Posted by quest (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congratulations, Jake! I know you will do a great job!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Welcome to Corporate Rule, ladies and gentlemen. Say hello to higher everything.

Posted by johnwentworth (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:17 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

But you chose instead someone who failed to inform you that your water service has been turned over to an entity you can't control, whereas before a rate increase had to be voted on? And it is very unseemly to call Chic a bumbling fool. Very unworthy as well.

Posted by olderthandirt (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congratulations, Jake! I wish you the best for the next four years. Johnwentworth, there is absolutely no reason for you to be so cruel.Your comments are totally uncalled for.If you can't say something nice, keep it to yourself.Chick Graning is a human being with feelings...and a smart man even if you disagree. And I'm not kin to him.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First...Jake congratulations, I wish you, the new BOA and Natchez all the best in the next four years...if there is anyway I can be of service to you or the City, please don't hesitate to ask I will support you.

EnK...I think it unbecoming to accuse because you're afraid of what he MIGHT do, maybe he'll surprise us.

johnwentworth...what a crass thing to say...you and everyone else know that neither of these candidates were "bumbling fools"...so far the only bumbling fool I've positively identified in this whole campaign is YOU.

Posted by ThomasR09 (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congratulations Jake! You and Chick both had great campaigns!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not accusing Sam. It has already been done, and he helped appoint the people doing it, so he had to know. I am stating hard cold fact.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sam- I think we did pretty well for our 1st time!

Posted by johnwentworth (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What amazes me is how two of Chick's fans on here do not even reside in Natchez. Sam, didnt you say you were returning to vote? Isn't that considered slightly unethical and illegal?

Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on June 3, 2008 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chick, I did not vote for you but johnwentworth's comment was not necessary and the ND should delete it.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My permanent residence is on Commerce Street...I've lived there for most of my life...I'm there everytime I can get off work...my wife lives there...my children live there...my mom and dad live there...how much more stake do you propose that I need to vote in my own hometown? I consider it highly ethical and very legal to vote where I live...Jeez, what nimrod you are.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sam is a resident. Nothing wrong with a resident voting, he was working out of town.

I support Chick because he had nothing to gain from running, he was offering to serve. He also knows socialism when he sees it, which is something I can't say for about 99% of Natchez.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnK...you must remember that much of Natchez is dependent on the "welfare" or "nanny" state which is as you said socialist, but people who gain from socialism rarely recognize it or want to have something else...it is the ones who are being unfairly burdened who recognize and rail against it.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sam, have you had any time to digest the full impact of the power of the Creek Authority? It is now the most powerful political entity in Adams County. Jake helped chose two of the members of its board, if I remember the selection process right, and I am pretty sure I do.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnK...not other than what you've indicated online, but now I'll have sometime to read so why don't you give me a short bibliography on the topic?

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You have to read the bills yourself to understand. I'll go find the numbers and give you links. The NCVB bill was set up ahead of time to allow transfer of the management of the convention center to a private entity.

The Creek bill is set up to allow the Authority to go into business selling utilities in Adams County for profit, and to allow them to go into the sand and gravel business. They can even tax water, sewage, and garbage, and they are outside the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission. It appears the Authority is going to subsidize development through rates, fees, and assessments on Adams County residents. It is certainly designed to do that.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chick...it was a courageous race, a noble effort done for all the right reasons. It reminds me of a piece of advice that was given me, ironically, by Mayor Larry L. (Butch) Brown. He said, "Sam...you can't be a hero in your own hometown"...of course he said that right before cutting my throat, but I think it fits here...Natchez voted for continuity and not for progress...so be it...you'll land on your feet and excel in other areas, you always have! I'm proud to be your friend and I was proud you allowed me to help your campaign.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tax bill: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documen...

Creek Authority: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documen...

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nice campaigns run by both men, both very nice gentleman. Congrats Jake!

Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not very many people went out to vote. How many registered voters are there inside the Natchez city limits?

Posted by olderthandirt (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnKiKur, do you know who the folks are on the board of the water deal? Just curious. Thanks for the link.

