(JACKSON, Miss.) – President Barack Obama announced his intent on February 26 to appoint Jackson State University President Ronald Mason Jr. to the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Mason will be one of 11 members to serve on the board.
The Board of Advisors, created in 1981 by Executive Order, is tasked with advising the President and the Secretary of Education on methods, programs, and strategies to strengthen HBCUs. President Obama signed a new Executive Order on February 26 to re-establish the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the President’s Board of Advisors. According to the White House, the action signals the Administration’s commitment to assure increased access to federally-sponsored programs and opportunities for the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It will also contribute to the Administration’s efforts to increase the number and percentage of college-trained Americans by the year 2020.
President Obama said, “I am pleased to announce the appointments of these talented, diverse and accomplished individuals to the Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, all of whom have shown a deep commitment to the mission of these institutions, which are as relevant and necessary to our society today as they were when first established.”
Mason has served as President of Jackson State University since 2000. He was previously the Founder and Executive Director for Tulane and Xavier Universities’ National Center for the Urban Community. During his 18-year tenure at Tulane, Mason also held appointments as Senior Vice President and General Counsel and as Vice President for Finance and Operations. He began his career as a lawyer with the Southern Cooperative Development Fund, Inc. Mason has served on the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity, and the American Council on Education Board of Directors. He received his B.A. and J.D. from Columbia University.
Mason will serve on President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities along with William R. Harvey of Hampton University, Lawrence S. Bacow of Tufts University, Evelynn M. Hammonds of Harvard University, Beverly Wade Hogan of Tougaloo College, Edward Lewis of Essence magazine, Valerie Mosley of Wellington Management Company, LLP, Willie Pearson Jr. of the Georgia Institute of Technology, Beverly Daniel Tatum of Spelman College, Kenneth Tolson of the Emerging Technology Consortium and David Wilson, who was recently named as the next President of Morgan State University.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Madison County Supervisor's lobbying adds to county's woes
Like those of us wondering when this long winter will end and the spring begin, Madison County Supervisor Tim Johnson must be wondering if the storm clouds will ever pass. In a span of less than two weeks the District 2 Supervisor and Board President has been hit with an increasingly widening fracture in the county's populace. The unrest has the residents of the southeastern and more populated region pitted against the rest of the county.
Since mid February, Johnson has faced allegations of wasteful spending and mismanagement of county money. Persistent questions remain over fees paid to engineer Rudy Warnock and $4.7 million the county spent on Reunion Parkway interchange, which is no longer going to be built. This week, a resolution from one of the largest muncipalities in the county was passed calling for Johnson to resign.
Back in January, allegations of private deals and "quid pro quo's" arose from a meeting that resulted in Northern District Transportation Commissioner Bill Minor and Southern District Transportation Commissioner Wayne Brown being found guilty of violating the Open Meetings Act. That meeting between the two Commisioners with Johnson at a Jackson restaurant to discuss funding for the Reunion interchange also included Warnock.
Now comes a ruling that Johnson accepted illegal payment from a charity for lobbying efforts.
It's been a tough few months for the part-time Elvis impersonator. And, he may be looking for an entourage to help him get out of the building. At the very least, he should resign his leadership position and let another Supervisor step in to try to bring peace to the county's proceedings.
New leadership could start fresh with everyone involved and maybe, just maybe, facilitate a "coming together" to get Madison County refocused.
The sooner Johnson's "long cold winter" of leadership is over, the better. Only then can Madison County residents look forward to some much needed "sunshine."
Since mid February, Johnson has faced allegations of wasteful spending and mismanagement of county money. Persistent questions remain over fees paid to engineer Rudy Warnock and $4.7 million the county spent on Reunion Parkway interchange, which is no longer going to be built. This week, a resolution from one of the largest muncipalities in the county was passed calling for Johnson to resign.
Back in January, allegations of private deals and "quid pro quo's" arose from a meeting that resulted in Northern District Transportation Commissioner Bill Minor and Southern District Transportation Commissioner Wayne Brown being found guilty of violating the Open Meetings Act. That meeting between the two Commisioners with Johnson at a Jackson restaurant to discuss funding for the Reunion interchange also included Warnock.
Now comes a ruling that Johnson accepted illegal payment from a charity for lobbying efforts.
It's been a tough few months for the part-time Elvis impersonator. And, he may be looking for an entourage to help him get out of the building. At the very least, he should resign his leadership position and let another Supervisor step in to try to bring peace to the county's proceedings.
New leadership could start fresh with everyone involved and maybe, just maybe, facilitate a "coming together" to get Madison County refocused.
