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photo by Destiney Robb
Cathy Walker holds the Bible as her husband Eddie Walker is sworn in as circuit clerk Monday afternoon during an emergency meeting called by the Adams County Board of Supervisors after M. L. “Binkey” Vines was ordered to vacate his position.
Walker sworn in as circuit clerk
Published Monday, November 12, 2007
NATCHEZ — Former circuit clerk M.L. “Binkey” Vines was replaced little more than an hour after Judge Joe Webster ordered him out of office on Monday.
The Adams County Board of Supervisors appointed Eddie Walker interim circuit clerk.
Walker said he had no previous knowledge or indication of what the judge’s decision might be and was very surprised by the move.
Shortly after the judge’s ruling, Walker said, Supervisor Darryl Grennell, contacted him; to see if he would accept a position as interim circuit clerk.
Walker accepted.
Grennell then called his fellow board members to a meeting where they voted unanimously to make Walker interim circuit clerk.
In August Walker was elected to replace Vines and would have taken office in January. Walker won by over 2,000 votes.
Walker said he is looking forward to his new appointment and knows he has much to learn about his new job.
“I want to know everything there is to know about this office,” he said.
Walker said that he had planned to wait until December to start preparing to take over the office but will now expedited his process.
In December, Walker will take part in a weeklong training course designed to train incoming chancery and circuit clerks.
Walker also said he has good friends serving in the same position in other counties and plans to call on them for guidance.
Grennell said Walker has the full confidence of the board.
“We know he is going to be good for the county,” he said.
Grennell also said that one reason Walker was put in place so quickly was so that the county could get a fresh start.
And Walker will be getting the freshest of starts.
“Everything as of Friday the 9th is the old administration’s,” Walker said.
In addition to new locks on his office door Walker will be starting out his new job with fresh new accounts and journals.
“We are starting over,” he said.
On Monday afternoon Walker looked caught off guard but optimistic about the future.
“I want to make the transition as smooth as possible,” he said.
Comments
Posted by brod (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wish Eddie the best. I hope he's smart enough to get rid of the entire staff. I wouldn't trust any of them.
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on November 12, 2007 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope Walker has the where with all to get the records straight.
It is challenging enough to take over a new responsibility without the skeltons of the past.
Good luck, Eddie!
Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope Eddie can restore the trust of Adams county. Its going to be tough, good luck Eddie
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I voted for Eddie....but not pleased that he hired Wilbur Johnson to run the office him.I thought that is what he was elected for...shame on you Eddie !!!!
Posted by thetruthhurts (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Alot of breaking news today.
Posted by myopinion (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good luck Eddie. You have a nice little mess to clean up. I hope the trust of Adams County Taxpayers will NOT be broken again.
Posted by mrb (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Walker, you have a huge job ahead of you in regaining the trust of the citizens of Adams County. I think you can do it. Lots of luck.
Posted by EnKiKur (Marty Ellerbe) on November 12, 2007 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Natchez residents can thank the Natchez Democrat for focusing awareness on the failings of the former Clerk, and for his replacement. Hiding and misusing public revenue is certainly deplorable and all elected officials should be held to the most intense scrutiny possible when it comes to handling public money.
It would be refreshing to see the Democrat's award winning team do a series of articles on the Government Funds, the Proprietary Funds, the Fiduciary Funds, and the Component Units for the municipality, the school board, the port, and the water district going back at least fifteen years to show the growth of these funds and how the money was used. Natchez and Adams County residents would no doubt find it interesting to see the total, real state of financial affairs for the municipality, the school board, the port, and the water district; such a series could only bolster the spirit of fiscally responsible government the Democrat has taken the lead in championing. And, the articles would be easy to write, as this information is readily available in the Comprehensive Annual Finanical Reports every government body that accepts federal funds must prepare each year. The State CAFR's are mailed to many newspapers; perhaps the Democrat could ask to be put on the mailing list in order to bring this vital information out to the public.
Posted by 2of4 (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
she-devil - why are you surprised Eddie hired Wilbur Johnson? He had to make sure he beat Binky by making that promise to Wilbur's supporters. Word has it he made promises for his investigator position in the first primary, but he has his work cut out for him. We just have to wait and see
Posted by brod (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
DEMOCRAT STAFF ... Please don't plaster a picture of poor ole Binkey leaving the courthouse on the front page. I'm really sick of seeing the picture that's been posted the last few times... Bottom line, I'm sick of looking at him anywhere.
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry, but i think that every bad pic of him should be on the front page whether it makes us sick or not. He deserves it. No time. Now that's sickening!!!!!
