DuPree and Company's Post-Election Antics Continue

[lamarrebel]

I hold in my hand tomorrow's copy of the Independent (July 14, 2005). In it, we learn that Ms. Massengile's edict of no contact between the Mayor's office and the Independent has now extended to the Police Department. This order, according to the paper came directly from Chief Wynn.

Page three also contains a detailed story about former Councilman Scott Farris' arrest Monday night. This article also notes that the Police Department's refusal to comment to the Independent on this or any other matter outside of public records.

The Mayor may not need the 40 percent of Hattiesburg residents votes he didn't get, but he does need our tax dollars. His continued belligerance to the Independent and others those who disagree with him through his hacks sends a clear message of exclusion. Our city, sadly, will be further and further on the route to becoming a mini-Jackson (affluent suburbs surrounded by a mostly poor inner city) as a result.

I'm off to church....I'll discuss in more details later.

[aaron]

My only question is if this is legal. It seems to me that an elected official shouldn't be able to do this, even though I see the President's press secretary doing it all the time. If in fact it is legal, then I'd say the Independent needs to garner more support for it's publication before going forward. I would think it'd be pretty hard for a newspaper that doesn't run syndicated stories to come up with content about the city, when the city isn't talking to them. I guess we all know why the Hattiesburg American editorial staff supported Dupree (http://www.myhattiesburg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6303) now.

[Omerto]

It must be legal.

Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler refuses to grant interviews to the Madison Journal.

What she hasn't realized, and what DuPree's staffers are yet to learn, is that the publication in question actually becomes more powerful as a result of the public official's "boycott."

Madison Editor Jim Prince has repeatedly asked for reconciliation, for no other reason than as a service to his readers.

Bob Pittman will not be so forgiving, in my opinion. I hope The Independent opens the Gates of Hades on these arrogant, self-appointed censors.

Chief Wynn had better get ready to answer those rumors that linger from his service with the Highway Patrol.

If he won't answer Bob Pittman's questions, perhaps the Chief will answer mine:

Who was the female in the patrol car with you, what was she doing in your car while you were on duty, and why did you leave the scene of an accident with her in your Patrol vehicle? Or is that just a rumor that will follow you throughout your career, or at least until you give your side of the story to The Independent?

[candid]

The Mayor Dupree thinks he is the KING of HATTIESBURG!

[Sir Mickey Mouse]

How did you get your copy early? How do you know so much, and how can I get on the band wagon? HAHAH

Of course the HA endorse DuPree... all they do is run his PR BS

It's about time a newspaper actually does some news around here...

GO INDY!

:)

[lamarrebel]

They are generally out by 3:00 or so on Wedsday afternoons and in some paper racks by late afternoon or early evening on Wednesday. I stopped by the office to pick up a copy shortly before five and was actually given seven, which I handed out most of to friends after church tonight.
I believe a public official has the legal right to talk or refuse to talk to whomever he or she pleases, but DuPree's refusual is simply the height of arrogance.

This week's cover headline: "Shroud of Secrecy" with a dark clouded image of City Hall and the Police Department.

[aaron]

I hate to disagree, but Dupree's refusal is not what I would call the height of arrogance. The Independent reported about many of these same things before the election, Dupree still got elected. If he refused to talk to groups that supported him before the race, that's what I would call the height of arrogance. In my humble opinion, Dupree knows he doesn't need the Indy or it's readers to get anything done, and it's up to them to prove him wrong if they are so inclined. I'm not saying I approve, I think you and I are paying his salary, and he should talk to anyone that asks a question, but under our system, all he needs is 51%, not 100%. Personally, I would get off Dupree, and put the city council in the limelight.

[2002usmgrad]

I hate to disagree, but Dupree's refusal is not what I would call the height of arrogance. The Independent reported about many of these same things before the election, Dupree still got elected. If he refused to talk to groups that supported him before the race, that's what I would call the height of arrogance. In my humble opinion, Dupree knows he doesn't need the Indy or it's readers to get anything done, and it's up to them to prove him wrong if they are so inclined. I'm not saying I approve, I think you and I are paying his salary, and he should talk to anyone that asks a question, but under our system, all he needs is 51%, not 100%. Personally, I would get off Dupree, and put the city council in the limelight.

If Dupree felt that he didn't need the support from readers of The Independent than why did he buy all those color ads before the election.

[aaron]

that was his proof, the election.

[2002usmgrad]

but how does he know that Independent readers didn't vote for him.

