The issue of the Hatch Act reared its head when Public Safety Commissioner announced he is running for Attorney General and was mentioned in a newspaper article covering the Madison County Sheriff's race. The Hatch Act prohibits government employees from running for public office. The question that usually arises is whether state or local government employees are covered by the law. The Office of Special Counsel states on its website a covered employee is:
"An officer or employee of a state or local agency is subject to the Hatch Act if, as a normal and foreseeable incident of his principal position or job, he performs duties in connection with an activity financed in whole or in part by federal funds. Coverage is not dependent on whether the employee actually administers the funds or has policy duties with respect to them. However, an employee may have other duties in connection with federally funded programs or activities, and thus may be covered by the Hatch Act, even though he does not apply for or administer federal loans or grants or have any authority or discretion over the federal funding." Special Counsel FAQ's, Federal Law
Considering how many local law enforcement agencies receive federal dollars for communications systems, Homeland Security, anti-drug programs, and supplementing salaries, the Hatch Act probably applies to some or all of those who have filed qualifying papers for the Madison County Sheriff election: Ridgeland Police Chief Jimmy Houston and Madison County Deputies Randall Tucker, Brad D. Harbour and Mark Sandridge.
Read More at Jackson Jambalaya
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
House GOP readies bill to prohibit EPA from regulating carbon emissions
Acting on a vow to fight the Obama administration on climate issues, Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, unveiled draft legislation Wednesday to try to strip the Environmental Protection Agency of its power to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.
Sen. James M. Inhofe (Okla.), ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, and Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.), chairman of the subcommittee on energy and power, joined Upton in issuing what they called the Energy Tax Prevention Act.
In a statement, the congressmen said the legislation's intent is to show that the Clean Air Act was not meant to address climate change, stop the EPA "from imposing a backdoor cap-and-trade tax" on industries identified as polluters, and protect American jobs.
"We firmly believe federal bureaucrats should not be unilaterally setting national climate change policy," the statement said.
The EPA issued a finding in late 2009 that said greenhouse gas emissions linked to global warming endanger the public's health and welfare. Last month, the agency told industrial facilities such as power plants, oil refineries and paper mills that require permits to emit sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide to also account for greenhouse gas emissions if they expand or add construction that significantly increases greenhouse gas pollution.
Republicans, many of whom doubt climate-change science, say the regulations hurt the ability of U.S. manufacturers to compete against companies in countries with relaxed standards.
The EPA has its foot "squarely on the neck of business," Upton has said. Republicans say the Obama administration is trying to use tougher EPA regulations on energy to overcome the president's failure to pass climate-change legislation.
Read More: House GOP readies bill to prohibit EPA from regulating carbon emissions
Sen. James M. Inhofe (Okla.), ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, and Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.), chairman of the subcommittee on energy and power, joined Upton in issuing what they called the Energy Tax Prevention Act.
In a statement, the congressmen said the legislation's intent is to show that the Clean Air Act was not meant to address climate change, stop the EPA "from imposing a backdoor cap-and-trade tax" on industries identified as polluters, and protect American jobs.
"We firmly believe federal bureaucrats should not be unilaterally setting national climate change policy," the statement said.
The EPA issued a finding in late 2009 that said greenhouse gas emissions linked to global warming endanger the public's health and welfare. Last month, the agency told industrial facilities such as power plants, oil refineries and paper mills that require permits to emit sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide to also account for greenhouse gas emissions if they expand or add construction that significantly increases greenhouse gas pollution.
Republicans, many of whom doubt climate-change science, say the regulations hurt the ability of U.S. manufacturers to compete against companies in countries with relaxed standards.
The EPA has its foot "squarely on the neck of business," Upton has said. Republicans say the Obama administration is trying to use tougher EPA regulations on energy to overcome the president's failure to pass climate-change legislation.
Read More: House GOP readies bill to prohibit EPA from regulating carbon emissions
MDL: Justice James E. Graves, Jr. Receives Approval From Judiciary Committee For U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
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| Graves |
MDL
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Bronze Horse stolen from Andover.
