Jackson Jambalaya

Sounds like its time to make plans to move the fair to Rankin County next year.

"Municipalities have power and authority to . . ."

Since when does "can" mean "shall?" If this isn't a frivolous suit, then what is?

By the way, 6:50, good luck. This entire area is sick of divisive attitudes like yours. Grow up.

No, 6:50, it is time for the Jackson Police Department to provide sufficient security, services and protection for citizens and visitors attending the state fair.

Don't worry 6:50 PM. After the 2020 Census Jackson will have even fewer representatives in the Mississippi House and Senate from the paltry number the city has now. Jackson is done, cooked, lost.

bad lawsuit . State can not require city police to do anything. State can relocate it's events. That is that,

The children's rodeo pulled out of this same venue four years ago and relocated its annual event to Hattiesburg. Does that sound like folly to you, 7:11? Nobody has ever been shot, robbed or raped at or near an event in Pearl of which I'm aware. Rankin County could host a safe event with doubled attendance. There is nothing special about this intersection of High Street and Interstate 55 except traffic congestion and Waffle House. Wait, there was a murder of a customer at Waffle House at this intersection just last year.

Homeland security used to do security at the fair - why don't they step in, isn't that their job?

Cow Hyde is an idiot.

The fair sucks money out of the city and state and then wants the city to pay for security. I'm curious what the fair cost the city of Jackson every year? Restaurants, grocery stores ect. All lose money when this thing is in town.

I didn't want to take a shot at one of the surrounding communities, because well, that's what you do. However, in response to your statement that no one has been a crime victim at an event in Pearl (a claim which is doubtful), virtually no events (other than Pearl Day) take place in Pearl. And as far as your low shot regarding Waffle House, Rankin County doesn't have a perfect record either. I really have no interest in trashing the other side of the Pearl River (unlike you), so I really won't get into it. Really? Do you absolutely have to make it this hard to get along?

7:37, sorry to ruin your premature celebration, but the City of Jackson still has more people (about 30,000 more) than the entire population of Rankin County. The entire county! Same goes for Madison County. The population loss in Jackson has slowed drastically and does not compare to that of many larger cities in this country since 1960.

Unlike you, I hope for good things your side of the city limits. Generally, that's good for the entire area. It's time you do the same.

Without a strong JPD presence outside, fair goers will be sitting ducks for any type of crime, violent or otherwise. Cars parked at the coliseum/trademart are almost guaranteed to broken into. I just saved more than $200 which will be spent for Christmas!

7:37 is obviously an idiot. If Jackson goes up in smoke, the surrounding cities go with it. As for Rankin and Madison, I hope they continue to do well. It's good for Jackson and vise versa

Keep the fair in Hinds County! We don't want the thugs and animals crossing the river.

What is the Fair Commission's liability, if any, should something serious happen. They must have concerns or this wouldn't be going to court.

Sheeesh - just go during the day, problem solved. I guarantee your kiddos will learn more in one day at the fair than in a week in school. You're welcome!

Doesn't anyone remember the fiasco after Katrina when the Saints played an exhibition game against the Colts at Veterans Stadium and JPD was tasked with providing parking and security? Remember why there hasn't been a pro game scheduled there since, and undoubtedly never will be again?

JPD is useless at these sort of things. Like one poster above I will save my $200 for Christmas spending (undoubtedly in Madison County, Rankin County, or online).

"Sheeesh - just go during the day, problem solved. I guarantee your kiddos will learn more in one day at the fair than in a week in school. You're welcome!"
October 2, 2015 at 10:22 PM

You don't get out much, anymore, do you? Did you read the 'Mayhem at Maywood' thread? Broad daylight is not the deterrent to crime that it once was.

And what, exactly, will the 'kiddos' be learning at the fair?

8:38 nailed it. Restaurants are particularly hard hit Jackson Restaurant Week is scheduled during the fair to combat the loss of business. This translates into lost sales taxes and loss of income for servers and reduced schedules for kitchen staff. Cindy needs to pay up and not take dollars which the city doesn't have. This is the state's baby, let them pay for it. It is not a charity.

8:43; I didn't claim nobody has been a crime victim at an event in Pearl. I said (as far as I know) nobody has been shot, killed or raped near an event in Pearl. You come along and 'doubt that' but you have no evidence to refute my suggestion.