[lamarrebel]

This issue does have a big article about the Mayor's department heads requiring confirmation from the City Council. Carter Carroll is quoted extensively in the article.

As Mayor, DuPree is ultimately head of the ship in the public's eyes. Telling the Independent not to scrutinize the Mayor and focus on the Council is the eqiuvalent of the press ignoring Bush and bashing Congress with all vigor.

At present, I am inclined to believe that Bradley will vote to confirm, most if not all, of DuPree's choices, including Wynn.

[aaron]

I wouldn't bash the council, I would focus my reporting on them more.

[aaron]

well, I'm just trying to look at it from the mayor's perspective. I guess the biggest question is, why would the mayor want to talk to the Independent?

[HubCitySlicker]

Hub, what did Farris get arrested for?

[bartspoon]

I have to disagree with you aaron. I think the question "why should Mayor Dupree talk to the Independent" has a very simple answer..TO SHOW THAT HE HAS NOTHING TO HIDE....That his office is open to all the media, all citizens and anyone interested in the betterment of Hattiesburg. Newspapers are suppose to ask hard questions, they are suppose to hold public officials up to the light, its their obligation to thier readers. And if they find reason for criticism, they have a duty to express it in their editorials. His obligation to the citizens in this town, all the citizens not just the ones who voted for him, is to make sure he conducts himself in a way that gives us confidence in his ablility to lead and keep us informed on how the city is being run. Making himself and the police department not available to , in my opinion, the only source of real news in the area, shatters any confidence i had in his ability to keep the citizens informed. He likes us uninformed. If the citizens of Hatiesburg were really informed he might not be our mayor. Also, if any media prints lies about him, he has just recourse. And if The Independent had printed any errors conserning him I'm sure he would have exercised that recourse. He is behaving like a "bad sport" who cannot take criticism. Not like a good politician or strong God-fearing man who has nothing to hide. When the police department needs looking at more then ever, he has closed it off to the only newspaper that ask "whats really goin on". If the HA starts criticizing him will he ban them to. (i know there is no chance of the HA doing that) I no longer think he is as smart as I once did. He is going to turn The Independent into the most read newspaper in town. I have confidence that the Independent will just probe more, that is what they are in business for. Arrogance in public office and stories of a racist tyrant at police chief sales newspapers. Not to mention the mass exodus of police officers.
I believe the reason he is behaving this way is he feels untouchable, that he is here to stay, no matter what he does. And it seems obvious to me that the people who voted for him, the majority of them, would vote for him no matter what he did. So i guess he feels he has a mandate to be arrogant. And aaron that is the height of arrogance.

[IGID]

I wonder if yalls mayor will tell the council about one of his department heads being accused of rape last week before they vote on them? I doubt it. I'm sure Wynn will cover this up too. :smt102

[JB2379]

Honestly, Dupree shouldn't be forced to talk to the Independent. However, I do think he should feel obligated to communicate with all local media, not just the media that endorsed him for mayor. Furthermore, if Dupree really don't have anything to hide, he should sit down and do a long, thorough interview with the Independent. Once again, if we all are unsatisfied with the current state of affairs at city hall, let's voice our opinion; in council meetings, to council members, and to the media. As an african-american male, I am totally disgusted in how Dupree is running the city. I truly believe in equality and fairness for everyone, but this city is not going to advance when Dupree is keep putting unqualified people in high positions simply because they are African-american or they go to his church. Folks, I'm not going to lie, I'm sick and tired of his antics and corrupt department heads. Our city is losing its charm and quickly turning into another Jackson (disgusting). People say that this shouldn't be a black or white issue, but folks, that's exactly what it is. Dupree really needs to stop and take a good look at his administration. It really needs some diversity. Folks, let'd take back this city and return it to the place that folks like to relocate. Let's get some qualified and experienced people on the school board, so we can return or school district in something to be proud of. I would love to see a diverse Hattiesburg High School again with a very diverse football team. Heck, when i graduated from HHS in 1997, all the athletic teams were diverse, which brought people of all races to the football games. I just wish Dupree would realize that he needs to be the mayor for all of Hattiesburg, and not for just african-americans like myself.
P.S. Sorry for the long rant, I just had to get a few things off of my chest.

[HubCityMan1912]

JB2379: Very well said! And THANK YOU! It's high time somebody that aint "all white" said this--and coming from you (as an "African-American") means all the more. (I aint but 43% "white" [unofficial] my own self! But: I'm 100% Hattiesburgan, South Mississippian, Southern American! [By the Grace of God!])

