Posted by justmeinchez (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 12:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How refreshing! It has always scared me to vote for the candidate you support. This time I feel even more confortable in my choice to vote for Chick Granning for Mayor! The youth, inexperience and fact that you three are not Natchezians, nor the fact that only one of you may be here for the long haul, again poses the question as to why The Democrat assumes it has such an impact in deciding who should win in any election, from supervisor to mayor to alderman. Again, how refreshing as I cast my ballot for Granning for Mayor!

Posted by olderthandirt (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 12:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Chick Graning gets my vote on Tuesday. The only time I have heard Jake speak at an alderman meeting (other than giving his recreation report) has been since he has been running for mayor. I think Chick is the right man for the job. On a side note, I think i remember who the Democrat endorsed for mayor 4 years ago.They should stick to reporting the news.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 12:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am talking to a lot of people and everyone so far with the exception of a few agree with me that as usual, in this case, the DEB is eating the "Rotten Apple" in this election!

Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 1:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Years ago, in 1997, I accompanied a friend to Vicksburg for a bankruptcy hearing and there was a man there from Natchez filing for bankruptcy. I can't say for sure that it was the same guy that's now running for office, but I would think that would be something that the people of Natchez should know about the candidates, and it could easily be checked out. Do candidates have to report things like filing for bankruptcy, in the past, when they run for office?

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 4:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The purpose of periodic elections is to prevent the establishment of kingships. The long traditon of members of the royal court seeking to replace the king in furtherance of personal agendas illustrates the downside to experience.

From the establishment of kingship at Ur to the democratic kingships of today, from the bronze age to the silicone, the same story has been told over and over. The revolving door policy is a good one; a publicly approved plan for society's direction under revolving leaders a better one.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 6:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just as I predicted - the Democrat would be unable to endorse a Graning. Does this qualify me as a "pundit"? (insert little yellow smiley face here)

Posted by kpage (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Best of luck, my Natchez friends! I hope yall get what yall need.

Posted by Natchezms (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Although I disagree with your Mayor endorsement, I can at least undertand your reasoning. However, your endorsement of Pollard defies all logic. The only reason you give is experience. So sitting in Board meetings and never opening your mouth and never doing anything for four years qualifies as experience? Participating in back room deals and ignoring citizens is experience? Being part of a corrupt administration is experience?

But somehow being an active citizen and becoming knowledgable about issues is not? Fighting for the rights of residents against all odds is not? Sitting through years of frustrating Board meetings trying to accomplish progress is not?

You blew it big time on this endorsement. Gwen Ball is worth 50 Bob Pollards. I only hope the voters show more wisdom and sense that you did - and they usually do.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Chick is the only candidate who has shown me that he understands the direction the whole country is moving in and understands that we need to control that direction from the local level.

He is the only one that has even mentioned smart growth, and though he didn't say much about it, smarth growth involves some very good ideas. Like a city bus system that runs on clean burning biodiesel or ethanol made not from corn or other staples but from biomass. In these days of high gas prices, a city bus system running on locally produced biomass fuel would be a blessing. It would help offset the dirty fuel emissions the tourism industry brings to town, and it would save the ordinary people having to use their own cars to get to work. Many benefits to a city bus system running on clean fuel.

Smart growth in the wrong hands can be hurtful as well as helpful though. It can be used to abridge personal rights, and I would be suspicious of any candidtate who didn't talk openly about it. These changes are coming and we need people in office who can embrace change while protecting our individual rights at the same time.

Posted by acedog (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the natchez democrat has become more involve in the local politics,then i can ever remember. i just wish you guys stand up and be a voice for the community as a whole. speak on more issues that are dealing with the youth in this community. the city of natchez has neglected, ignored forgot about the needs of the youth of this community. there is absolutely nothing for these kids to do in the summer months. no public swimming pools. no kind of city sponsor mentor group. no summer job programs. everybody dosen't have the means to enroll there kids in a summer camp or club. so i say to the THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT put more energy on stories that are truly going to influence someone's life. put pressure on these politicians, the churches and the rest of the so call leaders in this community. to stand up. AND WE WONDER WHY THESE KIDS ARE RIDING AROUND SMOKING DOPE , HAVING BABIES, ITS SIMPLE BUT SAD THERE IS NOTHING ELSE FOR THEM TO DO.

