for the stalking neighbor and the jerk at 9:29 last night). Much cleaner thread these days.

Both sides, knock it off. I suspect its probably just two or three trolls. I know Bill and know him well. Bill wouldn't knock someone's family nor would he want his followers doing it. Same goes for Will. Funny thing about elections and divorces. They bring out the worst in people. Will has passed legislation such as the one I've mentioned. Bill supported McDaniel because frankly, Cochran has a moderate record. Appealing for votes based on bragging a candidate can get food stamps and other such benefits for people is not exactly a conservative position. There were many principled conservatives who voted for McDaniel because they could not stomach Cochran's weak record. Billingsley would not manufacture illegal votes when some people when he wanted to do so on the ballot examinations. He's always been a good troop. He was in competition for the chair of the Madison GOP a few years ago. It was clear John Taylor was going to win. Bill was a good sport and nominated him to the position. After the primary was over last year, he said ok, let us all vote for the GOP nominee. There are crazies and we all know who they are. He is not one of them. Neither is Will although he was once a member of the Chris McDaniel, oops, I meant Conservative Coaltion.

NOW back to MDMH and keep it there.

@ 8:31, The Governor did not intend for the letter to go public. The DMH received a phone call from his office that afternoon with an apology - that is a known fact amongst employees at DMH and in the Governor's office. Will's ad agency worked really hard in manipulating various parties and got exactly what they needed to make their candidate out to be the hero. Governor Bryant intended the letter for the DMH Director and the board but blind copied it to a homeowner who was working with Will and gave it to him on the sly. The Governor and others are holding the DMH employees accountable, they just aren't bragging about it on Facebook. That's how true statesmen handle things, unlike low life politicians who will sell their soul for a vote.

KF - you know Bill and I will take you at your word that he is a good guy. What I cannot figure out is his support for OH/MDMH. It appears so out of character for someone claiming to be conservative and opposed to abuse of taxpayer dollars. Just a strange position for someone who claims conservative credentials and expects accountability from our government. Maybe he can explain the disconnect so we understand?

12:02 - so the Gov is sending secret letters, blind copying homeowners and making apology calls to MDMH? Why do I doubt the veracity of your charges? Chuckle chuckle. Next you will tell us he is in a secret club, with secret handshake and passwords - Mums the word - please tell us the secret handshake and password for today so we can be part of the secret club that only the Gov knows about. You guys do amuse me.

Good God this subject brings out the nuts.

Nobody is stalking anyone. The resident recoveree is hanging out in the street facing carport on a busy thoroughfare used by thousands everyday. Good try Harpy.

Next you will tell us he is in a secret club, with secret handshake and passwords - Mums the word..

Hope they have those nifty secret decoder rings.......I want one.

The SECRETS are held within the MDMH. The expensive trips to fun parties, disguised as "Confrences", paid for with our tax dollars are only ONE of the things we should be worried about! Read for yourself about the exorbitant salaries these ineffective employees enjoy!

The big secrets that MDMH does not want to disclose are how they have failed to serve the mental health community in our state. There are results from an independent study that they do not want disclosed publicly. That is what the CL is suing them over.

It the MDMH would have done their jobs years ago, we would not have all of the concerns now.

Also, I wonder why there has been no outreach from MDMH to the communities that the OH are in? Why have they not tried to communicate or provide resources to help the communities better understand the OH model and assuage the neighborhood fears. I get why they did not do that on the front end, but why have they not provided any outreach to the communities since this issue blew up? It seems that they don't want to put the work in to help facilitate better understanding. They just keep saying this program is "evidence based", which means nothing to the general population.

So, if it such a great deal for communities, why are they not out in the neighborhoods facilitating dialog and support?

2:28. What good d that do? That one particular community is dead set against OH and believes the false statements of the senetor. And based on the way the owners of the home was treated the are probably scared they will be followed and harassed. You all don't care what good these homes are doing for the residents. No one talks about that. Suddenly it's a horrible thing for someone to smoke outside his home? King fish do some leg work and ask these people what OH has done for them. All this stupid campaigning the senetor is doing is hurting people when he uses this topic for political gain. The people in the OH homes are tax paying citizens in his district too. We just can't pull out our checkbooks and write him a big amount of money. Shame on him and shame on all of you.