Posted by bombingeight (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Chick Graning is a good man and would have been a fine mayor for Natchez. The voters spoke. The race is over. If the winner will be as good a mayor as Chick would have been, Natchez will have a good mayor.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Woody Allen, James West, Leon Crawford, Vidal Davis, and Leroy White, if their website is current.

These are the people who are negotiating a contract with Rentech. Rentech has millions of dollars and some very high power behind it. Who do you think is going to prevail in these negotiations? Rentech has already proven its mastery in negotiation.

And get this. This Authority was set up at Rentech's request!

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like a "stacked deck"!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is called a public/private partnership in Department of Commerce language Hudson. It is just like the deal where Entergy is going to increase rates now to build a new nuclear plant in the future. Private companies are given access to the capital produced by taxpayers to fund their enterprises. It is the same as the convention center and convention center hotel deal with Hotel Consultants and Carlson group. This is why I was so opposed to the tax. It is a very very bad thing. It is just like the resident of Vidalia giving up their electrical rebates and having to pay higher electrical rates to buy the land for Wal-Mart to put the new superstore, plus a gift of an extra 3 to 4 hundred thousand.

Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who would want to canoe in a creek where they throw dead cows,and raw sewage is poured into it???

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You are right again! I can't wait to see what is next?

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All that is going to come to an abrupt stop ranger. The Creek Authority can enter any land, public or private, for the purpose of "examination and inspection". It is the pollution control Authority in Adams County. It can't fine but it can cut off your sewer service, and it can call in the Environmental Protection Agency quicker than a cat can lick a saucer of milk.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnK...I took a few minutes to review the bill regarding the St. Catherine Authority...I think you're making much ado about not much...it's a waste water/storm drainage authority and not much more...the Board of Supervisors appoint all of the members of the Authority and the city BOA has nothing whatever to do with it...it is a subdivision of the State of Mississippi and therefore subject to it...looks to me like it's basically Natchez and Adams County's first step toward consolidation, except that any utilities currently under the jurisdiction of the PSC are not affected by the legislation...you're making this sound like a big conspiracy...I don't think so...it's written like many other authorization bills about similar concerns.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, at least PW is out of the picture!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 10:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You better read it a bunch of more times Sam. It is not subject to the State of Mississippi. It is more directly linked to the Department of Commerce. And you are right, it is the first step toward consolidation. Sam, this same thing has happened in many places in the country, with the same result all over.

If you control the water, you control the land. That is ages old. Water is a necessity.

The only thing necessary for utilities currently under PSC to come under Authority control is for the city to sign a contract with the Authority, or for the Authority to buy the city water works, which it is empowered to do.

This is not a conspiracy. It is the stated aim of the Commerce Department to erase old boundaries and institute public/private partnerships. If you don't believe me, I can show you material from their site where it is plainly stated.

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

Also, you may not know this, but some people who did not want to sell their land to the Authority have already been forced to, and they were did not like it one bit. Much more of this is to come.

The Authority, if you read again, has the power to decide what is in the best interest of the health and well being of the citizens of Adams County:

"shall be empowered in accordance with the provisions of this act to promote the health, welfare and prosperity of the general public"

You don't get to vote on what is in your best interest, and they don't have to have open meetings.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OK, EnK...say I buy that, which I don't yet...the government has long since controlled water, fresh, sea and waste...what is so earthshattering about that now...if individual citizens controlled it there would be range wars ala the 1870's in Texas.

Cities can opt not to enter into contracts with the Authority and can also choose not to sell...if it's not in their interest to do so they won't.

I don't think it's a conspiracy either...that's what I'm saying...I don't think it's as sinister as you seem to.

Posted by jepmemphis (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 10:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First & Foremost, Whoever this rushinghjr is, let me serve notice to you you. Mayor West has done more for this community than anyone I know. He stepped up and served this community well. If you had a problem with that why are you still in Natchez? Next, the community has lost great leadership in Mayor West. Now they will continue to degress in the hands of Middleton who serves special interest groups like the Garden club and we know what they stand for.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sam, up until now utilities were public service. That meant rate and fee increases hade to be voted on. Now, they are something else which is hard to pin down. The Authority sets rates, fees, and taxes according to how much money it wants to raise, no vote. Middleton will not opt out, he is for consolidation...he was part of the board that appointed two of the members of the Creek Authority.

