Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WELL KEVIN,YOU KEEP THE CRITISM COMING ON BINKY HERE?LIKE I SAID BEFORE,THE PEOPLE RE-ELECTED BILL CLINTON IN 1996 AFTER BEING IMPEACHED,LIEING TO THE MAERICAN PEOPLE AND ILLEGAL LAND DEALS WITH WHITEWATER.TAKING ALITTLE MONEY AND REPLACING IT WHILE IN PUBLIC OFFICE IS NO DIFFERENT.ITS THIS NEWS PAPER TRYING TO MAKE BINKY LOOK BAD.LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK AND YOULL HEAR DIFFERENT OPPINIONS.I LIKE BINKY AND I WANT HIM TO KEEP HIS POST.YOU GUYS FORGAVE CLINTON SO DO THE SAME BINKY.THANK YOU.

Posted by bayoubengalsfan (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 8:32 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on August 19, 2007 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, supertrucker47, I hope you will look back at the facts. Clinton did not carry Mississippi.

Some say he carried Arkansas because they did not want him back.

Posted by light4u (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Looks like local papers would always be un-bias in political matters. I don't see how they could afford not to be. Everybody is well aware of the facts of the case. Certainly Binky has proven he is human(with all that implies). Who is the man who can openly declare he is perfect. God has a way of making every boasting mouth into a liar. While Binky has proven he can vaulter, that does'nt prove he's still not the best man for the Job. His strength has been proven thru humility. Most would tuck tail and run, I think it has been established that he is not a quiter. Now what has been established by his opponet? While he actually may be better, God is the only one who really knows. We can truly only guess, but this much I believe. Whom ever wins will be the best man. God will speak thru the people at the polls. King David was the most praised man in the Bible ("man after God's own heart), however he had a man murdered so he could have his wife. Yet he repented and God allowed him to retain his thrown. Now, that was God's judgement, who are we to argue with God's judgement? So who is a publisher that makes his own judgements and uses his position to keep alive that which has already been done. Obviously there is a problem with forgiveness. Or there is a lack of faith in the fact that God can change men and draw good out of the bad. I don't claim to know who is the best man for the job, but I say this. The best will win because God is in control. To the publisher, will you find humility and stand strong when the flames of the fire find there way to you?

Posted by FamilyofGod (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Forgiveness seems to be confused with responsibility frequently in this matter. Has not Mr. Vines received ample forgiveness, else he would be facing life from the inside of a prison cell like the gentleman convicted of similiar transgressions with public money in a neighboring county, and his family and church would be facing life without their loved one being home to live and worship with them? I should think there should be more thanksgiving for the Grace received than the clamor for complete release from all responsibility that seems to be demanded on Mr. Vines behalf.

It is clear that Mr. Vines has much to be thankful for, not the least of which is the love and forgiveness of his family and many friends, something all of us should wish to have.

It is also clear, at least to me, that to attack others in demanding complete forgetfullness in addition to forgiveness, is reckless on the behalf of one who has already been so blessed with forgiveness, and it would be reckless on the behalf of voters to return Mr. Vines to a position in which he has demonstrated a lack of capacity to perform legally and to temptations he has demonstrated a lack of abiity to resist.

Being forgiven does not mean that the transgression did not happen or that one is not responsible for their actions. The hue and cry about lack of forgiveness towards Mr. Vines seems oddly out of place, considering the circumstances.

Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

THE THING IS I BELIVE BINKY WILL BE RE-ELECTED IN THE RUN-OFF.THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN CLEARLY.IT LOOKS AS THOUGH WE ARE DIVIDED ON THIS ISSUE.BOTTOM LINE IS>THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT SHOULD STAY OUT OF THIS AND KEEP ITS OPPINION TO ITSELF.AND IF YOU CANT DO THAT.WE THE PEOPLE WILL BOYCOT THE PAPER.LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK ON THE 28TH THEN THIS ISSUE WILL BE PUT TO REST.AND ANOTHER THING>WHEN THE MAYOR DESTROYED A NATCHEZ LAND MARK BECAUSE HE WANTED TO MAKE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS OFF THE PROPERTY,WHY DIDNT THE DEMOCRAT GO AFTER HIM?GOOD QUESTION ISNT IT?WE KNOW WHY DONT TRY TO EXPLAIN THIS ONE.THANK YOU!