God Bless you JB2379 for expressing the Courage of your Convictions! Your words will not go forth in vain! May your numbers increase--on this fine website and beyond!

[lamarrebel]

To answer Slicker's question, Farris was pulled over on a routine traffic stop for a busted headlight. The stop initially seemed routine..until HPD decided to handcuff the passenger riding with him for having a bench warrant. Farris, then asked to know why and when the officer told him it was none of his business, Farris responded that it was his business as a taxpaying citizen and friend, etc.

According to Farris, he was then suddenly pepper sprayed and thrown down to the concrete and arrested on disorderly conduct charges. The officer then told him that he had a burglary conviction on his record, which Ferris denied even having ever been indicted on any charge.

This all happened out at Turtle Creek Mall after watching a movie. If this is all that happened (and yes, this is only one side of the story), it appears that the officers overreacted.

[Sir Mickey Mouse]

OK I am a Supertalk Mississippi fan and listen to it frequently. But, I question Farley on his judgment in Thursday's show. Not 5 minutes after talking about the Farris case, he hosted Robin Walker, PR person for HPD. Why did he not ask her anything about it? We want to know their side of the story. If Walker asked him to stay away from the subject, what do they have to hide? If she didn't, why didn't Farley talk about that instead of reporting fireworks. :smt102

[itzme]

Thanks Mouse man for bring that up . . I sat and listen to that conversation (I wouldn't call it an interview) It sounded like Jethro and Ellie Mae taking speech and giggle lessons. Shaw is normally alot more investigative with his interviews. My guess is she told him that she would not answer any questions about the situation.
I guess I am very disappointed in Supertalk for sugar-coating that poop!
You could almost hear the fear in Shaw's voice.... afraid he would ask "the wrong" questions. So all he cold ask is "Should I leave my windows cracked" - - - WHATEVER!
Shaw you have more than cracked windows!

[aaron]

bartspoon, we've talked about an elected official's duties to the public. We've agreed that he should, in our opinion, talk to the media. These points are all moot though. From what I hear, he has a majority of the council, and he got a majority of the vote. That's all he needs. I'm not putting myself in the mayor's shoes and saying "Well, if I was mayor, I wouldn't talk to the Independent either!" I'm looking at it from the mayor's perspective though. I've known several President's to do the same thing. If you talk bad about him, you get shunned at the next press conference.

I really need to take my question back and ask this one first. Why does the mayor need the Independent and it's reader's support? Bush has some of the lowest approval ratings of any President right now, but we've got him for four more years, just like Dupree. June 7th was it. Now we must work with him, unless he commits some type of impeachable offense.

[Sir Mickey Mouse]

That's just the thing, and for those of us who only read the Independent and watch WDAM - and avoid the American - that's a slap in the face. Even if we did read the HA, it's still a message loud and clear to us. He doesn't NEED us, he doesn't CARE about us, and he sure as heck doesn't APPRECIATE us. He is perfectly happy talking to the American and reading his political and Mellisa's public relations jargon... word for word for what he wants printed.

[lamarrebel]

I guess back in the Cold War, the Soviets had their official news agency, Tass.

DuPree now has his unofficial news agency, the Hattiesburg American.

[aaron]

That's just the thing, and for those of us who only read the Independent and watch WDAM - and avoid the American - that's a slap in the face. Even if we did read the HA, it's still a message loud and clear to us. He doesn't NEED us, he doesn't CARE about us, and he sure as heck doesn't APPRECIATE us. He is perfectly happy talking to the American and reading his political and Mellisa's public relations jargon... word for word for what he wants printed.

Well, yeah, that's putting it harshly, but that about sums it up. That's just how the system works. Dupree is in a better position than anyone, because he doesn't need a state, and doesn't need a city. With our low voter turnout, all he needs is a community behind him, and he'll get re-elected. That's why I say focus on the council. When the Democrats lost to Bush, their focus went immediately to Congress. That's their only hope of getting anything done. Why isn't that the case here?

I wish I had the money to run a MyHattiesburg ad in the Hattiesburg American that is half a page saying "City Council meeting on this date, we're going to talk about important issues dealing with the city, if you care about Hattiesburg, please don't hesitate to get involved."

