The Jackson City Council voted to condemn Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and his staff for accusing the Council of accepting bribes on the garbage contract. Mayor Lumumba did not attend the meeting.
The fun began at a special meeting of the City Council on February 24 when Chief of Staff Dr. Safiya Omari berated the City Council for its obstinance on approving a new garbage contract. Councilman Kenneth Stokes screamed "you ain't been elected to shit" as the two continued to yell at each other.
I'm going to put it plainly and cleanly. so nobody misunderstands what I mean. When I say in this process that our Council has been compromised, and they are in cozy relationships, what I am saying is that I believe plainly and simply that certain members of our Council, I BELIEVE, I BELIEVE, certain members of our Council have accepted bribes, and are steering a contract. That is what I believe. And I want to put that clearly and I ask that you look at the facts. Here are the facts.You have them pushing against a contract that is $12 million cheaper. Whose going to pay the difference? The residents of Jackson. When I say that you have a contract, ....."“When’s the last time that you saw Kenny Stokes show up to this many special council meetings? These are the things that you have to look at,” Lumumba said at Monday’s mayoral press briefing. “When’s the last time that you saw Kenny Stokes and Ashby Foote so closely aligned to one another? You have to ask yourself what is going on here."
Mr. Stokes fired right back at the Mayor, accusing him of drug use. "I think the Mayor is smoking too much dope, and it's affecting his thinking," charged the Ward 3 Councilman. The Mayor said he has never done drugs in his life. Mr. Stokes also called for the U.S. Attorney to investigate the Mayor over the bribery charges.
Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks placed on the agenda for the special meeting today a resolution that stated:
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF JACKSON MISSISSIPPI EXPRESSING EXTREME DISAPPROVAL OF MAYOR CHOKWE ANTAR LUMUMBA’S COMMENTS TOWARD CERTAIN CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS DURING A FEBRUARY 28, 2022 PRESS CONFERENCE. FURTHERMORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF JACKSON CONCLUDES EXTREME CONCERN FOR STAFF MEMBERS OF THE MAYOR CONFRONTING COUNCIL MEMBERS IN THEIR OFFICIAL CAPACITY.
WHEREAS, the mayor took to the public and local media giving mis-leading and false statements of his belief that certain council members have taken bribes; and
WHEREAS, the mayor of the city of Jackson has offered neither a public apology nor shown regret, for his statement towards members of this body; and
WHEREAS, staff members are now emboldened to address and confront council-members of the city of Jackson with such statements as but not limited to, “their just getting paid, they are lying, I’ll kick you’re a**, who do you think you are and many more obnoxious insults; and
WHEREAS, City Council Meetings held in the Council Chambers are Meetings of the Jackson City Council and the mayor and his staff are guest only. And have no right to enter anything into the minutes of the council and are not guaranteed the right to speak unless recognized by the chair; and
WHEREAS, it is hereby a threat to the City Council of Jackson MS to thereby hold its business meetings with such interruption or insult and fanfare of comments from members of the mayor’s staff.
BE IT HEREBY KNOWN, that the Jackson City Council expresses extreme disapproval of these above actions and will look for further ways within its governing authority to ensure that members of the Jackson City Council can vote their conviction without being concerned about any retaliation and or threats, and or insults of Council members.
Ward 2 City Councilwoman worried how Jackson appeared to Congress and the Legislature while it requested their assistance. Ward 4 Councilman Bryan Grizzle said the resolution was one-sided. He said respect should go "both ways" but wanted to hold Council members accountable. He said the resolution will only "keep the back and forth going." he called the resolution "petty and an ego trip."
Mr. Stokes said he had not seen the resolution but called it a step in the right direction. He said I've been called a lot of things. I've been called fat. Now they say bribery but I've never been called a liar. I stand behind everything I've said." Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Hartley said the citizens expect unity between the Mayor and City Council. However, he said unity can happen after truth and accountability.
Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks saved the best for last as he said staff members felt emboldened to attack City Council members. He said "this is not a hall of thugs but a hall of people to do the city's business." He said "this is a vote of disapproval because it was done publicly. ... The Mayor said certain City Council members are dealing with bribery." He continued "No one from this Council has gotten in the media and accused this Mayor or his family of bribery. Nobody." The Councilman said the resolution was not one-sided because no member accused the Mayor of bribery.
Rukia Lumumba began shouting at the City Council as Mr. Banks concluded his remarks. City Council President Virgi Lindsay immediately shut her down as she said she would not allow any comments from the audience. She asked the Sergeant of Arms to remove Ms. Lumumba if she could not "refrain" from such behavior.
