Jackson Attorney Robert Gibbs and the Board of Directors for Downtown Jackson Partners defended Ben Allen in two reports attached to his motion to dismiss that was filed last week in Hinds County Circuit Court. A grand jury indicted the DJP Executive Director in March for ten counts of fraud and embezzlement. The Board hired Mr. Gibbs to conduct an investigation of the allegations made in the indictment. Mr. Gibbs and the Board said Mr. Allen was completely innocent and rebutted each count in the two reports. The reports are posted below. Copy of indictment. Some highlights of the reports are:
*Counts I, II, and III of the indictment charged Mr. Allen with transferring a 1988 Chevy pickup truck from DJP to himself. It is allegedly worth $3,500. The indictment also alleges that Mr. Allen spent $2,724 of DJP funds on repairs to the "embezzled 1989 Chevrolet pickup truck" that was the lawful property of DJP. It further states that Mr. Allen spent $1,810 for insurance and registration.
However, the resolution states that Mr. Allen
acting as President of DJP, transferred title to the 1988 Chevrolet pickup truck from the corporation to his name solely for the benefit and best interests of the DJP to save approximately $1,600 per year in insurance costs. In making such transfer, Mr. Allen did not embezzle or convert property of the corporation, as alleged in the indictment. Members of the Executive Committee, staff, and Block by Block personnel were aware of this transfer at the time it took place and the truck remained in the custody and possession of DJP at all times....Mr. Gibbs states that Ross & Yerger charged an annual premium of $2,000 for the truck. The Executive Committee approved the transfer of title from DJP to employee John Gomez in 2009. (p.18) Mr. Gomez included the truck on his insurance policy at a cost of $25 per month. DJP reimbursed Mr. Gomez through its accountant, BKD. The truck was later transferred to Mr. Allen since he carried a more comprehensive insurance policy. The transfers saved DJP $1,600 per year in insurance premiums. Mr. Gibbs states the truck is housed with all other DJP assets and "has never been kept at Mr. Allen's house..".
That any expenditures of funds of the corporation made or directed by Mr. Allen in connection with the truck.... were completely authorized under the by-laws and budget of the corporation. These expenses and reimbursements were known to the Executive Committee and accountants, and all sure actions by Mr. Allen are hereby ratified and affirmed by the Board...
Mr. Gibbs defends Mr. Allen as he argues Mr. Allen received no personal benefit from the transfer but instead assumed a "significant liability risk to save DJP money."
* The indictment charges in count IV that Mr. Allen converted to his "own use" $1,738 for payment of Mr. Allen and his wife's cell phone bills even though said phones were the "lawful property of Downtown Jackson Partners".
The Board states that the payments Mr. Allen reimbursed DJP for the monthly charges each and every month. The report states that the expenditures were "completely authorized" and that "the accountants for DJP received full reimbursement on a periodic basis from Mr. Allen during his employment." (KFnote: Will the records subpoenaed show the regular payments and did the D.A. subpoena them? Honest question. )
Mr. Gibbs defended this assertion in his report as he stated "DJP approved the line for Susie Allen with the understanding that Mr. Allen reimburse DJP. This was always done and none of othe money alleged in the indictment was converted by Mr. Allen."
* Count V states Mr. Allen converted $6,620 of DJP funds for his personal credit card. Count VI charges the defendant with converting an additional $38,372 of DJP funds for payment on another credit card.
"This simply is not correct" is the Board's reply to these two counts. It stated
the Board of Directors has satisfactory validation for every such charge made. In connection with his employment as President, Mr. Allen has maintained a credit card, identifying himself as the cardholder, used for the purpose of making corporate related charges. The credit card has been used by the entire staff, under Mr. Allen's control and oversight. It has been the responsibility of the corporation's staff to match credit card charges appearing on monthly statements with receipts, invoices, and electronic payments..... which are then submitted to BKD (accounting firm).Mr. Gibbs also claimed that DJP did not have a credit card for many years so Mr. Allen would make DJP-related charges on his credit card and then submit them to the board for reimbursement. Mr. Gibbs also alleged that many of the backup receipts were "stolen".
