Congressman Thompson pays outstanding parking tickets in DC after report

Members Collect Many Unpaid Tickets


Rep. Bennie Thompson and his chief of staff paid off $860 worth of parking tickets last week after Roll Call brought the outstanding fines to their attention.

Members of Congress have immunity from many routine parking tickets in the District of Columbia, but that doesn’t mean they can’t try to rack up fines.

According to a Roll Call survey of vehicles parked on Capitol Hill and at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, as of mid-March, lawmakers were carrying at least $15,000 in outstanding tickets — ranging from expired meters to speeding camera violations — and potentially thousands of dollars more.

Three-quarters of those tickets, worth about $11,500, were in default at the time of the survey, having gone more than 60 days, and in some cases years, without payment.

Roll Call canvassed Congressional parking facilities, as well as a special Members-only parking lot at the airport, and reviewed about 300 vehicles displaying a House- or Senate-issued Member parking tag.

Information on parking violations was obtained from the District of Columbia’s public ticket database, which is searchable by license plate and includes information on minor violations.

While many vehicles registered a single ticket, valued at as little as $20, a handful of automobiles reported several hundred to thousands of dollars in unpaid tickets.

Roll Call’s inquiry appears to have led some offenders to pay up.

Aides to Reps. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) and Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) said the lawmakers repaid their respective tickets after being contacted by Roll Call.

The District’s database showed Weiner received nearly $2,180 in tickets from 2007 to early March, including some instances in which he appears to have incurred multiple violations at the same time, such as failing to display current tags while parked in a taxi stand zone.

“All of the Congressman’s parking tickets have been paid. He is pleased to have helped decrease the D.C. budget deficit,” Weiner spokesman Dave Arnold said.

Thompson spokesman Lanier Avant likewise said the Mississippi lawmaker repaid $610 in outstanding tickets that his vehicle received from 2004 to 2010. During Roll Call’s survey, a second vehicle displaying Thompson’s Member parking permit also returned $250 in parking tickets, which Avant said were his own and were also repaid.

According to the House Administration Committee, Members must pay their own parking tickets and are not permitted to use official funds.

Citizens coming together for another attempt at change on West Madison Utility Board

Last month, residents who rely on West Madison Utility to provide water and sewer went as many as 16 days with neither. But, as most residents know, this is nothing new.

Over the years, attempts have been made. Local contractors and residents have tried to get involved to fix the problems. But, the West Madison Board has resisted. When confronted with the fact that they haven't been doing their job at board meetings, they simply go into executive session, and have even called the cops on residents who refused to leave.

As a result of the newest issues, citizens are again coming together to confront the board and find solutions to the decades old problem. But, after the latest meeting, it would seem that the board is still very defensive. A group of 35 plus in attendance on October 4 got to see the secretary of West Madison Utility verbally threaten one resident. The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said the secretary challenged her to fight.

 "She told me that we could go outside and pretty much she was saying we could fight," said the unnamed meeting attendee.

Promises of  no disconnections for the month of September were not kept, reconnection fees were charged, and some residents still saw bills in excess of $100 despite receiving no service from September 14 through September 30.

The citizens group has formed a committee and hired a lawyer. They plan to meet with Supervisor Karl Banks on Tuesday and ask for assistance moving forward. However, Banks has never been very helpful with this situation in the past, even going so far as to blame residents. Banks has used the problem to his political advantage over the past 25 years, but done little to help.

Residents are working with Rural Development hoping to have West Madison audited. Currently, rural water associations are only required to submit an annual "self-audit" to the State Auditor's office for review. That lack of oversight into the business practices of rural water associations invites mismanagement and misuse.

Questions have arisen regarding the award of a $400,000 grant many months ago to the utility that has never materialized. Some residents suggest it is sitting in a bank account unused. Others say misused.

Then there is the old story of the West Madison Director years ago who left town following the award of a grant, moving to Arkansas. The grant money supposedly disappeard with her. But, due to her connections with both Supervisor Karl Banks and Congressman Bennie Thompson she nor the money were heard from again.

Whether some of these stories are true or not remains to be seen. But, their is almost always a hint of truth, even in a lie. The fact that it is believable shows how far we have come, and how low West Madison Utility has fallen. If some of the mismanagement rumors turn out to be true there is further to fall yet.