Here's what MDMH is being sued about:
"State mental health report kept under wraps" http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2015/03/23/state-mental-health-report-kept-wraps/70356516/

In 2011, the DOJ found MDMH had violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. There was a separate lawsuit (Troupe v Barbour) that triggered the DOJ investigation. The state commissioned the report in question to help them comply with DOJ inquiries.

The problem is, again, MDMH secrecy and arrogance. They rely on a privilege that does not apply (Rule of Evidence 408), as this report is not part of any litigation; it's just something MDMH commissioned to help them talk to DOJ.

MDMH also claims a nonexistent exemption under the public records act. No exemption shields these records.

Joy Hogge is right. This is public information that we could be using to help kids in need. Instead, MDMH is once again doing what they do: acting unaccountable to anybody. If Jim Hood doesn't advise / demand they follow the law, then he is just as guilty as they are.

What is the matter with people? I understand that everybody wants to help people with addictions recover. But not every treatment program necessarily helps people recover. when the Senator started asking questions, many people started calling him names, accusing him of campaigning, and talking about "lies"'. I first thought this was political gamesmanship too. I didn't think much about the loan misrepresentation / how many rooms thing. But then there was the thing in Meridian. It really bothered me that the Oxford House staff sent a struggling addict who needed mentor ship and guidance to bunk with a recovering veteran with PTSD. THEN IT OUTRAGED ME when both the men relapsed and the OH worker WANTED TO COVER IT ALL UP. I've read the letters, and I have yet to see any lies. The truth has been outrageous enough.

I do not like politics. I have not known a single politician my whole life who has sunk his teeth into something and not let go like Longwitz has done with this. I now believe the questions he keeps asking will ultimately be beneficial. I don't care about wasted tax money. That happens all the time. But if his questions force this outfit and MDMH to leave town or do right, then he will have helped save some addicts a lot of disappointment and pain caused by these charlatans from Maryland who thought we were ignorant enough not to sniff out their fraud.

@3:14 - If DMH feels that this program is misunderstood by the public, I would expect them to provide outreach workers to help educate the citizens of our state. Most progressive organizations that are trying to exact change, provide outreach and education for the communities they are working in. Instead, MDMH has made no effort to reach out to or provide education to the communities.

Whether OH stays or goes in this neighborhood, there is no downside to the general public being better educated on this issue. MDMH should have been providing outreach years ago and maybe there would be more acceptance now. MDMH does not care about the communities OR the tenants of OH. The DOJ has extensively documented the neglect the MDMH has shown towards the citizens of our state that are affected by mental illness. The MDMH board and leadership are only interested in protecting their fiefdom.

It is documents fact that Citizens in the state have been suffering for years from inadequate care provided by a system of care administered and overseen by MDMH. The records requested by Senator Lonqwitz and the Clarion Ledger will further validate this point.

Good God all of you panting people are certifiably crazy. Nuts.

4:38 yes, keep saying that OH and BB people. LOL. We aren't nuts. OH and MDMH are using tax money and not doing the job they are meant to be doing. It's now been demonstrated time and time again. I guess MDMH will get serious about Oxford House when their budget $$ is on the line. They don't mind wasting taxpayer money, though.

Whatever happened with OH and the Secretary of State's office? Last I read, OH had not filed the proper documents as a charitable organization (or something to that effect) and Mr. Hoseman had fined them $1,000. Anyone know the outcome?

I don't know anything about the DMH other than what I've read since the Oxford House thing broke, so I can't comment on the other 99.99% of their work. However, this continues to be a problem for a few rich people in their nice NE Jackson enclave while the rest of the state is amused by it. Thread after thread discusses it without anyone addressing whether it works to help keep people straight. The relapses in Meridian were bad, but two out of what, 300, 400 people who have lived in an OH in Mississippi? If they're working then doesn't it follow that part of it is their ability to blend in with the neighborhoods they're in? That sort of blows the whole notion that they or the DMH should announce them coming in and do thousands of dollars worth of outreach so snobby neighbors can still be snobby. If the program is working then leave it alone. If you don't want them in your neighborhood then buy up the rent houses.

[If] being the operative term. You don't know that they are working 7:17 AM. You are assuming the Meridian coverup was a singular event. [If] you don't live in the proximity of an OH elsewhere or in NE Jackson then you don't know what you are talking about.

Name one person directly and personally harmed by Oxford House.

