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Binkey debate about job performance
Published Sunday, August 26, 2007
Several people have asked me in the last couple of weeks, “Why are you picking on Binkey Vines?”
So let me take a few minutes this morning to try and explain my position regarding Adams County Circuit Clerk M.L. “Binkey” Vines.
First, I don’t view the comments I’ve expressed here as “picking” or “bashing” Binkey the man, Binkey the father, Binkey the friend or Binkey the relative.
My criticisms have been of Binkey the circuit clerk.
While the barbs may have bled over into his personal life, I’ve kept my criticisms focused on his job performance and facts surrounding his indictment on charges of embezzling public money.
Further, I’ve been critical of Vines for pleading guilty to taking public money, but not having the integrity to step down or, at the least, not to run again.
But you wouldn’t know any of that if you only listened to Binkey’s camp. They’ve spouted things that simply are not true.
At no time have I criticized his personal life or anything about his non-work life.
Those fictitious accusations appear to be only intended to stir up underdog support for the man.
I have suggested, however, that Mr. Vines leave office. I still think that’s in the best interest of our county. But at this point only the voters can make that happen.
I know Binkey only in passing, but he’s always seemed nice enough to me.
Other than some lies that appear to have come from both his mouth on a recent paid Cable TV “interview” and from some material apparently disbursed by his camp, I’ve got no personal beef with the man.
Despite what he and some of his supporters have said, the primary issue in the race isn’t about me or about this newspaper.
The issue is about job performance and integrity.
Despite the huge differences Vines’ camp would like to make, we actually have a few similarities.
Like Binkey, I call Adams County home and love the place and its people.
Like Binkey, I have a job to do.
And, like Binkey, I am subject to daily criticism for any actions of our staff or myself.
If someone here makes a typo — which we do more often than we should — ultimately, I’m responsible.
If we make an error in an advertisement or print something hurtful to a grieving family member, the buck must stop with me.
Taking responsibility is an important thing for anyone in a leadership position.
Vines has done practically everything except admit to stealing public money.
He pleaded guilty to the charges, but has blamed the little mishaps — mishaps amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars — on simple mistakes and bad bookkeeping practices.
A circuit clerk who says he’s a bad bookkeeper is like a surgeon who says he’s not good with his hands.
If we’re to believe Vines’ own admission of being a bad bookkeeper, then he’s admitted that he is unfit for the office.
The circuit clerk’s job is to be a bookkeeper of public money. That’s Vines’ job.
And saying what I think needs to happen in this community is my job.
I’m not picking on poor old Binkey. I’m pointing out a poor circuit clerk who needs to be replaced.
Kevin Cooper is publisher of The Natchez Democrat. He can be reached at 601-445-3539 or kevin.cooper@natchezdemocrat.com.
Comments
Posted by seeemeeego (anonymous) on August 26, 2007 at 12:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kevin Cooper, you are spot on. You have stuck to the facts, namely that a person charged with handling funds but who for whatever reason cannot handle those funds properly and admits to same should not continue in that position.
Posted by Natchezms (anonymous) on August 26, 2007 at 2:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I've never actually met a person who admitted to supporting Binky, but obviously there are a lot of them. Their defense of him seems to boil down to voting for him because he's a nice guy. Personally, I don't call a guy who steals the public's money nice. However, I'm sure he has done some nice things for certain people, but being nice is not a qualification for office. We shouldn't vote for someone because he goes to our church, lives in our neighborhood, or once bought us a chicken dinner. We need to vote for the person qualified to do the job. It's obvious Binky is not qualified to be Circuit Clerk - and thank you, Kevin Cooper, for making sure the public is aware of that.