Posted by dottie (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A little food for thought. Even God has been known
to say, enough is enough and turn His back on wrong-
doing. To support anyone's evil ways is to condone
sin and that, my friends, is displeasing to God, no
matter what your religious beliefs may be.

Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on August 19, 2007 at 12:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

supertrucker47, if you were an intelligent advocate for Vines, you would not be attacking others. Keep your comments on the virtues of Vines.

However, I doubt that you can do that since you grasping at straws. Let the thief go!

Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DOTTIE IN THE BIBLE JESUS TOLD ONE OF HIS FOLLOWERS AND I QUOTE>I CAME INTO THIS WORLD TO SAVE IT,NOT DESTROY IT.AND IN ANOTHER THAT RESPONDS TO THE BINKY ISSUE AND I QUOTE AGAIN>HOW CAN YOU EXPECT THE FATHER IN HEVAN TO FORGIVE YOU OF YOUR SINS,IF YOU WONT FORGIVE OTHERS OF THERE SINS.NOW PEOPLE THIS ISSUE ABOUT BINKY ISNT A RELIGOUS ONE.RELIGION SHOULD BE KEPT OUT OF POLITICS.REMEMBER>SEPERATION OF CHURCH AND STATE.THE SAME APPLIES TO POLITICS.LET THE PEOPLE SPEAK LOUDLY ON THIS AUG 28 2007.

Posted by seavility (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Newspapers and all other media tout the importance of freedom of the press and their duty to report. When they find fodder it is invigorating for them to stir the pot and increase their sales. Let's face it, a story on how cell phones are an important business tool is pretty dull comparatively to Binkey and his problems.

Freedom of the press and capitalism are alike in a couple of ways to me. They both are important foundations of our great American way of life and our true democracy. They truly are the best systems that we can live under. But when anything loses it's conscience; it's guide to how it's actions affect the innocent - it becomes a sociopath.

Unfortunately, media outlets also want to wash their hands of things they cause with a domino effect and the hurt they cause to the innocent ones surrounding their targets. It's easy to avoid libel and slander lawsuits with the way the words are printed but you can't deny that pain is caused to those who don't deserve it by the actions and inferences of the press.

Life isn't fair and we will never be able to keep from hurting the undeserving no matter what, but we should try to keep them in mind when we make decisions that will affect them.

A newspaper should be unbiased in these reports and not pick it up as an axe to grind.

Posted by adossett (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SUPERTRUCKER74
we never said we didnt forgive binky what we said is why should we place him back in office so he can be tempted and perhaps give in again. fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.

Posted by FamilyofGod (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It was my observation that Mr. Vines and his supporters interjected Religion into this debate, and I have no problem with that. My faith guides my own life, or at least I seek for it to do so. But I strongly disagree that simply referring to Christian Values exonerates Mr. Vines in this matter as far as his fitness to be in charge of public funds.

Taking large sums of money which are not yours is stealing and a failure of greed for which the price of forgiveness has already been paid. No Problem. But was not Mr. Vines a Christian at the time he was committing these acts?

Since Mr. Vines was of the same faith at the time of his transgressions as he is now, Character, the lack of ability to handle responsibility, and the lack of ability to avoid temptation to do what one knows to be wrong are fair objects of discussion in this debate, religiously related or not.

Can a church member who falls into sin and committs a lewd act with a child be forgiven? Of Course.
Would you let that church member baby sit your child? Of Course not.

Whether this debate is based upon religious principles or secular ones makes no difference. It still comes down to responsibility, not forgiveness.

TYPING IN ALL CAPS IS SHOUTING!

Posted by RAVENNEVERMORE (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Binkey knows that another person as clerk means more evidence of his thievery. Binkey is afraid, very afraid.

If he loses the race, he almost certainly goes to jail when the new clerk escorts the auditors in for a thorough examination of the accounting.

I really want to take pleasure in Binkey's future torture behind bars, but I'm afraid he might also commit suicide after the election loss. I'm for his imprisonment, but not his suicide.

So hang in there, Binkey. We both realize that this religous thing is a crock so it won't be there to help you in prison. However, you must be strong in there and realize that years pass at the same rate of time both outside and inside of a prison. It will only SEEM like forever. You can make it!

Posted by MissMagnolia (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Supertrucker47: You seem to be at it again. Are you a relative of Binky or Binky himself? You do seem to have a one track mind and that is for sure. Because everytime you you speak you always mention the Clintons. Clinton lied and Binky STOLE money. Get over that scenario. It is full of crap. Anyway, his religious beliefs should be of no one's concern and should not be up his discussion. His relationship with GOD is just that and GOD is whom he would have to answer to. This is not a religious issue but a political issue.

