The Saga Continues: Engineering Board to look at Warnock complaint

Engineer fights report's validity

Complaint filed over study initiated by Madison mayor

MADISON COUNTY — Engineer Rudy Warnock has filed a complaint with the Mississippi Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors about a study instigated by Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler analyzing his contracts with Madison County.

The board will investigate the complaint, according to Rosemary Brister, executive director of the state licensing board.

"This is something the board will look at," Brister, said

Dorsey Carson, Warnock's attorney, filed the complaint April 28, alleging the mayor used a "hired gun" engineer to compile the report that criticized the county's engineering contracts, its lack of checks and balances with Warnock and Warnock's fees.

In a letter to the board, Carson charges that Richard McAfee, hired by Butler, violated state law by engaging in "the unauthorized practice of engineering in Mississippi."

Brister said the board, meeting April 29, determined the complaint met the criteria for an investigation - it fell within its jurisdiction and "was not frivolous."

A member, investigator and attorney from the board along with Brister will look into the allegations. Brister said she has no timetable for completing the investigation and it's too early to say how the complaint will be resolved.

Butler called the request for a state inquiry "a smokescreen and just another deterrent."

She cited McAfee's credentials as a consultant to two presidents and the military as proof that he is a capable engineer able to offer an opinion in Mississippi.

"Mr. McAfee can give his opinion all over the world but can't in Madison County." Butler said. "Who is Rudy Warnock to question his resume? Mr. McAfee has worked under presidents Bush and Clinton and Gen. Colin Powell, and he can't give his opinion on a Mickey Mouse operation here?"

In the complaint, Carson said that McAfee, who used his credentials as a professional engineer to sign the report, violated the state statute that requires any person practicing engineering in the state to be licensed in Mississippi.

Read the complete story at The Clarion Ledger 

You can view a copy of the complaint here.

Related Post: Warnock takes his gripe to the State Board of Licensure