Posted by eagles (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Walker, I'm afraid you have your work cut out for you. I feel bad that you are entering into such a mess. However, I sincerely hope you start digging deep and find out all of the dirty little secrets Mr. Vines thought were buried forever. I bet there are all sorts of things for you to discover. Please do the right thing and uncover these lies. Good luck!
Posted by thetruthhurts (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
poor ole Binkey? It's all fake. If he truly had remorse, he would have been bothered BEFORE with guilt. Instead, he is trying to look pitiful.... poor thang... he got BUSTED.... and GOT off with a pathetic punishment.... He will be celebrating tonight.... If I were a betting woman, I would gaurantee that!
Posted by barbarj1 (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WHO IS WILBUR JOHNSON AND WHY IS HE DOING EDDIE WALKER`S JOB. IF EDDIE IS GETTING PAID TO DO THE JOB SHOULDN`T HE BE DOING IT? ARE WE STARTING OUT ON THE WRONG FOOT AGAIN?
Posted by brod (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Now it's time to e-mail Burrrt Case at WLBT.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 5:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wilbur Johnson was another candidate for clerk. Walker has hired him to help run the office. Yes, we elected Eddie, and yes, I truely believe he will do the job. BUT - he can't run it alone, and I believe Johnson has some experience in the type of work in the clerks office. Heck, everyone hires help, even the President of the US has lots of help running his office.
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on November 12, 2007 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wilbur worked for Ferguson?
Posted by eagles (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
More importantly, did Wilbur work for Vines????
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Is it legal and who is paying Johnson??? Is this the norm or what?????
Posted by dottie (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, did Wilbur work for Binkey???????
Posted by eagles (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think this is a valid question. If Wilbur did work in the office with Binkey, we may need to re-think this! I'm not sure if Mr. Walker would be in a good situation if that were the case. Anyone know???
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If he worked for Binkey somebodies crazy. Could'nt be could it???
Posted by murph1 (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
to my knowledge mr johnson didnt work in binkeys office.
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 6:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I did'nt think so. That would have been toooo much.
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wilbur did work for Binkey....I guess he is going to teach Eddie the same tricks as he did Binkey!!!! My My
Posted by sportsgirl81 (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good luck and God Bless You Mr. Walker! I hope that your administration is able to have a clean record. It's too bad you can't enter it in a good atmosphere but it's been a long time coming for Adams County and I know you weren't supposed to start until January but if it's to better our county I'm all for you starting early! I hope that you are able to start and have the help and support that you need and that your staff won't balk at you! My prayers are with you as you start your administration!
Posted by eagles (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I thought one of his big things to help get him elected was that he had worked in that office for years and had plenty of experience. If so, just what was that experience in, how to "misuse" funds?
Posted by eagles (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 6:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I really hope we are all wrong about Wilbur working in Binkey's office. I'm not accusing him of anything, but if he did and he will be Walker's right hand man, then someone really should get down here and investigate this whole thing a little deeper. Please! Wouldn't it be nice if Mr. Walker could enter his term without a black cloud?
Posted by kayce (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Johnson did not work under Binky. He worked under Fred Ferguson.
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 7:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He also worked for Binkey !!!!
Posted by eagles (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm confused. Did he work for Binkey or not? Enquiring minds want to know! We need to know.
Posted by eagles (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry, I meant inquiring. I guess my mind was on the gossip magazine. It seems as though this story might just be juicy enough for it!
Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I do believe that Mr. Walker is intelligent enough to know that "all eyes are on him" at this time. I have faith that he will do everything within his power to do well for the people of Natchez/Adams Co. A little advice Mr. Walker, wear your thigh high rubber boots when you report to work for at least 3 months cause you will more than likely need them.
EnKiKur: I hope you forward your post as an e-mail to Kevin at the N.D. It would be very interesting to see all of the facts in writing for everyone to see where our tax dollars are being spent. How public monies are spent and distributed should never be kept from public review. There is no place for secrecy when the money is ours to begin with.
Posted by fay2ntz (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wilbur Johnson did not work for Binkey. He was one of the first one's let go under Binkey's administration due to fact of how he felt. Just like Mr. Walker is letting the entire staff go which I do not think is fair because the clerk's in the circuit clerk's office is the same just like the clerk's in the chancery clerk's office. They only take in cases, motions, and of course the money. They place the money in the cash drawers and after that it is totally out of their hands what their boss does with it. It is very disturbing to me for you people to think that because Binkey did something wrong so the people that worked under him are also crooks. I am no fan of his but in this town where jobs are far and few I wouldn't wish none of those ladies out of work especially right at Christmas. The ladies in that office were working because they have responsibilities.
