Friday, September 12, 2008

Kingfish requests Opinion from Ethics Commission concerning Jackson's denial of public records request for Heather Spencer case police reports.

Update: What do you know, this made the WLBT broadcast tonight:
http://www.wlbt.com/global/story.asp?s=9001359

Clarion-Ledger story: http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080913/NEWS/809130353/1001/news

Remember the post I made a few weeks ago about the City of Jackson denying Kingfish's request for a copy of the police incident reports on the murder of Heather Spencer and kidnapping of Elizabeth Hall by George Bell, III? Well, Kingfish followed the law, submitting a request (in person) for an opinion from the Ethics Commission on the public records sought. The Ethics Commission sent an inquiry to Jackson (Jackson's response is posted in .pdf format below).

The Ethics Commission placed my opinion request on the agenda for the monthly meeting held today. The meeting went very well, as my request was a test case for the new law (Mississippi Code 25-61-12) mandating law enforcement agencies make public police incident reports. Mr. Tom Hood and his staff provided a draft opinion stating my request was permissible under the law and that Jackson would have to comply. Mr. Hood also mentioned several discussions took place between his office and Jackson concerning my request, and Jackson was directed to provide more information than was initially redacted from the reports. The Commissioners were very nice, even allowing the Kingfish to make some purely undistinguished remarks. The Ethics Commission voted in favor of the drafted opinion (some fine-tuning will take place).

Note: Read the second to last paragraph in Jackson's response. Notice anything?

Jackson's reply to the Ethics Commission Inquiry:
http://jackson-jambalaya.googlegroups.com/web/09-02-08_Ethics_Letter%5B1%5D.pdf?gsc=ECkxewsAAAAGckAheHJlUw4Hi8907OxH

Original post:
http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/2008/08/city-of-jackson-denies-requests-for.html

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

"undistinguised"

???

2nd to last. The notion that prosecution is still pending?

But I thought the charges against Robbie Bell were dropped? Is there a previously undisclosed third party conspirator involved?

Anonymous said...

Kingfish trumps all local media again!

Not only are you doing right by Heather's family, you are breaking new ground on open records requests and the public's right to know. Big time kudos and congrats.

One side note. You might want to watermark your exhibits so the JFP doesn't rip them off. How much are you willing to wager that when the report gets released Ladd will get a copy but fail to properly credit you for being the party who fought City Hall and won.

Autogyro said...

Good on ya, Kingfish - go get 'em.

On another note, the Clarion-Ledger reports today that George Bell III has also been named in the wrongful death lawsuit being brought by the family of Heather Spencer, something I hadn't heard before. I assume the purpose of that is to attach any monies he may stand to inherit?

I would imagine also that his culpability would easier to prove than that of his mother.

Kingfish said...

Read the lawsuit. I have the pdf in one of the posts. CL is just now getting around to reporting it.

Anonymous said...

Your dogged pursuit benefits all in Mississippi. Every media outlet owes you a debt of gratitude for pushing this envelope.

The speed at which charges against Robbie Bell were dropped soon after George pled guilty and was sentenced was highly suspicious. The Spencer family and the citizens of Jackson have a right to know what JPD, McMillin, Melton, DA Smith and AG Hood are hiding.

Eric Stracener is a good egg. I hope he kicks their ass.

Autogyro said...

You're right, Sid - the Spencer family will be well represented by Stracener. Good guy.

I see that Kingfish just got a nice round of attaboys over at folo for his efforts in this.

Buck Allred said...

Excellent work, Mr. 'Fish. Well done, well done. Thanks for taking the time to make them do right.

Anonymous said...

Kudo's Kingfish. Today, Jackson, tomorrow the world.

Tom Head said...

Nicely done, sir!

Anonymous said...

Great job Kingfish. I bet Robbie and Judge Bell are not pleased that the details of their actions (or lack there of) will now be made public.

Anonymous said...

There is a new freedom of information leader in Jackson. It ain't the JFP.

In its first ruling since gaining new authority, the Mississippi Ethics Commission has ruled a private citizen is entitled to redacted Jackson police initial incident reports involving George Bell III in the slaying of his ex-girlfriend.

"We came down on the side of openness," Ethics Commission Executive Director Tom Hood said of the first advisory opinion in a records dispute.


What will Ladd complain about now? That you aren't making enough phone calls? (LMAO) The JFP non-reporting on Robbie Bell's complicity and negligence is about to get exposed. Great job KF!

Anonymous said...

Fish. In the WLBT story linked above SORE is quoted as follows:

"We will produce anything up to and including anything the ethics commission states should go out even if it would impede that investigation," O'Reily-Evans said.

What investigation is she talking about that would be impeded?

Jon said...

Good for you! Way to go! I am so pleased that you pursued this and have come out a winner, and in doing so, this will benefit everybody in Mississippi. Thanks for your efforts.

Jon at Mississippi Garden blog in Vicksburg

Conservative Belle said...

Very well done! Thanks for your perseverance.

Kingfish said...

Anonymous at 9:48,

Ladd has been very quiet on the whole public records fight this year. If I were to speculate I would say its because its a pet issue of the Mississippi Press Association. She can't stand them because they will not let her register the JFP as an Associate member, a major slight in her eyes. Thus, I would say she had no interest in helping them with this issue or covering it.

Kingfish said...

Thanks for all the nice words by the way. They are definitely appreciated.


One thing I want to point out. The City is saying that they hate releasing these as they can harm investigations.

Um, these are already avaiable to defense attorneys as they subpoena them anyway. The only people who were not getting them in the past were the general public and family members, not the target of said prosecutions and investigations.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the Clarion-Ledger editorial!

Call it, Citizens 1, Gov't secrecy 0, in the first test of Mississippi's new configuring of the law ensuring access to public records.

In its first ruling since the 2008 Legislature gave it new authority, the Mississippi Ethics Commission has ruled a private citizen is entitled to redacted Jackson police initial incident reports involving George Bell III in the slaying of his ex-girlfriend.



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
.