And my comment regarding the Waffle House (which is within a brisk four minute walk from the State Fair Grounds), that is a fact, not a low blow. A few years back a visitor was shot and killed at the hotel just half a block north of the Rodeo entrance gate. Multiple thefts, robberies, breaking and enterings have occurred over the years at these events.

You failed to attack my reminder that The Children's Rodeo chose to pull out of this venue simply because of the crime there. Murder and robbery have occurred within a rock's throw of this venue during events such as rodeos. This is about reality, not attacking Jackson. That you don't like facts is not mine to deal with.

Your ignorance is further magnified by this claim, quoting, "...virtually no events (other than Pearl Day) take place in Pearl..." Can you possibly be serious? Pearl has hosted thousands of public events over the years, including: Craft and flea market events, Christmas parades, rodeo event processions, musical events in the parks, youth-athletic tournaments drawing crowds from across the state year after year, hundreds of professional baseball games, Pearl Jam, Pearl Day, marathons, walkathons, gospel music events and others. Tell me the last time someone was shot, rob, raped or killed at one of these events.

CHS is definitely doing her part to scare people away from the fair. "She thinks it's not safe for us to park there - let's not go!"

As a former 30+ year citizen of Jackson I think any fair,parade,gathering that requires admission should be required to help fund any additional security needed for the event over & above the normal security needs of the venue, not only in Jackson but any city. The fair commission or the carnival group should provide for any and all extra costs to the city,the fair does little to enrich the city, costs greatly outweigh the benefits. I have been told the fair reimburses the sheriff's department for the overtime costs, seems only fair to me.

My experience has been that the State has a great number of office buildings in the City of Jackson which use an enormous amount of the City of Jackson's infrastructure (storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water, etc,, and building permits for that matter), The City must provide these services to the State, and they have nothing to show for it. The State, to my knowledge, pays no taxes or other fees and the City is missing a substantial amount of revenue, which could easily be used to provide the types of services (i.e., security for the Fair?) which taxpayers expect. Unfortunately, I support the city in this venture, I think the State should belly up to the bar and pay for some extra security or start paying the city for their infrastructure use.

This article indicates that the SFC is paying the Hinds County Sheriff's Department $150,000 to pay for security and that the Capitol Police, funded out of the State Treasury, will play a role.http://wjtv.com/2015/09/04/state-fair-official-talks-about-security-after-jpd-says-they-wont-patrol-grounds/

I may have missed it, but, what does the annual Black Rodeo pay the city for police patrol?

Agree with 9:08 AM

This event is named the Mississippi STATE Fair which is run by the Mississippi STATE Fair Commission (an Agency of the STATE of Mississippi) Shouldn't the STATE be paying for security?

7:37, sorry to ruin your premature celebration, but the City of Jackson still has more people (about 30,000 more) than the entire population of Rankin County. The entire county! Same goes for Madison County.

You know NOTHING about the apportionment process. NOTHING. Ask Cecil Brown how the last round went for him.

The population loss in Jackson has slowed drastically.

NOPE.

If Jackson goes up in smoke, the surrounding cities go with it.

FALLACY.

Don't care for Yarber as he's been mostly ineffectual and way too long on the self-promotion and spin. But I'll applaud him for playing a good card here. The real message from the lawsuit is that JPD support is important. Time for the State of Mississippi to pay for it.

Well I know a company that spoke with Cindy's office as well as the fair commission to put security on the grounds both inside and outside the fence. Now the security would of been all off duty law enforcement but her offices response was we can't pay for it because Jackson won't give us any money and Hinds County will be patrolling inside the gate. So people we put this women in office and look to her to protect our families and she has let us down. So to sum it up, the fair commission nor JPD has the money to protect the citizens this year at event

The budget cuts are responsible. Nobody ever looks any further than the next 2 paychecks. The City is crying poor again. They just received a totally undeserved $1 million from the BP Settlement. (This is proof positive they stoop to the lowest levels of hell to beg for what they don't deserve) JPD is trying to make a point, and in doing so, is putting innocent bystanders in danger. Would serve the city right, if the fair moved it's location. Someone asked an excellent question, that is unanswered. Exactly how much was JPD paid and where did this money come from, to cover The Black Rodeo, which is billed as a HUGE income generator.