Based on the thorough investigation conducted and set forth in the memorandum, the Board of Directors hereby determines all such charges were business-related.... Mr. Allen promptly and properly reimbursed the corporation for any non-business charges when those were identified, or that he paid the credit card company directly. The Board has not found any instances where Mr. Allen converted or embezzled money as alleged in Counts 5 and 6 of the indictment....
*Now for the fun part. The indictment charges that Mr. Allen converted $86,000 of DJP funds for payment to Mayor Tony Yarber's inauguration gala. Count X charges Mr. Allen of violating campaign finance laws** by donating $86,000 in DJP funds to Mayor Yarber's inaugural gala. The Board states
none of the money given to the Gala belonged to DJP. The money was donated by third parties for the sole purpose of funding the Gala. This procedure was researched by Board Attorney Robert Gibbs and by accountants for BKD, who both provided the Board of Directors with legal and accounting opinions stating the procedure utilized was appropriate and legal...The resolution further states the $86,000 collected by DJP was spent for a gala, not a candidacy, election, or a political party.
The Board of Directors authorized that any funds given by third party businesses be "earmarked" for Mayor Yarber's gala. Mr. Allen did not devise this procedure; rather he acted on the advice of legal counsel and accountants. .......
Mr. Gibbs states that the Mayor's Inauguration Committee asked DJP to act as a "clearinghouse for donations" for the gala that was held in June 2014. Mr. Gibbs stated he and BKD researched the law and advised Mr. Allen that "such action" was legal (p.21) and thus not subject to the $1,000 campaign donation limit.
*Count VIII alleges Mr. Allen converted $40,136 in DJP funds for unauthorized donations and sponsorships. What does the Board say? The Board says
all monetary donations and sponsorships provided by DJP to various groups were authorized by and made in accordance with those expenditure categories provided in the budget and the audit, adopted by the Board of Directors...
Accordingly, all donations and sponsorships made or directed by Mr. Allen were made in-line with the purpose of DJP and hereby ratified and affirmed by the Board.
*Count IX accuses Mr. Allen of covering up the misuse of $65,745 in DJP funds for a "fraudulent business incubator program". The Board states the charge is "puzzling" as all such expenditures were "completely authorized by Board action".(p.7) It states the indictment wrongfully claims DJP is a governmental agency when it is in face a private non-profit corporation.
Ms. Laura Lamar signed the report in her capacity as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Downtown Jackson Partners.
*Mr. Gibbs also stated in his report: "In August 2014, Ben Allen and John Gomez discovered that Linda Brune had embezzled funds by forging corporate checks totaling more than $40,000. The crime was reported" to JPD and Trustmark. DJP sued Ms. Brune for the funds in Madison County where she resides. The case has not yet gone to trial. The Hinds County grand jury returned a "no bill" for Ms. Brune.
Earlier posts
Ben Allen files motion to dismiss.
Indictment of Ben Allen
DJP Board supports Ben Allen
Deputy State Auditor & Investigator indicted.
DJP sues former secretary for alleged embezzlement.
Kingfish note: Will Jerry Mitchell report on the motion to dismiss and the two reports?
** § 97-13-15. Limitations on corporate contributions to political party or candidate.
It shall be unlawful for any corporation, incorporated company or incorporated association, by whatever name it may be known, incorporated or organized under the laws of this state, or doing business in this state, or for any servant, agent, employee or officer thereof, to give, donate, appropriate or furnish directly or indirectly, any money, security, funds or property of said corporation, incorporated company or incorporated association, in excess of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per calendar year for the purpose of aiding any political party or any candidate for any public office, or any candidate for any nomination for any public office of any political party, or to give, donate, appropriate or furnish, directly or indirectly, any money, security, funds or property of said corporation, incorporated company or association in excess of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) to any committee or person as a contribution to the expense of any political party or any candidate, representative or committee of any political party or candidate for nomination by any political party, or any committee or other person acting in behalf of such candidate. The limit of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for contributions to political parties, candidates and committees or other persons acting in behalf of such candidates shall be an annual limitation applicable to each calendar year.