In other places where these Authorities formed, even if you drill a well on you land you still have to pay fees and taxes on the water you use, because the water belongs to the Authority. Just like the TVA.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here, Sam, go read this and tell me I don't know what I am talking about. http://www.eda.gov/NewsEvents/Speeches3/...

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 10:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jep- Whatever I say is none of your business! I was born and reared in Natchez, I am a taxpayer and I have a residence! So I can say what I want and support who i want! Also, you can serve as many notices as you want!

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jep...Whoa there dude...you don't know rushinghjr, so you obviously don't know that while he used to live here he doesn't anymore, but is still vitally interested in Natchez.

Secondly, it's obvious you must not know many people who have done something for this community. Mayor West did far more to hurt this community before he became mayor than he ever did to repair the damage.

Third, if it was such good leadership why didn't he win?

Fourth, it's "digress" learn to spell if you choose to pontificate...go look it up.

Lastly...until tonight, I thought Chick was the pawn of the Garden Clubs and the little old blue haired ladies...when did Jake take on that role?...since he's white and he won...smacks of racism to me...but I DIGRESS.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OK, EnK...don't get on your soap box...I'm listening...I'll go back and reread the portion regarding rates, fees and taxes, but, Jake, whether he's for or against consolidation didn't appoint the board of the Authority...that's the Supervisors according to the bill.

I must have missed the part about not being able to drill a water well on your own land without paying taxes...where was it?

I know that mineral rights are reserved for the landowner except for sand or gravel, which is reserved for the authority for use primarily in filtration of water.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 10:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnK...I almost forgot...whether you or I like it or not from a political or philosophical standpoint...the TVA is one of the few of FDR's alphabet soup anti-depression agencies that actually worked and still does.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jake helped appoint two members of the local EDA. Those same five men are the Creek Authority.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnK...yes he appointed two members to the EDA, but the Board of Supervisors appointed them to the Authority...the city has no standing.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 10:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Also, I sent you an email of my correspondence with the Delta Regional Authority. Initially, when I told them I fully supported sustainable development and wanted to be a change agent, I was enthusiastically received and promised an interview with the federal co-chair. After I sent my questions in, per request, he will not speak with me. I am promised that the number two will, but I am still waiting.

You read Agenda 21 and told me you found it very socialistic. This is Agenda 21, soft policy enactment.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 10:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That is right, the city has no standing, and no control. That is a true victory for democracy, isn't it? Jake said people still like to feel they are part of the democratic process.

Do you think any of these local people developed this system on their own? Do you think they are really that bright? I don't. So who is guiding them?

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The City has control over the Waterworks which it will retain unless and until it decides to contract to the Authority or sell to the Authority (theres no guarantee the Authority would want to do either)...the only rationale for the City to do so would be if the Authority could provide better service for lower rates...

...I don't underestimate the locals and neither should you...remember no matter how smart, talented, rich, whatever you are...there's always someone out there that is more than you...BTW, you just made a lot of friends with that remark, but I doubt you really care much...LOL.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 11:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Regarding the power to tax water on your own land, the Authority has control over all ground water and is empowered to make all rules and set all fees, rates, and assessmentes necessary to meet its aims. They don't spell it out "we are going to make you pay taxes on your water well" because that would cause public outcry, but it definitely is provided for. By the time it starts happening it will be too late to do anything about it, except sue, and in other places those suits went nowhere except to make property owners bankrupt.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The county could have served all the needs of Rentech without setting up this Authority. Very simple.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sam, I more than most understand why people should fear politicians. I have paid the price already.

The city and the newspaper are against the duplication of services. Why should the city waste money on personnel when the Authority is going to contract the same thing out to other parties? The rate may be competitive initially, but that will just be to keep the people quiet.