I believe it was previously stated back during the beginning of this mess that the Stephenses most certainly entertained selling. Apparently JA made selling the homes a condition of renewal of Anna's contract but she would not acquiesce on a matter that should be unrelated to her employment.

And yes, I understand that she is now the volleyball coach at MRA (Miskelly Recruiting Academy). If Bill Billingsly is responsible for Anna going to MRA, which is unlikely considering she interviewed with MRA last year before any of this OH stuff was even on the radar..... but if he is responsible, was a trustee and all, then he is also responsible for MRA's lack of integrity. Buying players for their junior or senior year just to win a sports championship undermines the families who have been paying tuition year after year. Encouraging.... actually forcing coaches to go out and find recruits as if they are colleges has no place in sportsmanship.

For those MRA patrons who question the veracity of such statements, check your rosters each year. Anna has gotten a D1 committed volleyball player to move from MC to MRA for her senior year. A few new basketball players last year. MRA should be the largest, most successful private school in the state, given it's location and access. Athletic rosters that are not grown from within gives the academic and school as a whole a bad reputation and only hurts the loyal patrons.

One should draw a flow chart of how all of these things are intertwined.

That's silly, 8:12. There are over 1800 of these houses across the country. Do you mean to tell me that no one has ever looked to see if they work, or are you saying that the one fouling your neighborhood doesn't work? Or maybe the truth is that you don't care whether they work or not as long as you can keep them out. My point is that it's a much easier argument for Senator Longwitz to make next year if he has even a little bit of evidence - beyond the suspicious Meridian incident - that they are what he says they are - scams meant to rob poor addicts of their hard earned money.

No, what is silly 9:32 is your assumption @ 7:17 that the OHs in Mississippi are working. You don't know.

Damn you people are slap ass crazy. I live around the corner from Anna's OH. I took them a casserole last week and welcomed them to the neighborhood. Nice people.

At 12:28. Don't take my word for it. Just ask anyone in the Governor's office how the letter got posted on Will's Facebook page oh, and of course Jackson Jambalaya, before the meeting was even over and before the Director and the DMH Board even had a chance to read it. It is no secret. Why do you think the Governor attended Billingsley's fund raiser the other night? Hmmmmm maybe he thinks Longwitz needs to be put in his place.

8:51 - Name one person directly and personally harmed by a pool hall or a cash for titles store-front, or pink 55 gallon garbage cans, or weeds in the front yard or a wrecker parked in the side yard or a mailbox constructed to look like boobs or a swimming pool in a front yard or a neon sign on a roof top.

Take your time..............

Are there such things as pool halls? If so, I am unaware. Everyone who does business in a cash for title place is personally harmed. Your other examples are ridiculous and completely dissimilar to the case at hand, and by citing them you make my point for me - you can not name anyone and have to resort to the ridiculous to support your position.

@9:32 - OH has been left to monitor itself. It is documented that they covered up a relapse in Meridian. It is documented that they tried to skirt the charity registration laws of our state. It is documented that they falsified a loan application. It is documented that they are not following their own guidelines to provide therapeutic value to the residents (as they stipulated in court). Neither OH nor MDMH has done anything to foster public trust in this program. Unless their outcomes are externally evaluated, I don't think we can ever draw a clear conclusion as to whether they are working or not in out state.

@7:17 here are a few links to presumably snobby neighborhoods in other states across the nation that have a problem with OH:

http://patch.com/new-jersey/rumson/medical-emergency-at-rumson-oxford-house-injunction-sought-to-shut-it-down
http://www.arktimes.com/arkansas/no-open-doors-for-oxford-house/Content?oid=2903579

@8:51 - do you consider death as an injury? If so then the resident that died in Texas after being evicted would be an example:

http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Man-Evicted-From-Recovery-House-Shoots-Resident-Kills-Self-Police-222143501.html

@ 7:17 - It is disheartening that you would lobby against outreach and education that would further understanding of mental illness and addiction disorders. During the July 4th weekend there was a sign posted in front of the NEJ house stating that one of the residents suffered from post traumatic stress and the use of fireworks was discouraged. I would suspect that the neighborhood in question only increased their skepticism and hysteria. However, I doubt many communities in MS properly understand this or any other mental health issue and would be able to foster a supportive environment without additional outreach and education.

Your effort would be better serve the mental health community to encourage outreach to individuals who would like to have a better understanding, than discourage outreach because of a group of people that may never seek understanding.