The sooner Johnson's "long cold winter" of leadership is over, the better. Only then can Madison County residents look forward to some much needed "sunshine."
Entergy VP of Regulatory Affairs issues response to AG Hood
In the most recent in a continuing series of public statements, Mississippi’s attorney general questioned on Friday Entergy Corporation's recent transfer of $1.3 billion from its parent company to its nuclear division. The attorney general claims that Entergy Corp. has wrongfully transferred money from its regulated utilities to its nuclear businesses.
“This is just another in a long line of press releases issued by the attorney general making an attempt to tie unrelated items together in order to confuse Mississippi customers,“ said Bob Grenfell, vice president of regulatory affairs at Entergy Mississippi, Inc. “Our actions have been proper and in compliance with applicable federal income tax law. We are confident that had the attorney general contacted Entergy directly, we would have been able to answer his questions.”
Entergy officials encourage Attorney General Hood to closely review the company’s financial disclosures that are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as legally required of publicly traded companies.
“As always, Entergy Mississippi works hard to deliver the most reliable, affordable power possible to its customers,” added Grenfell.
“This is just another in a long line of press releases issued by the attorney general making an attempt to tie unrelated items together in order to confuse Mississippi customers,“ said Bob Grenfell, vice president of regulatory affairs at Entergy Mississippi, Inc. “Our actions have been proper and in compliance with applicable federal income tax law. We are confident that had the attorney general contacted Entergy directly, we would have been able to answer his questions.”
Entergy officials encourage Attorney General Hood to closely review the company’s financial disclosures that are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as legally required of publicly traded companies.
“As always, Entergy Mississippi works hard to deliver the most reliable, affordable power possible to its customers,” added Grenfell.
Friday, February 26, 2010
The Daily Caller: Defeated congresswoman’s car still in House parking lot — more than 3 years later.
By Alex Pappas
Former Rep. Melissa Hart may have hit the road and gone back home to Pittsburgh in 2006 when she lost her bid for re-election, but it appears that a car she owns still remains in the Longworth House Office building parking garage — more than three years after she left Congress.
The Daily Caller
The Daily Caller
Governor Barbour Releases Statement on February Revenue Reports
Governor Barbour released the following statement:
"The State Tax Commission reported today that Mississippi’s revenue collections continued a pattern of decline for the month of February. Preliminary reports show the month’s collections coming in at 12.39 percent, or $33 million, below estimates. This month will be one of the worst – if not the worst – month for tax collections in this fiscal year. Clearly, our state’s economy is still feeling the effects of this deep global recession. It is also the 18th consecutive month revenue has fallen short of expectations, and the 15th consecutive month where less money was collected than the previous year.
“With four months remaining in the fiscal year, it is likely state spending will have to be reduced beyond the $458 million in cuts already made. State law requires a balanced budget, and I will uphold the law.”
"The State Tax Commission reported today that Mississippi’s revenue collections continued a pattern of decline for the month of February. Preliminary reports show the month’s collections coming in at 12.39 percent, or $33 million, below estimates. This month will be one of the worst – if not the worst – month for tax collections in this fiscal year. Clearly, our state’s economy is still feeling the effects of this deep global recession. It is also the 18th consecutive month revenue has fallen short of expectations, and the 15th consecutive month where less money was collected than the previous year.
“With four months remaining in the fiscal year, it is likely state spending will have to be reduced beyond the $458 million in cuts already made. State law requires a balanced budget, and I will uphold the law.”
Watchdogs keep an eye on Canton government
Many people had never heard of the group Canton Quality of Life before a few weeks ago. But the once-quiet grassroots organization has recently captured the attention of local lawmakers and the public with their hard-hitting probes on city government.
Remember the recent controversy over a citizen being denied the use of his video camera in an open city meeting? James Cockrell, vice chairman of Canton Quality of Life, was behind the lens. And when the news broke that ex-Canton animal control officer Alonzo Esco had allegedly improperly shot and dumped numerous animals, Canton Quality chairman Susan Coulange made it her mission to hold the city accountable for hiring a qualified officer in Esco's place.
Said Coulange: "We want Canton to belong to the people like it should. We want our leaders representing us."
Canton Mayor William Truly, who clashed with the Cockrell when he ordered him not to videotape the Feb. 10 mayor and aldermen work session but in later meetings ceased resistance, went on the defensive when asked about Canton Quality of Life, saying city government has nothing to hide and that the group has done nothing to better Canton.