BY: B. Keith Plunkett
WLBT is reporting that one of the bronze horses at the Andover Subdivision on Hwy 22 was stolen in the last days of December. I've driven by several times now since then and haven't even noticed. I guess I just got accustomed to them being there--kind of like being accustomed to driving by a dump--so at some point I stopped looking. Apparently we have thieves with very poor taste. Flora folks may remember the tacky lions that stood guard at the gates of Andover a few years ago. After some people who purchased lots there threatened to sell over it if they weren't removed, the lions disappeared and the horses showed up.
Sorry if I sound a little unconcerned, Mr. Eaves. But out here, we appreciate the real thing much more than your tacky expensive yard ornaments from Italy.
If nothing else the report was good for the fact that we get to replace the silly images of Bert Case being threatened with an ass kicking by former Governor Kirk Fordice,
and the images of Bert yelling at a dog,
with this:
WLBT is reporting that one of the bronze horses at the Andover Subdivision on Hwy 22 was stolen in the last days of December. I've driven by several times now since then and haven't even noticed. I guess I just got accustomed to them being there--kind of like being accustomed to driving by a dump--so at some point I stopped looking. Apparently we have thieves with very poor taste. Flora folks may remember the tacky lions that stood guard at the gates of Andover a few years ago. After some people who purchased lots there threatened to sell over it if they weren't removed, the lions disappeared and the horses showed up.
Sorry if I sound a little unconcerned, Mr. Eaves. But out here, we appreciate the real thing much more than your tacky expensive yard ornaments from Italy.
If nothing else the report was good for the fact that we get to replace the silly images of Bert Case being threatened with an ass kicking by former Governor Kirk Fordice,
and the images of Bert yelling at a dog,
with this:
There's a horse thief on the loose in Madison County.Buuuuhhhhrrrrrrt Case . . . WLBT
But the horse is made of bronze and weighs about 600 pounds.
It was taken from the Andover Subdivision just east of the Flora city limits on Highway 22.
The stolen horse was taken between 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 27 and 7:00 a.m. Dec. 28.
The horse belongs to the John Arthur Eaves family and was brought here from Italy.
The bronze horse was purchased by attorney John Arthur Eaves, Sr. because the horses reminded him of some horses he owned when John Arthur Eaves, Jr. was a child.
"Someone came in the middle of the night and lifted this pure bronze horse out of ground, in this yard, which is an amazing accomplishment, by itself," John Aruthur Eaves, Jr. said. "So you can see we have one horse left, his name is Shadow and they took Velvet, and we just want to have them reunited in time for Valentine's Day."
The Andover Subdivision features 3 to 6 acre lots and appeals to horse owners.
"Well Bert I can't imagine, must a been a group of kids that pulled in here in a pickup truck on a trailer, and just loaded the brass horse off in it," Sheriff Toby Trowbridge of Madison County said. "And I need your help once again in trying to get this back. So my thought was let 3 On Your Side get a hold of it, and if any neighbors see a brass horse, in their neighbor's back yard please call you or us."
The bronze horse weighs about 600 pounds.
If anyone knows who stole it, they could get up to a $1,000 reward for turning them in.
Eaves, Jr. said if the people who stole the bronze horse bring it back, he will not press charges.
WWII hero Earl Derrington, the POW's friend, awarded the Bronze Star in ceremony
Tuesday February 1, Congressman Gregg Harper awarded the Bronze Star to WWII veteran Earl Derrington of Jackson. The 86-year old Derrington was a prisoner of war in Germany. Upon his return home to Jackson and recovery from wounds received, he began working for all American POW's everywhere. Mr. Derrington with the help of state legislators passed one of the first POW bills in the country through the Mississippi Legislature, and eventually helped do the same for the rest of the country.
You can read the Clarion Ledger coverage of the ceremony HERE.
You can read the Clarion Ledger coverage of the ceremony HERE.