An OH situation in Jacksonville, FL bears watching. Wonder if they are headed to Court?:

http://www.wcti12.com/news/Future-of-Jacksonville-group-home-uncertain/34165078

Oh dear. Someone got into the petty cash:

http://journaltimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/prison-time-for-man-who-stole-from-sober-living-house/article_ae0d7c27-38a4-52b3-b3d2-fa1bdbd86e2e.html

IF Oxford House were operating legitimately, IF OH were not falsifying loan documents, IF OH were following their "model" and IF they were not hiding relapses there would be no need for an investigation period. However, there is clear and consise EVIDENCE that says otherwise. When you do the RIGHT thing, there is NOTHING TO HIDE! Either get cwith the program of honesty or close them all down! You can bet if their were relapses concealed at one house, odds are it has happened elsewhere and most likely concealed.

For 12:11 who has no clue what a pool hall is: The point here is that the community at large does not want and should not be forced to endure this facility in the neighborhood. You keep chirping the same question (for months now) asking 'who has been harmed'?

The point is not to prove others have been harmed or communities have been blown asunder or perps who sit in the garage all day doing nothing have already killed folks.

Put these places out in the boonies among whispering pines and rippling streams. Then YOU can volunteer to strum a guitar and flip burgers for them. Meanwhile, the rest of society is terribly uncomfortable with grown men who sit, blankly staring, in garages all day and ten or more adults bunking in a three bedroom house with no visible means of support.

We all want drug addicts and alcoholics waned of their shackles. We just don't want to roll the dice on having it take place next door.

I was almost certain Maryland had pool halls.

4:16, the U.S. constitution says you can't purify your little wonderland like that. Suck it up, or move to the boonies yourself.

July 18, 2015 at 12:38 PM

In Mississippi Oxford House isn't being left to monitor itself.

Nope, here Oxford House is GETTING PAID to monitor itself.

They get PAID by MDMH to fuck over our neighborhoods.

So OH has issued "ammended" reports for May that corroberate the story from the lady that said there had been a relapse in Meridian. How shamefull that they attacked her and had full knowledge that she was telling the truth. There is no way MDMH can continue to pay OH to monitor its own activities. They have provided false "evidence" to support their evidence based practices.

The arrogance of the MDMH board is breathtaking given how terribly MDMH has served the citizens of our state for decades.

The neighborhood believes resident no. 7 moved into the NSide OH Saturday.

That is 7 in about 1800 sq ft.

@1:22 18 July
I'm the veteran at 2330 E Northside who put the sign out about fireworks. It did not say they were discouraged. It said "Combat Veteran lives here. Please be courteous with fireworks. I explained to neighbors via the NextDoor site that I wasn't asking for them not to celebrate and enjoy their 4th of July weekend. I wasn't even discouraging the use of fireworks. I just asked that they ones that sound like 105 mm Howitzer going off not be aimed at the house at 0200 on July 8th. See, I can prepare myself for the ones on and around the 4th, but the ones that go off a week in advance or a week later kind of trigger me. I don't go berserk. I don't dig foxholes out in the yard. I don't go out and howl at the moon. I just retreat to my room and relive a lot of things I have spent a great deal of time forgetting.
As far as making neighbors more uncomfortable. Well, it seemed to be the opposite. We were brought casseroles, pulled pork, watermelon, cookies, brownies, chicken strips, more cookies, baked beans, coleslaw and baked beans, with smoked chicken. By 8 different neighbors. We haven't had that kind of support since moved here in mid April.

It shows what character this neighborhood has. I'm an OH resident and I have people ask me all the time, "How bad is it over there? Are the people really that unfriendly?" I always tell them the same thing: Besides a few people on a blog, the people of Sherwood Forest/Audubon have been nothing but helpful, friendly, and neighborly.

I took the time to introduce myself on NextDoor and was met with a staggering amount of support. About two people were negative. Not about the residents personally, but about the way OH does business. But, overall the neighbors that messaged me on there were incredibly friendly. I can't thank them enough. It shows a lot of character to be friendly to a complete stranger, who is an alcoholic, that lives in a house that has drawn the ire of many. I really can't say enough about this neighborhood.

As far as the meridian OH goes, it was one relapse. It is sad and unfortunate. It could've been handled in a much more strict manner. The guy should've been gone immediately. He should've had 15 minutes to pack his bags and leave. The outreach worker cut him slack. The guy, R., had drink some. Like I said, no excuse for it in and Oxford House. The OH worker is human and made a mistake. No excuses.