[BDPH1856]

Well said Sir Mickey.......
I am amazed at the shenanigans of this administration. It seems to me that JLD has enjoyed surrounding himself with "yes men" and of course "yes WOMEN".
It seems like a cult to me....remember Jim Jones and Guyana and the koolaid????
Well I won't drink any koolaid from the Mayor's or HPD's office.....especially not red in paper cups!!!!! :smt118

[Sir Mickey Mouse]

HAHAHAHAHAHAH

me neither

[bartspoon]

Sir Mickey, once again you are exactly right. The mayor just simply does not care about us. He doesnt need us so he doesnt care about us. So why should we work with him I'm all for working against him. In my opinion anything that the mayor does is deeply rooted in what I'm against, which is a divided city, and the exclusion of a large part of the citizenry, as to what is really going on in our town. No longer do i think he is a man that has earned my respect, nor do i think he is a good man. He is an arrogant man only interested in his own agenda. He hides his racist and questionable decisions behind monogramed collars, fancy ties, and well pressed suits. He is no more than what my wise old Uncle Fred would call a "DANDY". He surrounds himself with people of questionable character, with tyranical methods of management, and a public relations person who throws herself between him and anyone trying to get at the truth. And when he needs spiritual guidance he goes to a preacher that is a card carrying racist that cares only about himself. A preacher who uses his pulpit to advance his own self interest and not the salvation of souls. He is the most shameful example of hypocracy that you could ever find.
So why should we work with the mayor? If we know that he is working against us. I would rather be a fly in the butter.
Aaron you are right about one thing, it is all in the hands of the city council. And it is up to us to let our opinions be heard, no matter how much the mayor does not care to hear them. I pray that Kim Bradley will see the light, because it seems to me it all boils down to him. He has become the most important vote on a council that is the only thing standing between us and a future like Jackson. It is all in the hands of a frist time elected official. So if anyone wants to voice there opinions please call, go by to see him at Taylor rent-all, or email him. (does anyone know his email addy) Our towns future is riding on his vote. I hope he has a better spiritual advisor than our mayor does.

[bartspoon]

By the way Mickey, the cheese is on the way....:smt041

[beggingforrelief]

Hey everybody,


Been sitting back watching and reading for the past little while trying to get my bloodpressure to receed. But the bad news is the more I see, hear and read about what is happening to our fair city, the old BP is starting to boil again.

First, I was on 2nd floor city hall the other day and I saw an empl;oyee packing up her personal belongings in her office. This was the poor employee who was chastized by the one and only preacher Fairley. Remember, the same time that the mayor and Eddie Myers sat there like two of the three monkeys you see in the comics (one covering his eyes the other covering his ears). Well I asked someone on the 2nd floor (not 3rd floor employee) what was going on and they said that the mayor was moving her out of her job to another part of the city. I asked why and they said because she stood her ground about the non-existant voting incident that the reverend repremanded her for. She refused to apoligize for something that didn't happen.

Next is the fiasco of certain city directors being re-appointed (Wynn, Magee, Fiero, Massengale, Terrell). Complaint after complaint is coming forward but again the mayor is returning to the posture of the see, hear, and speak no evil pose. Even a losing team, will get rid of its coach when there is a chance to turn a losing season around.

As a citizen, please contact you council member and voice the concerns that we have concerning our city. Also provide facts so that they can validate the comments that are brought forward. Unfortunately denard and naylor will vote for the mayors choices no matter what. As an employee, please hit your knees tonight and pray that devine wisdom will open the mayors eyes and the good Lord will guide the open minded members of the city council to do what is right.

[JB2379]

this Dupree situation can be handled in two ways, both with benefits and consequences. If we all joined together and decided to work with Dupree, he may change his ways and start to work for all of Hattiesburg. But, the bad thing is he could also take our willingness to work with him as us supporting him, which could actually encourage him to continue his unpopular antics. If he realizes that the majority of hattiesburg ciizens are willing to work with him, why would he change his ways.

Secondly, if we all decided to fight Dupree, maybe, just maybe, he would see the light and realize that he has to make decisions that will benefit all citizens, not just a select-few (probably wishful thinking). The bad thing is if we decided to fight Dupree, he could simply use that as motivation to continue his antics just to spite us.
We all just need to think of the best possible way to deal with what's going on in city hall.

[Sir Mickey Mouse]

Maybe we all should do as much of our shopping as possible in Laurel, Petal, or Columbia??? We can at least control where our tax dollars go.

[JB2379]

if we did our shopping elsewhere, we would only be hurting the city like the Dupree administration.