A lawyer wrote that Authority act, not any aldermen or supervisors. I bet they don't even understand it as well as I do. And Rentech requested this. It was reported in the paper, this very newspaper that Rentech requested this Authority to be set up, and it was presented as somethng far different than what it is. Here is the article, it doesn't mention the Authority has power over the whole county:

http://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/2007...

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnK...I will deliberate further...and when I wake up I'll probably chat with you again...LOL...in the mean time, I suggest we return this blog to the original topic...we've kinda monopolized it unfortunately.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 3, 2008 at 11:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think I started the topic Sam...hehe

Wait until we finally hear what the Authority negotiated with Rentech. I am sure that will be fascinating. Five locals negotiating with the big guns who will be selling military fuel. Should be interesting to see what concessions the Authority wrangles from them.

Posted by ghost (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 1:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

3500 people voted for the mayor race? 3500 people out of a town with approx. 19,000 citizens? what a disgrace

Posted by bossman (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 6:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congratulations, Jake! I wish you the best for the next four years. I know you will do a great job for a better Natchez, a beautiful southern city with lots of history.

Posted by straightshooter1 (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 7:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Congratulations Jake! Knew you would win. Best man for the job

Posted by Negotiator (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If the price one pays for water is an issue, I suggest one is not making enough money.

Posted by triscuit (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

EKK and sam: You really did change the subject, I forgot what article I was reading comments under! Very interesting. Sam, I think NWW is separate from the city, in the same way ACWA is separate from the county. They are governed by boards of directors and they generate enough money from fees for all their operating costs. They don't get money from the city or county. NWW employees are not city employees. Except for David Gardner, which is very ... thought-provoking?

On the subject ... Congratulations, Jake!

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If one is denied water or sewage service on land he owns, I suggest that land is useless to him Negotiator. And I suggest Natchezians are far too unaware of national and international issues to make intelligent decisions when voting locally.

Posted by eagle1 (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GREAT ELECTION!!! Good job Jake!! I wish Chic the best, great, quality guy. Hope I didn't offend you in any way on these blogs.

Sammohon, glad I don't have to read your complete drivel about Jake anymore at all hours of the day and night. Jeez, what the heck do you do??? You post all night and all day.
This is what you stated a while back: "My prediction for the primary is West 64% and Middleton with 36% with a pretty good size turn out of around 40%."
Well Sammohon, it appears your numbers were somewhat accurate, it was just the wrong election. Ha, couldn't resist.

Posted by NTZglasshouses (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Enkikur-

You arent living in a cabin in the woods typing a manifesto and sending out letterbombs are you?

For someone obviously so intellegent, how horrible is it to wake up everymorning and try to figure out what you can hate about Natchez/Adams County/Public Water/The Board of Aldermen/Fat Mama's/Tourism/The Creek Authority/The Rentech Deal/etc, etc, etc.

Why don't you run for office instead of spending countless hours figuring out how Natchez is trying to make your life miserable.

If there is no seat in public office you would like to fill, I will be more than happy to purchase as many soapboxes as you would like and place them anywhere in the city for you (oh, wait, this is your soapbox).

Are there problems in Natchez...yes, are there problems everywhere else...you betcha. And more than 1% of the city of Natchez understands what socialism is. For you to say that indicates what I thought from your first post. You are arrogant, and think that you are more intellegent that anyone else in this town. Get over yourself...some of us barefoot fools in this town "gats us an edumocation two."

I also understand you supported Chick...and I think Chick is a great guy, and would have supported him 100% had he been elected...it was a tough call this time. However, somehow I feel that had he been elected, you would have found some way to disagree with that as well.

Please, please, fell free to follow my post with your uber uppety jargon about how stupid I am, what I dont know about Natchez that is going to kill me, and how much more intellegent you are than the rest of us.

Sincerely,
Karl Marx

Posted by NTZglasshouses (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh, and congrats Jake...we are pulling for you. Sorry to hijack a post under your article, but I couldn't listen to her anymore. Blahhh.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dear Karl,

I support Adams County Water Works and the Public Water Works System, and Fat Mama's because I support individual rights.

