Question for James Moore

[Biggie]

Man, I see where some of them people complaining about building that walking track and saying they needs to spend more money on the sewer.
Why not compromise and put out some of them Port-O-Potties along the track for them to use.

Some of them heavier people needs to get off the comode and on to the walking track.

[Maggie-Doodle]

Biggie, from what I have heard and seen, those doing the bitching don't have a clue.
I believe that all the money the city wants to spend on the walking trail was gotten through grants that Mr. Moore personally tracked down and sought out to pay for the trail...he should be commended for his efforts by those people living in Petal...
I don't live in Petal but I do have relatives and friends there and I do visit them...from what I have seen, this Petal administration has done more to benefit Petal than any I have every heard of.
Some folks are just die hards and don't won't to progress at all. My hats are off to them...I think they are doing a good job! It is too bad that the Burg doesn't have a mayor and police chief that are willing to do as much as those in Petal...I am glad too that they are cleaning up the area...it looked like a dump. I have entertained maybe moving to Trailwood but hated having to go thru the slums to get there! It is bad enuf in the Burg!

[Biggie]

Hey Maggie-May, I agree with you girl. I like the bike track here in Hattiesburg, and I was just playing with the post to Mr. Moore. I'm glad he's trying to do something progressive over there in Petal. I like the dude's style and I hope them complaining about sewer or whatever don't try to throw the baby out with the water because they can't get everything done on their wish list.

[James Moore]

Biggie,
I read the tongue in cheek in your post. Actually it's nice to see a little humour in the situation. When I ran for office I never expected in my wildest dreams that citizens would be so opposed to a facility that created a safe environment for kids to bike or walk from their homes to the city park or to their nearby school. Especially when I had acquired funding in advance from DC for the project.
But neither did I expect folks to write letters to The American opposing public art on buildings or the construction of sidewalks in front of their homes. I can understand those who perceive a conflict of interest on the bicycle track if they don't know me personally and don't understand how many more bicycles I could be selling were I as focused on my business as I am on the improvements of Petal.
I was never a big Nixon fan but I've given a lot of thought recently to the existence of a 'silent majority'. On the campaign trail when I shared my vision of 1. expanded recreational opportunities, 2. safer pedestrian and bicycling facilities (sidewalks and bike lanes), and 3. city clean-up and beautification, everyone I spoke with agreed these were worthy goals. Yet those who speak up in council meetings, public forums, and letters to the newspapers clearly seem to represent an opposing viewpoint. My hope is that there really is a silent majority out there that see some validity to the endeavors of this administration.
In the meantime, Biggie, the humor is much appreciated. James Moore

[TheGenius]

A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend upon the support of Paul.

-George Benard Shaw-

[TheGenius]

Even in the ignorant and disgusting mental state in which most of you exist, surely you must all be aware that there are colossal federal and state grants available for sewer and water improvements, fire and police projects, public utilities, and many other community endeavors. Why wouldn't the petal municipal officials use their diminished IQ's to first seek out and obtain those grants that would insure all within their boundaries sustenance and safety, before focusing on recreation.

[Biggie]

Dude, I'm gonna snatch that cap off you head. Don't hate on those who recreate.

[James Moore]

Genius,
While I'd like very much to address your question concerning our various approaches to obtaining grants for all aspects of Petal (with a capital "p" please) I'll have to defer until the question is asked in a reasonably respectful manner. Then I'll be happy to enter the conversation with you. James Moore

[TheGenius]

Tully, I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person.

[Tully Mars]

Even in the ignorant and disgusting mental state in which most of you exist, surely you must all be aware that there are colossal federal and state grants available for sewer and water improvements, fire and police projects, public utilities, and many other community endeavors. Why wouldn't the petal municipal officials use their diminished IQ's to first seek out and obtain those grants that would insure all within their boundaries sustenance and safety, before focusing on recreation.

If you are as smart as you pretend to be you might want to do a bit of investigative research before you speak. The city has and is in the process of seeking federal grant assistance for a variety of infrastructure, public improvement and recreational projects.

