Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Mayor Fires Back in Water Bill Lawsuit

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba issued the following statement.

As I stated when the City filed its recent lawsuit against Siemens, our number one concern is the citizens and residents of Jackson. One of the primary burdens for many citizens has been inaccurate and exceedingly high water bills. Addressing this issue has been an ongoing process, and despite the claims in last week’s lawsuit filed against the City, the City has maintained a process for addressing such billing issues since it began dealing with the fallout of the disaster that was the Siemens contract.

We want to make sure the citizens of Jackson are aware that if they receive an inaccurate water bill, the City has a process in place to provide them with relief. Last year, I issued a Water Sewer Customer Bill of Rights Executive Order that allows for citizens to address any bill through the City Attorney’s Office and the City Council. A link to a digital facsimile of those rights may be found on the main page of the City’s official website. Citizens may also contact the City Attorney’s Office at 601-960-1799 with any questions regarding the process.

The Customer’s Bill of Rights was created to find a solution that is affordable to the citizen and allows the City to continue to collect the revenue that is critical to operating the water system.

I also want to comment directly on last week’s lawsuit filed against the City. It was filed by a former Jackson City Attorney and his current law partner. The former City Attorney held that position at the time the current water meter and billing system was purchased from Siemens. In fact, he reviewed and vouched for the legal sufficiency of that contract. In other words, he was a direct participant in the purchase of the system that he now claims has harmed his clients. His partner was also involved in the City’s purchase of the Siemens contract, serving as counsel on the bond that was issued to pay Siemens $90 million for their work. As a result, both attorneys are witnesses in the lawsuit their firm has filed. In addition, the former City Attorney has now sued his former client, the City of Jackson, related to a matter in which he directly participated in as service to its citizens. Such conduct is highly problematic and will be vehemently challenged on all fronts.

The City intends to address all legal issues in court rather than in the media and the political arena, but it is important to me that the citizens understand that last week’s lawsuit is unfounded. The City will work with all citizens to address the inaccurate and unfair water bills that have resulted from the deficient performance of Siemens and its chosen subcontractors.”

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Pieter Teeuwissen wouldn't know a conflict if it bit him in the ass.

Anonymous said...

this conduct by teeuwissiuen is disgraceful . i what to know when the mississippi state bar disciplinary committee is going to look into this. or are they too busy trying to decide where to go to lunch?

Anonymous said...

I am an average citizen of Jackson and am not privy to who did what. I would love to know what the hell he is talking about. All I know is I don't think the water situation will ever be straightened out. I wonder just who takes home my taxes. This place is a mess... I don't care what race runs the city if they will just run it properly. I don't know why Baby Chock would even want to be mayor of Jackson. That poor man inherited a nightmare. Why have our public servants run off the tax base and run Jackson into the ground (for years and years?) Are they proud of the ghetto they've created? Mixing greed and idiots has created such a disaster.

Anonymous said...

blah blah blah......

Anonymous said...

This is what it looks like when a cannibal starts eating its own foot.

Anonymous said...

So because Teeuwissen was city atty at the time means it’s his fault? I’m confused. It’s this lawsuit about the citizens that have been wronged and a city that’s cutting off their water? Did Teeuwissen install the meters and software?

Anonymous said...

9:20 you obviously are misinformed. They always eat Keifer’s!

Anonymous said...

Jackson - what a "third world" city should look like. Jackson would be a great location for filming "The Omega Man II."

Anonymous said...

Need alert
Tutorial segment

Ethical rules prohibit a lawyer from suing a client he used to represent absent some specific circumstances

The mayor just alerted the public he took ethics

What's Pieter Smoking? said...

ABA Model Rules, Rule 1.9, "Duties to Former Clients":

(a) A lawyer who has formerly represented a client in a matter shall not thereafter represent another person in the same or a substantially related matter in which that person's interests are materially adverse to the interests of the former client unless the former client gives informed consent, confirmed in writing.

Anonymous said...

I see a Jackson problem when this action was moved from a Hinds county or Jacktown judge.

Kingfish said...

He is a sharp lawyer and probably anticipated this response. The City will likely file a motion to disqualify counsel or something similar. He will file a response. Then we will have some fun on this site.

Anonymous said...

Lumumba is coherent and accurate this time. This feels weird to agree with him completely

Anonymous said...

Peters separation agreement with the city probably addresses this issue....hes no dummy

Anonymous said...

So, let's play out the idea that this lawsuit will go forward. If the City wants to call as a witness a particular someone who worked on the Siemens contract negotiations, someone who was the City Attorney during the years in dispute ... they will call Pieter? The same dude who is suing the City? I just hope they pay him double since he will be on both sides of this lawsuit! What nitwits on this blog.

Anonymous said...

to kingfish....'sharp lawyer'?...he did not look too sharp when he got his ass handed to him by wingate in federal court back in 2006 after that idiot frank melton shut down babes gentlemen club. all of his arguments kept bumping into one another. the city ended upping out a huge damage award and about 40 grand in legal fees.

Anonymous said...

3:42 PM, I forgot about that one. How does one lose to Babe's? Babe's ought to be stripped of their pomp and frills, but I digress.

I remember when the city had to approve the legal settlement at the City Council. How Quixotic Melton seemed in such a short time afterwards in his tilting at Babe's Strip Club.

P.S. Long Live Danny's, where the real talent lives.

Anonymous said...

Representing Melton is not the case any lawyer would want to be rated on.

Anonymous said...

As 2:49 alluded, a lawyer is generally disqualified to act as an attorney in a case where that lawyer may also be called as a witness.

Anonymous said...

Melton's problem with Babes was that they didn't have school-boys on the pole.

Anonymous said...

to 5:49......pretty easy today that now. but back during the babes litigation he, along with his life legal dream team, couldn't wait to get out there and start showing their ass. and they got their asses served up to them on a platter.

Anonymous said...

Baby Chok will be OK as long as he doesn't "give up" Hillary.

Anonymous said...

Obviously the prior city attorney had zero to do with the water meter contract. Otherwise, even one who stoops to the level of a city attorney job would know not to represent in a situation like this one. Don'tchaknow?



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
.