Posted by 2of4 (anonymous) on August 26, 2007 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
way to go once more Mr.Cooper. I used your example of a surgeon last night, how coincidental. Afterall, I would not want a surgeon who told me he was bad at surgery. Anyway, I support you when you clarify Mr. Vine's tv ad - you have not attacked his family as he states in that ad. He also indicates that when the "mistakes" were first made he went to the auditor's office then and took care of them? I thought when he found out that they were investigating him that he took care of the "mishandled" money. Also he said it took them five years after he corrected it to come after him. Another thing he says in his ad is that all of this investigating, etc came 3 months before this election. I recall it happening long before that. I think the other candidates who chose to run against him this time made their decision to do so a long time ago when he was first exposed for "mishandling". Anyone who has seen his ad on tv hopefully knows that not all of the 3 individuals giving their spill for Binkey and saying they were voting for him live in Adams Co. -- well, well, well.
Posted by kolb (anonymous) on August 26, 2007 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We all make mistakes in our jobs. If Binkey made an honest mistake so be it, but if he deliberately mishandled the money of Adams county, he needs to go. Only he knows the truth.
Posted by Idefinitelymight (Tom Scarborough) on August 26, 2007 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Binky's supporters are detached from reality. Their inability to seperate the man's personal qualities from his proven inability to do his job is abundant confirmation of this fact. That they choose to empahsize Mr. Vines's purported Christian virtue rather than his abysmal performance in office underscores the vital importance of keeping religion out of politics. Electing an individual to public office simply because he/she is a "good Christian" is a lousy basis for good government in a republic.
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on August 26, 2007 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Honest mistake is one thing, a quilty plea in court is another.
Posted by callitasitis (anonymous) on August 26, 2007 at 3:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Once again, Kevin is on cue. You have given the readers nothing but facts from the beginning. You have not attacked the Vines family in any way, shape, or form. But, Binkey and his supporters would have the tv viewers see you as a python just pouncing on "poor, faithfilled, Binkey" and his family. After forcing myself to watch "Talk of the Town." I felt as though I was being fed a lot of propaganda. Mr. Hinson even compared the readers to pigs and you, the bad pig farmer feeding us a lot of slop. Not so Mr. Hinson, it is you and other Binkey people being fed the slop. Your ears and eyes are closed to the facts and the truth. Binkey, by his own admission, is a bad bookkeeper and he plead guilty to embezzlement of public funds. What has happened has not taken place over a period of a few months, it's been going on a long time. You asked that Binkey be forgiven, and I agree with that. Forgiveness, however, doesn't mean that he should be turned loose to keep on being a bad bookkeeper and embezzler. How foolish would it be to put him back in the same position he made such a mess of for so long? The voters of Natchez need to make a choice for good or bad, right or wrong. We've been deceived too long. Thank You Kevin for helping to wake the people up to the facts and the truth.
Posted by ntcsoccerdad (anonymous) on August 26, 2007 at 10:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Whats not fare about the entire deal is Slinky has cost 2 other candidates a chance at the office. Mr Cooper you should not forget the AG nor the Judges in Natchez that recused themselves from the case. If they had done there job Binky would not even be the topic today other than he is in Jail for his wrong doings. So lets not forget the AG when you vote this year and the judges in the next election, because we sure dont need them sitting on the bench next time.
Posted by dottie (anonymous) on August 27, 2007 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Cooper, come on now, let's not leave anyone out.
This is the first I've heard about the AG and judges
recusing themselves in the Binkey Vines case. If this
is true, it is newsworthy and the public needs to know. I would still like to know what role, if any,
the DA played in the Binkey Vines plea acceptance
With all that has been reported, I'm surprised to learn anyone has been left out.
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on August 27, 2007 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Cooper,
While I agree that it does seem like the voters of Adams County would want a bit more attention to detail from the Clerk's office, I believe the frquency and tone of the articles your paper published regarding Mr. Vines may well have swayed the voters to do the opposite of what you would have wished.