If there is a silver lining, it is that the crisis has brought together the community like never before.

Said one, "Blacks and whites are pulling together and working hard to ensure that we no longer have to live with these injustices."

Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month at 6:00 pm. at the Kearney Park Community Center. For more information, or to be added to the agenda call 601.879.9718. The next meeting is November 1.

Related Posts: Here we go again! Decades old problems with West Madison Water District again rears it's ugly head.
Madison Co. Routes Water From Flora To Help Cover Outage
Madison Co. residents without water get relief


West Madison Utilities/Kearney Park

Congressman Thompson among those taking money from bailed out GM's PAC

Congressman Bennie Thompson

 General Motors has already sent money to more than 40 members of Congress.

Auto giant General Motors restarted its long-dormant political action committee this summer and has already sent money to more than 40 incumbent members of Congress.

The July and August donations from GM PAC are the first since the committee stopped donating after GM filed for bankruptcy in June 2009. Who’s on the receiving end? Both supporters and opponents of the auto bailout, Democrats and Republicans and, mostly, incumbents.

Much of the money went to powerful members who sit at or near the top of influential committees. In the House, Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Transportation Committee Vice Chairman Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) and Rules Committee Chairwoman Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.) all received donations.

In the Senate, Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) received $1,000, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) — still the ranking member on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee despite losing a primary challenge — received $1,000.

The list of other GM PAC money recipients, according to Federal Election Commission reports, spans the political map from California to Georgia and includes those running for the House, the Senate and a handful of governor’s mansions.

Politico

HT Respond Mississippi

Madison County Foundation hosts event for Congressman Thompson, Madison County Business League hosts event for Congressman Harper

Different Madison County Business groups hear from Democrat and Republican in same week

Congressional representatives shared their goals for the local economy and national issues last week in separate addresses to Madison County business groups.

Second District Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Democrat, addressed the Madison County Foundation, while 3rd District Rep. Gregg Harper, a Republican, spoke to the Madison County Business League.

Thompson challenged his group to consider the northern part of the county for economic development projects.

"I challenge the Madison County Foundation to look at an airport in the northern area," said Thompson, spotlighting Flora as a place ripe for growth.

Thompson, who represents the northern end of the county, said that area is essential for the county's growth and an airport would spark other development in the rural area.

Flora Mayor Leslie Childress said town leaders have been working closely with Thompson on projects. "They are premature to talk about, but we hope to have some things announced this fall," he said.

Thompson also encouraged the group to continue making education a priority.

Mississippi cannot continue to spend more on prisoners than on students, he said. The state's "best and brightest" come with a price tag, he said.

Thompson and Harper both discussed national issues in their speeches.

Thompson said he continues to support President Obama's health care plan, which will bring better service to those in need.

"When you look at the Second District, every county is medically underserved, including Madison County," he said.

Harper said the health care bill is an example of a "federal government overreach. It needs to be repealed or replaced.

"I don't think we can repeal the bill without a Republican president," he said, adding that a Republican-controlled House, which could occur after November elections, could have oversight through funding.

On the budget issue, Harper said the House, under Speaker Nancy Pelosi's guidance, failed to produce a budget before this upcoming session.

"Spending is completely out of control, and the best they can say is, 'It's Bush's fault,' " Harper said.

"I understand putting the blame on the previous administration. But two years later, you own it," he said.

"When the president says by 2013 we will cut deficit spending in half, it sounds good - but not when you run it through the roof," Harper said.

CL

MIM: Marcy Shows Some Gusto

Bill Marcy may not beat Bennie Thompson in November, but you sure have to have some respect for a man who will walk into a human lions den and call out the Congressman in front of his own supporters. Bennie undoubtedly is not used to having the type of opponent who will actually have the fortitude to pull something like this off and I think it is refreshing to have a candidate who will take this sort of approach. The most telling thing in their encounter for me is when Thompson is pressed to answer for his district being among the poorest in the country with the worst schools and the best he could come up with is to point to a period 80 years ago and take zero accountability for where his district is today. The only thing Bennie Thompson has ever done for his district is cash his own check. The man is a failure to his constituents who are sadly just too obtuse to realize it. Good for Marcy to try and show him for the failure that he is.