Is there some sort of statutory requirement that HCSO is in charge of security inside the fair, and JPD outside? Sounds like amateur hour with a heavy dose of some conjured political bullshit here. I'm with 10:37, this should be a state responsibility and security should be a line item in the fair budget, and/or negotiated with the midway operator/show promoter.

I'd also be interested in 10:22's question, I know its a smaller event, but there should be parity between the two.

Madison or Rankin, take the state fair. Go for it. Let every Flowood chip provide security, and let Flowood pay for it.

How in the hell did Jackson manage a $1 million slice of the BP pie, I would love to see that justification

In New York State, their State Fair is held in Syracuse, which is 3 hours from their State Capital. Meridian, Hattiesburg, the coast, Natchez or even Vicksburg could be a host. Maybe it's time to take the pressure off Jackson for a while and let them recover financially, infrastructure-wise, and responsibility wise, too. If you can't host an event safely and within a budgeted amount (which there is nobe), it's time for a break. Every location is within easy commuting distance, they have the acreage available and would be fine hosts.

So help us understand the the connection between NY and a rotational fair in MS?

6:56- It was one example showing other locations have state fairs away from their Capital City, we could, too. As far as a rotation. I don't think that would work. Give the fair to one location for the next few years. Jackson can get its act together by then, and it could move back. The fair is the people who visit, a midway, animal barns and tents, which are easily setup. For live entertainment, The Coliseum/Trademart are in poor shape anyway, and the down time could be used for continuing repairs, instead of bandaid fixes. The city has made an effort to live within its means. They don't need extra pressure and responsibility a 10 day event of this magnatude offers. They've said it time and again by having to cut the Police and Fire budgets. Don't embarrass them anymore or sue them. It's simple, don't argue, Just-Move-Whats-Causing-The-Problem!

It's your fair, so be there!

What happened to the theme park that was supposed to come to Madison County a few years ago? This could make the State Fair redundant. What the hell is the purpose of the State Fair anyway. It's nothing more than an opportunity, once a year, to assemble three thousand people who resemble a 'Walking Dead' movie shoot. The few times I've been, I come away shaking my head wondering, "Where the hell are these people the rest of the year?"

9:08 there is a thought in there somewhere. Maybe. Building Permits? Nope. Federal and State buildings do not get building permits from cities. Water & sewer? I would be very surprised if State buildings do not pay for water and sewer. I guess you could argue that State employees wear out the streets. But they also eat in restaurants and shop in stores. I think the best argument is that the State pays no property tax and if the State were not there the property might be inhabited by someone who did pay property taxes. On the other hand, it is Jackson. If the State moved out the lots might be vacant.
Bottom line - the City needs that State government and its employees to live and work here.

Next time a church has a 5k to raise money, and JPD tries to charge them for working the race, I suggest suing them. Same thing for the crossing guards on Sunday, weddings, block parties, etc. Because they work for us, right? Hell, I think I'll call up to headquarters and have an officer posted at my house. Maybe I can finally catch the person who's always letting their dog crap on my st augustine.

The correct spelling is "complement." The Commission's lawyer needs to get a sixth-grader to help him.

2:15. The state employees I work with all bring sack lunches, darn near every day.

8:20; Perhaps instead of eating out of a sack you should take a drive around the Capitol Street area one day between 11:00 and 1:30. Hundreds of people busily heading TO or FROM lunch. Many of them are state employees. If you want to see what will happen if state employees exit the downtown area, take a look at the old Employment Security building where hundreds used to work and thousands used to be called in for training and meetings. Or conversely, take a look at the State Department of Welfare (or whatever it's called now) on State Street and consider that it was once an abandoned five story hotel building. Had the state not rescued it, it would still be shit.

The best part of the fair is it keeps the Jacksonians on their home turf. I wish it was year round. It's only a matter of time before Jackson has an outbreak of 'teen' mob flash violence at the State fair just like what has happened in Memphis, South Carolina Ohio, Wisconsin, and carnivals across the country. JPD's absence might be just what is needed for the same to happen here (which it inevitably will).

At the downtown state agency for which I work, many of us eat out a lot. Only a few bring their lunch. It's not unusual for employees to run purchase errands on their lunch break. We spend $ in Jackson.

As for the person who commented "...a midway, animal barns and tents are easily setup" - it's obvious that you have NO IDEA of the amount of planning & preparation that goes into an exhibition this size.