While you may call Natchez your home, the fact is that many of the Natchez families have been here for generations and make a stronger claim, at least in their minds. Others have been here decades, and have deep roots in the religious and cultural life of the community. At times your paper does not seem to understand the depth or tenor of neither the local religious life or cultural life; your paper inspired many, including me, to feel a certain amount of mercy for Mr. Vines and his family.
Further, many in this area are Democrats poliitcally, and your paper often sounds like a Republican mouthpiece in the way it presents certain articles relating to development and corporations. The articles and editorials your paper published were seen by many to be a Republican attack.
With highest regards,
EnKiKur
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on August 27, 2007 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dottie, Kevin is on point with regards to the DA of Mississippi and other judges. As another poster noted, they recuesed themselves from the Binkey issue, and the DA specifically stated when asked about this, and I am paraphrasing, that he would leave the law and the local government, to how Binkey would be dealt with, upon his admission to guilt. This did make the news at the time it occured, but of course for obvious reasons, did not stay out in the media, for very long. Also I might add, I know everyone is upset with Binkey, and rightfully so, because he was entrusted with tax payer funds, and the handling of such, and failed. But I also think the brunt of your fury, should rest with the judicial system, who not only offered and accepted Binkey's plea BARGAIN, but then also turned around and gave some legal jargon as to why he was not removed from the office altogether, let alone allowed to run again.
Posted by 2of4 (anonymous) on August 27, 2007 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think our local DA and judges are the ones who recuesed themselves, yet no one has asked why they did not do what they promised to do when sworn into office. Sometimes when you are elected you might have to do something that may take away from your popularity but in the end might earn you more respect. It seems as though the whole Binkey adventure could have ended a long time ago, if our very own elected officials had protected us as they are supposed to.
Posted by kolb (anonymous) on August 27, 2007 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It would make sense for the two local Circuit Court judges to recuse themselves because of their working relationship with Binky. Probably a judicial review of the judge who did hear the case needs to be made. However, remember that most of the time, the law is not about right or wrong but about technicalities. Maybe there is some loophole in the law, which there usually is, that allowed the Binkster to get the deal that he got. Or maybe he was suprised as anyone that he got such a sweet deal. I don't live in Adams County but I am going to predict that this election will not even be close and the Binkster will be yesterday's news after tomorrow. If I wrong, I will be back to eat crow on Wednesday. But the reality is that predicting politics is like beating the odds in Vegas -- you might get it right and you might not. I may try to predict but I am not going to bet the farm either way.
Posted by NatchezMr (anonymous) on August 27, 2007 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Years ago when Edwin Edwards and David Duke ran for Governor of Louisiana, there was a campaign slogan (probably not approved by Edwin) that said, "Vote for the crook. It's important." In our upcoming Circuit Clerk election, I propose that we have a campaign slogan that says, "Vote against the crook. It's important"
Posted by dottie (anonymous) on August 27, 2007 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Teach4Peace
Thank you for your comments. Perhaps the judicial
system is the #1 culprit in the Binkey saga and
we've allowed them to escape our tongue lashings.
Chances are, had this remained in the news for a
longer period of time, many of us would have been
taking the system to task, and rightfully so. Mr.
Vines has had alot of assistance in getting to
where he is at this time.
Posted by jessie (anonymous) on August 27, 2007 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
natchezmr, i was one of those who had to vote for the crook and will do the opposite in this election
Posted by dfbrown68 (anonymous) on August 27, 2007 at 11:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, in less than 24 hours all the wondering will be over. Mr. Vines will continue to serve the citizens in Adams County, Mr Harris will continue to serve the citizens of Jefferson County.I feel that Mr Vines and Mr Harris should both enroll in some bookkeeping classes, so that in the future MISTAKES like this won't happen. Good luck, Mr Vines and Mr. Harris
Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on August 28, 2007 at 2:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
KEVIN COOPER YOU SHOULD BE FIRED FROM YOUR POST YOU PATHETIC IDIOT.ALONG WITH LARRY GARDNER AND THE FOOLS RUNNING OUR ELECTIONS.AND TO DRAG PEOPLES NAMEE THREW THE MUDD CAUSE YOU SEE IT FIT IS A SHAME,SHAME ON THE DEMOCRAT,SHAME ON THIS SO CALLED DEMOCCRATIC PROSCESS.I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NEWS PAPER FROM THE DEMOCRAT EVER AGAIN.AND I PLAN TO RALLEY TO HAVE THIS PAPER BOYCOTTED CAUSE OF ALL THE BIAS CRULE PATHETIC LIES IT TELLS.STICK THAT IN YOUR BLOG.AND TODAY BINKY WILL BE RE-ELECTED BY A LANDSLIDE AND YOU CAN DO NOTHING TO STOP IT YOU STUPID LITTLE MAN.
Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on August 28, 2007 at 4:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
AND ANOTHER KEVIN COOPER AND ALL WHO HAVE ALREADY CONVICTED BINKY.IT WAS NEVER PROVEN BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUT THAT BINKY STOLE ONE CENT FROM ADAMS COUNTY.NO PROOF WHAT SO EVER.ONLY THE MISPLACEMENT OF FUNDS THAT WAS EVENTUALLY FOUND LATER.AND NONE OF THESE FUNDS WERE FOUND IN BINKYS PERSONAL BANK ACCOUNTS.AS FAR AS IM CONCERNED AND MOST OF THE BINKYS SURPORTERS FEEL BINKY IS INNOCENT OF ALL HE HAS BEEN ACCUSED OF DOING.AND FURTHER MORE I BELIVE LARRY GARDNER EDDIE WALKER AND YOU KEVIN COOPER ARE ON A WITCH HUNT.YOU SIMPLY DONT LIKE BINKY AND WANT HIM OUT NO MATTER WHAT THE COST.I FEEL AN INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE LAUNCHED INTO WRONG DOINGS OF LARRY GARDNERS OFFICE AND THE CONSPIRITORS KEVIN COOPER AND EDDIE WALKER SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED TO SEE HOW MUCH OF THIS TRASH STARTED AT THERE HANDS.I BET YOU FIND ALOT OF DIRTY LANUDRY OR SKELETONS IN THERE CLOSET IF THEY WERE LOOKED INTO.
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on August 28, 2007 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Pardon me, I meant AG, not DA.
Posted by dottie (anonymous) on August 28, 2007 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
supertrucker. I trust you aren't running around loose
on planet Earth. You've clearly never read the Natchez Democrat in the first place. You have made
my day and where ever you are, I wish you a nice day.
Posted by lambchop (anonymous) on August 28, 2007 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations supertrucker47. No one could have said it any plainer -- this is a true representation of bias, narrow mindedness and stupidity anyone could read.
Mr. Cooper has stated the facts.
Being a retired banker, I am expressing the actions of Binkey in the line of profession if he were a teller at one of the local banks. Mr. Vines, who happens to be a friend of mine, admittedly embezzled and misused taxpayer funds from "poor bookkeeping."
Had Mr. Vines been a banker and had embezzled, misused depositors funds or misrepresented the bank by poor bookkeeping measures, you would be the first to want that person fired or arrested. "Your" funds would be compromised and the amount in your account might have been compromised.
Any teller or financial employee/officer who misrepresents himself/herself with financial funds is discharged, and in some cases incarcerated. Depositors would expect nothing less.
Taxpayers vote for persons "they" believe to be honest beyond a reasonable doubt, to take the interest of the taxpayer above and beyond the interest of themselves. Each person elected represents each taxpayer, regardless of color, religion, ethic background, personal wealth or party affiliation. A public official is employed by the the taxpayers within the community, and that public official, regardless of how likeable he/she may be, how much he/she has done for the community, has an obligation of high standards and respectibility. Anything less is clearly not acceptable.