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| Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett |
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| VA Congressional Assistant Larry Wert, introduces Congressman Gregg Harper. Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett |
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| Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett |
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| Congressman Harper presents Mr. Derrington with the Combat Infantry Badge. The award was a replacement for one Derrington lost in 1945 while recovering from combat wounds. Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett |
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| Congressman Gregg Harper pins the Bronze Star on Earl Derrington. Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett |
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| Harper and Derrington speak immediately following the ceremony. Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett |
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| Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett |
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| Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett |
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| Congressman Gregg Harper looks on as Earl Derrington is interviewed by the media following the ceremony. Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett |
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| Photo by: B. Keith Plunkett |
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The Hill: Barbour to meet with Netanyahu in Israel
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) will visit Israel on Saturday, less than a week after Mike Huckabee announced a similar trip.
Barbour is scheduled to leave Saturday and will be in Israel until Wednesday of next week.
According to the Republican Jewish Coalition, which is hosting the possible 2012 presidential candidate, Barbour will meet with senior Israeli leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He will also deliver a "major address" at the Herzliya Conference on the last day of his trip.
Netanyahu has recently met with both former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) and ex- Arkansas Gov. Huckabee, both of whom have shown interest in running for president in 2012.
Visiting Israel and meeting with Netanyahu in particular are indications that Romney, Huckabee, and Barbour are working to bolster their foreign policy credentials.
Read More.
Barbour is scheduled to leave Saturday and will be in Israel until Wednesday of next week.
According to the Republican Jewish Coalition, which is hosting the possible 2012 presidential candidate, Barbour will meet with senior Israeli leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He will also deliver a "major address" at the Herzliya Conference on the last day of his trip.
Netanyahu has recently met with both former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) and ex- Arkansas Gov. Huckabee, both of whom have shown interest in running for president in 2012.
Visiting Israel and meeting with Netanyahu in particular are indications that Romney, Huckabee, and Barbour are working to bolster their foreign policy credentials.
Read More.
MBJ: State revenue collections beat forecast, but Barbour urges caution
It appears that the state’s January revenue collections will exceed expectations, but Gov. Haley Barbour is still urging lawmakers to be cautious when spending.
Barbour said, “Mississippi’s preliminary January revenue collections were slightly higher than estimated, which shows the state’s economy continues to recover slowly. The state collected $326 million, which was 1.42 percent above the Sine Die estimate for the month.
MBJ
Barbour said, “Mississippi’s preliminary January revenue collections were slightly higher than estimated, which shows the state’s economy continues to recover slowly. The state collected $326 million, which was 1.42 percent above the Sine Die estimate for the month.
MBJ
Harper to award WWII veteran Bronze Star Medal in ceremony today.
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| Congressman Gregg Harper speaks with Mississippi officials at the State of the State address in Jackson. |
U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper, a Mississippi Republican, will present the medal to Clarence Earl Derrington Jr., a retired U.S. Army corporal, during a 1:30 p.m. ceremony at Mississippi's War Memorial Building.
Harper called the medal in a news release a testament to Derrington's "courage and selflessness."
Derrington was 20 when he was wounded and captured. He spent 260 days as a prisoner in Stalag 69.
Keeping East Flora open is a bad idea until a majority of parents prove they care.
BY: B. Keith Plunkett
The Madison County Board of Supervisors voted in favor of a resolution asking Madison County Superintendent Mike Kent to find a way to keep East Flora Middle School open following a special meeting on the subject on Friday January 28.
My guess is: most of them, leaving the school district and East Flora Middle School with the same problems--lower achievement, a majority of parents who care more about their own convenience than they do about their kids education, and an extremely ineffecient school.
Supervisor Paul Griffin's suggestion was predictable: raise taxes.
The attraction to economic development is a wonderful argument on it's face. Having a school in town is a much bigger draw to industry looking to relocate. But, like the redistricting argument, it doesn't hold water, either. Once industry recognizes the school is in serious trouble, it may as well not exist.
If parents of students don't care about the school, why should the Madison County taxpayer.