Posted by fay2ntz (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 10:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Johnson is not coming to work for Mr. Walker. Mr. Walker is hiring two other ladies who were former employees of Mr. Vines. Since as of today everyone in that office is out of work, I am assume that his staff comes in with him on tomorrow.
Posted by fay2ntz (anonymous) on November 12, 2007 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Also, Mr. Johnson was a deputy clerk under Fred Ferguson for several years. He was "let go" by Mr. Vines right after he took office. I was told that he was the only one, and that Mr. Vines kept the entire office due to the fact regardless of whether they had voted for him or not, they were doing their jobs. Mr. Walker had my support but I do not understand that if the boss messes up that the entire staff has to go home. Some of those ladies knows the courts a little more that he does. He only knows the criminal part of it, not the civil, county, and etc. that that office is responsible for. Even if I didn't keep them for my entire term I would at least keep someone that knows where the office stands now in relation to what cases have been opened, etc. You people are so busying fussing about who is in the circuit clerk's office that many of you don't even know what that office is in charge of , nor how it is ran. I am also guilty of pushing the issue of who is in the office but at least I know what the office is responsible for.
Posted by supermom (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 12:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you fay2ntz!!! So many times people on here jump the gun and start blaming, and pointing fingers when they have no idea what they are talking about. I voted for Eddie and have the utmost confidence in him! I believe he is intelligent enough to know who to keep and who to let go...... This was very sudden and I'm sure there will be decisions made in the next few days that people are going to question. Let him do his job!
Posted by gmc (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 1:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Give Eddie a chance, he comes from a good county.....Franklin
Posted by natchezbum (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
shedevil as usual your clueless
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
this is totally off subject but i want to make sure everyone knows!! (AND I DON'T CARE IF I GET FUSSED AT) NATCHEZ HIGH SCHOOL GIRL SOCCER TEAM IS TODAY!!!!!! i can't be there in person my baby girl knows this but i will be there in spirit and she knows i will be screaming hooting and hollering my head off!!! YAY! DAWGS!!!
Posted by kayce (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks fay2ntz!! I knew Mr. Johnson was let go when Binky took office. I hate it that when you work in a county-elected office, you really take the risk of not having that job anymore once leadership changes. It has happened in the past. After talking with a friend who works within the county, It seems that Mr. Johnson will not be the Deputy Clerk. I hear that a woman is taking this position. I won't say any names though. Has anyone heard this?
Posted by dutchessj (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If you are going to put information on this blog, please get it straight. Wilbur Johnson is NOT working for Eddie Walker so find something else to lie about and someone else to lie on. Get a life! The election is over. Eddie is in. And if Eddie offers Wilbur a job and he takes it, Good for him. This is for all you HATERS!
Posted by noneya (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I've known Eddie Walker for years (since we were just in our 20"s)and he is a good, honest, hard working and devoted man. He won't let you down. Good luck Eddie, make us all even prouder of you (if that is possible!!)You are the best man for the job and Natchez is very lucky to have you to serve them.
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hear Binkey mat be running for president next year.
GO BINKEY IN 2008
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hear BINKY may be running for president next year.
GO BINKEY IN 2008
Posted by mpproshop (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good Luck Eddie & Cathy!
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Heck..when the county was running low on funds,I read in the Democrat that Binkey loaned the county money to get out of a bind...I dont think the county ever paid back that money
Posted by dixiecrat (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 6:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No, I haven't heard about his Presidential aspirations (although he would fit right in with the other Democratic candidates) but I will tell this story: the first time I ever met the Binkster, he was a rookie Circuit Court Clerk and he was showing me around the Clerk's office there at the Courthouse and at some point we went back into his personal office and were talking and he kind of told me his own rags-to-riches story, at the conclusion of which I kind of casually remarked "Well, is this it or is there something more - where to from here?" It was then that he kind of got a dreamy, far away look in his eye and solemnly pointed to a picture on the wall that said "Vote So-and-So for Governor." At that point he proceeded to candidly explain to me his very concrete plans to run for governor in the not-too-distant future, which seemed to me the height of hubris, even then. It's funny how things work out. Guess those plans are all washed up now, huh?
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WOW !!!! That was some story dixiecrat...I got a little teary eyed after reading it.....
Posted by cll5276 (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 6:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As a family friend, I know Mr. Eddie will be an excellent clerk. His values and friendship to our family has exceeded wonderful. I hope and pray that Mr. Eddie will take hold of this job and restore it so Adams County can grow into its full potential!
Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on November 13, 2007 at 11:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Binkey Vines the Governor. pffttt. he really was dreaming. laughable.
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