89 comments:
All I can say is wow. Unreal. What a self serving frame job. I can't begin to believe what I just read. Is this America?
Obama's America.
If this DA can indict someone with no evidence and facts that rebut it as clear as these are, if true, should be sued and charged with malicious prosecution.
KF. Regarding your "Kingfish note". Is that a serious question? Will Jerry Mitchell report on any of this?? That asswipe was duped from the start. Fat chance he will admit it.
DJP throws a party "after" the election....from private donors...
The above statute does not apply
I wonder if that Neptune DA seriously thinks he can get a conviction? What a waste of time and money. And putting a clearly innocent man through a worthless indictment. SMDH
I think it is clear that Ben Allen was trying to do his job in an honest way and in a way that benefited his employer. Anyone who has run a small business would instantly understand how these things happen.
However there is one problem, they did conspire to commit insurance fraud. This type of fraud is so common as to be considered smart business. Just as if you look for a way not to tell the insurance company that your 17 year old son is the primary driver on anything. But it is still a lie and still fraud.
Jerry ought to retire to the dustbin that is the CL future. The CL won't say shiv. This particular unwinding of BA's indictment is beyond disturbing.
Nothing like efficiency in office.
Insurance fraud is hard to be insurance fraud if the insurance agent selling the policy is aware of the arrangement and it is a part of the policy. Good try.
Sigh...........It is a relief to read in black and white what the Board of DJP and its attorney believe to be true. These people have too much to lose to lie and then there is the problem of embezzlement to add to the mix. Schuler-Smith has been proven false by this, in my opinion, and there is no telling what all lies hidden and what all the x-employees can tell. Let's shine some light in this dark area.
Curiosity screams "What's next"??
June 26, 2016 at 7:09 PM
Do you believe legal activity is legal? I don't know how to "donnasplain" or "jerrysplain" things you don't understand. DJP is a private business with a BOD serving in oversight.
I support, who I don't know personally, a leader trying to bring Jackson back. He appears to be acting in my best interest to make Jackson better.
Why would the fiction RSS brought to BA's doorstep be anything other than an attack? Think. DJP is a private company. If there was embezzlement the BOD/LLC would have brought it to the DA, not indirectly by DA, or by DJP's estranged employee connected to RSS.
"Insurance fraud is hard to be insurance fraud if the insurance agent selling the policy is aware of the arrangement and it is a part of the policy. Good try."
That would be true only if the insurance agent owned the insurance company. Not owned the agency, owned the insurance company. The insurance company is the one taking the risk and paying the claim. If the agent knew about it, he was committing insurance fraud also.
If the truck was used for commercial business the risk is higher and the premiums are greater. If you put it on your personal policy and use it for commercial use you would have to pay for an endorsement for commercial use or else it would be fraud. No matter what the salesman (agent) says.
8:33. Well spoken and obvious. This fiasco is a joke and hopefully is publicized by the media, but doubt it.
Tell that to the DJP Board would be my answer. Keep reaching. It ain't working.
@8:41. What are you going on and on about ? BFD. The DJP Board apparently supports Mr Allen. Deal with it.
It is clearly insurance fraud. I am a corporate attorney and a licensed insurance agent.
right 9:25. Everyone knows who you are. YAWN.
I hope the AG looks into RSS and investigates this travesty. I wonder what the 2 indicted Auditors are doing or planning. Does anyone know?
Suppose a driver for JDP is driving this truck, runs a red light, and kills someone. Ben Allen turns in the insurance claim and the insurance company refuses to pay because the truck was not insured for commercial use, which would be a material violation of the terms of the policy.
This is why I would not do stuff like this when I was in business. You could get away with it for years, but when you really need the insurance they have a ready made excuse not to pay.
It is like taking a deduction for fire sprinklers in your building when you have no fire sprinklers - if the building burns down and you need insurance you may not have any.
RSS did not indict Ben Allen. A GRAND JURY did based on evidence presented to them.
Secondly, the board is in it up to their asses. Check out "contracts" certain board members have or have had with DJP. You will find that Ben Allen wasn't the only one with his hand in the till. Since they determine his obscene raises and perks, he's not going to rat them out. "You scratch my back and I will scratch yours Will also have your back when you get indicted." Could they be next?