The Madison County Board of Supervisors voted in favor of a resolution asking Madison County Superintendent Mike Kent to find a way to keep East Flora Middle School open following a special meeting on the subject on Friday January 28.
"The school is inefficient because of its economy of scale," Kent said, adding that the cost to educate a student there is $14,000 compared to $7,700 in the rest of the district.In a Madison County Herald report today, District 4 Supervisor Karl Banks suggested the district redraw lines to force kids from Madison Middle School--rated a top rated Star School--into the Flora District as a way of increasing attendance. The East Flora Middle School is currently rated as "academic watch". Banks suggested that, despite the fact that the Madison County taxpayers are spending almost double the average cost per student at East Flora, that the school is being "penalized." But, he obviously had no problem "penalizing" students from Madison Middle School.
"If you changed the attendance zone, student cost wouldn't be the issue. Fourteen thousand dollars is not the issue," said Banks, who represents the Flora area. "If you're going to penalize (East Flora Middle) because of the costs, you can solve that with the stroke of a pen - bring in more children."
"Maybe if the lines were drawn better, we could have two Star Schools," Banks said.But, will bringing kids in whose parents care more about their kids education, into a school that's parental involvement is among the lowest in the district help students, or hinder overall achievment? And is that an experiment the School District wants to conduct on it children? Furthermore, how many of the Madison Middle School students who would be drawn into the Flora District will withdraw from public schools and enter the private school system?
My guess is: most of them, leaving the school district and East Flora Middle School with the same problems--lower achievement, a majority of parents who care more about their own convenience than they do about their kids education, and an extremely ineffecient school.
Supervisor Paul Griffin's suggestion was predictable: raise taxes.
Supervisor Paul Griffin said the school district could consider doing what the county did a few years ago to provide for needed funds - increase the millage rate.Griffin made a similar suggestion weeks ago in order fund the construction of emergency sirens in his district.
"If the Board of Education wants to provide good schools and keep them going, they may have to bite the bullet and raise taxes," Griffin said.
The attraction to economic development is a wonderful argument on it's face. Having a school in town is a much bigger draw to industry looking to relocate. But, like the redistricting argument, it doesn't hold water, either. Once industry recognizes the school is in serious trouble, it may as well not exist.
If parents of students don't care about the school, why should the Madison County taxpayer.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Fla. judge strikes down health overhaul
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- A federal judge in Florida says the Obama administration's health overhaul is unconstitutional, siding with 26 states that had sued to block it.
U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson on Monday accepted without trial the states' argument that the new law violates people's rights by forcing them to buy health insurance by 2014 or face penalties.
Attorneys for the administration had argued that the states did not have standing to challenge the law and that the case should be dismissed.
The case is likely to go to the U.S. Supreme Court. Two other federal judges have upheld the insurance requirement, but a federal judge in Virginia also ruled the insurance requirement unconstitutional.
Sun Herald
U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson on Monday accepted without trial the states' argument that the new law violates people's rights by forcing them to buy health insurance by 2014 or face penalties.
Attorneys for the administration had argued that the states did not have standing to challenge the law and that the case should be dismissed.
The case is likely to go to the U.S. Supreme Court. Two other federal judges have upheld the insurance requirement, but a federal judge in Virginia also ruled the insurance requirement unconstitutional.
Sun Herald
Supes talk Flora Middle School Closure (Video) Part 2
Citzens respond at the Special meeting of the Madison County Board of Supervisors on January 28.
You can view Superintendent Mike Kent's statement in Part 1 HERE
Part 2 Madison County Board of Supervisors Jan 28, 2011 from DI Smith on Vimeo.
You can view Superintendent Mike Kent's statement in Part 1 HERE
Part 2 Madison County Board of Supervisors Jan 28, 2011 from DI Smith on Vimeo.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Supes talk Flora Middle School Closure (Video)
The video was provided by Supervisor DI Smith, and is 40 plus minutes long. But, if you're interested in getting information on why the school board feels closing Flora's Middle school is the only option, you should watch it.