Councilmen Hartley, Stokes, and Banks voted for the resolution while Grizzell voted against the measure. The Councilwomen abstained from voting on the measure. Councilman Ashby Foote was not present.
44 comments:
Kingfish you are a bald faced racist!
Gotta give it to Stokes - he knows how to get under the mayor's thin skin.
Sista Rukia getting upset? Possibly because she isn’t getting that 96gal cart co tract?
That’s right, KF. How dare you shave and present a “bald face,” when the mayor has set an example for the people of growing a mangey beard. You are so racist for accurately reporting the city counsel’s actions.
To paraphrase one part of the boy mayor's press responses to this comedy skit:
" I'm accused of using big words.
I do use big words.
That's the just the way I talk.
... right ? "
This saga remains funnier than anything I could have imagined.
4:27. Please explain your opinion. Just tell the truth.
Bucket of crabs…..
Stokes told a channel 12 reporter that "things are about to get physical." Woo hoo. You go Kennuf.
Will someone please forward the meeting transcript and video to the NYT? I'd love to see an honest update to the mayor's last interview with the Times.
So 4:27, what you're saying is you disagree with Kingfish, right? Isn't that the generally accepted way for people with no argument or proof to get that sentiment across these days?
Council all acted professionally, dignified, even when Virgi shushed the radical Rukia's ruckus attempt.
Very interesting that Sister Rukia felt it necessary to show up and shoot off her mouth.
Rukia is obviously a member of the Lumbubbles royal family, a real princess.
Yo mama!!!!
The Pelahatchie Board of Alderman and Mayor say thank you.
Hey, where are all you "walking woke progressives" condemning the mean ole racist city council of not respecting the boy mayor and his mouthpiece sister?
Guess its a different story when facts come from within the Dim-O-Krat utopia you embrace.
Don't you losers have anything to say since his own kind have called his "fake" ass out out.
Its just too bad you didn't have any friends growing up or self esteem and had to join in with other laughing stock progressives so you could claim that you have friends when you meet up in the Fondren watering holes or on your Facebook, Tik Tok or Twitter accounts so you can prove to "mom" that you're not really the sad little cat or chihuahua dog person she and all her friends believe to be.
Right? Right.
Chokwe Lumumba is the Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi.
He is a twice-elected politician.
He doesn't know any of you.
Not one.
Can't wait to see Rita Brent's next video!
What else would you expect from a bunch of outdated farm equipment?
I am a lifelong Jacksonian, (Northeast Jackson bred white and privileged I’ll admit) who lives in and loves this city. I became a fan of Lumumba, Sr. when he listened to a problem I had and worked to help me for no other reason than he thought it was right. While my vote wasn’t necessary as his son won the mayors office easily, I voted for him and had some hope. The infrastructure issues were not his to be blamed for, nor the crime. I have come to see that he is as ineffectual a leader as we have ever had, and that includes Harvey Johnson with whom much blame lies. The garbage contract was the last straw. If I read between the lines of the local news correctly, he advocated for a change because the new guys would offer a living wage to their employees. In reality, I believe the purpose of the large garbage cans is that the trucks can pick them up with their forks, thus eliminating the need for a helper. In and of itself, I get it. He’s progressive. But when the question came to the forefront he slinked back into a defensive position of dubious bid results backed up by accusations of racism. When that didn’t work, the council was accused of racism and bribery without a shred of evidence presented. The government of this city will be fractured for years because he didn’t get his way. I think he is in over his head.
Graft in this town has always existed. My only logical conclusion to this is some of his got called out as too obvious… too public, and it exploded in a way that transcends racial and the usual politics.
@5:35 AM - There are trucks that pick up much smaller (55-gal?) containers with "forks." The logic that says "living wage" without a hopper is flawed. That is saying to lay off half of the employees and give the remaining employees the salary savings.
WM pays well, and they have hoppers, sometimes two per truck plus a driver.
Are you a closet progressive or are you afflicted with chronic white guilt?
This resolution didn't pass, as it received only 3 affirmative votes from the 6 person quorum. That's not a majority of the quorum, as required by statute.
UNDERSTAND. This is the very basic conflict that will happen in all cities and counties controlled by large Democratic majorities. IDEALISM VS REALISM. PROGRESSIVE VS PRACTICAL. It began in the 60's during the civil rights movement and there is no resolution in sight. Some cities like Jackson are more drastic than others, but it rears it's head whenever finances are limited and hard decisions must be made regarding police, education, public works, etc. When it does happen the hidden rifts within the Black community are exposed and efficient management becomes impossible. Loyalties shift and positions change but the fractures remain. It's a bumpy ride. Jackson.