JPD should have been planning & preparing how they would provide sufficient/necessary/obligated security, traffic control & protection (High, Jefferson, Pearl streets area)during this large annual event. IMHO they don't need to park the mobile unit there 24/7 or line Jefferson with patrol cars. Their grills cooking burgers, hot dogs, ribs or whatever are definitely not necessary. Traffic control and their presence at fair entrances are definitely necessary. Offering to provide one patrol car is a joke.

Still haven't seen answer to whether the JPD expects the Black Rodeo to pay for security, traffic control & protection. Good question.

If you really want to split hairs, 12:52 the city has 2 days a year (other than Sunday's), when garage isn't collected. Christmas and Martin Luther King Day. Talk about racist!! And at the federal level only one holiday is actually named after a person. Only one. See above.

Maybe I can finally catch the person who's always letting their dog crap on my st augustine.

October 4, 2015 at 3:44 AM

Try rat bait, takes care of the dog shit problem. Since there is a leash law....
Back on point, I don't go to the fair - it's in walking dead Jackson.

It is my understanding that the city receives revenue from various sales at the fair. Can or will anyone truly-in-the-know comment on this? If the city does receive fair revenue, how much does it 'share' with JPD?

What are the odds that Kenneth Stokes has a large police presence at the Black Rodeo events, the MLK parade events and the other events that are touted as black this or that during the year, every year? I'd say the odds are about 99%

The 'State Fair' attracts thousands of people from all over the state. I've not noticed the attendees being of a particular color and they come with pockets full of green money.

If the city council, the mayor and the police chief want to make this mistake, have at it.

I will ask again. Does the city of Jackson pay for the police presence at JSU football games or does JSU pay for it?

If everyone of you who commented that you weren't going to the fair actually stayed home, the fair wouldn't miss you. Trust me, the fair is going to go on with or without you. There are thousands of other people who will be at the fair spending way more than $200 whether there is crime or not. I consider myself too old for the fair, but I will go down at lunch time and get food.

We live in Jackson and love it here. We don't sit around whining about crime because we refuse to live in fear. We go to lots of events here in the city and have a good time. I'm not saying it will never happen, but we've lived here 30 years, and nobody has broken into our house, we haven't been robbed, and we haven't been carjacked.

My husband and I are both professionals with decent salaries. We could move any time, but we choose to live here in Jackson where we work and where we are happy. I'm sure most of the commenters on this site lives elsewhere, and there's nothing wrong with that. Just live where you are comfortable and happy and try to stop thinking that the rest of us are living inferior to you, because we are not.

I live in Jackson and you certainly are inferior to me.

"Where the hell are these people the rest of the year?"
October 4, 2015 at 12:42 AM

Walmarts, mostly, when they are not at work, or at home, in Jim Walter Homes and doublewides.

A lot of them save up, all year, to come to Jackson and splurge at the fair. Mostly, they're decent people, and I wish them well. They're the working poor of the state: people working jobs we wouldn't want to do, living in Mississippi's bleak red dirt/piney woods countryside - going to those drab little churches, and living in basic houses with a bush at each corner, because those bushes were mandated by FHA rules.

They're decent people, and it's nice they're still coming to Jackson.

Isn't anyone reading the news? The City of Jackson has a $15 Million DEFICIT! ALL City employees are being furloughed 1 day per month WITHOUT PAY for 2 years other than police officers and firefighters below the rank of Sgt. That means almost EVERY single city employee from the Mayor down is getting a 5% pay cut after the City has been unable to give pay raises for nearly 10 YEARS! The Police budget has also been cut! THERE IS NO $$$ for the additional overtime to post additional officers around the fairgrounds which, by the way, as state property, is under the law enforcement jurisdiction of the state and county!
The City provides police and fire protection, as well as sewage, water, and other infrastructure to all the state agencies located in Jackson TAX FREE! They don't even pay for the water! Now Ms Cow-Hide Smith wants the City to go further in debt due to her own short-sightedness????

Maybe she needs to relocate the State Fair to another city to take the burden away from our Capital. It's a simple solution for next year. Attendees will go wherever it goes.

I just saw Cindy on the evening news. She is an embarrassment to this state. Regardless of the politics or the merits of this argument (one way or another), how the hell did we elect this person to a statewide office? The entire department should be abolished. It's of zero use to us. Let her run the copy machine at Feel Brant's office.