[Monkey]

Sir Mickey, once again you are exactly right. The mayor just simply does not care about us. He doesnt need us so he doesnt care about us. So why should we work with him I'm all for working against him. In my opinion anything that the mayor does is deeply rooted in what I'm against, which is a divided city, and the exclusion of a large part of the citizenry, as to what is really going on in our town. No longer do i think he is a man that has earned my respect, nor do i think he is a good man. He is an arrogant man only interested in his own agenda. He hides his racist and questionable decisions behind monogramed collars, fancy ties, and well pressed suits. He is no more than what my wise old Uncle Fred would call a "DANDY". He surrounds himself with people of questionable character, with tyranical methods of management, and a public relations person who throws herself between him and anyone trying to get at the truth. And when he needs spiritual guidance he goes to a preacher that is a card carrying racist that cares only about himself. A preacher who uses his pulpit to advance his own self interest and not the salvation of souls. He is the most shameful example of hypocracy that you could ever find.
So why should we work with the mayor? If we know that he is working against us. I would rather be a fly in the butter.
Aaron you are right about one thing, it is all in the hands of the city council. And it is up to us to let our opinions be heard, no matter how much the mayor does not care to hear them. I pray that Kim Bradley will see the light, because it seems to me it all boils down to him. He has become the most important vote on a council that is the only thing standing between us and a future like Jackson. It is all in the hands of a frist time elected official. So if anyone wants to voice there opinions please call, go by to see him at Taylor rent-all, or email him. (does anyone know his email addy) Our towns future is riding on his vote. I hope he has a better spiritual advisor than our mayor does.


Bart:
I couldn't agree more!

[HubCityMan1912]

Sir Mickey, once again you are exactly right. The mayor just simply does not care about us. He doesnt need us so he doesnt care about us. So why should we work with him I'm all for working against him. In my opinion anything that the mayor does is deeply rooted in what I'm against, which is a divided city, and the exclusion of a large part of the citizenry, as to what is really going on in our town. No longer do i think he is a man that has earned my respect, nor do i think he is a good man. He is an arrogant man only interested in his own agenda. He hides his racist and questionable decisions behind monogramed collars, fancy ties, and well pressed suits. He is no more than what my wise old Uncle Fred would call a "DANDY". He surrounds himself with people of questionable character, with tyranical methods of management, and a public relations person who throws herself between him and anyone trying to get at the truth. And when he needs spiritual guidance he goes to a preacher that is a card carrying racist that cares only about himself. A preacher who uses his pulpit to advance his own self interest and not the salvation of souls. He is the most shameful example of hypocracy that you could ever find.
So why should we work with the mayor? If we know that he is working against us. I would rather be a fly in the butter.
Aaron you are right about one thing, it is all in the hands of the city council. And it is up to us to let our opinions be heard, no matter how much the mayor does not care to hear them. I pray that Kim Bradley will see the light, because it seems to me it all boils down to him. He has become the most important vote on a council that is the only thing standing between us and a future like Jackson. It is all in the hands of a frist time elected official. So if anyone wants to voice there opinions please call, go by to see him at Taylor rent-all, or email him. (does anyone know his email addy) Our towns future is riding on his vote. I hope he has a better spiritual advisor than our mayor does.

This timely post via "Bartspoon" re Mayor/City Hall situations expresses my long-held perceptions precisely. (As Mayor J. Ed Morgan always rightly said: [whether it's fair or not] "...in politics, perception is tountamount to reality..." And it grieves me to the core to say that, in this critical case, I'm deathly afraid that these perceptions (as so effectively laid out by Bartspoon) are indeed tragically very close to the actual reality...God help us indeed.

[King Kong]

if we did our shopping elsewhere, we would only be hurting the city like the Dupree administration.

I cant afford the gas to drive somewhere else to shop.

[Monkey]

Has anyone else heard that DuPree and Wynn are wineing (sp) and dining Bradley? From what I understand they are taking him to lunch and on him hot and heavy! If Bradley votes in favor of Wynn his political career will be over before it's begun.
:smt022

[candid]

I heard that they were trying to get him on their ship, but from what I've heard their ship is sinking. I wouldn't jump aboard a sinking ship and I think he might have sense enough not to.

[King Kong]

I guess Bradley needs to decide wether he wants to fish or cut bait! LOL Hahaha I crack myself up! LOL!!!!!:smt046

[candid]

I heard he was going fishing and that he already had the worms, so I am guessing he is not cutting bait!

[candid]

yea they got medicine!

[Fire Extinguisher]

I agree Aaron, the council is where the pressure should be applied, it takes a 3-2 vote to do, or not to do.