Part of the problem with doing this is that as Petal grows and the demographics change these grants get more difficult to obtain. All federal grants require that the beneficiaries of the federal funds be at or below a certain percentage of the median household income for the area. As Petal has grown, the median income of the city has grown outside of the range necessary for grant approval.

That is not to say that Petal is without families that are struggling financially. However, on a percentage basis, Petal does not meet the minimum income threshold requirements for most federal grants that fund infrastructure improvements such as the CDBG program.

[Tully Mars]

Tully, I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person.

Then you really must quit talking to yourself.

[TheGenius]

If the city is so affluent there should be sufficient tax income to pay to provide services to all within the town boundaries.

As usual, the use of logic continues to escape you Tully.

One more time for the slow thinkers, either you qualify for grants or the people are to rich, but either way there should money available to provide services if the elected official would just use it properly.

[James Moore]

If the city is so affluent there should be sufficient tax income to pay to provide services to all within the town boundaries.

As usual, the use of logic continues to escape you Tully.

One more time for the slow thinkers, either you qualify for grants or the people are to rich, but either way there should money available to provide services if the elected official would just use it properly.
__________________
Or... routine maintenance, investments, and upgrades to the infrastructure have not been made over the course of a very long time and now a whole lot of 'catch up' must be done. James Moore

[carsalesguy]

i see we have another dolemite.......

[58ford]

Ah dolemite...good times...good times...
I already gave the Sumb!tch a donut.

[carsalesguy]

for some reason this thread is starting like how he started.....could it be the same person?!?!?

[carsalesguy]

I already gave the Sumb!tch a donut.

u big dummy...................lol

[carsalesguy]

i did throw up a red card tho i think..............

[TheGenius]

Sometimes even the wise must humble themselves.
I apologize Mr. Moore, for my comments directed at previous administrations.


21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

-Matthew 21-22 (KJV) -

[James Moore]

Sometimes even the wise must humble themselves.
I apologize Mr. Moore, for my comments directed at previous administrations.


21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

-Matthew 21-22 (KJV) -

I didn't notice that the comments were directed at previous administrations. But apology accepted regardless. Thanks. James Moore

[Biggie]

Man, thats pretty smooth. I ain't gonna knock yo cap off. How can I argue with Matthew. Just be cool brother and don't be messing with my man Mr. Moore or me and my boys might have pay you a visit Genius.

[carsalesguy]

do i agree with Matthew? yup

do i agree using him towards ur battle of stupidity? nope

[TheGenius]

do i agree with Matthew? yup

do i agree using him towards ur battle of stupidity? nope

I was not seeking forgiveness from you, only Mr. Moore.

[Maggie-Doodle]

Am I missing something here? I went back and re-read Genuis post...I did not see anywhere that he said anything about previous administrations...his comments from what I gathered were "in general"...however, we may want to just drop the issue since he did half-ass appologize! forgive and forget perhaps!

[TheGenius]

If you can't convince them, confuse them.
Harry S. Truman (http://www.famous-quotes.com/asp/acategories.asp?Author=Harry+S%2E+Truman)

[just-Wynn]

How is the Genius not a troll yet? After reading the Genius' posts, TheDoc is obviously suffering from the realization that he's not as smart as he has led himself to believe.

http://metropolitanlivinghomes.cloudmakers.org/images/dunce.jpg

[the truth]

Troll? Voting off? Censorship? Coverup! Where is THE TRUTH? One community members comments regarding corrupt inept politicians and those who suffer by paying taxes but not recieving city services and after an apology you want to vote him off. THE TRUTH knows of people in Petal who don't have enough water pressure to water their lawn and take a shower at the same time. THE TRUTH is against hypocrisy at ANY level. If you say you are fight for the people, fight for ALL the people in your city. Why must you try to coverup THE TRUTH?

[fuzzis]

I already gave the Sumb!tch a donut.