His relationship with Natchez is with him and the voters and he should be responding to their concerns. If Binky wants to help out the citizens of Natchez then form a community based program where his focus would be just that. Otherwise, determine what is more important. Because his "Robin Hood" like story is getting old.

I can say this though that the citizens may put him back into office and all of our comments may be in vain but all efforts will be made to continue to see that the State of MS / Federal govt (FBI/IRS) stays on his butt while in office. We will see him back into court in Oct for his sentencing.

IF he knows that these sources are looking at his every move then his bookkeeping skills will be sharpened. He will keep those books straight, will not forget to make that deposit and hold it for 2 years ago and he wont walk out with a little as an ink pen.

So, no problem. Keep up the good work Natchez Democrat. Your goal should be to keep the citizens involved and aware and you have done just that. Thank you for speaking out.

Posted by momof1 (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All I can say is that if the people of Adams County are dumb enough to put an admitted criminal back in office, don't say a word when he embezzles the rest of your money. You get what you ask for.

Posted by dixiecrat (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They say misery loves company and for whatever it's worth, I couldn't help but noticing that our neighbors to the north and south of us have their share of problems, too. Whereas, everyone's heard about the Bernell Harris case out of Jefferson County and Binky's battles here in Adams County, the shenanigans in Wilkinson County seem to have hardly raised a collective eyebrow or registered a comparitive "blip" on the Democrat's radar; but the fact is that when people are having their houses burned down and being thrown in jail willy-nilly just thirty miles south of here, the hijinks of "the Binkster" seem kind of trivial in comparison. I guess everything in politics really is relative. Of course, both the Chancery Court Clerk (Thomas Tolliver) and Tax Assessor (Wevelyn James) of Wilkinson County were "convicted" in a scenario eerily similar to that of Binky's back in the early 90's. However, they were both allowed to run for office again and they are both still sitting there - in the exact same offices they held back when they first committed their crimes and were convicted. And now it seems to all be coming back around full-circle for them again. What does that say for the power of incumbency (and what lessons can we take from our neighbors' example)? Remember the words of Cicero: "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."

Posted by dottie (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 6:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Several of you have made comments that I totally
agree with. Supporters of Mr Vines, you speak with
great passion, and I feel for you. Surely you must
realize Binkey Vines is laughing at your expense. How
could he not. It isn't what anyone has said about him, but rather, what he has admitted about himself.
Knowing this, and refusing to accept the truth is just sad,sad. Mr. Vines owes your loyalaty and needs
to step up and end the laughter.

Posted by dottie (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What about the office of the District Attorney? Seems
to me they would have to accept the plea Mr. Vines
made.Maybe we should be taking them to task as well.
Will someone in the know please comment and address
this? Thanks

Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 7:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Okay, first off, Bill Clinton was tried to be impeached, however, he was not. Yes, he lied about having sexual relations with another woman, not his wife! We got that and we get that. The Clinton obsession should have ended by now. I am not even going to get on Dubya.

Posted by whatitis (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's a shame that we are giving Binky all of this attention. He loves being the center of attention and that's what he is getting from us. I have an idea, let's ignore him and maybe he'll go away!!!!!

Posted by revolutionary (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 7:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We should not just be mad at Binkey for what he did but we should be even more upset with thr Judicial system which is just as much as fault for us being in the present situation. I agree that Mr. Vines should have not been granted the opportunity to run again but we the people are the ones who have the final say so come August 28. For the first time in recent memory I agree with something that a writer form this paper states when he basically stated that Binkey Vines does not play a significant role in the daily operations of the city of Natchez and there is nothing that he can do to better the future of Natchez from his position. If this is the case however, why are YOU and other staff writers continuosly throwing stones at him. Just let the peole decide. I thought that newspapers were supposed to be unbiased. If Binkey didn't have such a large following from residents on the North side of town, would he be under such scrutiny. This is not fair. I challenge you and your staff to give an UNBIASED opinion on something relevant to the future of Natchez like maybe the state of the current public education system in Natchez and the public's disatisfaction with the Superintendent and school board members. I bet you won't come at them the same way you attack Mr. Vines. I challenge you--and be UNBIASED as well. You know this won't happen.