I don't support the actions of the Aldermen in allowing the Creek Authority to be created at Rentech's request because that Authority is a powerful tool to be used in favor of collective rights over individual rights. Rentech obviously intends to benefit in some way or they would not have suggested the creation of it. I also don't support appointing the same five men who serve on the EDA to serve as the board of the Creek Authority. That is too much power in too few hands.

The Tourism Cartel is also advocating use of public money for advertising private business. The argument that the money will advertise "all of Natchez" is weak and self serving; only the part of Natchez involved in tourism needs any advertising.

I am consistent on all counts of advocating individual rights over collective rights.

And Karl, your idea of establishing a central bank and government schools to establish socialism has worked like a charm in America. We now have a nation of debtors and beggars living under a staggering bureaucracy.

Yours Truly,
Andrew Jackson

Posted by dmackZuluking (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 4:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To the editor & news room of the Natchez Confederate Democrat newspaper. How could you not write about history being made World-Wide (AP). It's amazing to see how the southern democratic party , the party of the KKK came from humble beginnings. The way the Republlcan party looks today , you would not know that it was created by both Black & White citzens who served in Congress. Your paper is world wide because of this medium, so act world wide or just write print only to the people there. Because yall make everyone there seem to be in the year 1820. Oh, back to this story- Congratulations JAKE !

Posted by movedfromchez (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with ghost. What makes only about 30% of the ntz voters exercise their right? That is pathetic! You people should be ashamed of yourselves. Only 30% of the voices should be heard if there is a problem with politicians then. If there is a comment said, one first needs to be asked if they voted (not necessarily who they voted for)
On another note, I personaly know both mayoral canidates and would like for someone to let me know if Chic, has in any way, been negative towards Jake and his campaign. I saw Jake's last mail out and I was shocked. I always thought of him as a nice guy but obviously he is just another dirt slinging politician. Again please write comments on what was said and done on the Graning side.
Lastly, did any of you hear Jake in the radio today??? The question was asked if he was really going to "give away water in December?" In less than 24 hours of getting elected, here we already go...he said that the mayor could only break a tie with the alderman. Do you think the average Natchezian, who knows nothing about politics, would know that?? These poor people are already spending their extra money for Dec. Better hold on to it as Jake might have just made a mistake! Guess they don't call him Jake the Snake for nothing.

Posted by Groverhar (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey MovedfromNatchez, Stay moved. Go Jake. You and the new BOD are going to reverse the negative government of the past four years. Be positive and move the town forward as I know you will.

Posted by generoberts (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 6:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go McCain!!!

Posted by generoberts (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Natchez is looking up already!

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

eagle1...you never HAD to read anything I've written.

I never posted drivel about Jake, I supported my candidate, Chick by pointing out his strengths and the weaknesses of Jake. I truly will now support Jake and hope he makes a good mayor.

I usually post between 6:30a.m to 7:00a.m and from 6:30p.m. to midnight if I stay up that late...I might post a little more on the weekends...that's not all day and all night...I'm working every weekday, from 8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m....do you work that much...apparently not if you are counting the hours I post you've got too much time on your hands.

One problem with prognostications is that they are almost always wrong...I only gave that one on a kind of dare and was totally wrong...I also, wisely, refrained from predicting this one or I would have been wrong twice in a row...not something I'm accustomed to...LOL.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 7:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Be bold Sam! Practice makes perfect. Predicting the future is an uncommonly easy thing to do.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

EnK...regarding the St. Catherine Utility Authority...could you give me an enumerated list, let's start with the top 5, reasons the Authority makes you nervous and I'll try to explain what has been happening and why...if it takes more items we'll address them in the next round...fair enough?

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 7:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Be brief...

Posted by movedfromchez (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Grover,
I was expecting that comment from someone about my name. I can handle it. But I was also expecting to get an answer to what I wrote. Suppose you had no comment to my question!

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

movedfromchez...which particular question do you want answered, most seemed rhetorical, but here goes...

It is a sad commentary on our democracy that so few exercise their duty to vote...what'cha gonna do? There were apparently no issues large enough to energize the voters to turn out. Too often, we, who are free to vote don't, but it is reality.