@9:25 PM Ben's Hallelujah Chorus, and Ben himself, struggles with inconvenient facts.
I am surprised that Robert Gibbs is condoning any of this. I don't know him but thought he was a standup fellow. Surprised that's all.
Doesn't matter what the agent or DJP "knew" about Allen putting business property on his personal auto insurance plan - It's still defrauding the insurance company. Allen's insurance company has been put at risk, fraudulently (that means by lying - Allen in concert with his agent).
If the truck (they say is used only for business purposes), were involved in and liable in an accident that cost the life of somebody or significant property damage, or, hell, even fifteen bucks worth of damage, Allen's personal auto policy would pay. That is fraud I don't give a shit who likes or doesn't like Ben-Boy.
Sure, that's separate and apart from the 'eyebrow indictment', but it's still a criminal matter.
That Kapturn Kangroot 'supports' somebody who is trying to 'bring Jackson back' is as worthless in this discussion as the proverbial boar hog tit.
The BOD (Board of Directors) obviously had a lot at stake if this thing were to proceed. They also had too much to lose to go to the D.A. to report this crap about an old truck. It was in their (BOD) best interest to just cover it up and let it fade away. The organization is knee deep in doo doo and don't need no more doo doo. It's in their best interest to 'come to the aid of' Mr. Allen.
I am shaking my head on this baseless bs indictment. I hope DJP goes after RSS. Any logical person reading this can see it for the exactly what it is.
Good Lord.
How the insurance on the truck was handled is not a criminal issue.
IF a claim had been made then coverage could have been questioned...but it's not criminal.
And if the board authorized his actions...then he's done nothing illegal vis a vis the corporation.
This is a witch hunt
Seems one person is on a witch hunt with post after post talking to themselves. In any event, I agree that this is a complete miscarriage of justice. DJP is an honorable, effective, active and necessary organization. I shudder to think what our city would be without them.
And to the broken record above, pining on and on about the DJP Board. Go to the DJP website and see who the members are. As impressive a collection of members as any board in the state. Good, honest, civic minded people. I doubt for a second any of them....any of them...would support any activity not straightforward, despite the rhetoric of a clearly angry poster.
And they found the witch(es). The board (those who are involved) is backing Ben Allen in their best interest. If he goes to trial they go to trial. ou don't serve on a board so you can dip your pen into the oompany's ink. Or honest peopl don't. The fat lady is gearing up to sing. And last I heard insurance fraud is a crime.
7:14. The resolution of support BY THE BOARD was unanimous. UNANIMOUS. Have you read the documents? You propose that every member of the board is in on this. Truth meet stretch.
REad the post dummie! I said "those who are involved" nothing about the entire board being crooked. Amazing thing is those people are on, or have served on, the Executive Committee. How convenient Most of the members just come to eat lunch anyhow and couldn't possibly tell you what happened in any of the meetings. As for the integrity of the involved board members....get real. A couple of years back the Chairman of that Board walked away with $5 million of is partners' money. Oh yeah, they are clean.
And, Ben wasn't insuring DJPs truck on his personal policy. He had already stolen it so it was his truck.
That is how rump BODs vote. UNANIMOUS.
7:14
Hates "old Jackson."
Has no idea what a crime is.
And just runs her mouth hole.
RSS targeting Ben Allen for a fall over nothing means no sympathy for him over his current troubles with the law involving his misuse of grand juries. His treatment of Ben is just another example of misuse of the grand jury. Ben with the full backing of his Board hasn't much to worry about. RSS has clearly broken the law and has plenty to worry about.
8:16. Word on the street is she will be fully abreast of what a crime is soon.
8:16 Been smoking your crackpipe again or just snortin a little?
There is a serious problem for DJP. For starters they are receiving a tax that is generated from businesses in the central business district which I believe is $.10 per square foot. That translates to an organization that is quasi-government.
A public board that receives a tax cannot contribute it's resources to a political campaign. Secondly, why would DJP attempt to whitewash money's they received for an outsider.