Thanks to Supervisor Smith for his continued efforts to provide transparent government to Madison County residents.
Madison County Board of Supervisors Special Mtg East Flora Middle School Jan 28, 2011 from DI Smith on Vimeo.
Thanks to Supervisor Smith for his continued efforts to provide transparent government to Madison County residents.
Madison County Board of Supervisors Special Mtg East Flora Middle School Jan 28, 2011 from DI Smith on Vimeo.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Two more Mississippi Democrats switch to Republican Party
BY: B. Keith Plunkett
Two more Mississippi Democrats made the switch to the Republican Party today at GOP Headquarters in Jackson brining the total number since 2009 to 53. State Representatives Russ Nowell of Louisville represents District 43, and Representative Margaret Rogers of New Albany represents District 14. The two were joined by gaggle of state officials.
Majority in Mississippi has a running tally of party switchers HERE.
Click the pictures below for a larger view:
Two more Mississippi Democrats made the switch to the Republican Party today at GOP Headquarters in Jackson brining the total number since 2009 to 53. State Representatives Russ Nowell of Louisville represents District 43, and Representative Margaret Rogers of New Albany represents District 14. The two were joined by gaggle of state officials.
Majority in Mississippi has a running tally of party switchers HERE.
Click the pictures below for a larger view:
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| GOP Chairman Brad White is joined by Governor Barbour and dozens of state officials to join Russ Nowell and Margaret Rogers to the Republican Party |
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| State Rep. Russ Nowell of Louisville is flanked by Governor Barbour, Rep. Scott Bounds, Rep. Margaret Rogers, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann and other state officials as he announces his switch to the Republican Party. |
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| Rep. Russ Nowell |
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| State Rep. Margaret Rogers of New Albany with Governor Barbour, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, Chairman Brad White, and Rep. Russ Nowell. |
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| Governor Barbour welcomes Rep. Margaret Rogers and Rep. Russ Nowell to the Mississippi Republican Party |
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Harper Floor Speech: 'Affordable Care Act' is Politics Above Economics (Video)
U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R–Miss.), a Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, made the following statement today on the House floor in support of legislation to repeal the “Affordable Care Act:”
“The so-called ‘Affordable Care Act’ is nothing short of politics above economics.
"This penalizing law is loaded with excessive constraints and oppressive federal mandates on states. As Medicaid rolls rise, state revenues continue to fall, and this law only increases the challenges that Governors face in their attempts to balance their budgets.
“Instead of granting state executives the authority to tailor their Medicaid programs to their states’ diverse populations, the ‘Affordable Care Act’ implements a one-size-fits-all Maintenance of Effort provision which restricts states from changing their Medicaid programs.
“Republicans want to provide states with the flexibility they need to manage their health programs. This is simply one example of why I am committed to repealing this carelessly crafted health care law and replacing it with reforms centered on decreasing costs and protecting our middle-class jobs.”
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Supervisor Griffin says he's okay with Madison County incurring more debt for Emergency Sirens in his district.
BY: B. Keith Plunkett
District 5 Supervisor Paul Griffin was quoted in a weekend story as saying he would be willing to consider a bond issue for Madison County if he could get some emergency sirens in his rural district.
We have roads that have been engineered and re-engineered when the money isn't even there for construction. How much of these engineering fees that Mr. Griffin voted to approve could have gone to provide the safety he wants for his constituents?
Maybe Griffin wasn't looking that far ahead when he cast those votes. Maybe he doesn't care about budgets and taxes at all. After all, we know where the majority of the tax money comes from, and it ain't District 5!
But, let's just pretend that Griffin, Board President Tim Johnson, and Supervisor Karl Banks hadn't put the the taxpayers on the line 50 million dollars five years ago. Are the sirens a good investment?