With the help of media attention and a revamped Web site, www.cantonquality.org, Canton Quality's membership has doubled to 35 in just two weeks, Cockrell said. Greg Green was recently brought on as secretary, while Gregg Guion serves as treasurer.
Coulange said "anyone who loves Canton" can join the organization that hopes to draw membership from all parts of the city. In time, the bylaws will be finalized, and the group will have general meetings.
Madison County Page
Remember the recent controversy over a citizen being denied the use of his video camera in an open city meeting? James Cockrell, vice chairman of Canton Quality of Life, was behind the lens. And when the news broke that ex-Canton animal control officer Alonzo Esco had allegedly improperly shot and dumped numerous animals, Canton Quality chairman Susan Coulange made it her mission to hold the city accountable for hiring a qualified officer in Esco's place.
Said Coulange: "We want Canton to belong to the people like it should. We want our leaders representing us."
Canton Mayor William Truly, who clashed with the Cockrell when he ordered him not to videotape the Feb. 10 mayor and aldermen work session but in later meetings ceased resistance, went on the defensive when asked about Canton Quality of Life, saying city government has nothing to hide and that the group has done nothing to better Canton.
With the help of media attention and a revamped Web site, www.cantonquality.org, Canton Quality's membership has doubled to 35 in just two weeks, Cockrell said. Greg Green was recently brought on as secretary, while Gregg Guion serves as treasurer.
Coulange said "anyone who loves Canton" can join the organization that hopes to draw membership from all parts of the city. In time, the bylaws will be finalized, and the group will have general meetings.
Madison County Page
Would Reconciliation for Health Care Affect Mid Term Elections?
By Stuart Rothenberg
While using the reconciliation process could help Democrats deliver on their promise, it could also give Republicans yet another arrow in the party’s already well-stocked quiver.
While Republican legislators and their talking-head allies would be sure to bash the substance of the proposal — just as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) did on Monday in his press release, criticizing “another partisan, back-room bill that slashes Medicare for our seniors, raises a half-trillion in new taxes, fines them if they don’t buy the right insurance and further expands the role of government” — they also would be able to attack Democrats for how they passed the measure.
I recently spoke with Republican pollster Bill McInturff of Public Opinion Strategies, a veteran of the health care wars, about the danger Democrats face using reconciliation to pass health care reform, and he thinks the tactic would be a gamble for Democrats.
Rothenberg Political Report
While using the reconciliation process could help Democrats deliver on their promise, it could also give Republicans yet another arrow in the party’s already well-stocked quiver.
While Republican legislators and their talking-head allies would be sure to bash the substance of the proposal — just as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) did on Monday in his press release, criticizing “another partisan, back-room bill that slashes Medicare for our seniors, raises a half-trillion in new taxes, fines them if they don’t buy the right insurance and further expands the role of government” — they also would be able to attack Democrats for how they passed the measure.
I recently spoke with Republican pollster Bill McInturff of Public Opinion Strategies, a veteran of the health care wars, about the danger Democrats face using reconciliation to pass health care reform, and he thinks the tactic would be a gamble for Democrats.
Rothenberg Political Report
Ethics Committee Releases Report on Caribbean Trips, Exonerates Congressman Bennie Thompson among others
By Jennifer Yachnin
The House ethics committee released its 2,498-page report Friday ruling that two Caribbean trips involving six Members violated House rules — although it exonerated all but Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) of intentional wrongdoing — and disclosing hundreds of pages of receipts and other documents showing corporate sponsorship of the events.
The report follows the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct’s announcement Thursday night that after its investigation into travel sponsored by the Carib News Foundation in 2007 and 2008, it found that the trips violated House gift rules because of prohibitions on corporate contributions and that it had approved the trips based on “false and misleading information.”
The committee exonerated five of the six Members of wrongdoing — Reps. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-Mich.), Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Donald Payne (D-N.J.), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) and Del. Donna Christensen (D-Virgin Islands) — but admonished Rangel after ruling that his staff were aware that some of the funding came from prohibited sources, even if he himself did not know.
Roll Call
The House ethics committee released its 2,498-page report Friday ruling that two Caribbean trips involving six Members violated House rules — although it exonerated all but Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) of intentional wrongdoing — and disclosing hundreds of pages of receipts and other documents showing corporate sponsorship of the events.
The report follows the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct’s announcement Thursday night that after its investigation into travel sponsored by the Carib News Foundation in 2007 and 2008, it found that the trips violated House gift rules because of prohibitions on corporate contributions and that it had approved the trips based on “false and misleading information.”