Posted by straightshooter1 (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

acedog, you are absolutely correct

Posted by straightshooter1 (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And goodluck Jake!

Posted by acedog (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BREKING NEWS:: THE CITY OF NATCHEZ BOARD OF ALDERMAN AND ADAMS COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS HAVE JUST BEEN INDITED ON******** 15,000 COUNTS********* OF CONTRIBUTING TO THE DELINQUENCY OF A MINOR!

COUNT 1: STATES THAT ADAMS COUNTY HAVE NEGLECTED TO PROVIDE PROPER RECREATION.

COUNT 2: STATES THAT ADAMS COUNTY HAS INVESTED $5 MILLION DOLLARS IN A JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER TO JAILED SAID JUVENILES. MAKE YOU SAY UMH! BUT CAN'T FIND MONEY TO FUND PROPER SUMMER RECREATION.

ADAMS COUNTY HOW DO YOU PLEA TO THESE CHARGES. GUILTY OR NOT?

LETS' STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT!

Posted by CitizenSane (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, this may explain the Democrat Editorial Board's outright refusal to report on the well-documented safety issues regarding the current plan for development of the Pecan Factory site. On their desks sit all of the engineering and geological reports regarding this project. Yet, don't look to your local newspaper to inform you on this topic. It's not going to happen.

I see that Jake Middleton, in his advertisements, is taking credit for any and everything that could possibly be perceived as positive during past adminstrations, including the $26 million soil-nailed wall experiment in our loess bluff. I wonder if he will take "credit" when the wall and the bluff collapse because of unsafe development, above and below the bluff?

One of my chief concerns about Mr. Middleton is that when you talk with people who live in his ward, many of them follow him not because of what he will do for their ward or the whole of Natchez, but because he gives them the impression that he is the champion of the little man AGAINST the evildoers who live and work downtown. Yet folks think he will be a "consensus builder?" I don't get it. Sounds more like a remarkable chameleon ... in other words, first and foremost, he is a politician.

Mr. Graning is"Natchez first." His focus is on what he "will" do for all of us. Education, balanced budget, healthy economy.

Also, Graning promotes fair business dealings for everyone, not just a few political cronies with special interests. Everyone will have a chance under Graning.

As for Bob Pollard? I can't think of anything he has done other than follow the herd into the back room.

Gwen Ball will take a flashlight into the backroom ... and I'm sure that scares the wealthy behind-the-scenes movers and shakers who prefer the dark.

I say "Gwen Ball for Alderman and City Council Watch Dog." We need at least ONE PERSON on the council who is brave enough to play that role.

If Mr. Graning and Ms. Ball are elected, then EVERY ONE OF US IN NATCHEZ WILL BENEFIT FROM KNOWING WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON IN OUR TOWN.

If you are interested in fairness, opportunity and an even playing field for all, vote Graning and Ball.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Everyone should be sure to search the term "consensus building" and learn what it means. It doesn't mean what it sounds like. Especially with regard to economic development.

Posted by NatchezEnema (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Chic for mayor? In all fairness read this question I asked him on TOURISM IN NATCHEZ. I did not ask him about gas or or other industry that has left Natchez. He was very evasisive and spinned like a top. Hello Chick, In your tv ad you said you took a business from 0 to retirement in 16 years. In the last 16 years Natchez has spent untold millions on our "tourist industry". During the 70's and early 80's we had a booming tourist industry with no casino,no convention center as now,no large scale visitors center or all of the hotels we have now nor was the city goverment directly involved in it. Other towns that had a non existant tourism industry when we were in our hayday have grown by leaps and bounds even surpassed us while ours have stedily declined despite the millions spent and new facilities. It is common knowledge, though few admit, that our tourism industry is in peril. Do you agree that it has been burdened with poor management and lack of new vision? and what will you do to get it back on the right road from 0 to 4 years. As a leader and a person who has been in sports, the military and business you know when the coach isn't winning time after time he is gone, when the business is loosing money a new boss comes in and when the general is not advancing he is replaced. Will you revamp this tired industry and bring new vision, purpose and blood to it and make it boom again? Thank you for not spinning!

