McDowell: "The issue is not the department heads"

[Kitty]

"The issue is not the department heads; it is the stalemate of council and mayor," he said. "I am one of the few people who can bridge that gap. I have many black friends and I feel confident I will get a good many white votes." (http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060725/NEWS01/607250314/1002)

There you have it.

[JB2379]

Now people really know who NOT to vote for. I think he just might be Fairley's next puppet.

[justme]

Nothing like running on a race card to set us back 40 years!

[R1ZOOM]

He is a Dupree supporter who I believe was recently appointed to a position on the Civil Service Board by Dupree.

[Kitty]

He is a Dupree supporter who I believe was recently appointed to a position on the Civil Service Board by Dupree.

And he has been on the board of the Hattiesburg Public School District for five years.

[Conveyor Belt]

McDowell, who campaigned for DuPree in 2005, said the signs that have been going up in the neighborhoods since last week indicate Bailey and Ware did some planning.

"It was obvious this would happen," McDowell said of the endorsement. "He (Bailey) resigned one day and the signs started going up the next. There's a 10-day turnaround on signs."

So, now there's a conspiracy involving Bailey and Ware? If I remember correctly, Bailey announced his future resignation weeks before he actually resigned, no? So, anyone who wanted to run could have made their way to the sign store on that announcement and gotten a head start on the competition. What does he want, a do-over???

[sackett22]

So he was on the board for HPS. Well that right there should tell everyone not to vote for him. I mean come on. Children in HPS are not getting the education they deserve due to this Level crap.

I'll also bet a million to one that Dupree had his reelection signs made not long after he was elected the first time.

He also said the "Issue is not the department heads". Apparently he hasn't been keeping up with local politics, because that is all the issue is at the moment. Incompetent police chief, and an unelected person in a job that doesn't need to be there.

:smt102

[CuriousOne]

Of course Ware had the inside track, he and Bailey are friends. Of course he was aware of his resignation and his ill health. I'd say if my friend were on the city council then I would know a tab bit more than others as well. Now I don't see a conspiracy, I see smart politics. Bailey knew he was nearing the end of his long running career in politics and he groomed someone whom he felt was competent and worthy of an endorsement. That is just smart. If you care one ounce for the city and know that your health won't allow you to remain in office, the only correct thing to do would be to start recruiting someone that you feel would have the best interest of the city, as Bailey has all these years. Had he left the city high and dry with no one to endorse and no leadership after all these years, many would be disappointed but that just wouldn't be like him.

[B.T. Justice]

Don’t you just love the hypocrisy? Ordering signs to have available once the election is set constitutes a conspiracy. However, the mayor coercing Naylor to miss a council meeting is perfectly legitimate. Pretty easy to tell where McDowell’s marching orders originate!

[Blue Bengal]

Of course Ware had the inside track, he and Bailey are friends. Of course he was aware of his resignation and his ill health. I'd say if my friend were on the city council then I would know a tab bit more than others as well. Now I don't see a conspiracy, I see smart politics. Bailey knew he was nearing the end of his long running career in politics and he groomed someone whom he felt was competent and worthy of an endorsement. That is just smart. If you care one ounce for the city and know that your health won't allow you to remain in office, the only correct thing to do would be to start recruiting someone that you feel would have the best interest of the city, as Bailey has all these years. Had he left the city high and dry with no one to endorse and no leadership after all these years, many would be disappointed but that just wouldn't be like him.

From another post...

Most of these post say that Red has the "best interest" of the city. Red has had the best interest for "himself". He has rental property and investments all over Ward 4 and now has a HOME (not a weekend place) in Purvis.

It seems to me that we forget that Red is suing the Mayor who is using tax payer money to defend himself. In my opinion, this is not the best interest of the city and this is not why I pay taxes.

In most post, no one knows much about Dave Ware. Who is he? Why does he want to run? Why is Red supporting him and not others? Why is his signs the first to be up? Red told Ellard, Brown, and Russell that either would be good for the post. Why are these guys not running and getting the endorsement?

Everyone is quick to point out relationships between Dupree/Fairley but this looks to me like Bailey/Ware may have the same type relationship? Is Dave Ware going to be his own man if elected?

Folks really need to think for themselves!
CuriousOne:

Red had to be persuaded to run last year. He knew his health wasn't the best at that time. The correct thing for Red to do was to not run in 2005. You had some good guys stick thier tails on the line regarding family and careers to try to be a candidate then and with no attachments. (Ellard is with Wal-Mart, Brown is with WHLT, Russell is a business owner and Lucas and attorney) That is having the best interest for the city. I mentioned above my taxes are paying for this crap that he has caused. Well now we know for sure that Dave Ware has been endorsed by Red. Vote the signs or know the candidate.

