Thursday, September 17, 2015

Clarion-Ledger challenges Mattiace/Renaissance in court.

The Clarion-Ledger challenged a protective order that sealed the Tourism Sales Taxe Rebate program application for the Renaissance at Colony Park, LLC.  The company is owned by developer Andrew Mattiace.   Attorney Leonard Van Slyke filed the motion to intervene and request to vacate the protective order on behalf of the newspaper.  JJ is considering challenging the protective order as well.


Reporter Sarah Fowler filed a request on Augusts 19 for "any and all information relating to the Renaissance (Phase II and Phase III), including, but not limited to the cultural tax rebate." JJ and Dr. Charles Bush filed public records requests for the application and other documents as well. The Mississippi Development Authority notified Mr. Mattiace of the request.  Mr. Mattiace asked Hinds County Chancellor William Singletary to seal the entire application and supporting records on September 3.  The Chancellor sealed the records on the same day.

The newspaper argued that it has a right to challenge the order as the order was granted with no notice given to any other parties.  The petition states:

the Renaissance has made no showing that any of the requested information contains “trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information” as set forth in Miss. Code Ann. §§ 25-61-9(1) or 79-23-1(1), nor has The Clarion-Ledger even been provided access to redacted copies of the “3650 pages of public records” found by the MDA to be responsive to the Request. For all of the reasons set forth above, the Protective Order should be vacated.


35 comments:

Anonymous said...

Who knew the C-L corpse would breathe again? Who knew?

Anonymous said...

Why did MDA notify Mr. Mattiace? Is that standard practice? Seems like an odd thing for a state agency to do.

What's the reasoning for sealing this info? Is there a claim of proprietary info in the documents? Can you post another sales tax rebate app so we can see what kind of info these records would contain?

Anonymous said...

Time to see why the need to hide the information.....

Anonymous said...

It's time somebody grew a pair.

Anonymous said...

There have already been two different news sources reporting issues with the application. I serious doubt they entered Chancery Court "with clean hands". The Chancelor needs to jump on these people with both feet. The news articles stated there where untruth statements in the application, as well as a faulty resolution from the city. This whole process smells. If Mississippi had an attorney general I believe he could have a field day with this whole Costco mess. No wonder Mississippi is considered the most corrupt state in Mississippi. A country bumpkin supervisor can misappropriate a couple thousand & he goes to jail. These politically connected guys can get $MM & take a luxury trip with elected officials.

Anonymous said...

5:31, notification is standard practice. Just a common courtesy, especially with entities you rely on or want to work with in the future. Nothing sinister about it.

What's the point of jumping in, KF? If someone else is willing to fund the fight, why spend resources echoing their argument? If there is a unique angle you have, it would be interesting to read, though.

Here's hoping the CL gets what really isn't proprietary.

Anonymous said...

You state MDA notified Mr. Mattice of the CL request!? Does MDA work for Mattice or for the State of Mississippi?

Anonymous said...

Oh where, oh where has Mississippi's Attorney General gone? Oh where, oh where has he gone?
He must be scared to mess with governor's pet project, but the governor is not gonna be scared to mess with the AG's reelection!!!

Johnny Wadd said...

I didn't know that the chancery court was on the receiving end of real estate speculation. I wonder if the court could get us a bass pro like the one they up yonder in Memphis.

Anonymous said...

At least we know that the Clarion Ledger is pursuing this solely for the public good and not in an effort to sell more papers. No doubt that they value freedom of information more than profits (or minimization of their continuing losses).

Kingfish said...

So is the judge going to order MDA to respond to my request if I don't ask him to do so?

Anonymous said...

So helping others to hide information on tax decisions by our elected officials from the public is a " courtesy" and " standard practice"?

A judge sees it acceptable to help in that process by sealing records?

And, those in government wonder why the taxpayers don't trust government!

That " attitude" is a hint!

Yahoos, you are public servants, not corporate puppets! We pay your salary, they don't! You work for us!

Anonymous said...

ride those coattails...

Anonymous said...

JJ, the article didn't indicate you made a similar public records request. The question about why you'd jump in to fight was legitimate. Don't get your drawers in a bunch.

Anonymous said...

Our AG is too busy helping the body shops fight insurance companies...."We take pride in perfection".

Anonymous said...

JJ, the article didn't indicate you made a similar public records request.

But if you had been reading KF's efforts were written about previously here. Just because the C-L doesn't mention the fact means nothing.

Unwedge your own panties anytime.

Me Too Me Too said...

Kingfish says he might jump in. To what end? If the records are unsealed as a result of the CL lawsuit, KF will have access to them. How difficult is that, notwithstanding Kingfish's retord at 9:30 AM.

Anonymous said...

You've got to be single 9:50AM because it is inconceivable that anyone could tolerate a continually whiny scrub such as yourself.

Anonymous said...

I am sure Butler Snow is involved somehow.

Anonymous said...

What is a bond pimp?

Anonymous said...

