Friday, September 4, 2015

Stonewall!!!!!!

It seems Mr. Andrew Mattiace didn't want anyone looking at some of his dealings with the Mississippi Development Authority.  Hinds County Chancellor William Singletary yesterday sealed his contracts and other information regarding his award of a Tourism Sales Tax Rebate for the Renaissance expansion.    JJ, Sarah Fowler (Clarion-Ledger), and Dr. Charles Bush, M.D. filed public records requests for various records pertaining to his application.

The case is now closed.  Totally sealed.  War's over.  The Iron Chancellor dropped the big one on us.  It was a good fight but JJ lost. Mark Garriga of Butler Snow, the enemy of all things transparent in Mississippi, represented Mr. Mattiace.  The same Butler Snow that works for Ridgeland on selling bonds. 


31 comments:

My Guess Is .... said...

They have you 'requestors' by the balls. Petitioner is within its rights, according to Mississippi law, to shield from public view any document, study or record related to a development project undertaken by a development authority.

Anonymous said...

Can you post the full order when you have a chance? Which judge and who represented Mattiace/Bailey/Barksdale?

Anonymous said...

Mr. Fish, have you tried to contact Mattiace or his firm to ask questions directly? Are you searching for any specific information that you could simply ask for, or is this a blind expedition for new source material?

Kingfish said...

Yup, Precious and his wife said the same thing.


Of course, we could start talking about the Capital Tower.

Anonymous said...

Wow, this is getting personal.

Anonymous said...

Singletary must have a vested interest in protecting MDA. Like Epps, maybe the Feds should look at his financial records.

http://msbusiness.com/2009/12/umc-alleges-state-smartsynch-conspired/

Anonymous said...

When this project is build or defeated and confidentiality no longer matters, please try again.

Anonymous said...

Rule of Law are just for the little man. Mr. Andrew Mattiace is above the rule of Law. He is in his own world. Good name would be Mr. Untouchable. And that my friend is the rest of the story.

Anonymous said...

Not so, 6:54. The material is still subject to shield as it (likely) will contain confidential information related to efforts, negotiations, deals, etc. Even the playbook for a failed plan is confidential.

Anonymous said...

And,7:46, he is a successful businessman, and you are a useless blogger. That is the rest of the story.

Anonymous said...

Mr. 7:56: Do you know Mr. Mattice / Untouchable? This is all so personal and unfounded. What's the beef? Sounds like he was faster than you in jr. High track or stole your girlfriend. Come on, tell the rest of your story. We're here for you.

Anonymous said...

Is that a serious question, 10:48? What's the beef? Well, we are talking some black Angus quality public funds being used to line a developer's pocket without being told how, exactly, those monies are being appropriated. Throw in a dash of mad cow (in the form of said developer having a rep for not paying his bond notes for Lowe's) and you have a full-blown case of bovine scatology. That beefy enough for ya?

Comfort In Numbers said...

6:54 and 7:46 would not know the man if they bumped into him. They're simply on the band-wagon thinking they're opposed to Costco. They don't really know whether they're against it or not. Just jumped on the band-wagon. Makes them feel like they're part of something.

Anonymous said...

Aw, 8:42, formerly 7:56, did that hit a raw nerve? Yes, was a serious question. Your level of anger is misplaced and attacks are personal. Was just asking your personal history. You're using bad information as your excuse for attack.

Anonymous said...

And the same Butler Snow that helps AT&T keep their contract for telecom (and other) services to state agencies a secret. They're only our tax dollars. Why should we be entitled to answers?

Anonymous said...

Not the same person but I have a serious question for you: do you itemize blog comments on your client's bill? Is it subject to the same hourly rate as real lawyerin'?

Anonymous said...

I never knew developers had roving bands of sycophants posting on blogs for them...

Anonymous said...

