Friday, September 27, 2019

Priester Speaks!

Jackson Ward 2 City Councilman Melvin Priester, Jr. provided a rather interesting update on yesterday's meeting of the Jackson City Council on his Facebook page:


Today's City Council meeting was interesting in that EVERY major city issue was addressed from code enforcement to JRA to water bills/siemens to abortion to the zoo. We talked about police. We appointed a new planning director. Seriously, everything got laid out today.

I'm very excited that we appointed Jordan Hillman as the new director of planning. That team is in the midst of upgrading operations and rolling out some sorely needed improvements that I'll share in a later post.

With respect to the Zoo, we voted to individually contract with current staff to keep the animals fed but will be shutting the zoo to the public while continuing to explore the possibility of having a new private company take over operations.

I'm not even going to comment on the proposed law limiting harassment outside medical facilities. I think the city attorney very aptly laid out the legal issues and why we have an extremely pressing government interest in trying to bring some sanity to an otherwise bonkers scenario. Okay, I'll make one comment.

I am absolutely, 100% convinced that give or take 20 years from now, one of these bored kids that gets drug to City Council meetings to wait for their parent to make a public comment will be in a bar on whatever 2039's version of a Tindr/Grindr date is.

His/her date is going to ask "so, why did you move here?" And this person is going to reply, "As a kid, my family was SUPER-religious. I didn't even go to school, they just posted me up outside the only abortion clinic in a 3-hour radius day-after-day. Anyway, I'm 12 or 13 and my folks would always take me to Jackson City Council meetings to protest abortion. We'd sit there for HOURS so dad could talk for like 3 minutes. It was soooooo boring. He made me sit there and film it on my cell phone even though it was a televised meeting. Anyway, I swore to myself at like the 4 hour point of dying on one of these hard benches for the millionth time that as SOON as I turned 18, I'd get sooooo far away from Jackson and never look back. So here I am, living in San Francisco, working for planned parenthood. You know how it turns out. Anyway, what was your childhood like?".

What else happened?

We did not get a unanimous vote to borrow money to make repairs to the water-sewer billing system. So unless the administration brings that back at a later date, we're going to have to find a few million to pay for some already in-progress repairs and to repay waste-management for the settlement of our dispute over recycling.

My expectation is that our Bond Insurers and/or the EPA will put the screws in us to raise water-sewer rates since the borrow-to-fund-repair option was shut down. We'll see how long that takes. Hopefully some discussion behind the scenes will occur and we'll take another shot at the borrowing approach. If that doesn't pan out, I genuinely don't know how much time we have left to come up with alternative plans. I doubt it's much time.

You can't make any of this up.  Who needs Netflix? 

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

....and to repay waste-management for the settlement of our dispute over recycling.

What in the wide, wide world of sports does that mean?

Anonymous said...

A zoo, in a bankrupt town, that's located in a ghetto with less income than it's expenses. What could possibly go wrong ?

Anonymous said...

This guy is brilliant and humorous.

Messick said...

I'd never have guessed that Melvin knows what Grindr is.

Anonymous said...

the zoo: how can the lack of the proper license have not been noticed by the city when looking at a potential operator??? it’s also clear that the city is desperate to keep the animals at the zoo- leveraging a mystery “six million dollar” water bill out there...

sort of “you don’t have to pay the bill if we get the animals” situation

it could really end up with the animals being replaced and jackson having a zoo without any animals to exhibit...

Anonymous said...

Melvin went to Harvard and Stanford and is hugely intelligent. I venture to say he's much better educated than all of the wiseguys on this blog.

Anonymous said...

If the city closes the zoo to the public I sure hope there is a watch dog group out there to keep an eye on that.

Anonymous said...

Should have let them move the zoo off of I-55, as it was proposed years ago, it's not that far.

I know the area and no offense, but the zoo, animals, and ALL it's patrons would be better served if it had been moved.

Anonymous said...

You have to admire Melvin for being willing to put up with the buffoonery on the city council. He's exactly what the City of Jackson needs, but I'm shocked that a person of his education and intelligence is willing to deal with that crap. More power to him!

Anonymous said...

3:11 I'm sure you wrote your seven digit check to put a down payment on your grand idea - that you state was "proposed" but nothing in the proposal you refer to provided anything toward how to pay the fifty to hundred million dollars that move would have cost.

There is no reason at all for the city, the state or any regional group to spend the money to build a new zoo - where you suggest or anywhere else in the metro area.

You, and the City Council, and all the members of the Zoo Board, and all the others that think it would be 'nice' to have a zoo, if it were 'somewhere else', and all the idiots that think the only thing our city should do is maintain the zoo where it is because it is there - and anybody else ----- realize that the city of Jackson can't pay its current bills. It can't pay to keep the doors open on essential operations. It refuses to do what is required to keep its utility system operating, upgrading the accounting system so that bills can be sent and payment demanded.

The city doesn't have the money to keep its basic infrastructure maintained, much less improved. The roads are crumbling; the decades old water lines are rupturing; the sewer lines are collapsing.

Why the hell do we think that maintaining a zoo ---- and I don't give a damn who manages it or where it is located - is essential to the quality of life in the capital city.

Would it be nice? Absolutely. But cleaning up the school system is much more important to maintain the current tax base, the few taxpayers that still live in the city and are fighting to maintain it.

Fixing the roads, the water, and the sewer are more important than 'repairing' the facility at the zoo, much less spending another million or so dollars every year to subsidize the operation.

Just like the convention center - the city can't even clean up the parking lot across the street to keep it from looking like an abandoned manufacturing plant site, but they want to think about funding several tens of millions of dollars to subsidize 'friends' in their scheme to build a convention hotel. Recognize that its too late - that horse left the barn a decade ago.