No, Chick (the way you really spell it) was in no way negative or disrespectful...the only negatives directed towards Jake were simply the facts being revealed...there were no innuendos, false claims, or anything resembling dirty tricks. I was surprised at the mail out too, I'd hoped for better, but unfortunately, in our culture, all too often, nice guys finish last.

Jake knew all along that he couldn't unilaterally impose a moratorium on water bills...it was highly misleading to say the least, but he won...I must support him for four years and I will...I hope this is behind him and he will rise above the level of his previous performance and his behavior during the campaign...if he doesn't, I'll be right here saying so!

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good Point Generoberts!

Posted by ntz143 (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I find it very interesting that some of the bloggers on this website seem to be using this forum as their "moment in the sun". Sam...you have always had an opinion about something, you have spent your entire life trying to be uncoventional, so why not jump in the political arena? The "kingdom" you have here is very small....you are destined for much greater things. I look forward to seeing you at all the aldermen meetings, the school board meetings, etc. You obviously are not just a bystander...we need your type to present their face at meetings to shake things up.

Posted by ntz143 (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

and aonther thing....our new mayor has stated publicly that the public school system is not the mayor's responsibility...with three of the five appointees, who does he think is responsible? Also, Ms. Stephens' term ended in March (she took James Coleman's place)...if he plans on appointing someone else, it needs to be someone who is OBJECTIVE about our current administration.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 10:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh my...I'm flabbergasted...so much so that I'm not so sure I spelled the word right...I'm not trying to be in the sun or unconventional by intent by any stretch of the imagination, although I've always stuck out like a sore thumb and I'm kinda used to it...thank you for suggesting that my opinions may matter, but I also smell sarcasm...I'm just an observer, not interested in "kingdoms"...I try to be a voice for common sense, me and Thomas Paine...who didn't ultimately fare well, but I'm still above ground...LOL.

Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on June 4, 2008 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

On the public school issue...the mayor, in our form of government, is a "weak" mayor, however, the true power of a mayor in this system is the power of leadership and the ability to use the "bully pulpit" to convince, persuade, cajole, the real power brokers to do the right thing.

I'm hoping that Jake will recognize this and use the influence that he now has, to do whatever is humanly possible, even to the point of embarassing some folks who aren't standing up. Sometimes peer pressure is just as effective as the power of fiat.

Regarding, Ms. Stephens, I can't comment as I don't know enough about her actions or inactions on the Board...but I doubt anyone can find anyone else to serve in her stead that is objective...that utopia simply doesn't exist....we all have our prejudices.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 5, 2008 at 1:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sam, you don't need a list of five things from me. I have been very vocal about what is wrong with the Creek Authority. Nothing you can say will change those things. No justifications will change the facts, as written into law. What those facts are remain there in black and white for those with eyes to see and ears to hear. Let me hear your justifications and I will respond to them.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 5, 2008 at 1:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Address this Sam. Explain the rationale for the ever growing expansion of government authority where it is not needed or wanted. I would like to hear what the talking points of the local empire builders are.

"Many questions from concerned citizens and board members of private water companies arose during the meeting. Bill Caldwell, board member with the Pearl River Central Water Authority, wanted to know who was going to set rates for water usage. The question arose when Caples said that if a private company needed to use authority services, the private company would be billed by the water authority. Caples said the authority would determine the rates and fees. Concerned citizen Bobby Robbins asked Caples if use of additions installed by the authority would be charged to the private companies or the user. Caples said that for the time being, most additions would probably go unused but could be charged to the user if no existing private water company had the services.

“There wouldn't be no point of putting it in if you ain't gonna use it,” Robbins said in disgust.

So far the plan is to connect all water companies in the county with each other, the authority and out lying companies in the six counties in case one company or the other needs a boost in services, Caples said. New additions in water lines and facilities would “most likely” be the property of the authority, he said. In addition, if a private company wanted to perform expansions and the authority already had plans for the same work, the authority could deny the private company the right to expand, the attorney said."