[fuzzis]

Ummmm...Red wouldn't be suing the Mayor if the Mayor had complied with the intent of the law, so lay that *one* at the feet of Johnnie Dupree and NOT Red Bailey and the other members of the council.

fuzzis

[CuriousOne]

Of course it's personal. Everyone who lives or owns property/businesses in the city of Hattiesburg has a "personal" interest. You point is moot. And as for the 2005 election, as you said, he was persuaded to run. The people, at least the majority, wanted him there. The fact that he ran at the request of citizens is not a negative blow to his rep. As fuzz reiterated... Dupree caused the "mess" by being bull-headed and granting himself absolute power (which is not what the law intended). Your taxes are paying for the mayor's legal fees... not the council members' fees.

Comparing Bailey/Ware to Dupree/Fairley is laughable... when/if Bailey starts yapping racism at every opportunity while his sons are indicted/arrested repeatedly and drugs are found in his "backyard"; I'll personally give that comparison merit, but I'm doubting that will happen.

[bartspoon]

Blue Bengal, why dont you just come out an admit that you have some personal vendata against Red Bailey, and you want unfairley to run our ward.

You keep reposting that post. Come up with something to say that is new and productive. Mix some facts in with your rant and stop beating that dead horse no one is bying it.

[dalo knight]

The rental property that Red owns is not run down. He remodeled and brought many properties up to code. If he had not invested his time and money into the fourth ward it would look like the area around Fairley's Church. The free market worked for Red, socialism does not seem to work for Fairley's corner of Hattiesburg.

[beggingforrelief]

Blue

By the name you use to post by, it seem like have been holding your breath too long to think clear.

Red Bailey is a fine, dedicated public servant to not only the good people in ward 4 but to the whole city. His financial prowness and civic involvement proves his dedication to his elected position. Too bad others on the council (DDD, HN) and the so called Mayor haven't embraced his intellect of the law.

For many years, Red Bailey was instrumental in transforming the real Hattiesburg Historic Neighbor District (not Mobile St.) into a showcase for the citizens and visitors. His vision along with others brought a sense of neighborhood pride to an area of town that was on the road to becoming another poverty stricken area like Bushman St.

Yes Red built a retirement home in Purvis and I don't blame him a bit. I would love to retire to a peaceful setting and enjoy my golden years with spouse and family without worrying about the rising crime rate around me.

I have known Red for many years, and at times we have agreed to disagree on issues. But if you look at his track record of service towards this city (in spite of the underhanded deeds of Fairley, DuPree and company) I would embrace the candidate who he endorses.

The City of Hattiesburg is at an impass. The special election for ward 4 can make or break this city. I am praying to the good Lord that his intervention will bless us with Mr. Ware to represent ward 4.

[58ford]

I admit I only skimmed this thread.
And, I admit I am not the greenest bean on the pole.
But, If the issue is a stalemate between the council & the Mayor OVER the department heads then doesn't that make the real issue the deparment heads?

[CuriousOne]

58, That would be my educated guess... ;p

[ynotme297]

I admit I only skimmed this thread.
And, I admit I am not the greenest bean on the pole.
But, If the issue is a stalemate between the council & the Mayor OVER the department heads then doesn't that make the real issue the deparment heads?
what you are saying is very true. to bad that this race is starting out as a race/race. i'm guessing if a no/fairley white wins, then we have the same dept. head problem. if a fairley black or white wins, then we will have a confirmation of the dept. heads. i just don't see why everything has to be black or white. what ever happened to the best qualified candidate wins, black or white?

[Blue Bengal]

Blue Bengal, why dont you just come out an admit that you have some personal vendata against Red Bailey, and you want unfairley to run our ward.

You keep reposting that post. Come up with something to say that is new and productive. Mix some facts in with your rant and stop beating that dead horse no one is bying it.

Bart:

For the record, I have no personal vandetta against Red Bailey. That's stupid! What I stated was factual. You need to look at the truth. These post talk about Red as is if he is a SAINT.

Speaking of truths, Kenneth Fairley (no saint either) is a cancer in this community and his actions hurts us all. I don't want him to run nothing but his own household as any MAN should.

Those are the facts. Don't misrepresent my thoughts.

[CuriousOne]

...In my opinion, this is not the best interest of the city... Everyone is quick to point out relationships between Dupree/Fairley but this looks to me like Bailey/Ware may have the same type relationship?...