Posted by dfbrown68 (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am so glad that I moved from Adams County. It has become so divided. I really feel for my Vines. I understand all the points everyone is making. If the people choose to put Mr.Vines back in office than leave the man alone. No matter what you put in this paper the voters mind is already made up. All the money people spend on campainging really is a waste. People don't vote for you because of what you know. They vote for you because of who you know and who you are. They are not listening to the promises you made before you got in office. They just know that they mama or daddy voted for you so its alright with them.Mr.Vines will win the re-election. I hope that he will take some bookkeeping classes so he can keep better books.
Good Luck Mr. Vines

Posted by Idefinitelymight (Tom Scarborough) on August 19, 2007 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Teach4Peace--a correction of your history. Clinton was indeed impeached, but there were not enough votes in Senate to try him under the articles of impeachment. Had enough senators voted to try him, a trial would have been held presided over by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Posted by MissMagnolia (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Revolutionary: Don't be mad with the Democrat for keeping the citizens informed. A govt official no matter the position is important if they are doing illegal activities. It affects the city both directly and indirectly.

If there is a problem with the School Board and/or the Superintendent. YOU start the conversation. Send a letter to them to put in the comment section of the paper regarding the business of the School Board. If it is that bad then contact the State about your concerns. Be proactive and no reactive!

The citizens need to get more involved. Again residents may not know about what is going on behind the closed doors of the School Board. Most parents don't even go visit the teachers or talk to them, so we know they are clueless about the school board nonetheless the Superintendent.

I know teachers who may have had at least 1 conversation with a parent during the entire school year on the progress of their child; unless of course, that child was in trouble. And we all know who was the blame? The teacher and not the child.

Conversations must start somewhere.

Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think supertrucker is Binky. Must be, why would anyone support a clerk that inappropriately used the county's (a.k.a. the taxpayers) money.

Posted by justwonderin (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How much of the Adams County Taxpayers money did it take for the judge to Not Accept Binky's Guilty Plea? Thats the most bizarre thing I have ever heard a Judge say. He plead guilty people!!

Truly I hope the citizens of Natchez do not reelect him. There must be a push to change the way the office of Circuit Clerk is set up. I'd rather see the checks made out to the City or County. That would make more sense. How do you change such things. Someone who knows should write a punch list and teach the citizens how to do it. If it takes a signature I'll sign. If it takes a letter to the Governor. I'll find someone who can write better than me. A change must be made!! Come on Adams County Pay attention when you Vote!

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Supertrucker is way too stupid to be Binkey. Binkey despite his name did get an education from two good colleges. Binkey was indicted with embezzling $228,000 he was not convicted. Some indictments can be unfair or made for political reasons. Binkey admitted passing bad checks (and really had little choice) Binkey has had numerous problems with cash flow in the circuit clerks office. I have known Binkey for years - I like Binkey and I think he has handled most parts of his office well. Binkey though has been a terrible bookkeeper. If passing bad checks was enough to remove people from office we would have many more elected officials out of office. The Democrat has never investigated the indictments properly. There is no way that Binkey could have stolen $228,000 in the time alleged. The Circuit clerks office could not lose that much money and still function. Most of that money was spent on expenses for the office. The circuit clerk is paid from money collected and his salary is capped at around $95,000. If money spent on running the office is not recorded correctly or placed in the wrong account the circuit clerk is responsible for replacing it. The circuit clerk also has to pay all fines and bounced check charges from his income. Binkey has managed to lose money while holding the best paying county job. I still like Binkey and I know and like Eddie, I may vote for either - If I vote for Binkey it will be because the Democrat has told half truths. Yes Binkey has been a terrible bookkeeper and that is an important part of the job. If he is re-elected it is because he has friends and has helped many people in need. It won't be because the all people who voted for him were stupid.
Being smart though is not a requirement to vote.

Posted by MissMagnolia (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 1:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Natchez1: Based upon some knowledge of law: Ntz Democrat did not charge Binky with a 13 count embezzlement charge but the State of MS did based on the advice from the State Auditor. One does not need to blame the Ntz Democrat for their comments on this issue when it appears that their comments are true.
It is amazing what you can find on the internet.
To show some of the State Auditor findings, and also note that they mention in their findings that this is the concern from prior years AUDITS meaning plural. NOTE: He did not respond.