Chokwe Lumumba is the Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi.
He is a twice-elected politician.
Much to our embarrassment. Never voted for anyone named Lumumba. Never would. Ever.
In an interview with Othor Cain on Facebook, Stokes said Jackson has sufficient revenues from sales taxes, property taxes, etc., but it's all being misspent on all the new city departments the mayor created - Administration. Planning, HR, Constituent Services specifically that could all be consolidated. Instead, they're filled with his cronies making a living by working at nothing all day. Jackson isn't a poor city - the money is being misspent. Stokes also said the mayor is supporting 20 to 15 women on the side.
@BillDees
Councilmen Hartley, Stokes, and Banks voted for the resolution while Grizzell voted against the measure. The Councilwomen abstained from voting on the measure. Councilman Ashby Foote was not present.
I voted for cry baby Chokwe and I live on meadowbrook highlands primos land gated community with 24/7 guard and CSpire family lives near there so does a major developer and home builder in Madison as do many other wealthy families. However I’m not privileged I busted my ass after my dad came here from Poland and I busted my butt to make something of myself
So I’m not privileged and I’m never voting for this clown again
Is Sista Rukia the Vice-Mayor of Jackistan?
Lumumba and his sister is swindling money through her none profit organization. It's a get rich game. Lumumba's get rich, Jackson get poor!!!!!
Hey 12:41 - get some sleep.
The Mayor calls me by my name every time I see him in City Hall - which is quite frequently.
Just saying - maybe you don’t know your audience as well as you think.
Never seen so much interest in a garbage contract. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know something stinks with all the force the city is putting behind Richards. Truth will come out. Too many people involved at this point for it to stay secret much longer. Right?
@10:57 AM. That's what I said. 3 affirmative votes from 6 councilmen present isn't a majority. The law requires a majority of those present, not a majority of those voting.
Well 12:02
People who work in public buildings usually end up knowing the custodial staff
@Bill Dees
add up how many were present...BTW "not present" is considered not present
535 AM, you have been duped. Yes, Lumumba 'says' that he was for the change in the garbage collector because they would "pay a living wage", but that is just more of his bullshit. If he wanted to require a 'living wage', he could have specified in the RFP what the minimum acceptable wage could be of the contractor - just as they put requirements in for certain number of 'minority contractors/suppliers' and requirements that each truck had to have two hoppers. Further, WM is currently paying its employees a decent living wage - nothing has been provided to say differently and in today's economy it is impossible to find labor to fill jobs without paying such a wage (whatever 'living wage' happens to mean.)
And the idea that the required cans were for the mechanical arms would make sense except that Lumumba wanted this utility service to be a jobs program, requiring that each truck have two hoppers - an unnecessasry expense for mechanical arm trucks and carts.
This entire fiasco is little more than a power play on behalf of Lumumba, wanting to get his way and to hell with anyone else's opinion. The original fight last fall was to use the carts because of the proposed supplier, a new company formed by his campaign financer's wife. Whether that still is the case is unknown at this point, but since his latest move has eliminated the carts he now is just in the fight to win the fight.
So it seems the mayor is a liar and a coward. Once he again he is a no-show at a council meeting when he’s not getting his way. Leaves it to his sister and another female to yell for him? Talk about hiding behind skirts. No doubt the poor thing was cowering in his home with a JPD guard. Pathetic
@3:29PM Just give up. There's no such thing as a "not present" vote. They abstained, but they were there, and if they weren't then there wasn't a quorum. I spent almost 40 years representing cities and cities' agencies. You're just flat out wrong.
@BillDees bringing the comedy
A vote of 'not present'? That right there is hilarious. The only way to be 'not present' is to get up and leave the room. But then you take the quorum with you.
Do they pass out Applebees coloring sheets and Crayolas during these meetings?
Damn y’all…what a f’in shit show this is. Definitely a gaggle of buffoons….
I suspect this mayor completely believes that he is doing good but he's a sociopath utterly unfit to govern. Announcing that he believes council members are taking bribes (merely because they oppose him) and then bragging that he knows how to make such allegations in a way that he is liable-proof - that is one sick human being.
What does Lumumba sister do for a living? Why do people keep mentioning her with the new trash cans for Richard's Disposal?
Lumumba was a piss poor excuse of an attorney and I knew he would be the same as a mayor.
I think Aaron Banks is a crook...watch him !
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