Jackson Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Hartley issued the following statement on the passage of the Jackson Metro Water Authority bill.
Jackson’s Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Hartley issued the following statement in opposition to recently passed legislation affecting the governance of the metro Jackson water system, now awaiting action by the Governor:
“My opposition to this bill comes from three reasons.
First, nearly 89% of the people on this system live right here in the City of Jackson. That’s the overwhelming majority, and any structure that governs this system should reflect that reality. The people who make up the system should have a voice that matches both their past and present investment in the water system.
Second, Jackson is operating under new leadership with a real commitment to getting this capital city — and this system — right. We have a Mayor who understands how the Legislature works and has the ability to work constructively with our partners at the state level. Just as important, the unified working relationship among city leadership - Mayor and City Council - puts us in the best position to solve problems, not only with the water system, but across every aspect of capital city operations.
Third, we cannot lose sight of who this impacts the most. When seniors are facing shutoffs, when someone with a disability walks into our office with a high bill, and when a working family is trying to keep water on in their home — they don’t go somewhere else; they come to their elected representative. And if we are going to be responsible for helping people, then we must also have the authority to act on their behalf.
So in summary, we should move forward in a way that reflects the majority of the owners and ratepayers of this system. We should build on the progress we’re making through new city leadership and stronger relationships with state, and we should trust the people closest to the community to continue serving our most vulnerable residents.
At the end of the day, this is about representation and accountability, and we respectfully ask that, as this bill reaches the Governor’s desk, it be considered with those principles in mind.”
11 comments:
If only he put forth this much effort into getting things resolved in the past.
Accountability has arrived...for all of the past failures of The City of Jackson.
If Jackson doesn't like the new deal, the one where they have working water and sewer systems, then STFU.
Right. Wait until the courts wrest control of the airport from your no-skill hands.
Those 89% want system to survive.
Unfortunately, Vernon, the next election will likely demonstrate, once again, that the remaining citizens of Jackson are apt to elect yet more racist, black separatist, community organizers without any governing ability whatsoever and a penchant to drive away anyone who would or could help.
A lot of people are going to jump all over Mr. Hartley for this statement, and I also disagree with him, but isn't it nice to read a statement from a dimmacrat on the Jackson City Council that doesn't cry racism, lays out a legitimate argument, and "respectfully" asks for consideration from the Governor? Mayor Horhn is the same way. Willing to meet with and discuss anything with anyone.
…which is exactly how you got to where we are now. When people call you, tell them to pay their damn bill. Life is hard. We all have struggles. Quit coddling them.
The issues in his statement prove he understands nothing about how a water/sewer system should perform when operated properly.
He mentions a mayor who understands how the legislature works. If a water/sewer system is run correctly, the legislature will never get involved.
He mentions shutoffs for seniors, disabled, and working families. We can't just let them ignore paying the bill because of those reasons. Systems take money to run, and everyone must pay for what they use. People need to prioritize better. They complain about the water bill but have cable TV, nice clothes, etc.
All he really wants is the power to steer “contracts” to local “friends”, and cancel water bills that are owed.
This whole mess and opposition by the city board has nothing to do with providing water to the city. It is not an “asset” they keep harping about. An asset would be something that could provide income to be used in a myriad of ways. All income produced by this asset should ONLY be spent to keep the water flowing.
I don’t know whether to be amused or appalled by this man’s apparent inability to see that Jackson’s government is not going to be competent to govern any time soon. The voters here simply will not stand for it.
I have known Vernon professionally for probably 30 years. He is a good guy, smart, fair, not at all racist, and truly committed to doing the right thing for everyone. I do not agree with him all the time. He does understand how these systems are supposed to work. The problems in Jackson 99% existed before he was elected. He is now dealing with getting blood from a turnip with one hand and without squeezing the turnip. I wish him luck and no contact with most of you.
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