Chick Graning: In all fairness, during the 70'S and even later, tourism was aided by affordable gas prices and Natchez had several major industries seated here. People were on the road visiting, the oil boom was going for at least part of the time and quite frankly, the tourism industry was not as important as it has become. Oil is gone. Three major industries are gone. Jobs are gone. Affordable gas prices are gone.

Posted by Oracle (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Chick Graning hit on a point that no one else has ever done, that I recall.

"Fix the public School System and prosperity will follow".

I certainly agree with that one and hope he can do something with what many of us refer to as "our Public Day Care Centers" since little educating seems to take place requiring ones seeking a real education to pay for private schooling.

Chick is level headed, educated, and a mature business man, I think he can do it. He's at least willing to try.

I'm not a bumper sticker person but the one I saw on an out of town vehicle last week, "DON'T RE-ELECT ANYONE" has stuck with me.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Education is the KEY! Remember Natchez - Vote Conservative!

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnK-Heard from Sam lately?

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yep, plan to be in touch with him later

Posted by chick26gt (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As you can see, I am "Chick", the 26 represents my jersey number at Georgia Tech(gt). I am extremely proud of both, and I don't particularly care who knows it or what they think of it. I joined this blog to answer NatchezEnema's statement that I danced around the tourism question posed by the intelligencia at the N.D.
To put it bluntly, I was cut off by "we're out of time" exactly where you see my answer end. Naturally, no explanation of that was given by the "fairness experts" at the Democrat. If you are interested in the rest of my answer, here it is.
Any time conditions change, either locally or on a national scale--and both occurred following the 70's and 80's, the methods, systems, and often the people needed to deal with the new situations must be brought under close scrutiny. In my opinion, when these facets of the tourism industry either fail to adapt, or do so inadequately, to the new conditions, they are all subject to being changed or replaced. The new assessment is a neccessary and proper first step---only if it is properly administered,i.e., the funds are used only for the promotion of Natchez, and no single private entity can profit from them. I have confidence at this time that the committee in charge of appointing the budgeting group will place there people whose sole agenda is ALL of Natchez and is not self-serving. Oversight and final approval by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen is written into the Bill, and as Mayor, I can assure you due dilligence will be observed. In short, Natchez needs this new source of funding. It is essential for the scope and breadth of advertising needed in todays tourist world.
NatchezEnema( please get a more dignified name!), I hope this more clearly defines my position. If you have further questions, please address them to this blog.
Thanks for your interest.
Chick Graning

Posted by chick26gt (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One more brief thought-- if any one has questions as to where I stand, why I stand there, or wish to voice dissent regarding my positions, please feel free to let me know via this blog. I welcome the opportunity to learn new ideas.
Chick

Posted by blackwood (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks Chick. I agree about a new name for you Natchezenema. For a while I was reading nothing that you wrote because I thought you were a child.

Marc Blackwood

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hello Chick. Jake Middleton is proposing to beautify the entrances into Natchez with chain-gang prison labor. While I'm not against making convicts work, I think its a very bad idea for them to be seen working in tourist areas of town and also on our entrances. I don't think this is good business. Could you please give me your opinion on this?

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chick,

The wording of the bill says "the financial plan adopted by the commission shall be submitted to and approved by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen..."

That should read "the financial plan adopted by the commission shall be submitted to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen for approval or rejection..." The possiblity of a lawsuit is written into the bill as is and sure as day breaks someone is going to take advantage of it.