I can't speak for the other OHs in the area. Only for mine. The one that created all of this frenzy. We follow the rules and law to the letter. We randomly drug test. There just isn't anyone to provide that info to. No one in this house has failed one. We don't report the results unless it's because of a failure. We follow curfew. I'm the only one not working and it's because I'm 100% service connected disabled veteran.
We do not have 7 guys living here. There are 5 of us. We don't hang around out front and smoke. It's only allowed in the back. We try to do the best we can with the yard we've got. It needs sodding. It was bare dirt when we moved in. Not something we caused. We try to be quiet and friendly. And we've made some friends here. The man across the street with the little kids everyone worries about came by the last few weeks with food and fruit and invited me to church with him.
Maybe I should've tried harder to introduce myself here. I was discouraged back in May when I was met with hostility and accused of being a sniveling, crybaby or worse. One person questioned my service. I bowed out. I should have stuck around. I want to let you all know that I'm the senior guy at this OH. I run a tight ship. Guys work and make their meetings. They make curfew. They DO NOT drink or use. None of us came from jail. Not one of us are felons. I plan on being here for a while and as long as I am here, no one coming from jail will be admitted.
Respectfully,
John W

John W, respectfully, A few of your statements have serious problems. First is that you are giving alcohol or drug tests in the house "but we don't have anyone to give it to." Who is paying for these tests, since they violate OH's own plan that there not be any? Second is that it was only one relapse in Meridian. We know now it was 2 men who relapsed multiple times in Meridian. The OH worker told the man's girlfriend to keep it between them and not tell anyone. How many times did he say "no one has to know, and let's just keep it between us" to other relapsed addicts in Mississippi? How is that helpful to anyone? One of those men left alone to relapse is a military veteran as well. He deserved much more than he got from OH.
I'm not sure whether OH can ever be trusted. It seems likely they are coaching you on what to say. First OH attacked people for asking questions. Then they attack Linda Woods for coming forward and telling what her and her boyfriend's bad and potentially lethal experiences with Oxford House were. Now that she's proven to be telling the truth I notice she's not being attacked anymore. Now OH is throwing the Outreach worker under the bus. How convenient. Did they transfer him to Tennessee instead of firing him for hiding relapses because he was only doing as he was told?
You are probably going to come back and say you don't have the answers, but if OH is using you (and I emphasize the word "using") as their new public relations worker, the questions need to be asked.

John-thank you for your honesty and candidness on this often-times hateful blog. Thank you for serving our country. I wish you all the continued success in your sobriety and happiness that you deserve. At the end of the day-the measure of what kind of person we are/were will be measured by how we help our fellow man. I want so badly to make comments about the handful of hateful people who comment on this site or the legislator who has made it his mission to shut your home down, but I won't. Your testimony speaks volumes. God bless you! For your own happiness, I suggest you not read these comments! Lol.
Best wishes!

How predictable it is that you call the people asking questions "hateful". I ask this: is it hateful to want programs who receive government money to actually do what they represent they are doing?
If that young veteran in Meridian had died as a result of his relapses and being left totally alone, would you say it was hateful that people asked questions?
If the other resident in Meridian had been shot by the resident waving around a loaded weapon when he was high, would we be hateful to have asked questions?
I would bet $100 You are an employee of the State Mental Health Department.

You could kiss your $100 goodbye. I'm not an employee of the department of mental health, nor am I a recovering addict. I read this blog because I am amazed, absolutely amazed at the small group of homeowners who try everything they can to hide behind their one concern-NOT IN MY BACKYARD! That's it, plain and simple. You can say it's about caring for the people in these homes, caring about federal money, blah, blah, blah. You all know it's about one thing-you feel entitled to dictate who can and who can't live in YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. That is the real truth. I would respect you more if you would say it & stand behind it. Instead you start your smoke and mirrors routine to say it's about everything else and you hide in this anonymous blog. I hate to break the news to you, but it's not 1950. You can't dictate who lives in your neighborhood. Stop trying to make it about something it's not. Put your white robes & burning crosses back in your attic. It's 2015 and you are NOT going to control who lives in YOUR neighborhood unless you buy up every house. I hope they open more houses in that neighborhood to show you that no one died and left you king of northeast Jackson. Go ahead & start your excuses. I'm done reading this garbage & certainly done posting on here.