Perhaps you should not hand out your donuts so willy-nilly. Do not cast your pearls before swine. :smt118

fuzzis

[dollfus46]

If you can't convince them, confuse them.
Harry S. Truman (http://www.famous-quotes.com/asp/acategories.asp?Author=Harry+S%2E+Truman)

And if you can't confuse them, dazzle them with fancy footwork<Mike Dollfus

[tha Dean]

Exposing the truth is one thing...

Ridiculing and demeaning people is something totally different.

Genius, ridiculing people is my job. I'll run you out of town boy!

[Desert Donkey]

Kudos to Mr. Moore for fighting the uphill battle against the nabobs who would keep us from sharing the streets!

I'd like to see the Hattiesburg-Petal area become a much more bike and pedestrian-friendly area, where one wouldn't have to worry about people throwing things at you or trying to run you down for daring to ride a bicycle for transportation. Sadly, I don't look for that to happen any time soon, in fact I doubt I'll live to see it. One can always hope...

[tha Dean]

Has there ever been any talk about connecting the walking track between Petal and Hattiesburg? I took my daughter riding on the track last year and we had a great time.

[Tully Mars]

Has there ever been any talk about connecting the walking track between Petal and Hattiesburg? I took my daughter riding on the track last year and we had a great time.

Interesting that you would ask. A grant application has been submitted to MDOT that will supplement the funding already received thanks to Mr. Moore's efforts. If funded, the two grants together would fully fund about 5.5 miles of pedestrian and bike trails in Petal that would terminate at the 70 acres the city purchased on the riverfront. That 70 acres will evenually be developed into a river front park with an exercise trail. The long-term plan is to seek additional funding that would provide for a pedestrian/bike bridge across the river to connect Petal's trail network with the proposed Bobby Chain Riverfront Park on the Hattiesburg side of the river and ultimately to the Longleaf Trace. It would, in effect, extend the Trace from Petal to Prentiss.

[Maggie-Doodle]

Thanks Tully for that info...THAT would be great...
I would probably be hesitate to ride down around the by-pass area..actually not from USM east but that is me...I just know there are too many thugs in the area...I can see people getting mugged etc.
maybe in a large group would be safer.
THANKS again to Mr. Moore for working so hard on this project!

[Tully Mars]

The path would not follow the bi-pass as I understand it. The plan is to bring the Longleaf Trace down the same rail corridor that parallels 4th street to tie the trace to the depot. Then another route would go from the depot to Chain Park. Still not some of the best parts of town though.

[Maggie-Doodle]

Tully, thanks, that was my point...actually I don't think the rr tracks even go over into the neighborhoods off the bypass...I think they probably stop downtown.
I don't think I would want to ride down the area of 4th towards town..especially the area past about Park Ave. There are alot of gangs in that area and I can see now they will most likely have problems with the thugs on the trail...I just hope and pray someone doesn't get mugged or killed on that section.

[Wayward]

The path would not follow the bi-pass as I understand it. The plan is to bring the Longleaf Trace down the same rail corridor that parallels 4th street to tie the trace to the depot. Then another route would go from the depot to Chain Park. Still not some of the best parts of town though.

Tully, thanks, that was my point...actually I don't think the rr tracks even go over into the neighborhoods off the bypass...I think they probably stop downtown.
I don't think I would want to ride down the area of 4th towards town..especially the area past about Park Ave. There are alot of gangs in that area and I can see now they will most likely have problems with the thugs on the trail...I just hope and pray someone doesn't get mugged or killed on that section.
Excellent points and issues which need to be addressed as part of the development plan. In general terms, areas tend to improve as creative redevelopment projects move in.

The 4th Street corridor from Southern Miss to Main Street will improve significantly if the Old High School restoration project ultimately brings the Southern Miss Art Department to downtown, the Trace extends to the downtown area, and high visibility traffic through the area increases.

In my view, it's a great long to medium range project. :)

:smt006

[James Moore]

Personal safety concerns on projects such as the Longleaf Trace Trail are always legitimate concerns. Fortunately the Rails to Trails Conservancy in Washington has two decades of statistics on rail trail safety and statistics have shown that rail trails such as the Longleaf and those studies conclude that folks are safer using a rail trail than a typical city park.