Then, the NCVB crew presided over the sinking of the first voyage of the convention ship, with the captain abandoning the foundering vessel to his capable crew in favor of a new position with Hotel Consultants..taking with him a city check for 240,000 to do the job he abandoned when working in the public interest, This does not inspire confidence.

Thanks,
Marty Ellerbe

Posted by chick26gt (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OGD, Thx for your question. I respectfully disagree with you regarding the use of CCA's least violent/ dangerous inmates to beautify our entrances. I'm sure the vast majority of our visitors have witnessed prison or jail labor working on the roadsides. In fact, as a child, I remember travelling and being excited seeing gangs of prisoners doing roadside labor,black and white striped clothes and all. I also remember determining that I would never have cause to do that kind of work. In addition, I strongly support the use of city jail inmates to keep the down town clean, as it should be. Another thought-- instead of suspending so many sentences, our courts might consider community service ( cleaning up our town ). This would free up these young men in "city black and white" to clean up some of these unsightly vacant lots and do the more rigorous jobs neccessary to keep our city clean. All three of these labor uses would save the city money! Now, this was introduced by my opponent. Well guess what--- we can get a ton of stuff done if we don't care who gets credit! He mentioned the CCA, I added most of the rest. Thanks for your interest.
Chick

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chick,

The Constitution forbids involuntary servitude in this country except as penalty for certain crimes, which non violent inmates do not fall under. So, if CCA is to hire out inmates at low rates and profit off their labor, do you feel that profit should go to the individual victims of the individual crimes, or to the shareholders of CCA, some of whom are alleged to have connection to narco trafficing in South America?

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chick, thanks for the answer and for being honest. I'd love for you and Jake to both reconsider, at least as far as their use in the most public areas are concerned. Personally, I think it sends a bad message to tourists. As I've said before, if we're gonna have to look at them, let's go ahead and put the proverbial chains on their legs and pay 'em extra to sing. That will make them a tourist plus instead of a minus. So please at least consider "plan b".

Best wishes,
OldGrandDad

Posted by NatchezEnema (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you for a little more clarity in you answer. I still do not know if you think the tourism industry has been burdened with miss management and lack of new vision, or what do you plan on doing to do in 0 to 4 years to get it back on track. Are you saying that you think this industry has been operated with proficiency, professional management and we have done all we could do with what we have invested in millions of tax payers dollars? If not, do you trust them to give them more? Do you think we have exhausted all options before raising a tax or biting the hand that feeds us? Jake says he will give free water for a month and it is legal. Why not, don't give free water for a month and just take what the water co. makes in a month and give that to the tourist industry ad campain? What is the difference? To much election hype that we have heard before if you ask me. As for my name, I don't think it is anymore inappropriate than a Viagra or Erectile dysfunction commercial on tv. It turns heads, doesn't it? Makes people notice or listen. Maybe our tourist industry needs to have the same attitude and dilangence to get people listening about touring in Natchez. I will consider making it, Natchez E. Either way my family, freinds and my vote is just as powerful as anyone elses. I think this tax will pass and I support our tourist industry to the fullest As I do Sally Durkin and Connie Taunton. The Lord and I know they have both climbed enough mountains trying to make Natchez better! I don't know why when somone speaks up for and demands accountability, oversight, transparentcy and results in the tourist industry they are called the Enemy. Shurley you demanded the same in your business. I am sure you saw Star Wars the movie. Remember the gold robot c3po? If this tax passes and it is squandered away, we are going to be saying his famous quote "We're Doomed". Anyway, all I did was ask a question, no reason for anybody to get defensive or try to belittle a voter. Thank you for stepping to the plate and taking some heat. That goes a long way with me!