The committee exonerated five of the six Members of wrongdoing — Reps. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-Mich.), Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Donald Payne (D-N.J.), Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) and Del. Donna Christensen (D-Virgin Islands) — but admonished Rangel after ruling that his staff were aware that some of the funding came from prohibited sources, even if he himself did not know.
Roll Call
Mississippi Tort Reform Faces "Judicial Nullification" Effort
By Alyson Bustamante Jones
Thanks to the leadership of Governor Haley Barbour and a legislature which has understood the corrosive effect unmeritorious vexatious litigation has on a state's judicial system and its ability to attract new business and grow the economy, Mississippi has transformed its civil justice system and its prior litigious image through targeted tort reforms. When posed with similar legislative reforms in other states, trial lawyers have engaged in a full frontal assault against these efforts at tort reform by attempting to nullify the laws under the state constitutions with mixed and more recently unsuccessful results. This "judicial nullification" effort has migrated to Mississippi, where plaintiffs' lawyers have taken aim at provision of the state's tort reform.
Insider Online
Thanks to the leadership of Governor Haley Barbour and a legislature which has understood the corrosive effect unmeritorious vexatious litigation has on a state's judicial system and its ability to attract new business and grow the economy, Mississippi has transformed its civil justice system and its prior litigious image through targeted tort reforms. When posed with similar legislative reforms in other states, trial lawyers have engaged in a full frontal assault against these efforts at tort reform by attempting to nullify the laws under the state constitutions with mixed and more recently unsuccessful results. This "judicial nullification" effort has migrated to Mississippi, where plaintiffs' lawyers have taken aim at provision of the state's tort reform.
Insider Online
MADISON COUNTY JOURNAL-'Trail Rangers' to patrol Ridgeland multi-use trails
RIDGELAND - City officials are calling for volunteers to patrol its multi-use trails in an effort to cut down on crime.
The "Trail Rangers" program is looking for cyclists, runners, walkers, bird watchers, photographers or anyone else who uses the trail, to volunteer.
Rangers will wear identifying apparel such as a certain colored vest or bib with the Trail Rangers logo and they will carry a cell phone. If any suspicious persons or activity are seen on or near the trail, the Ranger will call the Ridgeland Police immediately.
Madison County Page
The "Trail Rangers" program is looking for cyclists, runners, walkers, bird watchers, photographers or anyone else who uses the trail, to volunteer.
Rangers will wear identifying apparel such as a certain colored vest or bib with the Trail Rangers logo and they will carry a cell phone. If any suspicious persons or activity are seen on or near the trail, the Ranger will call the Ridgeland Police immediately.
Madison County Page
Madison City Officials call for Supervisor Tim Johnson to resign
The City of Madison's leaders are calling on District 2 Supervisor Tim Johnson to resign.
The Madison Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a resolution calling for Johnson's resignation Wednesday, which was then signed by Mayor Mary Hawkins-Butler. The resolution lists specific actions by Johnson as cause for the action.
See the complete resolution on the Madison County Page
The Madison Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a resolution calling for Johnson's resignation Wednesday, which was then signed by Mayor Mary Hawkins-Butler. The resolution lists specific actions by Johnson as cause for the action.
See the complete resolution on the Madison County Page
Clarion Ledger--Vying facilities make pitches: Hospitals go head to head
Madison County's health needs will be determined by the state
If anyone was keeping score, it was 67 supporters appearing on behalf of St. Dominic Hospital building a 71-bed hospital outside Madison and 57 on behalf of HMA-owned Madison River Oaks up the road in Canton.
Advocates of the two hospitals were allowed their say Thursday, the final day of an almost three-week state Department of Health hearing, when administrative hearing officer Cassandra Walter opened the record to public comment.
Most, including a number of employees for both hospitals, stated their name and which facility they supported without making statements.
Clarion Ledger
If anyone was keeping score, it was 67 supporters appearing on behalf of St. Dominic Hospital building a 71-bed hospital outside Madison and 57 on behalf of HMA-owned Madison River Oaks up the road in Canton.
Advocates of the two hospitals were allowed their say Thursday, the final day of an almost three-week state Department of Health hearing, when administrative hearing officer Cassandra Walter opened the record to public comment.
Most, including a number of employees for both hospitals, stated their name and which facility they supported without making statements.
Clarion Ledger
High court to define reach of gun-control laws
The dispute that will be argued before the Supreme Court on Tuesday could reshape firearms regulations nationwide.