Circuit Clerk.
05-4. Finding
As reported in prior year audits, cash receipts as shown on deposit slips and recorded in the Circuit Clerk’s
cash journals are not deposited to his bank clearing accounts on a daily, or other timely basis. We found
currency deposits credited to the bank clearing accounts in May, 2006 that were dated 10/20/2004
($3,750.00), 2/14/2005 ($2,065.00), 2/22/2005 ($835.00), 6/24/2005 ($2,495.00), 7/18/2005 ($1,276.50),
and 8/5/2005 ($185.00). Another currency deposit credited to the bank clearing account in April, 2006 was
dated 8/16/2005 ($135.00).
Receipt numbers for these currency deposits were not shown on the deposit slips.

Recommendation
Failure to deposit cash receipts, particularly currency, within a reasonable time period represents a serious
breakdown in internal controls. Deposits should be made to the bank accounts daily, and any deposits
(checks or currency) listed as outstanding on the bank reconciliation for more than two (2) days should be
investigated. Receipt numbers should be listed on deposit slips to identify which receipts are included in
each deposit.
Circuit Clerk’s Response
The Circuit Clerk did not respond to this finding.

Posted by MissMagnolia (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 1:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Amazing what you can find on the internet........

Circuit Clerk.

05-5. Finding
Payroll expenses paid by the County for the benefit of the Circuit Clerk were not reimbursed to the County
in a timely manner. At September 30, 2005, the County had not been reimbursed for the Circuit Clerk’s
office payroll for July and August, 2005.
Various checks written by the Circuit Clerk to the County for repayment of fees or payroll due the County
were returned as not sufficient funds (NSF). The NSF checks were often not corrected by the Circuit Clerk
in a timely manner. For example, the Circuit Clerk’s payment for the September 2004 payroll was
deposited October 4, 2004, returned as NSF, and was not re-deposited until October 29, 2004; the payment
for November 2004 payroll was deposited January 14, 2005, returned NSF, and was not re-deposited until
January 26, 2006.
Recommendation
Failure of the Circuit Clerk to reimburse the County in a timely manner amounts to an unauthorized loan to
the Circuit Clerk. Any payments due the County should be made in a timely manner.
Circuit Clerk's Response
The Circuit Clerk did not respond to this finding.
05-6. Finding
The Circuit Clerk collects certain amounts, such as restitution, garnishments, bonds, etc., for the benefit of
others. As we reported in the prior year audit, the Circuit Clerk did not maintain subsidiary ledgers
showing to whom those amounts were owed. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005, the Circuit
Clerk established subsidiary ledgers and accounted for a large portion of the amounts owed. However, as
of September 30, 2005, there was still approximately $44,900 unaccounted for.
Recommendation
The Circuit Clerk should maintain subsidiary ledgers that detail to whom this money is owed, and someone
in the Circuit Clerk’s office should review the status of each of these amounts on a monthly basis so that
64
Circuit Clerk. - continued
these liabilities can be paid in a timely fashion.
Circuit Clerk's Response
The Circuit Clerk did not respond to this finding.

Posted by SimpleSimon (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 4:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I almost hate to interject here after so many good and valid comments but I want to respond to the statement that Revolutionary made: "If this is the case however, why are YOU and other staff writers continuosly throwing stones at him. Just let the peole decide. I thought that newspapers were supposed to be unbiased."
Please remember that you are responding to an opinion piece. You are right about newspapers needing to be unbiased but unfortunately papers are run by humans and not robots so some of that humanity is bound to bleed through. However, I reiterate, this is an opinion column. Note the word opinion... this means the author has the freedom therein to state his. The point is to get reactionary comments and opinions.

Oh, and just to state for the record.... In my opinion Binky is a crook and should not be reelected. If however he is then he will fit right in with the rest of the crooks that have been reelected in the surrounding areas. If people continue to vote in the same old way they will continue to get the same old thing.

Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 5:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

MISS MAGNOLIA?YOU JUST DONT GET IT DO YA?YOU MUST WORK FOR THE DEMOCRAT CONCIDERING ALL THE FACTS YOU HAVE.OR ARE YOU A PROSACUTER IN THIS CASE?THE POINT IS THE PEOPLE KNOW ALL THE FACTS ABOUT BINKY VINES AND WE ARE VERY FORGIVING,JUST AS YOU WERE DURING THE 1996 ELECTION CONCERNING THE BILL CLINTON SCANDAL.THE FACT IS THIS>THE PEOPLE WILL DECIDE IF BINKY STAYS IN OFFICE,NOT YOU,NOT THE DEMOCRAT AND NOT THE COURTS.YOU CAN THROW ALL THE TRASH AND FACTS OUT THERE ALL YOU WANT TO,CAUSE BINKY WILL PROBLEY BE RE-ELECTED LIKE IT OR NOT.SO PRINT THAT IN YOUR BIAS PAPER.THANK YOU

Posted by jessie (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

natchez 1, do we have verification that binky actually graduated from millsaps "university", as he called it, and ole miss?? i seriously doubt he had the grades to be accepted into millsaps based on his academic performance in high school. and what are his post grad degrees? since he supposedly graduated from two "universities", i assume he did post grad work.