Interesting to see a downtown Jackson firm (Brunini) teeing it up against a Ridgeland firm (BS), where the Jxn firm is seeking a resolution that would ultimately favor Ridgeland residents and BS is basically seeking to put the screws to its neighbors in Ridgeland. Go LVS and Matt.

Anonymous said...

MDA followed the law which requires notification of third parties who have provided information which may contain trade secrets and confidential commercial or financial information. Section 25-61-9 of Public Records Law allows public release of such information only after notice and a reasonable period of time, unless the affected third parties obtain a court order protecting the records as confidential. Regardless of other issues with this deal, the MDA notice to Mattiace was mandatory.

Anonymous said...

The Judge acted in accordance with the state statutes on the subject, which as I read them allow the sealing of the records. If you don't like it, work to change the law, don't criticize the judge for making a judicial rather than a political decision (a good thing to see happening in Hinds County for a change.)

And MDA notified Mattice of the request as they are required to do - not because of the people involved.

Geez - opinions are fine, but until you start writing the law and making it read like you want it to, at least read it before you start damning the people that have to act under the rules.

Anonymous said...

Kingfish at 10:05; It's so obvious when you get your draws ratcheted up your ass crack. You pout so prissy.

Kingfish said...

MDA followed the law. That is standard procedure.

Kingfish said...

Mattiace is reading this site right now. Be nice as we don't want to hurt their feelings.

Anonymous said...

Where is Jim Barksdale, the money behind all of the Renaissance developments, in this?

Anonymous said...

Big Jim doesn't have to worry about a Costco down the street from his million dollar home. He's probably having a cocktail and a chuckle right about now.

Anonymous said...

How refreshing you say MDA followed the law. If we could only get the auditor & AG to follow the law, some aldermen in Ridgeland may have to dip into their personal Sants Claus fund.

Anonymous said...

Yeah 7:11. He lives in 39211 and invests HEAVILY in 39157. SMDH.

Mortar said...

He will never meet the construction deadline anyway.

Anonymous said...

Did MDA follow the law?

Then the law is deliberately awful in its language and/or interpretation! And, it becomes an example of how financially and legally stupid our lawmakers and judges are!

The " trade secrets" shouldn't apply where a developer is concerned as no " widgets" are being manufactured.

This is about a deal on tax breaks, not about the financial solvency of Mattice or Costco.

" Confidential" and "financial" information" is a huge loophole and sensitive information is unlikely to exist in the documents given to MDA or the court. And, IF such information is included, it is a deliberate attempt to use the law to hide political dealings!

The terms are far too broad and I doubt MDA bothers to determine whether or not there is actually confidential and financial information involved. Do chancery judges have the financial knowledge to make this decision? And, instead of sealing all the record, couldn't the judge extract such information if it exists?

Essentially, corporations are being allowed to claim ALL business information they don't want the public to know is "confidential" and that never was nor should have been the intent of the law!

You want to know how corruption succeeds and the public is being snookered at every turn and why they are so angry now?

It's because our elected officials and government agency have forgotten their primary responsibility is to the public that pays their salary! It's because the legal system has gotten so caught up in the " sentences" of the law that they have forgotten the " intent" of the law! The legal system doesn't exist as a manipulated tool for the unethical. It exists to insure " justice for all" and protect the fabric of society.

The big picture matters!







Anonymous said...

"Big Jim doesn't have to worry about a Costco down the street from his million dollar home. He's probably having a cocktail and a chuckle right about now."
September 18, 2015 at 7:11 PM

Big Jim's house is worth SEVERAL million Dollars. The mere fact of its existence anchors Leftover, which helps insulate Eastover. But you're right: having Costco in Ridgeland will actually draw a bit of crime away from his area. Although, if The District at Eastover actually gets its planned "amenity-rich apartment community", and a theater, then he'll have a lot MORE to worry about (I presume he's not exactly pleased by the proximity to his home, of two of Chicken Ranch Anna's Flophouse Franchise locations).

If I lived in a gated Jackson subdivision whose wall was made of STYROFOAM (with gaps between the wall and the ground, which were widely joked-about during construction: "You know, honey, it's that 'Styrofoam Hovercraft' kinda wall!"), then I'd definitely be trying to move crime out to Ridgeland.

Problem is, crime doesn't really move: it merely EXPANDS.

And when crime expands into their areas, some people will move farther out. But a good many, who tend to be the among the best & brightest, the movers/shakers/job-makers, coming to understand the futility in seeking permanence in the Jackson Metro, invariably opt to LEAVE THE REGION. In their greed to grab the biggest slice of the 'pie', developers, and the Money Men behind them, are actually MAKING THE PIE SMALLER.

Anonymous said...

Businessmen don't read blogs. So don't worry about feelings. Not that you ever do.
And why the hate for Barksdale? He has earned every penny, shares it far and wide and chooses to live here when he could live anywhere in the world. How much have any of you given back out of your "pie"?

STYRO-STUD said...

1:14

What are your walls made of... Kryptonite?


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.