Finally, Ben, DJP, Judges Will and Green obviously have something they desire to protect. Once you add former Judge Gibbs this dead rat is beginning to smell very fishy.
Eagle Eyes.
8:43 So you think Ben Allen's theft of a half million dollars is misuse of a grand jury? Methinks that BA is the culprit who broke the law and the so called board is trying to cover his, and their, lying butts. Someone doesn't understand that the truck theft was the tip of the iceberg.
8:50 is your hand tired from blogging so much? Over and over you post. Get. A. Life. Quickly. You don't have that many years left!
I know many will disagree, and so be it, but 'ol Ben is getting a taste of his own medicine.....I hope he enjoys it as much as he dished it out.
8:59. Where on where in the indictment or rebuttal do you come to this conclusion? Wishing it versus documenting it is a bitch.
The responses concur Mr. Allen do no wrong. Theft of 1/2 million dollars? Dream and wish on.
Now stealing $40,000 = another subject
Lock the DA and BA in the same jail cell until the whole thing is settled. Both should be in jail anyway.
9:04 Is that another threat to the only one who has cooperated in this investigation?
For some reason, this keeps going through my head: "Me and my truck are for Amy Tuck."
This whole thread is one great big YAWN.
9:18 It is a Well documented case.
Of course Robert Gibbs is supporting BA. He's PAID to do that. He is board atty and collects retainer plus other time spent on this.
Aren't you paid also? How much in the past five years?
And please stop trying to make this all about a totally different case which will go nowhere. Has been No Billed as the reason for that ploy was found to be retaliation. And the threats are not going to make her go away.
No, I am not tired of blogging. Hands in fine shape!!
The anti-Ben comments read like the short bus just got dropped of by a place with a free computer and wifi access.
The whole DJP board should be brought to justice including Ben Allen. The DJP has wasted tax payers' money from day one. They have accomplished virtually nothing to help the CBD regain it's once "THE PLACE TO DO BUSINESS ATTITUDE". Under Mr. Allen's and the Board's leadership the CBD has gone down like the TITANIC. $250.00 dollar per square foot buildings have sold for $60.00---WOW !!!!! $100.00 per square foot buildings have sold for $20.00---there is no end in site.
I believe it's to late now to do anything---ALL OF OUR LEADERS HAVE GONE !!!!!! TIME FOR THE STATE TO STEP IN !!!!!!!!
Why is it that when someone reads where a person does not agree with them the person is considered an idiot? Is that the best argument you can come up with?
As a senior member of Underwriting for more than one large insurance company, I can assure you that there is no "insurance fraud" being committed here. If the title was transferred to Mr Allen (which it was) then he MUST insure the vehicle IN HIS OWN NAME. That's why Personal Insurance Policies have a "business use" classification - so that the proper rate can be obtained for situations like this where the policy holder uses his vehicle for business purposes. There is, however, a probable coverage gap for DJP if they don't have an Commercial insurance policy to provide the Hired & Non-Owned exposure this arrangement presents.
@10:06 - you really are dumb, aren't you? Robert Gibbs is the attorney for the BOD. His responsibility is to the BOD, NOT to Ben Allen!!! There is no incentive whatsoever for the BOD or their attorney to defend Ben Allen if these allegations were even remotely true. They would, however, be VERY motivated to WITHHOLD their defense of him if they thought there was any validity AT ALL to the charges brought against Mr Allen.
As the former CEO for one large insurance company I can assure you that there very well may be insurance fraud being committed here.
As not a former CEO and not a former insurance agent, I can assure you that some of these formers are full of burning chunks of feces.
Sure it is insurance fraud. Anyone who has a grade school education and is not a criminal themselves know it is fraud. No excuses will make it anything but a crime. Some are good with their friends committing crimes but raise hell if anyone else commits the same crime.
I don't know how some people stand upright. The ground under them is so uneven it is a miracle they can stand up right.
June 27, 2016 at 9:28 AM
All I'm saying is that Ben had no problem throwing folks under the bus BEFORE he found out all of the facts, now HE finds himself under the bus.
This is 10:55.