Posted by ratherbefishin (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hang in there, MissMagnolia. If we don't stay involved, with the facts, the supertruckers will be deciding the future of our city. It's time for reason to return.

Posted by MissMagnolia (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Supertrucker47: No, I do not work for the Democrat and I am not the prosecutor of this case but I am a concerned citizen. Anyone commenting on this site could have located the information I found. It is public knowledge accessible on the internet.

As I stated before with your one track Clinton mind. The citizens may put him back into office and all of our comments may be in vain but all efforts will be made to continue to see that the State of MS / Federal govt (FBI/IRS) stays on his butt while in office.

Go Binkey Go!....... as you will say!

Posted by sharicupit (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW! now I know why there is war and real problems with this world today....It's because no one wants to ACCEPT the FACT that everybody has an OPINION. YOU would much rather argue and fight over something that is going to be solved with an election. That is why THE MAJORITY RULES IN AN ELECTION.
EVERYONE needs to stop arguring, cast YOUR vote, and see what happens. All this is doing nothing but making the people who don't like Mr. Vines, not like him even more. And making the ones who like (and voted for Mr. Vines) get defensive and stand by there vote even more. Everyone is sounding like a bunch of school kids fighting on a playground.

Posted by natchezbum (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 9:12 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by xenon314 (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Forgiving and forgetting are two very different things...

It depresses me to see the comments that imply that if one doesn't vote for Binkey, then one is unforgiving and, by extension, has a lesser relationship with God.

Binkey has declared numerous times that, for this election, he is "putting his trust in the Lord". He has called his nonsupporters "Judas" repeatedly. Again, if you aren't for him, then you are against him, and against God.

I resent this sort of emotional and spiritual blackmail. These comments about religion are, quite possibly, the most irrelevant and most insulting statements I've ever heard.

People who plead guilty to child abuse should not work with children.

People who plead guilty to multiple DUI's get their license taken away, and do not drive.

People who plead guilty to embezzlement should not work with the public's money.

This isn't about God. It's about trust, which is among the most fragile of emotions. Binkey broke our trust, and does not need to handle our money.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow - jail time for misplacing checks- I wonder if any could have been mis-dated - I know I have written the wrong year on a check -
I will have to be very careful when I take checks to make sure the date is OK - I'd hate to go to jail. I am sure some, most maybe all were dated correctly - The bookkeeping was sloppy - but I don't see the famous $228,000 missing that is always reported. I see $44,000 that he paid back to the city.

I agree that the finances of the Circuit Clerks office is a mess - and I agree that is Binkey's responsibility. Thank you for sending the indictments - If the Democrat had printed them people would be better informed. Audits always find problems - I know when I was audited it was expensive. When you move from the private sector to Public Sector bookkeeping has to be faultless. You are the custodian of public funds. I have just objected to the implication that Binkey stole over a quarter of a million dollars - in a few months and was somehow spending for his own pleasure. I know much of the missing money was spent on office expenses - that were either not recorded - lost receipts or on Circuit Clerk advertising that was disallowed for not conforming to the strict rules regarding how an advert is worded. It has to be to promote the office and not the holder. I know Binkey has had to pay back large sums of money because of his sloppy practices. I doubt his bookkeeping is faultless yet, I just don't believe he is a crook, as I don't believe his actions were intentionally dishonest. Whether he keeps his job is up to the voters, I doubt he will be convicted of anything other than NSF and again if that is the case many people in office would be unable to serve.

Posted by xenon314 (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If he is not a crook, then he should not have PLED GUILTY TO EMBEZZLEMENT. By his own words, by his own admission of guilt, Binkey branded himself a criminal. This is an objective fact, not an opinion.

From the dictionary: "Embezzlement is the fraudulent appropriation by a person to his or her own use of property or money entrusted to that person's care but owned by someone else."

It is this definition to which Binkey plead guilt. Repayment of the missing money makes this no less of a crime.