Supertrucker47, you charge Mr. Cooper, and I charge you for ignorance and hypocritical nonsense. Mr. Cooper does not care if you choose not read the paper again or not, but I can guarantee you will so that you can be an agitator. You are an individual with much bias and loves to pour it out to others. Your ignorance of computer savvy is shown as you type in all caps which is "shouting" in computer lingo.
Give us a break and speak to your family and not to us. Binkey Vines deserves not to be reelected and I hope most will throw their votes to Mr. Walker. Mr. Walker will have to live up to the same high standards in order to be reelected if he chooses to do so in the next circuit court election.
Binkey, I wish you the best and hope that you can repay the debt to Natchez for which you owe it. But, I mostly am in sympathy with your family who will have difficulty holding their heads up high until your actions are in the past and can be laid to rest. I will still greet you as a friend and am not judging your weakness, for that is what it is. Your weakness is like an alcoholics weakness or a gambler's weakness. Get some help.
Posted by sarabug (anonymous) on August 28, 2007 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
One thing I would like to say is, I am tired of hearing Binkey bring up God in every speech he makes. He thinks if he is a "Christian" that maybe people will think better of him. But we all know if he was a "Christian" he would not have lied and cheated the city the way he did. As for supertrucker47 you sound like an idiot. You are very uneducated!
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on August 28, 2007 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Supertrucker scares me. I hope I don't run into him today. Of course I will know who he is because he will be screaming and calling everyone names at the top of his voice. Don't worry Mr. Cooper, if supertrucker refuses to buy a Democrat. I was thinking of sending subscriptions to my kids who live out of town anyway. Thank you for all your honesty and insights, you are doing a great job!
Posted by dancingpig (anonymous) on August 28, 2007 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey, supertrucker47, Mr. or Ms. lambchop has you pegged. Just hush. Okay? I doubt you've read any of his works but I think, in developing one of his more popular novels, Winston Groom was thinking of people like you when he wrote, "Stupid is as stupid does."
Posted by 2of4 (anonymous) on August 28, 2007 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Supertrucker47 for hating Mr. Cooper and the Natchez Democrat you sure do read it online now don't you? Mr. Cooper has done an outstanding job of reporting.
Posted by soccermom (anonymous) on August 28, 2007 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with lambchop; Binkey needs help. And if he's so concerned about how this is affecting his family, then do the manly thing and pull out of the race and resign from office. I doubt anyone would care what he's doing after that, and would leave him and his family alone. I think he lives for all this attention that he's getting. When a friend of mine went into the Circuit Clerk's office last week to vote absentee, Binkey approached him, discovered he wanted to vote and told him he would get someone to help him, that he wasn't allowed to touch the ballots. Too bad he wasn't allowed to touch the taxpayers' money either!
Posted by whatitis (anonymous) on August 28, 2007 at 5:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Supertrucker is just like an empty can on the back of a truck-he is just a bunch of noise!!! Evidently you drive cross country, because you don't have a clue of what is going on here in the City of Natchez!
Posted by seeemeeego (anonymous) on August 28, 2007 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, the voters of Adams County have taken care of the problem. They've managed to do what Binkey should have done after pleading guilty. The voters have elected Eddie Walker. and hopefully he will restore honor and dignity to the office of Circuit Clerk.
Posted by Idefinitelymight (Tom Scarborough) on August 28, 2007 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope Binky will now quickly and quietly recede into the ignominy he so richly deserves. He has been an incredibly divisive influence within our town and county over the past few months. It is disappointing when one man's grasping ambition winds up polarizing an already divided community. Binky's steadfast refusal to do the honorable thing by stepping down made it transparently clear that when push came to shove, Binky was in it for Binky--the citizens of Adams County be damned. My faith in the Natchez electorate has been restored--for the time being.
Posted by ratherbefishin (anonymous) on August 28, 2007 at 10:18 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by jessie (anonymous) on August 28, 2007 at 10:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
my faith is restored in our city.
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