Posted by chick26gt (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

NE
I responded to your post on the "Tourism Tax" article of today's paper. Hope it answers your questions. And where the water issue is concerned, maybe EKK can read MS Code 21-27-7 and post his findings re legality. We'll see if his findings are the same as the opinions I got from our attorneys. In addition, there are at least 2 other grounds upon which a reduction or elimination of the water rates might be deemed illegal.
Chick

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chick,

As it stands right now, if the Creek Authority doesn't have a contract with the municipality of Natchez, it doesn't have any say over the rates there. But, as soon as it does, and if it does, I haven't looked that up yet, it would be illegal. That decision would have to made by the Authority. I'll look up the bill you mentioned when I have time and see what I think it says. I'm not a lawyer but I am a pretty good reader and I read a lot of cases and government documents. and laws are supposed to be written in such a way that all can understand them. Sometimes that all doesn't seem to include judges, unfortunately. But thanks for the bill number, I find that stuff fascinating.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rushinghjr...thank you for asking after me...as it happens, I took my weekend to come home and vote for Chick!

It is so nice to actually have a candidate to come blog with us and answer questions directly. Whether you agree with Chick or not, you have to admire the man's courage, honesty, integrity and energy! So far, I've been but a mere representative of what, knowing him, I thought he might say...now you have it from the candidate himself...keep asking questions...you may not get the answer you want, but you'll at least get an honest, well-considered one.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Regarding water bills...the point is not even whether the issue is illegal...although, if it is illegal, if Jake does it and gets in trouble, Butch could be in trouble too, unless the statute of limitations has run out...be that as it may, the question is a matter of morals and ethics...why, just now, has Jake come out with this?...obviously to "buy" votes...he learned well from Butch...it is highly un-ethical and immoral, if not illegal...since when do we want politicians who only heed the law and not morality or ethics?...it's just not American, in most states anyway (a little nod at LA here...LOL).

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 7:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OGD...you are officially a pundit, since you prognosticated, were proved to be correct, and as of now, have been recognized as such by a fellow blogger...there, how's that...feel better?...I thought not...LOL.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 7:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

acedog & straightshooter1...while disagree with you somewhat, in that you state the problem with today's youth is a lack of things to do (I'm paraphrasing here) being the reason for their misbehavior, drug and legal problems (I believe it is primarily the fault of the parents).

Having said that, it is true that they need more recreational outlets, but I didn't have much to do either when I was growing up, and I managed to stay out of jail and the drug business...thanks to my parents.

Unless, and until, the school system can be fixed, and the budget can be balanced in order to free up ill-used funds and entice more industry/business to Natchez to provide more dollars for recreation, how can we justify expenditure on recreation while letting these other matters suffer?

What did Jake do for recreation while on the BOA for 16 years? You're still complaining about it. He's trying to tell you now that everything will be fine when you elect him and the next two casinos open up and fill the City's coffers...we'll have everything including new recreation, streets, bureaucracy, etc. and the world will be rosy...don't buy it...he's playing the populist card of Huey P. Long promising a chicken in every pot, a car in every shed and everyman a king...was it true in the 1920's? No. Is it true now? No.

Maybe it's time for another approach. Do you really think a former professional athlete and college coach doesn't cherish recreation as a means to reach out to young people...think about it.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MS 21-27-7

"It shall be unlawful for any municipally owned waterworks to supply water free of charge, or in any amount less than the fixed charges, to any person, firm or corporation, except as is expressly authorized by law. "

That one is hard to misinterpret. Maybe a Coahoma County judge could find a way to.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think they intend to use the money from the hospital sale for the recreation complex Sam.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnK...what makes you think that any money will actually be made from the sale of the hospital or that it will be used for recreation?

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnK...speaking of water...how's life on it?

Am I correct that Butch Brown pulled the "free water" stunt some years back? If so, how did he manage to get around this statute, although we know he had a good lawyer in his pocket.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Peace007...by putting up a statement like you did about an unidentified person being in bankruptcy court and relating it to this mayoral race you have eccentially besmirched both candidates since the people have no facts upon which this is based...

I'm reasonably sure that Chick will tell you if he was there...I'm almost as sure that Jake won't, but the facts need to be out before an open statement like yours is posted.

