Sunday, October 1, 2017

Who do these legislators represent?

Nothing to see here, move along.  Such is the response of our legislative Solons to questions about Dr. Wright and the Board of Education passing out sweetheart deals to friends of Dr. Wright. 




Senate Education Chairman appeared on the Gallo Radio Show last Thursday and thought the new news was old news.  The discussion about the MDE controversy begins at 5:25.  Senator Tollison shucked off most of the questions about the sweetheart deals at the Mississippi Department of Education.  This was old stuff, MDE provided a lengthy response (It did?), Dr. Wright is "tough", and MDE made the necessary corrections.  He tried to jive his way through the rest of the subject by blaming the Attorney General lawyer assigned to represent MDE.  Gutless Gray said he had total confidence in the Board and praised Chairwoman Rosemary Aultman.  Listen for yourself. 

Meanwhile, Tipsy Terry, oops, I meant, Senator Terry Burton said told the Clarion-Ledger last week:

But PEER member Sen. Terry Burton, R-Newton, said MDE assured the committee that it was taking action to address the issues raised.

“The key point is that the person who was in charge of the procurements in question is no longer there,” Burton said. “The auditor might want to go in and take a look, but I think PEER did a pretty good job on what the issues were, and I think those issues are being addressed, and Dr. Wright and her folks have taken steps to avoid problems like this.” Article

Then there is Representative Becky Currie.  The Clarion-Ledger reported in the same story:
 
Some PEER members said they want further scrutiny of the agency's contracts and purchases.

“This does not pass the smell test,” said Rep. Becky Currie, R-Brookhaven, a PEER member. “We’ve asked many questions, and they have not been answered. This needs to be looked at thoroughly by the state auditor. Somebody needs to go in and look at this. PEER has done all we can.”

Oh really, Becky? While you are squawking about having the State Auditor "thoroughly" looking at this, perhaps you can explain this bill you tried to get passed only a few months ago:

 HB #905 would have transferred the authority to audit public schools from the State Auditor to the Mississippi Department of Education.  The bill stated:

TO REQUIRE THE UNIFORM ACCOUNTING SYSTEM PRESCRIBED BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO INCLUDE A METHOD TO KEEP RECORDS OF ALL LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDS; TO AMEND SECTION 37-61-29, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO TRANSFER THE AUTHORITY TO CONDUCT FINANCIAL AUDITS ON SCHOOL DISTRICTS FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF AUDIT TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.....
 Section 2 of the bill states:

SECTION 2. Section 37-61-29, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
37-61-29. The State Department of * * * Education shall audit and investigate the financial affairs and all transactions involving the * * * local, state and federal funds of * * * each school district in the state, including the * * *adequate education program funds and supplementary school district * * * funds * * *. Further, the department may make separate and special audits * * * of the financial affairs and transactions involving school district funds.
 The bill was sponsored by Representative Beckie Currie.  The bill passed out of the House Education Committee but died in the House.

Our leaders.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

The state auditor needs to show some sack and either recover that money or prove the contract. Senator Tillison is a shitty excuse for a legislator and should be ashamed of himself, and that goes for Dr. Wright as well.

Anonymous said...

Becky Currie is toast. The guilty pig squeals the loudest. Don't depend on her to hold anything or anyone accountable. Sigh. Bring on the feds so when they lie to them, they can go to jail like Martha Stewart.

Anonymous said...

I just don't get the support for Carrie Wright and MDE. We pay her like $300k a year; we exempted MDE from personnel board rules so they could give out pay raises like candy; and now we look the other way when it comes out she's giving contracts to old friends and skirting reviews by carving up deals into smaller deals. I mean . . . what? Every session there's some legislator who inquires into the corrupt African dictatorship that is MDE, but then nothing ever happens. Good grief. We talk about putting money into the classroom, but then we pay Staff Officer IIIs with nebulous responsibilities like 20k more than we pay teachers? What in the world is the real story here?

Burke said...

Too many people in state government are afraid to have anyone investigating state contracts with which they are involved. Too many deals are made that the makers don't want the sun to shine on. That's been true forever, but that's no reason to stop auditing state contracts. Let the sun shine in.

Anonymous said...