Studies also have shown that when a trail is built in a less than desirable area, the criminal element relocates their clandestine activities to an area away from the influx of new trail users. The extension of the trail into the Fourth Street area would benefit the many residents there who depend on bike or foot transportation to get to school, work, and the grocery store.

That's not to say that common sense shouldn't be used in planning the route of a trail and avoiding problem areas when possible but if done prudently, the introduction of a good project can significantly improve a neighborhood some might have already written off.

The families raising kids in the Fourth Street area deserve access to the same amenities as those families in more affluent parts of our communities. With over 1,000 rail trails in the US covering over 10,000 miles, we have plenty of good models to emulate. James Moore

[dollfus46]

He never left for long. He just changed names about 15 times.

He's obviously a kid with a problem then. People like that usually end up in jail, I'd think. Can't interact with people properly.

[Hillary44]

Exposing the truth is one thing...

Ridiculing and demeaning people is something totally different.

If public officials are off limits to demeaning comments then why do we allow Mayor Dupree, Chief Wynn and Rev.Fairley to be ridiculed daily? I'm not a fan of the Mayor and certainly not the Police Chief but it appears we pick and choose when we want to become moral and considerate to others.

[SoMissTV]

I'm not a fan of the Mayor and certainly not the Police Chief...

So Hillary doesn't toe the Democratic Party line. Interesting...

[Hillary44]

No, not with local officials. I'm just not sure where we draw the line here. I look at some of the posts and see where information is posted about Fairley having financial troubles, DuPree ignoring crime, Wynn needs to be fired and even posts that have included me talking about a Candidate's divorce and domestic abuse troubles. Yet some regulars are furious over some post about a Petal official. If we're going to restrict demeaning comments lets set the ground rules for every public officials.

[James Moore]

.... If we're going to restrict demeaning comments lets set the ground rules for every public officials.

You make a good point Hillary. There are those who are incorrectly informed that just because a person is a public official that they are immune from the protections of libel and slander afforded other non-public citizens. That is not the case.

I personally feel that the answer lies in the last sentence of your post above. To criticize the actions and decisions of a public official is not only fair but is an American past time. But to demean goes beyond opinions of one's job performance and strikes at the very heart of the personal character of a fellow citizen.

In the past year I've experience public commentary that was intended to both criticize and demean. Given a choice, I prefer criticism. James Moore

[Hillary44]

I have no problems with any Petal elected officials and I think you are doing a fine job. With that said, I still don't understand why some people are fair game and others are off limits.

The Doc was very angry and upset that demeaning comments were made about you yet in a post about Mayor DuPree he was extremly demeaning.

Eample:

The 'DAM had a story on the purchase of five new fire trucks.

Dupree was quoted as saying...

"uh...ah...we just...uh..purchased...uh...two...uh...two...no... five...ah...uh...new fire trucks."

How can Hattiesburg elect a man who can BARELY speak?


If that comment was made about you, he would have been voted off, yet people accept those comments with a chuckle or two about the Mayor.

[Hillary44]

In that particular post, you made reference to only one person and that was at Mayor DuPree and his lack an ability to speak proper English.

[Hillary44]

Whatever.

[SoMissTV]

Whatever.

Best. Comeback. Ever.

[58ford]

I agree with the difference between Critical & Demeaning comments, but sometimes the line could be pretty thin.
For example: If I were to say that Wynn is so fat & out of shape he couldn't possibly pass the physical requirements to be one of the officers he leads, as a criticism, some might take it as demeaning.
Conversly, if I said Wynn needed to step away from the donuts & fix his department, as a demenaning comment, some might accept that as a reasonable criticism.

[58ford]

Whatever.
Is this an example of Hill speaking Valley?