Read more at Majority In Mississippi Blog

Thompson met by Darcy at Greenwood meeting

The Republican opponent for the 2nd Congressional District seat surprised incumbent Bennie Thompson at the Greenwood Voters League meeting Wednesday night.
Thompson, a Democrat, had planned to give a legislative update to the Voters League, but he found an RV covered with "Bill Marcy for Congress" stickers parked outside the building. Marcy sat quietly during much of the meeting before addressing Thompson during the question-and-answer period after his speech.

Thompson, who was first elected to Congress in 1993, discussed his record in office. He said his stance on health care is unwavering.

"We are the only democracy left in the world that does not provide health care for all of its citizens," he said. "Everybody tells me they are Christians, but why in the world wouldn't a Christian want to provide health care to other citizens?"

He said he has worked diligently to funnel money into Delta projects, including some that are still ongoing.

"If you go to Itta Bena, you'll see some streets being paved," he said. "If you go to Carrollton, you'll see streets being paved."

Thompson, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, said his efforts have also made the country safer.

"I'm happy to report to you that since the 9/11 incident, we have not had one major breach in this country," Thompson said. "You can still walk out of your home. You can still fly wherever you want to."

Thompson said the people of the district "know better" than to vote for Marcy. Marcy, a resident of Meridian, lives more than 100 miles from the district.

"Now, how in the world is somebody going to come into this district and say I want you to vote for me, even though I can't vote for myself?'" Thompson said.

Thompson said he wasn't convinced that Marcy was dedicated to the district.

Marcy said his father and grandmother grew up in Mississippi, and he has other ancestral ties to the state. He told the Voters League that his father left the state because "back in 1932 some white folks said that my daddy looked at a white woman too long."

While responding to Marcy, Thompson said, "It's important for people to understand just what people have been through. I didn't leave like you did. I stayed here ... I can tell the story, but I want to tell the story to folk who stay here. I don't want to tell the story to the gypsy."

After the meeting, Marcy said he originally planned to move into the district if he was elected. He said he now plans to move into the district regardless in the next few weeks.

"This election is not about where Bill Marcy lives," he said. "This is about who can help the poorest districts in one of the poorest states in the union."

During the question-and-answer period, Marcy asked Thompson only one series of questions: "Why is it that the second district is the poorest district in the nation? And why is it that we have such a high crime rate? And why is that the schools are listed as some of the most failing schools in challenging our children?"

Thompson said the plantation system of the 1930s and 1940s promoted cheap labor instead of industry. The Delta is still recovering from that, he said.

"I don't accept responsibility for where we are," Thompson said. "I didn't create it. You didn't create it. But I've worked to improve it."

At one point, state Sen. David Jordan, president of the league, chastised Marcy for not allowing Thompson to finish an answer to a question. Marcy said he wanted a chance to defend himself after being spoken about "like a dog."

"This is not your night," Jordan said. "We didn't know you were coming. This is Congressman Thompson's night."

Marcy told Jordan he was "looking forward to my night."

Thompson said after the meeting that by showing up uninvited, Marcy had overstepped common courtesy.

"He showed disrespect to the Voters League," Thompson said. "I wouldn't have done that to him. But I wasn't impressed by him tonight."

Marcy said he thinks he may have rattled the congressman even more than he intended.

"He was more aggressive toward me than I thought he would be, especially for being in office so long," Marcy said. "I think it's a good sign that he is worried about me. He sees that I am an opponent to be worried about."

Marcy said Thompson's answer to most problems has been government programs. "I'm not looking for handouts," he said. "I want to bring high-paying jobs."

Greenwood Commonwealth

Thompson Wants Answers On FEMA Trailers

Congressman Seeks Inquiry on Trailers

A Mississippi congressman asked the Justice Department on Thursday to investigate the use of potentially contaminated FEMAtrailers to house cleanup workers involved with the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The request, by Representative Bennie Thompson, the chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, followed an article about the trailers Thursday in The New York Times.

In his letter, Mr. Thompson, a Democrat who was one of the most vocal opponents of the public sale of the trailers, also demanded that the General Services Administration and FEMA provide documents by July 15 indicating how each agency has enforced the legally binding requirements on the buyers of the trailers.

More than 100,000 of the trailers were publicly auctioned this year by the federal government on the condition that they not be used for long-term housing and with the requirement that placards be posted warning of the trailers’ potential hazards from high levels of formaldehyde, a carcinogen. Buyers were required to sign a legally binding waiver agreeing to these terms.