Are you serious? Precisely what are these developers trying to hide? This MDA Tourism Grant funding is absolutely RIDICULOUS!!!! I DO NOT WANT MY TAX DOLLARS FUNDING A COSTCO IN RIDGELAND!!! I didn't like doing it at the outlet mall in Pearl, and I don't like doing it in Ridgeland either. As broke as this state is, why in the world are we looking for ways to give away more money???! PLEASE STOP TAKING MONEY OUT OF MY POCKET AND GIVING IT TO WEALTHY DEVELOPERS!!!! Rise up, fellow Mississippians!!! Call, write or email the Governor of our great state and let him know that we think the MDA Tourism Grant giveaway STINKS and that our money could be better spent elsewhere!!!!

Anonymous said...

There should be no such thing as "confidentiality" or "secrecy" pertaining to tax breaks. None.

Now that the GOP controls the Legislature & the Mansion, of course, I expect to see this swiftly reformed. Thank heavens those corrupt Democrats are out, and good government is here at last!

Anonymous said...

10:05...Yeah Butler Snow probably helped AT&T set up the AT&T scholarship for state agency, (ITS) executives kids to attend Jackson Prep.

Anonymous said...

Stay on it JJ, expose the corruption.

Anonymous said...

None to expose.

Nothing Here To See said...

Well, now. There ya go. 6:30 Claims nothing to be found so just call the damned investigation off, as if there was one.

"I didn't do it, detective."

"Oh, OK, then you're no longer a suspect, thanks."

Anonymous said...

6:48 No one said not to investigate. The statement meant that nothing illegal would be found. Thanks for your little detective scenario tho.

Anonymous said...

Cracks me up how all of these WEALTHY RIDGELAND HOMEOWNERS are so upset about the WEALTHY JACKSON DEVELOPERS. All of us normal folks can't wait for Costco to come. It will bring GREAT jobs to the area! Give it a rest on the corruption allegations!

Anonymous said...

Someone should look into the amount of tax payers money going to Milwaukee Tool in Greenwood.

Anonymous said...

Andrew Mattiace is an honorable businessman. I've known him 20+ years. Those who don't know him are just whiners because it feels good to trash successful people. Tax revenue generated and jobs created are a healthy byproduct to successful developers. No matter where you shop, a developer had something to do with it. They are in business to make money; no different from you or I.

Anonymous said...

Hey 12:26 on 9/5 -- calm down, Lady. You're going to give yourself a heart attack. The tax rebate incentive is exactly what it says - a "rebate". The only money the project would get back is IF it's actually built, and IF the stores actually produce sales tax. No one is "STEALING YOUR TAX MONEY!!!!!" (The caps and exclamations were added in case you like to read in the same manner you type.)

Here's a thought - don't go to Costco and purchase anything. Then your sales tax dollars will be safe. You can keep your money to spend on another gate at the entrance to your driveway, or for another glass of wine at the CCJ while the rest of us peons enjoy our NOT-INCREASED millage rate in Ridgeland, thankyouverymuch.

Anonymous said...

I keep seeing where Bill May and his posse are spreading misinformation and saying that Costco and Mattice will be stealing our money for 15 years. After some investigation (actually reading the bill) I have discovered that this is not true.

By my calculations, the sales tax created by that development should be upwards of $7 million annually. That means $28 million would be rebated in only 4 years. The city and county would then collect and keep the $7 million every year from then on. That actually sounds like a good deal if you look at facts and not simply listen to the gated-neighborhood rhetoric.

Anonymous said...

By all means, 2:24, please share those calculations with us and what your numbers are based on.

Anonymous said...

Not that other guy, but a quick calculation would be:

Costco sales: $140,000,000 (the average warehouse does $164,000,000 but I discounted it because all the people in Dinsmor are going to boycott.)

Sales tax: 7% = $9,800,000
Sales tax rebate: 80% = $7,840,000 annually. Doing the math, this would pay back $29,000,000 in less than four years.

This doesn't take into account any diversions the state, county or city may make first. But it's also not counting the ad valorem bump either. All things considered, it's a huge win for the city, county, and state, not to mention the residents who will benefit. Wish my city could pull something like this off for us.



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
.