[Maggie-Doodle]

Wayward, Tully and James, I understand what yall are saying about the trace improving those new areas of town where the trail will go,but I still question just how safe it would be....in all honesty, I would not look for any significant amounts of people to move to or from that area or for those that live there to make any radical change in their lifestyle.
I am sure that the old high school project will help take care of some of the problems for the area on Main St. but I still have to wonder what kind of difference will be made in the area around the Mobile & Bouie St. area.
I have lived in the Burg all my life (50+ years)...that area has pretty much been an eyesore/dump as long as I can remember and with the problems with the enviromental quality (Shemper's possible contamination of the land) I don't hold out much hope of it changing anytime soon!
Seems these problems drag on indefinately! Of course we can cross our fingers, pray and hope like hell the day is coming that it will all be cleaned up!

[SoMissTV]

Is this an example of Hill speaking Valley?

Hill Valley? Isn't that where Marty McFly lived?

[58ford]

astute observation.

[KeepItSimple]

If public officials are off limits to demeaning comments then why do we allow Mayor Dupree, Chief Wynn and Rev.Fairley to be ridiculed daily? I'm not a fan of the Mayor and certainly not the Police Chief but it appears we pick and choose when we want to become moral and considerate to others.


Who said public officials are off limits to demeaning comments?

[kevin]

You make a good point Hillary. There are those who are incorrectly informed that just because a person is a public official that they are immune from the protections of libel and slander afforded other non-public citizens. That is not the case.

I personally feel that the answer lies in the last sentence of your post above. To criticize the actions and decisions of a public official is not only fair but is an American past time. But to demean goes beyond opinions of one's job performance and strikes at the very heart of the personal character of a fellow citizen.

In the past year I've experience public commentary that was intended to both criticize and demean. Given a choice, I prefer criticism. James Moore

I think you are doing an Awesome job and I voted for you.I think that you are right in preferring to be criticized instead of being demeaned but Politics is a tough business and we can't take everyone to court that may not like us.Or can we?

[James Moore]

Thanks Kevin,

I don't even mind being disliked. I just wish folks would make some attempt to establish a basis for their opinions before broadcasting them. Read a newspaper, attend at least one council meeting (or at least speak to someone who has) or pick up the phone and simply give one of us elected officials a call concerning the issue in question.

It's amazing the common ground that can be agreed upon with a little face to face. James Moore

[kevin]

Indeed,I see my Hometown and what the Mayor and Police Chief haven't done and I'm angry as many.I know you have an investment here in the Burg what's your take on the local situation?

[tha Dean]

Who said public officials are off limits to demeaning comments?

Off limits? The Mayor of Hattiesburg can't hide from me.
I'll chase him to California & Texas & New York, and then we're going to S.Dakota & Oregon & Washington and then to Michigan and then back to Hattiesburg, MS to take back City Hall!

Yeeee Haaa...

http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/graphics/howard_dean_scream_small3.jpg

[James Moore]

Indeed,I see my Hometown and what the Mayor and Police Chief haven't done and I'm angry as many.I know you have an investment here in the Burg what's your take on the local situation?

Kevin,
While I have plenty of opportunities to get myself in trouble just trying to take care of things east of the river, neither am I one to dodge a direct question.

I've had limited 'face to face' time with Mayor Dupree but during those visits I've seen admirable personal qualities. Loyalty towards those who work for you is such a quality but in time even an asset can become a liability. That time has come and passed in my opinion. James Moore

[KeepItSimple]

For what it's worth, Mr. Moore, I am a Petal resident and have said before that my elected officials are probably the best Petal has seen in a long time. I applaud your efforts with the government group as well as your personal attention and help to individuals in Petal. I am lucky to be a Petal resident and just wish Hattiesburg could do as well.

[KeepItSimple]

Off limits? The Mayor of Hattiesburg can't hide from me.
I'll chase him to California & Texas & New York, and then we're going to S.Dakota & Oregon & Washington and then to Michigan and then back to Hattiesburg, MS to take back City Hall!

Yeeee Haaa...

http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/graphics/howard_dean_scream_small3.jpg

WHAT?

[carsalesguy]

WHAT?


lol...i was thing the same thing....


john earl eaves for president.......................