Before the auction, Congressional opponents of the sale said there would be no way to enforce these rules. New evidence emerged this week indicating the validity of those concerns.

In a separate letter, Representative Edward J. Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat and chairman of the House Energy and Environment Subcommittee, asked the G.S.A. for documentation relating to the trailers’ sale and oversight of their use.

On Friday, Mr. Markey also said that he had asked for the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether the sales of the trailers constituted an unfair or deceptive practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

Laura J. Gerdes, a spokeswoman with the Louisiana attorney general's office, said there office has opened an investigation into the matter as well.

The New York Times

MISSISSIPPI DELEGATION UNITED IN SUPPORT FOR DISASTER DECLARATION

Federal Lawmakers Endorse Barbour Request for Disaster Aid Following Tornadoes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – All members of the Mississippi congressional delegation today signaled their united support for approval of a federal disaster designation that would sanction federal recovery resources to help Mississippians recover from a deadly storm that tore across the state Saturday, killing 10 people and destroying scores of homes.

The delegation today sent President Obama a letter endorsing the disaster application submitted by Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour. The letter was signed by U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, Gene Taylor, Travis Childers and Gregg Harper.

“We know from our ongoing recovery from the effects of Hurricane Katrina, which hit our state in August 2005, that significant resources and cooperation are necessary to recover fully from natural disasters as quickly as possible. We stand ready to face this new challenge by supporting the local communities, the State, and your administration as we work together to rebuild and renew areas destroyed by this major storm,” the lawmakers wrote to the President.

The letter also notes the ongoing economic hardship of the affected areas, as well as the need for Congress to replenish funding for the Disaster Recovery Fund administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A supplemental appropriations bill pending before Congress would add $5.1 billion to the FEMA fund.

Members of the congressional delegation have been consulting with Barbour, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and local officials as recovery efforts get underway. The issuance of a presidential disaster declaration, as requested by the state, would trigger the release of federal disaster assistance. Barbour’s initial federal disaster declaration request would encompass Choctaw and Yazoo counties, with other Mississippi counties expected to be added as damage assessments across the state are compiled.

The following is the text of the congressional delegation’s letter to the President:

Dear President Obama,

In the wake of devastating weather events across the Southeastern United States this past weekend, we are writing to request your full consideration of Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour’s request for a federal disaster declaration for Yazoo County, Mississippi and Choctaw County, Mississippi.

We also understand that the State of Mississippi and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) jointly continue to assess the damage across the state, particularly in Attala, Holmes Monroe, Union, and Warren Counties. It is our understanding that Governor Barbour will request a federal disaster declaration in Holmes County sometime today. Should Governor Barbour request federal disaster declarations for these or other counties, we are hopeful you will also give these requests your full consideration.

We have been encouraged by the efforts of FEMA to deploy rapidly to Mississippi to assist state and local officials in estimating the severity of the initial damage caused by a series of tornado touchdowns, some rated as devastating as EF-4. The latest estimates show that 10 Mississippi lives have been lost and hundreds homes have been destroyed. Much of this destruction has occurred in parts of our state that have been particularly affected by our nation’s current economic situation. Many of these counties have poverty levels that are more than double the national average.

Examination of National Weather Service data shows that these tornado touchdowns were some of the most extreme in Mississippi’s history. Preliminary estimations show that one of the touchdowns was 1.75 miles wide at some points and stayed touched down for 149 miles, carving a path of destruction across the heart of our state. If these estimates hold, this storm event will lay claim to the widest tornado in Mississippi’s history and the fourth longest touchdown distance in our state’s history.

We know from our ongoing recovery from the effects of Hurricane Katrina, which hit our state in August 2005, that significant resources and cooperation are necessary to recover fully from natural disasters as quickly as possible. We stand ready to face this new challenge by supporting the local communities, the State, and your administration as we work together to rebuild and renew areas destroyed by this major storm.

We are also very aware of the depleted status of the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund and the potential effect a disaster declaration for this past weekend’s events in Mississippi could have on its solvency. We are hopeful that the Disaster Relief Fund will be replenished as soon as possible so that federal assistance for this and other disasters can flow freely to states in need.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need further assistance in this effort.

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