Priester is somewhat recognizing the reality of the situation in his post here, but still holding out hope that 'maybe' we can open the zoo sometime soon, once they negotiate a deal with this new 'operator' that Chockwae promises us is one of the best in the world. But of course it has yet to be told how much we will have to subsidize this group in order to maintain this dinosaur.

The hope is that Jackson can keep its financial head above water - that the bondholders and other creditors of the city don't pull the plug as payments are not made promptly.

Forget moving the zoo. Forget spending money to do necessary 'repairs' to the zoo. Deal with relocating the animals and forget having to keep the employees on a payroll, and having to purchase feed and medical care for them.

Turn the property into a playground if you want. But admit that the city can't have everything it has always provided; hell it can't even keep up the required services.

Hopefully a few folks on the council will face reality and stop this madness.

But I guess that hope is just as foolish as hoping the Great Pumpkin will visit Charlie Brown next month.

Anonymous said...

12:49, I doubt you’ve noticed, but Melvin is well liked on this blog. He’s respected for being pretty much the only person in city hall articulating coherent thoughts. Jackson would be better off with him as mayor. His campaign never got much traction, as he doesn’t hate whitey enough.

Anonymous said...

Can't believe they did not re-employ Carl Allen as Planning Director. He's worked for the city (as a subordinate in that dept) six or seven times and is brilliant, so he claims.

Next: The zoo is a lost cause. Why would such a brilliant councilman waste his time pretending that it's not. And why so many 'experts' continue to opine regarding solutions to the zoo is beyond me.

Finally: Melvin is simply another clown, like all the rest who sit beside him and have preceded him for the past twenty five years. But, he's a better educated clown, so that makes some sort of difference. Right? And, oh, besides...when he becomes mayor, who will be our 37th police chief in 26 years?

Anonymous said...

@5:19
12:49 here... I went to St. Andrews with Melvin and I'm also a friend of his. Why would you send me that message. I do live in NE Jackson and I'm also white. So your post makes absolutely zero sense.

Anonymous said...

I hope Melvin Priester continues talking. Whether I agree totally or not at all with his opinion, he presents the facts well. There are more articles and post documenting the recent meeting and votes. Jackson’s insolvency has long been predicted and it seems the time is upon us. I’m glad one vote held out. This was not a solution it was a less than guaranteed stop gap measure. The mayor has no answers. The Siemens litigation will take years and will cost millions. The water situation alone will bankrupt the city. The mayor and most of the city leadership are not capable of running a one man business. It’s like a scene out of idiocracy every single time
the mayor and his minions speak. Even worse than hearing these fools speak is when you look at the financials.

The zoo is done. Hiring an non credentialed outfit is beyond pathetic. This is basic due diligence. Did the mayor really attend college?
Next, we will be hearing it will cost 5-10 million to close.

The rest of the city infrastructure is in worse condition. As the deferred maintenance continues the costs to fix it increases exponentially.
Might as well bring the feds in now. These over- employed fools are in way over their heads. The mayor may not have entered into the Siemens deal but he sure as hell was around while it had disaster written all over it. That was the time to play hardball with the vendor.
The mayor failed from day one in office. All the catchy phrases and faux sophicated language in his silly little speeches is only cover for incompetence. Just the fact that he holds s press conference to announce the routine pavement 2000 yards of roadway demonstrates he is smoke and mirrors. The same is true of the last few decades of mayors.

If the Feds audit the books and accurately depict expected long term liabilities, we all know it is going to be much worse than we have been told. But, it is high time to get on with it. Put the city in receivership. Get on with it now before it gets much much worse.

Anonymous said...

5:19 well said

Anonymous said...

I'm more surprised they hired a white lady for planning director... of course head of public works hired by baby Chokwe is also white.

Anonymous said...

Jackson Mississippi has NEVER had political leadership capable or qualified to navigate the kind of financial vacuum it now faces. The politicians have ALWAYS played to the emotions and biases of the ignorant voters, black and white. Priester represents something new and unique in this place but he needs plenty of help which is not forthcoming. He can only chronicle the fall.

OK said...

Crack is dangerous and makes you say stupid things.

How can the protesters be the biggest issue to solve for these clueless leader?

Its freedom of speech. But oh they are mostly white. How many black babies have to be killed?

Anonymous said...

So Melvin doesn't mind that Panned Parenthood aborts a far higher percentage of black kids which absolutely fits into the eugenic philosophy of its founders. Yep, you can't make this up.

Anonymous said...

He's 'well liked' on this blog. As if there's any proof of that and if it were, what the hell difference does it make? F Mickens was 'well liked' too, but he was an imbecile.

Anonymous said...

10:47:...speaking of saying stupid things, your post makes absolutely no sense.

Anonymous said...

I feel Priester is taking a stab at those of us who choose to homeschool and are pro- life. I find his frustrations with the city council to be on point, but the middle paragraphs are highly offensive to me. It paints those who have certain convictions out to ALL be the same in the way they express them. Until leadership focuses on the morale of our city -as well as these issues- we will just be putting band aids on huge injuries.

Maybe people homeschool in this city- because sending their kids to public school means exposure to deplorable language by their counterparts, putting them in a classroom where the teacher has no budget to even buy paint to cover the filth written on the classroom walls, and using textbooks that prior students abuse by drawing their own illustrations and writing their own vulgar commentaries in, (and are redistributed to students without consideration). I know the aforementioned to be true- because I taught in JPS... and now choose to not expose my kids to such filth. My taxes still have to support such mayhem- and for that, I more than do my part, but leave us out of the equation of your stereotypical generalities as you express your valid concerns please . We just want the freedoms to truly teach morals to our kids and guard their hearts.



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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.


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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.

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