[Batman]

Biggie, from what I have heard and seen, those doing the bitching don't have a clue.
I believe that all the money the city wants to spend on the walking trail was gotten through grants that Mr. Moore personally tracked down and sought out to pay for the trail...he should be commended for his efforts by those people living in Petal...
I don't live in Petal but I do have relatives and friends there and I do visit them...from what I have seen, this Petal administration has done more to benefit Petal than any I have every heard of.
Some folks are just die hards and don't won't to progress at all. My hats are off to them...I think they are doing a good job! It is too bad that the Burg doesn't have a mayor and police chief that are willing to do as much as those in Petal...I am glad too that they are cleaning up the area...it looked like a dump. I have entertained maybe moving to Trailwood but hated having to go thru the slums to get there! It is bad enuf in the Burg!

You have many valid points with your post. We have walking tracks here in Canebrake, and the "Rails to Trails" is just a few mins away. It is very relaxing to be able to run or bike right just mins from your home.

For the Petal Bashers - There are a number of successful people who choose to live in a small town atmosphere. I have even considered selling my home in Canebrake and moving to Trailwood in Petal. Trailwood is an excellent, private neighborhood with such minimum traffic, that it allows most homeowners to walk/jog in the streets everyday. There are a number of beautiful and big homes on both sides of Trailwood Lake, with new construction wide open. I have a good friend that lives on Cherry Oak Trail there, and I am quite envious of his home and property, and what he paid compared to the overpiced market here in W Lamar County.

[AlphaMale]

I read in the HA that some business owners in Petal were upset over the new sign ordinance. It looks like the new ordinance only applies to new signs being installed. If the law was retroactive I'm sure it would also upset another group with the expense of replacing signs. It is a tough call but are there any plans to make exceptions to the law to address the upset business owners at your last meeting?

[James Moore]

I read in the HA that some business owners in Petal were upset over the new sign ordinance. It looks like the new ordinance only applies to new signs being installed. If the law was retroactive I'm sure it would also upset another group with the expense of replacing signs. It is a tough call but are there any plans to make exceptions to the law to address the upset business owners at your last meeting?


The sign ordinance does not require the removal of any signs existing at the time the ordinance became law. Seven years were given before all previously existing signs had to become conforming to the new ordinance.

Exceptions are if the non-conforming sign is modified, then it must be brought into compliance or if a non-conforming sign is over 50% destroyed then it must be built back to the new standards.

Also, if the business changes ownership the signs must be brought in to conformity or if the classification of the business changes the signs must be brought into conformity. We were able to work with the business owner in question who wanted multiple signs by changing her classification form single occupancy to mixed occupancy. We worked within the law to meet the needs of the business owner.

Lastly, even thought the law was passed in November of 2005, we delayed the enforcement due to Katrina and allowed two benefits to the businesses that had signs damaged by the storm.

First, all businesses were permitted to use portable signs through the end of 2005 giving time for sign companies to catch up on their work and secondly, all business owners were allowed to rebuild exactly what they had prior to Katrina even though by the ordinance we could have required them to conform to the new standards.

Thanks for the opportunity to present the important detalis which the media found less than sensational and chose to omit. James Moore

[James Moore]

I would guess the sign companies are tickled pink over the new sign ordinance? Was this sign ordinance designed more for city beautification or safety? I recall the big stink when KFC on Hardy St. was forced to remove its 100 ft American Flag Pole in spite of majority citizen consensus that it not be removed. Are flagpoles covered in the new ordinance?...Helium ballons?...Christmas and/or other seasonal decorations, such as Nativity scenes?


Hawkeye,
The ordinance is very comprehensive and addresses all mediums one might use to promote or advertise. As to American flags and Nativity scenes, should any business stoop to using either for commercial promotional purposes then shame on them. I would hope the consuming public would recognize such misbehavior for the exploitation that it is and spend their money accordingly.

Since you mentioned the flag, we would like to find a location in the center of town to erect an 80' pole to feature a large American flag. Rite-Aid was ready to give us a spot when they realized Walgreen's was moving in , agreed to do so, then backed out.