District 5 is a very rural district. If, as the article says, to install a siren costs $20,000, it shouldn't cost over $40,000 to put one in Sharon and one in Camden. That should do it. Any more would be a waste and the money needed to cover those two communities can be found by cleaning up waste in other parts of the county budget. Attempts to cover the countryside with sirens to protect a few homes that, if they are like mine in Flora, already know the storm is coming before the sirens go off anyway, is a waste of resources.
Butch Hammack, the county's emergency management director, seemed to agree.
District 5 Supervisor Paul Griffin was quoted in a weekend story as saying he would be willing to consider a bond issue for Madison County if he could get some emergency sirens in his rural district.
Now, only residents of Ridgeland, Madison, Canton and Flora are within earshot of emergency weather warning systems run by those municipalities. But, Griffin said he wants all other county residents to hear similar alarms sound when tornadoes or dangerous storms approach.
"It's for public safety. I want to get citizens as much notice as possible," said Griffin, who represents the rural northern end of the county. "Having sirens in the county has always been a thought of mine."Let me say that I am not against properly managing emergencies. I am not against the people in Supervisor Griffin's district. I don't want to see their property destroyed by bad weather or a tornado. But, the idea that Madison County would even consider a bond issue right now is madness.
We have roads that have been engineered and re-engineered when the money isn't even there for construction. How much of these engineering fees that Mr. Griffin voted to approve could have gone to provide the safety he wants for his constituents?
Maybe Griffin wasn't looking that far ahead when he cast those votes. Maybe he doesn't care about budgets and taxes at all. After all, we know where the majority of the tax money comes from, and it ain't District 5!
But, let's just pretend that Griffin, Board President Tim Johnson, and Supervisor Karl Banks hadn't put the the taxpayers on the line 50 million dollars five years ago. Are the sirens a good investment?
District 5 is a very rural district. If, as the article says, to install a siren costs $20,000, it shouldn't cost over $40,000 to put one in Sharon and one in Camden. That should do it. Any more would be a waste and the money needed to cover those two communities can be found by cleaning up waste in other parts of the county budget. Attempts to cover the countryside with sirens to protect a few homes that, if they are like mine in Flora, already know the storm is coming before the sirens go off anyway, is a waste of resources.
Butch Hammack, the county's emergency management director, seemed to agree.
"There's always a lot of debate (about the effectiveness of sirens), but I'm putting together this study for the supervisors review," he said.
"It's not feasible to spend $20,000 for five houses and thousands of cattle," Hammack said.
MBJ: Kirby, Bryant prove to be anti-business; Dennis for personal responsibility
However, when Sen. Dean Kirby, R-Pearl, argues against a microbreweries beer bill, because he doesn’t want to put his committee members in an uncomfortable position during an election year, it is obvious that political gain is more important than business success.
Even Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, a Republican candidate for governor, took the same position in a story in the Mississippi Business Journal this week. Bryant said he didn’t see a reasonable benefit to increasing the alcohol content in Mississippi.
If that is the case, Bryant and Kirby must be against more jobs and a better tax base for Mississippi.
In a conversation with the Mississippi Business Journal last week, Coast businessman Dave Dennis, a Republican candidate for governor, said he would be for such a bill and that any concerns about alcohol and morality is about personal responsibility, not politics.
So, if Dennis sees the financial and jobs benefit of the bill, why not Bryant and Kirby. I’m assuming they would rather see government impose its will on Mississippians instead of allowing for personal responsibility.
MBJ
Even Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, a Republican candidate for governor, took the same position in a story in the Mississippi Business Journal this week. Bryant said he didn’t see a reasonable benefit to increasing the alcohol content in Mississippi.
If that is the case, Bryant and Kirby must be against more jobs and a better tax base for Mississippi.
In a conversation with the Mississippi Business Journal last week, Coast businessman Dave Dennis, a Republican candidate for governor, said he would be for such a bill and that any concerns about alcohol and morality is about personal responsibility, not politics.
So, if Dennis sees the financial and jobs benefit of the bill, why not Bryant and Kirby. I’m assuming they would rather see government impose its will on Mississippians instead of allowing for personal responsibility.
MBJ
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