And to be clear, there were 2 relapses in Meridian! The only reason we now know about them are because of Ms Woods having the strength and courage to come forward with that information. It blows my mind that OH still refuses to acknowledge the 2nd relapse! The only reason their monthly report was "corrected" is because Ms Woods came forward with a copy of the detox/hospital bill with the admission and discharge dates in May. Too bad the other guy will not be honest and forthcoming about his own relapse and detox treatment. But then again, if that evidence were to magically appear, it would further discredit the OH and it's Outreach worker. That's OK...whether the truth comes out now or later, it will come out. Keep digging, Senator Longwitz, I'm certain you will uncover plenty of cover ups with this group.

Thank God! My faith in humanity has been restored. It's so refreshing to learn that there are people who truly care about others. Thank you John for sharing your personal experience. I'm glad to know there are decent, caring people left in Northeast Jackson, because I was beginning to wonder. With everything in the news lately about hate and bigotry, I needed to hear your story. Thank you for making my day.

Every time this topic comes up, this quote comes to mind. "It is so much easier to hate, because hatred is often born of ignorance. Without the facts, we can create a reality that justifies our position."

11:48 I would be another $100 if you don't work for Mental Health, then you work for Oxford House corporate in Maryland. Of course you are frustrated, angry, and desperate. Oxford House corporate has been busted, they know it, and so does the Mental Health department of this state. This is all going to keep hitting the fan. Sorry you are tired of the legitimate complaints being raised. It's not going to stop. I'd say it's just getting started.

I agree with 11:48. You are exactly right! Thanks for calling them out.

Good try 12:11! We hear you loud and clear. Not in my backyard! We all know you don't want those people in your neighborhood. Good try.

Tell us 11:48, why has not one OH been set up in Ridgeland or Madison?

Because it's awfully hard to buy a house in Ridgeland and Madison for $100,000. With all the BS that's been going around about this, the bottom line is that it's a rental house, and while Ridgeland has some older, less expensive neighborhoods I'll bet you can't find a house for sale in Madison that's cheap enough for an investor to make any money on it as a rental house. Plus, not many are willing to pony up the ten grand that Madison requires for rental house bonds.

I was not the poster at 1:48, but wish I was. Well said. And you could kiss your $100 away again - I am not an employee of Mental Health (or any other local, state or federal agency), am in no way connected with OH either here or in MA - in fact never even heard of OH until reading about it on here and listening to neighbor and local attorney Wise talking about it. I am not involved in the Senate election, so you can't label me as a Bill supporter either. After reading all this crap I would be if I got involved in the election or voted in the district.

Reading all the crap on this site by a few folks is laughable. To keep on bitching about Bill attacking Will's wife was a good start. One person made the comment but to read the responses it made it like the attack had been repetitive. To assume that anyone who attacks the statement by Will is automatically Bill or someone posting on his behalf is as laughable as assuming that all the people on the other side is not Will or someone (Amile?) on his behalf.

But even more laughable are all the comments about the concerns - tax money, loan applications, sex offenders, jailbirds, etc. The loan application is the most ridiculous and Will should be ashamed of that accusation based on the facts. The sex offenders has been proven to be an outright fabrication. Many ex-cons live in NE Jackson while none seem to be in the OH. Even more, many alcoholics and druggies live in NE Jackson - in addition to the recovering ones.

For 4:16 to say that they were concerned about those in recovery - but just don't want them next door - said it all. This is all about your property and what you think it is doing to your property values. If you really were concerned about addicts and their recovery, and you were the 'Christian' person you all claim to be you would be like some of your neighbors evidently are when they are getting to know their neighbors, bringing them food and inviting them to church.

Up until this fracas, I was a supporter of Will, only because I didn't know any reason not to be. Yes, he is persona non gratta in the State Senate after his participation in the formation of the Conservative Coalition and is totally ineffective there. Not on the 'go team' of the leadership, nor of the Governor. But he did beat Barbour four years ago and he should be thanked for that. But after the grandstanding he has done on this issue (following his same approach on the CJ Foundation where he didn't want it 'in his neighborhood) he has shown me why he should not be sent back to the legislature. Wish I did live in the district so I could vote.

Wish I did live in the district so I could vote.