Posted by chosen2044 (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think that the fine people pf Mississippi also needs to be more careful of who they vote into office. They can make promisesbut how many people once voted into office really holds up to what they say they will do.
When it comes time to elect a new governor, I hope that you will elect one that does his job instead of hiding behind a desk and paper, ones that has the guts to what is right and not play God with people's life like him, Ronnie Harper and the Supreme Court has done in the case of Jeffrey Keith Havard.
Go to this link, an article written by Radlo Balko:
http://www.theagitator.com/2008/05/30/mi...

There are many fine politicans in Mississippi but then there are the ones like Ronnie Harper that has helped ruin a man's life. Mississippi will never admit they are wrong for what they have done.
And to think that the man you voted for Governor Hailey just played God and allowed the execution of a retarded man. he caves into pressure and this has been demonstrated time and time again.
The reason that the Supreme Court gave in Jeffrey's case for denial was to say the least crazy. I think that peopl should investiagte the background of the judges, they may have had the saying in this ruling, but it is not over.
Jeffrey will be free without or with the support of the governor and the judges.

Posted by chosen2044 (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://www.mississippi-justice.com/Jeffr...

As most of you know, “primary evidence” was recently obtained by my side (for the first time) and tested. Part of the evidence consisted of x-rays which conclusively answers the State’s primary question, i.e., why does there appear to be anal trauma (dilation), their contention for the underlying felony? The x-rays (essentially photographic evidence) confirm large amounts of air in the stomach and bowels. Combine this with the “flaccid” condition and abdomen “distension” (noted at the ER the night this tragedy happened) and the anal tissue samples which are negative for trauma (laceration or contusion), and then the answer becomes quite clear as to why medical personnel observed this dilation. Conclusively clear that NO “foul play” (crime) occurred. I just wish this had been THOROGHLY investigated, instead of a rush to judgment. What has it cost both families in this matter? For Chloe’s family to be told this horrible thing had happened and, NOW, to find out there was a MEDICAL explanation that should have been told to them before I or my lawyers found out… even before I was charged. This family believed the worst possible thing imaginable…due to a rush to judgment. Forget about my ordeal and what it is costing me. This is about the truth coming out. Finally, what about the waste of tax payer’s money for the trial and the long process of costly appeals? A proper investigation would be cheaper in all aspects, don’t you think? There are TWO things I’m sure of about the investigation because this “primary evidence” was in the possession of the State: (1) The State DID test or KNOW of this evidence and failed to disclose its exculpatory value (i.e.) proof of innocence, or (2) The State, did NOT bother to test this evidence because of a rush to judgment. I tend to believe in the latter. The former, in my opinion, is much worse. Either way, neither one is proper. I believe in the latter because I sincerely believe they made a mistake because they had “blinders” on. Their minds were set, and they felt they could gain a conviction based on speculation. Their case was essentially: he was there that night, so he had to have caused this some kind of way. In closing arguments, the ADA’s statement to the jury: “Ladies and Gentlemen, don’t try to figure out what could’ve caused it” support this. Now, if the State is interested in justice, they have the chance to show that Mississippi is fair and moving in a positive direction. I will close with quotes I draw strength and inspiration from, and I sincerely hope the “deciders) of my fate have read the same and/or share a similar mindset. James Jones wrote in FROM HERE TO ETERNITY: “Strength bred of necessity which is the only real strength”. Nietzsche said, “Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies”, and Marx is quoted as saying, “If the appearance of things coincided with their essence, all science would be superfluous”.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

chosen2044...I understand why you want to comment, but this is totally irrelevant to the mayoral race.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm hearing anecdotes of missing or stolen political signs and current mayorial approval of illegal signage placement on public right-of-ways...seems the traditional political nasty tricks are in full display again...has anyone got any evidence of this?

Posted by Oracle (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Free water for a month" , woweee.

In the words of Sir Charles Barkley, an Auburn attendee,

"poor people have been voting for Democrats for 50 years.........and they are still poor".