What I stated was factual.

Those look more like personal opinions than facts...

I don't know you, don't know why you are upset that many trust Bailey to endorse a fair & honest candidate, better than some of the alternative candidates who have already (in a round about way) sided with Dupree/Wynn/Fairley. It very well could be the less of two evils but you take what you can get. I believe that Bailey would back a stong candidate with views much like his own and I see nothing wrong with that logic/motivation. It makes perfect sense but this is merely my opinion.

[Booshay]

"The issue is not the department heads; it is the stalemate of council and mayor," he said. "I am one of the few people who can bridge that gap. I have many black friends and I feel confident I will get a good many white votes." (http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060725/NEWS01/607250314/1002)

Dont count on it bub.....anyhoo, Red Baileys properties may have started a little worse for wear, but they are always nice when hes done remodeling...Red is probably one of the best councilmen that ward 4 has ever had, he wasnt afraid of speaking up for whats right for the citizens of Hattiesburg. Anytime he thought tax-monies were being misused or blown excessively he'd raise a stink. Remember the police dept cell phone issue? the hurricane gas fiasco? yes, even the dept head arguements....at least he had the balls to stand up for whats right. Thank you Red for the many many years of hard work and dedication that youve put in for the citizens of Hattiesburg.

[lamarrebel]

I thought this morning's article was particularly well written in that it reported that both McDowell and the "cat woman" were big DuPree supporters in 2005. It is criticially important that the voters know exactly where these candidates stand on the department heads and other issues related to the performance of the DuPree administration. Today's article was a good start.

[Blue Bengal]

Curious One:
Thanks for the response. I promise you I am not upset but you said it yourself, birds of a feather flock together. "I believe that Bailey would back a stong candidate with views much like his own and I see nothing wrong with that logic/motivation." Is that really what is best for Hattiesburg? Is something wrong with that? It is if you expect different results.

[Monkey]

Why doesn't he just hang a giant blinking light over his head that says "FAIRLEY GOT TO ME AND I"M TRYING TO GET TO YOU!!!!"

[B.T. Justice]

Curious One:
Is that really what is best for Hattiesburg? Is something wrong with that? It is if you expect different results.

May I presume that you expect a different result?
Bailey has done a wonderful job of following the law. All he has asked of the mayor is to do the same. If we can get the same result out of Ware or any other candidate, that would be great.
The current impasse between the council and the mayor is not the worst case scenario. The worst case would be approving Wynn & Co. to finish-off what little is left of our police force.

[justme]

I am pleased with the work that Red was doing for our ward, and appearantly the voters of the ward were as well. It has been stated here that there were many fine canidates- Ellard, Russel, Lucas and Brown. If the voters had wanted to "have a different result" they would have voted one in in 2005.

[Blue Bengal]

I am pleased with the work that Red was doing for our ward, and appearantly the voters of the ward were as well. It has been stated here that there were many fine canidates- Ellard, Russel, Lucas and Brown. If the voters had wanted to "have a different result" they would have voted one in in 2005.

Justme:
Enough Said!

[justme]

Well now placed in a position to have to choose- I know who I will choose as Red Baileys replacement, however, It IS NOT becuase Red endorsed him. I know him personally and was supporting him before I knew that Red had endorsed him. An endorsement means nothing to me.

[ACEsmom]

I guess I'm glad I live in Oak Grove??? Too much drama.

[CuriousOne]

Do I believe it's best for Hattiesburg... yes. I'd rather people who want to enforce the laws continue to stick to their guns and those who want to twist the law to suit them continue to have opposition. The impass will continue until (in accordance with the AG's opinion) the Judge decides. That is unless Dupree realizes that he is not all powerful and does have to abide by the same "check & balance" system as all other mayors of this city have in the past.

[58ford]

I guess I'm glad I live in Oak Grove??? Too much drama.

DRAMA?!
This is a Freakin' sitcom!

[Leprechaun]

I have had my disagreements with Mr. Bailey in the past, I have not always agreed with his position. But I can assure you one thing. He is a man of character and has always had the best interest of the city at heart. As for owning a place out of town. I think we are still in the United States of America and those options are available for every American. Endorsing a candidate is something nearly every politician does. Those endorsements are based on philosophy. The issue with the department heads is based on issues both parties are beleivers in, whether it is poltical, racial or normal business is for anyone who cares to decide. However, there is one fact we all know. The law states that the mayor will appoint department heads in a reasonable time. There is a difference of opionion on what is reasonable. These reasons are just a few to get involved and vote for the candidate of your choice.