Wow, great journalism. No bias at all. Just the facts, right? No agenda.

Anonymous said...

Aren't these contracts were from three to four years ago? Why is this just now coming up?

Anonymous said...

Bring on the feds so when they lie to them, they can go to jail like Martha Stewart.

Always amazes me that Martha went to jail but Hillary is out walking around.....

Anonymous said...

The "agenda" - if that's what you wish to call it is this: Start speaking up Mississippi! Stop being afraid of this idiots who are supposed to be working for the people, not getting rich and purchasing their retirements on the backs of the taxpaying citizens.

Anonymous said...

Let's contact our Senators and Representatives that are in charge of the legislative committees in both the Senate and House and see what they have to say about this fiasco. The Chairman and Vice Chairman in both the Senate and the House are as follows:

Senate Education Committee
Senator Gray Tollison - Chairman
Senator Chris Caughman - Vice Chairman

House Education Committee
Representative John L. Moore - Chairman
Representative Rob Roberson - Vice Chairman

Ask them what they propose to do about this situation and remember they work for you!

Anonymous said...

The contracts were structured to avoid having to be reported. If I deposit 9,000 five times to avoid the 10K reporting requirements that is structuring and it is a felony. These are crooks like any other.

Anonymous said...

@ 11:47

For good and bad, Becky is a far from an apologist as you can be. She sees collusion and conspiracy pretty much everywhere.

Anonymous said...

At 3:25: this is coming up now because the MDE is threatening takeover and the modus operandi is too dig up dirt on your opponent to control their actions. So the people who do t want a JPs takeover have people searching for any evidence they can use to make MDE back off. It is a sad state of affairs, but that is modern day politics....

Anonymous said...

Same legislators who looked the other way while the Barbours and their lackeys "stimulated" Democrats to vote for Senator Geritol.

Anonymous said...

This is the same legislature that is ready to riot because the MHA didn't get their way in the managed care RFP done by Medicaid. Just follow the money, watch the campaign contribution filings. Its all about the money and helping cronies.

Anonymous said...

6:30, I don’t think Pickering gives a rats behind about the JPS takeover. Are you saying $600,000 of contracts going to BFFs should just be ignored?

Demand Your Rights, Right? said...

Meanwhile: Please take note that the Liberal, Lying Ledger, two days in a row now (Sunday and Monday) has run front page stories about the difficulties encountered in teaching Civil Rights History in public schools.

Could this be part of (or all of) the problem? Focusing on teaching young blacks to hate and teaching them whatever version of civil rights history liberals want them to steam and fume about for the next sixty years?

At one time, I'm told, Education used to be about readin', 'ritin' and 'rithmetic. Now it's nothing but 'rites. So we raise another hundred million black kids to disrespect authority while hatin' on whitey and they can't read or construct sentences but they damned sure can riot over 'rites'.

Anonymous said...

@10:12 well said...probably a MDE employee. JPS and their supporters having that type of reach is laughable. @3:25 is trying to moving the conversation away from the money....interesting.

Anonymous said...

Teaching them to hate? Or are you just embarrassed about what they may learn about how your grandfather treated their grandfather?

Anonymous said...

History doesn't teach hate. Get a clue.
I really wish y'all would emerge from your environs and meet some folks outside of your demographic. The beliefs you hold about an entire group of people are horrid.
The chaos at MDE is the main reason I'm skeptical about them taking control of JPS. Out of the pan, into the fire.

Anonymous said...

This could be looked on as a learning experience and a chance to get rid of a few dishonest people.
We have two groups fighting it out. JPS and MDE. Both full of crooks, swindlers, and con artists. Now they both see another way to line their pockets. It is too good of an opportunity for thugs to pass up. Both know the other is crooked and are willing to let people know about it in the chance they will win the jack pot.
People take this chance to learn what has been happening in both groups. Here is a chance to get rid of a few crooks and save the people of Mississippi a lot of money.

Anonymous said...


You ask who the Legislators represent ????

THEY REPRESENT THEMSELVES AND ALWAYS HAVE !!!!

I call for term limits.

Anonymous said...

All these Guvment regulated entities are preposterous, but we the citizenry do nothing. The guvment folks at least take action - to steal.



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
.