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Apparently Jake thinks we're cheap dates...LOL.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oracle, you are correct. This water promise is classic hard-core Democrat.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 11:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chick26gt- Georgia pulled a 8-0 victory over Tech tonight, 2nd game tomorrow. Tech will play them tomorrow afternoon. LSU won their regional tonight, 11 to 4 over USM.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 11:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rushinghjr...Don't harass him, it's not Chick's fault he had to go to Georgia Tech...everyone can't be blessed with being a Mississippi State Bulldog...LOL.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on June 1, 2008 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope that all Rotarians of the Natchez Rotary Club will support and vote for Rotarian Chick Graning! Rotarian Hudson Rushing, Jr.

Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on June 2, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"poor people have been voting for Democrats for 50 years.........and they are still poor".

That's because of the Republicans that get in office and mess-up everything in between Democrats. Clinton left a surplus and Bush is leaving...IOUs?

Posted by happybunny (anonymous) on June 2, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I personally found Chick's demeanor very defensive and his attcks on Jake Middleton were childish. I plan to vote for Jake, I agree with the democrat, we need experience. His response to my question regarding industry was not satisfactory in my opinion. Yes we do need to improve dramtically in our school system but that is not the issue for new industry. We need to come up with a method of promoting our area for industry and bring back the jobs.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on June 2, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One good thing-PW is not in the race!

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on June 2, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like Peace is part of the old WOODSTOCK CREW-always delivering false and incorrect non-truths!

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on June 2, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When industry moves into an area, education is one institution that is looked at by persons with children and that is one key that business owners look at during a feasibility study. Chick has considered this item in his platform!

Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on June 2, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sam mohon, this article isn't only pertaining to the mayor candidates...in case you haven't read it...lol. I was asking a question. I didn't realize that asking questions was forbidden. Maybe I didn't word it in a good way. Can you answer my question? When a person decides to run for any public office is their credit checked and are they required to release that type of information to the public? I would think that we should know what kind of money management public officials have had with their own finances, especially when they are asking for us to vote for them to manage our town's finances. I will tell you that the person isn't running for mayor, and that perhaps that was just someone with the same name as one of the candidates, since I'm not sure what the person running as a candidate looks like. See I've learned a little something since making my first comment...I didn't include any name. lol.

Undecided Voters

Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on June 2, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wrong about Woodstock, I was at the Celebration of Life...um, celebrating life. You're right about one thing, however, rushing. I did try it, and I inhaled, but I just didn't like it. You, on the other hand, must still be trying...your head is in the clouds, or is that an alcoholic slur I'm detecting.

Clinton left billions in the budget, Bush is leaving trillions in debt. I just hope China don't decide to call the loan.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 2, 2008 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Peace...from what I know, which regretably isn't enough regarding local election law, bankruptcies are public record and therefore would be fair game for reporters if some could be found that were interested in the info.

Tax returns, I believe, even in national elections are private and can only be released to the public by the candidate. I believe that some federal and state election laws regarding expenditures, contributions, etc. are required to be disclosed, but not IRS records...I could be wrong...damn, where is EnKiKur when you really need him?

Of course it is quite desirable for you or anyone else to ask questions, but the way it was put both times indicated that one or the other was definitely in bankruptcy court...that is misleading and unfair to both candidates...unless there is proof, the question could have and should have been phrased differently...that was my point.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 2, 2008 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

happybunny...how in the world can you disconnect the sorry state of the public school system with the lack of business and industry prospects...we have an uneducated, illiterate, unmotivated, ignorant work force...what business or industry would possibly consider sending a manager or vice-president or even a janitor here if their kids had to go to our schools? What fairy tale world are you living in where education and business/industry are conjoined?

Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on June 2, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let me rephrase my comment.

I believe that all candidates should have their credit checked when they first sign up to run for any office and their credit score should be announced, lol.

Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on June 2, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry Sam, if I phrased it wrong...............it was not one of the mayor candidates that I was referring too. Is that better? I don't mind when you correct me Sam, sometimes I can use a few pointers.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 2, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Peace007...wasn't trying to correct you, not my job nor am I qualified, but it was a bit confusing and I realized that if I was confused others might be too. Thanks for participating, I enjoy your views.