I'd like to find a spot where the flag would be visible once you crossed the tracks on Central and once you topped the hill near Hillcrest Loop coming into the center of town. Suggestions? James Moore

[TheKing]

ive made it known on the HA forums many times before that James Moore is my hero

this guy kicks ass

[Maggie-Doodle]

AGREED King...he is doing a fine job...he doesn't seem to go off half cocked. It is nice to see politicians actually do research on projects before making it a done deal! As I said before I am impressed with all of the Petal council...they are doing a fine job trying to get things accomplished that have been let go for such a long time! To bad the the Burg doesn't take some lessons from them!

[Hub a Bubba]

[quote]As to American flags and Nativity scenes, should any business stoop to using either for commercial promotional purposes then shame on them. I would hope the consuming public would recognize such misbehavior for the exploitation that it is and spend their money accordingly.
......does this mean that one should not buy anything from a business displaying an American Flag or any type Christian scene? What if they advertise on the religious page of the newspaper?:smt103

[James Moore]

[quote]As to American flags and Nativity scenes, should any business stoop to using either for commercial promotional purposes then shame on them. I would hope the consuming public would recognize such misbehavior for the exploitation that it is and spend their money accordingly.
......does this mean that one should not buy anything from a business displaying an American Flag or any type Christian scene? What if they advertise on the religious page of the newspaper?:smt103

The consumer must ultimately decide if the merchant is displaying a sacred or patriotic symbol as a means personal expression that pays tribute to the symbol or exploiting the symbol and the public sentiment that accompanies the symbol.

For my business, I choose not to advertise on the religious page as I sell nothing related to church. There are many ways I can contribute directly to causes of my faith without fattening the coffers of the newspaper's advertising department.

I do display an American flag for reasons sufficient to myself. James Moore

[SoMissTV]

Alderman Moore-

Does Petal intend to propose a smoking ban as other progessive communities (Oxford, Starkville, Tupelo, Tuscaloosa) have done?

[James Moore]

Alderman Moore-

Does Petal intend to propose a smoking ban as other progessive communities (Oxford, Starkville, Tupelo, Tuscaloosa) have done?

SoMissTV,
At this time there are no proposals we are considering. Good question though.

I was presented with a proposal by a citizen some time back and I had mixed feelings on the subject. (Mixed in that my thoughts were likely partly right and partly wrong)

I'm for progressive measures that don't merely catch Petal up with other cities but set the standards for other's to follow. While I support measures that protect the public health the particular smoking ordinance presented to me seemed a little overbearing on the rights of the business owner. It would have prohibited a mechanic from smoking in his own auto shop and I felt that may have been going beyond the protection of the public.

I think most request for smoking ordinances come from the public's desire to eat in restaurants which are completely smoke free. Were Petal a city with only one or two eating establishments I'd likely support a total smoking ban in indoor public places but we have a multitude of eating choices, most of which are already smoke free. Those not completely smoke free offer non-smoking sections.

Two Petal establishments I'm aware of would be uncomfortable for those seeking a non-smoking environment. They would be Handy Dan's and Mom and Dad's just across the street.

The highlight of my week is eating breakfast with my wife at Mom and Dad's each Saturday and Sunday. There are a couple of tables always occupied by the men who come to drink coffee, comment on current events, and generally agree on the incompetence of all elected officials. And smoking is an important ritual of their morning social hour.

While non would argue the damage caused by smoking to these patrons' bodies, I contend that the benefit of this total experience is as important to their mental well being as are my cherished breakfasts with my wife just a few tables away.

Proponents of a smoking ban would argue that the waitresses and staff are entitled to a smoke free work place. My head agrees with that argument but my heart would find it very difficult to diminish in any way the camaraderie experienced by the breakfast club as they ponder the larger issues of life. James Moore

[wilebill]

Damn. You are way too smart to be stuck in Petal as an alderman.

Okay, just kidding. But not about the smart part.