The case marks the second round of high-stakes litigation over the breadth of the Second Amendment — and will likely have wider impact nationwide than the first. In June 2008, the justices struck down a Washington, D.C., handgun ban and declared for the first time that the Second Amendment covers an individual right to keep and bear arms.
The new question is whether the 2008 decision also applies to cities and states, or only to laws in the federal government and its enclaves, such as Washington. It sets up another major constitutional question with ramifications for scores of mostly urban gun regulations.
USA Today
The case marks the second round of high-stakes litigation over the breadth of the Second Amendment — and will likely have wider impact nationwide than the first. In June 2008, the justices struck down a Washington, D.C., handgun ban and declared for the first time that the Second Amendment covers an individual right to keep and bear arms.
The new question is whether the 2008 decision also applies to cities and states, or only to laws in the federal government and its enclaves, such as Washington. It sets up another major constitutional question with ramifications for scores of mostly urban gun regulations.
USA Today
White House prepping to "astroturf" conservative radio
Back in August of 2009, Democrat Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi attempted to discredit the outrage shown by citizens during Town Hall meetings protesting Health Care Reform legislation by referring to them as "astroturf". While there was no evidence that the effort was organized by Republicans, the Democrat National Committee obviously thought it a good enough strategy to try it themselves.
The DNC, the White House, and the President's community organizing office, Organizing for America of has introduced an online tool encouraging supporters to call into talk radio. The online tool presents users with a radio show discussing political topics, to which supporters can listen live, and the phone number for that station, for when health care comes up. It also offers tips for callers and talking points on the issue.
Much like earlier efforts of the White House that encouraged the forwarding of "chain emails" to the adminstration, supporters are encouraged to call back and report to OFA.
The DNC, the White House, and the President's community organizing office, Organizing for America of has introduced an online tool encouraging supporters to call into talk radio. The online tool presents users with a radio show discussing political topics, to which supporters can listen live, and the phone number for that station, for when health care comes up. It also offers tips for callers and talking points on the issue.
Much like earlier efforts of the White House that encouraged the forwarding of "chain emails" to the adminstration, supporters are encouraged to call back and report to OFA.
He's back: W in Washington for Bush-Cheney reunion
Former President George W. Bush received a U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute Commendation honoring his continuous support of the Army Mission and the Army Family at the Safari Club International (SCI) 38th Annual Convention in Reno, Nevada.
The ex-president is attending a reunion of former Bush administration staffers, telling them he is enjoying life back in Texas and busy writing his book.
See more at USA Today
The ex-president is attending a reunion of former Bush administration staffers, telling them he is enjoying life back in Texas and busy writing his book.
See more at USA Today
Taylor's Bid To Scrap NAFTA Might Presage More Discontent
Populist sentiment in the House against free trade is about to reach a boiling point, as Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., readies a bill to withdraw the United States from the North American Free Trade Agreement.
National Journal-Subscription Required
National Journal-Subscription Required
Thursday, February 25, 2010
First Lady Michelle Obama to be in Capitol City
The Clarion-Ledger
First lady Michelle Obama is planning a visit to Jackson next week, according to a news release from the White House.
The release states she will be joined by Gov. Haley Barbour and his wife, Marsha Barbour, as they visit a local elementary school on Wednesday to discuss ways to promote healthy schools as part of Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Campaign against childhood obesity.
Neither Jackson Public Schools nor the governor's office has confirmed the visit.
First lady Michelle Obama is planning a visit to Jackson next week, according to a news release from the White House.
The release states she will be joined by Gov. Haley Barbour and his wife, Marsha Barbour, as they visit a local elementary school on Wednesday to discuss ways to promote healthy schools as part of Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Campaign against childhood obesity.
Neither Jackson Public Schools nor the governor's office has confirmed the visit.
Governors Awards for Excellence in the Arts draws large crowd.
The award presented to each recipient in 2010 was created by Mississippi artist, Bill Dunlap, who also acted as Master of Ceremonies.
The Arts in the Community Award was presented to Lenagenge Waldrup from Cleveland, Mississippi for her work providing arts opportunities for low-income children in the rural counties of the Mississippi Delta. The Excellence in Broadcasting Award went to the Grassroots Radio Show on Mississippi Public Broadcasting and was accepted by long time host, Bill Ellison. The Mississippi Heritage Award was given to Bessie Johnson from West Point, Mississippi for 40 years of basketweaving. The Award for Artisitic Excellence was presented to water color artist Wyatt Waters. And, the Lifetime Achievement Award went to David "Honeyboy" Edwards of Shaw, Mississippi for a lifetime of dedication as a blues musician.
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