2:10, you are exactly right. I don't ever recall Ben saying "I was wrong". I don't dislike Ben but he has done more harm to Jackson in the leadership position of DJP than anything or anyone. He had no clue what he was doing and that's Andrew Mattiace's fault because he hired Ben and knew he did not have the experience to get the job done. Everyone just blew it off and said he was a great cheerleader and that was just not enough to turn the CBD of Jackson around. Now we are all suffering and there is no way out.
Dang, Linda Brune is one sick and obsessed puppy. Talking and blogging to herself all day. Allen may need a bodyguard!!
Lying on an application for insurance a/k/a perjury is unethical And illegal. While the insurance company may not seek prosecution or to obtain the difference in the premiums, the intent to defraud by the board and maybe its attorney is clear and convincing. Everyone who participated in this fraud should be removed from the board.
I will try to post an AG Opinion that states that DJP has no authority to give donations for events like Gala's and the like. If the funds were contributions from donors and earmarked for the Mayor's Inaugural event, they should have been in a special trust account.
DJP did not approve of various actions listed in the indictment; that's why the board attempted to clean up this mess by ratifying past actions.
I like Ben, but he played fancy and foot-loose with the BID's money as if it were his own. It appears that the indictment was valid.
4:38 see 3:59. And we all know you hate Ben.
4:38 see 3:59. And we all know you hate Ben.
I don't think the idiot at 4:38 read the opinions from former prosecutor and Circuit Court Judge Robert Gibbs. Either that or she is pathetically delusional.
At 6:01, I'm the idiot at 4:38. I am a retired corporate attorney who has served as a prosecutor...and I do like Ben. I read Gibbs' opinion; but I have my own, and I haven't been paid to render it.
Reading a legal opinion is only one part of the equation, as all good attorneys know. You are not an attorney, or you are a one probably should not be practing.
You can form your opinion, but be sure it is predicated on something more than a legal opinion from DJP's hired gun.
^7:05...a retired corporate attorney who has served as a prosecutor (hitting ends of a spectrum in the legal field)...in an earlier post it was a corporate attorney and licensed insurance agent (I would like to see that dual purpose office - the signage would be interesting) Jackson's self-proclaimed youngest teenager needs to put down the bottle and step away from the keyboard.
I believe the funds at issue were public funds, even though they were controlled by a private, nonprofit agency. Please see the state statute and the relevant AG Opinion. If these were not public funds, the AG and State Auditor would have no authority to investigate this matter.
AG Opinion https://govt.westlaw.com/msag/Document/I74fc6f79b81211e498db8b09b4f043e0?originationContext=Search+Result&listSource=Search&viewType=FullText&navigationPath=Search%2fv3%2fsearch%2fresults%2fnavigation%2fi0ad70f700000015593fe1943cdd3c4e6%3fstartIndex%3d1%26Nav%3dADMINDECISION_PUBLICVIEW%26contextData%3d(sc.Default)&rank=7&list=ADMINDECISION_PUBLICVIEW&transitionType=SearchItem&contextData=(sc.Search)&t_querytext=Business+Improvement+District+donations+contributions+events&t_Method=WIN
7-7-211 (f) To postaudit and, when deemed necessary, preaudit and investigate the financial affairs of the levee boards; agencies created by the Legislature or by executive order of the Governor; profit or nonprofit business entities administering programs financed by funds flowing through the State Treasury or through any of the agencies of the state, or its subdivisions; and all other public bodies supported by funds derived in part or wholly from public funds, except municipalities which annually submit an audit prepared by a qualified certified public accountant using methods and procedures prescribed by the department
Good lord people this is going to court. Give it a rest. We can jabber all we want to, but it will be in court where it matters. And we know all about 7-7-211. We disagree. In the meantime, see you in Madison....court.
7:19. She can't. Attention magnet. Sad case of miserable.
Sorry to rain on your parade 8:13.......ain't gonna' happen.
The vehicle, according to the BOD and Allen, was never domiciled at Allen's residence, was always kept at and used for purposes of the Partnership. The transfer was farcicle. It was not a situation of a personally owned vehicle being used occasionally for business purposes.