If he were innocent, then he should have taken his chances with the jury. Under what circumstances would any innocent person plead guilty to a crime like this?

Posted by coacht (T.BOB KIRK) on August 20, 2007 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

MR. COOPER PLEASE KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK IN REPORTING THE FACTS. NOW GO DOWN TO WOODVILLE AND STIR THE POT. THOSE PEOPLE CAN'T EVER PASS AN AUDIT AND NOTHING IS EVER DONE TO THEM. BE CAREFUL THEY MAY BURN YOUR HOUSE DOWN.

Posted by FamilyofGod (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Misplacing and Misdating Checks? Oh good grief.

The excerpts from the audits quoted above described CURRENCY=CASH, such as:

"We found
currency deposits credited to the bank clearing accounts in May, 2006 that were dated 10/20/2004
($3,750.00), 2/14/2005 ($2,065.00), 2/22/2005 ($835.00), 6/24/2005 ($2,495.00), 7/18/2005 ($1,276.50),
and 8/5/2005 ($185.00). "

Not depositing thousands of dollars of cash until you are in trouble about it years later is quite different from misplacing a check or misdating a check.

I do not know Mr. Vines and I have heard no one indicate there is any ulterior motive for the auditor to make trouble for Mr. Vines other than what has been reported in the audits. With no reason to doubt the veracity of the audits, one has to be left with the conclusion that Mr. Vines took the cash and only accounted for it when he was caught.

Maybe some of his other problems were more trivial, but if they were it still doesn't diminish the fact that the man took money under his control that was not his for his own use.

That's what embezzlement is.

Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 4:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WELL IN MY BOOK AND BY THE LAW,BINKY ISNT A CROOK AND ONLY MISPLACED OR MISDATED A COUPLE OF CHECKS.HE DIDNT SPEND ANY OF THE TAX PAYERS FOR HIS OWN USE.YOU PEOPLE ARE PATHETIC.BUT IM HAPPY CAUSE BINKY WILL BE RE-ELECTED.THANK YOU!

Posted by dottie (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Supertrucker in ref. to your book and your law;

MAY I PLEASE ASK UPON WHICH PLANET YOU RESIDE?

Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 10:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL, this is getting hilarious now! :) :D

Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 10:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh, and I might add, you all really need to stop hating the player, and hate the game. The judicial system, in this case, and countless others, allowed for the plea bargain, which everyone knows, simply gets you off with a lighter sentence, where he was required, by said judge, to pay back the money. Binkey felt this was far better, than going to a trial where he could have stood the chance of being convicted by a jury of his peers AND still, the sentencing would be up to the judge, maximum, throw the book at him, or the lightest punishment. Instead, from my understanding, he opted for the judge to hear the facts, plead guilty, then receive his sentence. I know none of these facts, change the crime or what was perpetrated, but again, don't hate the player, hate the game.

Posted by natchezhasgoneinsane (anonymous) on August 21, 2007 at 12:25 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by dottie (anonymous) on August 21, 2007 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

natchezhasgoneinsane-----AMEN AND AMEN

I'm beginning to think this trucker is nothing more
than a figment of our imagination. You know, the one
who provides a chuckle a day.

Posted by sarabug (anonymous) on August 21, 2007 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Whoever he is he needs to learn to spell before acting like a know it all. :)

Posted by srob (anonymous) on August 21, 2007 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually, IMPEACH--

1. to accuse (a public official) before an appropriate tribunal of misconduct in office.
2. to bring an accusation against.

Impeaching means accusing. There is a big difference between having sex with a woman that isn't your wife, and "misappropriating" funds that don't belong to you.

The question is, even if he did "forget" checks, if he is prone to be so forgetful and irresponsible with money, why should he continue to do a job that he CONTINUALLY screws up?

And once again (and no offense to the HARD working people out there) supertrucker47 shows that his lack of intelligence, usually rampant among those who share his profession, shows through his wording, lack of tact and ignorance of laws, ethics, and morals. Someone who cannot balance a checkbook shouldn't be allowed to hold a job where balancing a checkbook is his main task! Simple as that!

Posted by srob (anonymous) on August 21, 2007 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When an irate citizen demands that a disfavored public official be impeached, the citizen clearly intends for the official to be removed from office. This popular use of impeach as a synonym of "throw out" (even if by due process) does not accord with the legal meaning of the word. As recent history has shown, when a public official is impeached, that is, formally accused of wrongdoing, this is only the start of what can be a lengthy process that may or may not lead to the official's removal from office. In strict usage, an official is impeached (accused), tried, and then convicted or acquitted. The vaguer use of impeach reflects disgruntled citizens' indifference to whether the official is forced from office by legal means or chooses to resign to avoid further disgrace.