But you don't. You dropped 491 words for what purpose? To act like you are somehow a somebody? Few, if any, give a shit about your anonymous laughable crap nor your non-voting preference. End of story.

Tell us 6:54 PM does one pony up $10,000 for a $10,000 bond?

1) To tell the commentator at 1:48 that there were other folks around town that aren't as idiotic as the few folks that keep punching this same bag;
2) To call b/s on your and others lies that you continue to post while KF makes his money at all our expense;
3) To tell you and others that I think about as much of your opinion as you do of mine;
4) To state that Will's statement of "x" number of words didn't say anything that will amount to anything in actual action;
5) To state that not all commentators that disagreed with the few folks in the neighborhood of the OH were not either BB, or MDH employees, or OH employees - that there are other folks (and I happen to be a very conservative republican, for what that's worth) who do not agree that recovery is good for alcoholics just as long as it is not next door to me;
6) To give you something to do to count the words in my post, while hoping you will put up a real bet

Sigh. John W, the OH resident, has said on Nextdoor that one of his "roommates' is an OH recruiter. Does ANYONE believe that this one lone veteran has discovered Nextdoor on his own (I mean he is trying to recover - does he troll social media looking for apps? And who added him as a neighbor as we don't know who is in the house?) At first, I felt bad for him but after reading several posts it's so patently clear that OH is using him (if he is really a resident) and directing his words - maybe the OH recruiter they moved in the house when everything hit the fan and there also wasn't a full house? I am so disgusted that OH would resort to using those in recovery (or writing scripts for them) to infiltrate neighborhood social media. Gak. I don't know much about Longwitz, but I do know Billingsley or whatever his name is throws his hands in the air (BEFORE THE ELECTIONS EVEN) and says "we can't fight this". Man, I don't want him representing my district if he gives in that easy. No fight in that old dude. Anyway, if John W is really posting the scripts he's given, I'm sorry he's being used by OH as a pawn. He doesn't deserve that. (And on another note, nice to know that this group home that is hotly contested feels the need to tell the neigborhood how to behave on our national holiday.) I know this sounds mean, but I am totally convinced that OH is writing these posts to make anyone opposed to their efforts feel awkward speaking out when there's a "veteran with PTSS living nearby.)

Oh and KF - can you change your photos to prove we're not robots to non food related. I can't get on this site often as I get hungry!

Late to this convo, but... Who the heck calls a candidate's wife "homely" I have seen billboards and she looks nice to me. Is that the opposing candidate's platform? Haven't seen his wife, but whatever. That just infuriates me that a wife's attractiveness should somehow influence voters. Let me rephrase. That makes me CRAZY. Don't know much about this campaign but if a candidate or his supporters think its ok to trash talk a woman for her appearance then screw them. (oops, a southern lady doesn't say this and I would never say that in front of family but I'm enraged that some candidate would go with this tactic, for shame). Enough to get my vote for the other side. You guys are making my blood pressure spike and that I don't need. (insert emoji horror face)

Uh, just noticed this one:

"@7:17 here are a few links to presumably snobby neighborhoods in other states across the nation that have a problem with OH:

http://patch.com/new-jersey/rumson/medical-emergency-at-rumson-oxford-house-injunction-sought-to-shut-it-down
http://www.arktimes.com/arkansas/no-open-doors-for-oxford-house/Content?oid=2903579 "

When I was last lecturing in Rumson, NJ I talked with a cardiologist there who had a beef with his next door neighbor after the cardiologist his the neighbor's dog with his car. The neighbor was irate, accused the MD of being careless, etc, etc. The cardiologist replied that it was the neighbor who was at fault for letting his dog run loose despite local leash laws.

I have a very hard time believing OH can find a profitable rental property there on the same street as that cardiologist and his neighbor, Bruce Springsteen.

@july 23 9:04
John W here. I found nextdoor because it was mentioned on earlier posts on this site. I do not take orders or read scripts from oxford house. I just sincerely wanted folks to know that I don't live in a house with sex offenders, felons, violent criminals and sociopaths. I want to be a neighbor. I just wanted to let people know we aren't the bad guys some have claimed. This house is important to me. And again, I didn't ask for fireworks not to be shot. Just that maybe not at 0130 on the 8th. I got a ton of positive feedback from people in the neighborhood. About 5 suffer from PTSD and have never spoken up. If it caused any raise in the level of awareness about PTSD, mission success.