The entire BOD is complicit in this whole mess. A unanimous vote to paint Allen with gold-leaf is no indication of his sainthood. They are merely wanting their collective asses out of the limelight. If and when Allen goes down, so does The Partnership and so do the BOD luncheons.
And, yes, 5:11, insurance fraud IS criminal.
Get some sleep 1:27 AM. At your age you need it. This is the second night in a row you have been up til the wee hours of the morning.
A 1988 truck having insurance that costs $2000/yr?!?!?! Sounds like either that thing had liability insurance out the a$$ or the real crook here is Wert Yerger.
If the former is true can we get a picture of that thing so I can get in front of it and get rear ended. Me and Richey Schwartz would have our steaks ready at Ticos before I got out of the ER!
7:26, very good observation. Anyone or any group that would pay $2000/year insurance on an 88 that no one uses should not be in charge of anything more than a paper route. Anyone who believes that is true and acceptable must not be able to read and understand a newspaper. Or they may have a hand in the cookie jar somewhere.
This should be interesting to see how it actually turns out. Lots of different opinions as to what is a crime and what is not. Entertaining to say the least!
6:28 popping pimples and tracking what time people post. LOL at that. If I were tracking irrelevant posts, which of course I'm not, we might have a weiner ^^.
3:59 You don't know a thing about Ms. Brune. She, however, is very familiar with the term used over and over by you, "puppy." We can identify just about every post on this blog. So predictable.
Question is " are these tax dollars"? Must this money be paid to this BID or is it by choice? I think the tax is required to be paid based State law the BID was created under This board should be careful for its members can be on the wrong side of the law as well.
The ex legislator on the coast got ten years for taking $300,000 of his client's money. Wonder how much time $500,000 will rack up?
And yes, 3:53, those are tax dollars. Paid to Eddie Fair, remitted to the City of Jackson then to DJP. When they are paid to the tax collector, they become public funds (or taxes.)
Sure the money is tax dollars. It comes from the state. The state does not produce anything to sell, they only collect.
The money does NOT come from the state. It comes from the downtown property owners. They are taxed by the Tax Collector and monies go to the city. City forwards money to DJP where it promptly becomes a piggy bank for greedy people.
9:09 - Didn't over 90% of property owners in the DJP district vote to extend paying an additional fee to fund DJP just a couple years ago?
If it was such a "piggy bank for greedy people" then why do you think over 90% of the entire district voted to CONTINUE paying this fee to DJP???
Can you name 90% of people in ANY city, county, state, church, neighborhood association or a freaking bridge club that has voted with a 90% majority?
Bless their little naive hearts!!!
Those are real questions for you, I/we look forward to your reply.
9:09, where the money comes from does not matter that much. It is tax money taken from hard working people. Do you think they should be able to steal from tax payers just because the tax is collected by a different source?
10:03. Linda Brune...you should be looking for a job rather than blogging all day. Every incessant comment gets more bogus and non-factual.
10:03 You couldn't possibly know what this lady should be doing. From what I hear, she's simply ignoring you people and that rubs you raw, doesn't it?
1:28, this is 10:03 here. I was talking about the DJP. Don't know the woman and don't really care what she did. Sounds like the whole organization is nothing but a bunch of crooks and thieves.
2:43 (betting it is that crazy dingbat). Word on the street is the real crook (singular) will be very clear soon....Just sayin'....and it will be no surprise! And it ain't Allen, or any of the board. Save your breath..
3:31 YAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!
3:31 sounds like Allen himself. Maybe this whole thread is just 2 people. Both are thieves.
Some of you may remember that the State Auditor said that the money spent on Rudy's contracts was legal as long as the Board of Supervisors approved the spending, which it did.
How come that does not apply here?
I do not live in Jackson but I know Ben Allen. After reading all the charges against him, I realized that I know him well. He is guilty of all counts. Had the defense not produced such accomplished liars, he would be down the tube. That board voted to endorse all the misspent funds AFTER THE FACT in order to save face because they were participating in the theft of those TAXES.
Jackson, you need to shut it down.
EE
Post a Comment