Posted by momof1 (anonymous) on August 21, 2007 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And to think...people wonder why this country is going down the tubes. It is mostly due to the fact that we are all so naive that we will put anyone in public office, no matter how many times they admit guilt. From Bill Clinton all the way down to Binky, the people that vote for and support these people are just proving that the politicians that break the law can get away with it because the message the voters are sending out is that it is ok...you are above the law.

We reward people like Binky for breaking the law and our kids see this. Then you wonder why the kids today have no respect for the law. Come on people. Is this what we want to teach our children?

Posted by callitasitis (anonymous) on August 21, 2007 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dottie...Supertrucker is definitely an alien, and possibly Binky is the product of a long ago abduction. Will the real Binky please step up? Step up so Supertrucker can stand down. To those of you that feel we all need to have scripture quoted to us because of our comments, it's apparent that Binky goes to your church or you were one of the recipients of a big ol Ham at one of his dinners on the ground. I'll pray for you.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on August 21, 2007 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Familyofgod, I see that the audit says currency - and that could be cash. The circuit clerk pays himself, out of office funds. His income is capped and often irregular due to the cash flow of the office. I assume if records are not great it would be easy to exceed the income cap and have to repay some. I also assume that he pays his income tax and at that time mistakes could be noted by his accountant. Believe me with all these people looking at his income the IRS has taken note too. Mr. Harris' charges were also federal for tax evasion. As I have said Binkey has made a mess of the bookkeeping and record keeping, from what I have read Harris was intentionally hiding income, Binkey was incompetent, and a sloppy record keeper. I do believe he is generous and religious. I think he needed to fire some people in the office who were not competent and chose not too. If Eddie wins he will have to change some staff. The problems of the clerks office will not be fixed overnight by removing Binkey. The buck does stop at Binkey but I suspect the blame for errors runs across the entire staff.

Posted by barely40 (anonymous) on August 21, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a person, I like B. Vines. Having said that,I can't say I'd let him handle my checkbook. But please S.T., if you want someone to take your comments seriously, work on the spelling....It's soooooo distracting!

Posted by soccermom (anonymous) on August 21, 2007 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Your article was great, Mr. Cooper! Keep the pressure on and keep telling the facts! I, personally, know of other instances where Binkey was less than honest in his dealings with others; this is not just a one-time thing and has occurred in other events in which he was involved.

Posted by Crabbe (anonymous) on August 21, 2007 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope the Democrat keeps up the good work. Citizens need to know what goes on in government. They are supposed to work for us rather than we working for them. If they want to be generous, let it be with their own money.

Posted by callitasitis (anonymous) on August 21, 2007 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

s.t. why can't you get off the Clinton Train...I hope you didn't vote for him...Surely you won't vote for his wife...If there's one small speck of intellegence in that large dome on top of your shoulders, start using it...or lose your keyboard.

Posted by loneconservative (anonymous) on August 21, 2007 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Cooper, I applaud you for being noble by criticizing only the professional and criminal aspects of Mr. Vines's career and leaving alone his personal and religous life. However, as much as I find myself in agreement with your writing, I disagree with the statement, "In the grand scheme of things, who wins the race for Adams County Circuit Clerk doesn’t matter much." Adams County is notorious for electing incumbents despite their shady public practice. If Mr. Vines looses this election(which he likely will), then that will send a message to all of the crooked politicians that have been running this county to their own advantage that they can no longer expect the people of to simply "turn a blind eye" to such actions.

Posted by FamilyofGod (anonymous) on August 21, 2007 at 8:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Natchez1, the audit seemed very specific about differentiating currency and checks, and the problem with the cash in question is that it was not deposited. Even if there was an honest mistake about overpayment of salary, just pocketing thousands of dollars at a time doesn't speak very well for honest intentions. I realize that it is possible that it just looks real bad, but it sounds like the Town of Ferriday Clerks office of several years ago when all the cash that came in that office went out in paper sacks and only the checks were deposited. The clerk there also claimed innocence since the assistant clerk was the one who divvyed the money and put it in the sack. The clerk merely took the sack home, and complained she was shorted in the exchange anyway.

That being said, I would agree with your comments concerning the future of that office and the correction of the problems.