[Tire Swang]

On the topic of Mrs. Massingill, I have a few questions:

First, isn't it written into the city's employee manual that City of Hattiesburg employees are not supposed to become actively involved in local campaigns during working hours, or furthermore, that they are not supposed to refer to their official capacities as city employees while working for a political campaign? If thats the case, and I know it is, then it seems that Mrs. Massingill's antics during the election (where she served as both the City's Public Relations Chair and as a DuPree Campaign Representative) is in voilation of city policy.

Furthermore, I wonder if Mrs. Massingill understands her actual job description? She is supposed to perform public relations activities for the City of Hattiesburg, not its elected officials' campaigns. Moreover, it isn't her job to dictate media access to City Hall. She should be there solely as a resource for the media -- an intermediary if you will -- when the media requests information. In other words, she is supposed to be a faciliatator, not a dictator.

Finally, I wonder what the State Ethics commission, and possibly the State Auditor, would have to say about all this? If, in fact, Mrs. Massingill was working for DuPree's campaign during working hours while she was being paid a salary financed by the taxpayers of Hattiesburg, then it's obvious that a huge conflict of interest exists.

I think Mrs. Massingill owes some explanations.

[Monkey]

I agree Tireswang! Wonder what Massengill's explanations for this would be, but I'm sure that none of us can hold our breath for that because that would mean she would have to answer questions about her job as a shady PR person.

[Tire Swang]

I agree Tireswang! Wonder what Massengill's explanations for this would be, but I'm sure that none of us can hold our breath for that because that would mean she would have to answer questions about her job as a shady PR person.

I was just thinking monkey -- other city employees would be held to a higher standard than this, so why not Mrs. Massingill? If a citizen thinks a police officer isn't doing his job properly, there is a defined avenue for citizen complaints. Likewise with a firefighter, a water meter-reader, or even a secretary or receptionist at city hall.

Perhaps all of us who are angered by Mrs. Massingill's antics should call her boss, the mayor, and make our complaints known. Afterall, it seems she's not doing her job properly by mandating that a certain media organization cannot have access to City Hall or the police department.

In effect, she's taking our right to know out of our hands. She's somehow equating her job responsiblities as a public relations person with those of a censor -- she's telling certain citizens of Hattiesburg that they don't have the same rights to transparency as other citizens of Hattiesburg, simply because of the publication they choose to read.

I think she's stepped way over the line here. For those of you that agree, perhaps some calls of complaint to the mayor's office are in order.

[BDPH1856]

You know Tireswang....it seems that I read about this PR lady in the Independent a few weeks ago.

If so many people are upset about her not understanding what her job description is....then why doesn't the mayor call her in and reprimand her ....write her up ....or better yet fire her.

That is the way that most jobs work....if you are NOT doing your job as stated in the description....they find someone else....

This really makes me wonder what this lady has over the Mayor's head ....that secures her job so.....that he doesn't even QUESTION her antics???????????

I am very puzzled!!!!! IS HIS head in the sand.....I would be embarrased if my office was represented in such a way!!!!

WHO is scratching whose back???????? :confused: :confused: :confused: :zip:

[Tire Swang]

You know Tireswang....it seems that I read about this PR lady in the Independent a few weeks ago.

If so many people are upset about her not understanding what her job description is....then why doesn't the mayor call her in and reprimand her ....write her up ....or better yet fire her.

That is the way that most jobs work....if you are NOT doing your job as stated in the description....they find someone else....

This really makes me wonder what this lady has over the Mayor's head ....that secures her job so.....that he doesn't even QUESTION her antics???????????

I am very puzzled!!!!! IS HIS head in the sand.....I would be embarrased if my office was represented in such a way!!!!

WHO is scratching whose back???????? :confused: :confused: :confused: :zip:

I don't think the mayor is the least bit upset with her. In fact, he's probably in full agreement with what she's doing. DuPree is scared to death to face Bob Pittman and The Independent. He knows that the more access he grants them, the more that they will uncover. If everything was on the up and up around there, then it seems to me that he wouldn't have any problem with granting them access. In fact, if I were in his situation and had nothing to hide, I'd be bending over backwards inviting The Independent to come see that everything is legit! Bob Pittman is going to be fair with the mayor -- if the mayor and his employees are doing everything they should be doing, Bob Pittman will write that. And DuPree knows it.

That's why this whole thing smells so fishy. It isn't as if Bob Pittman arrived in Hattiesburg yesterday. He has a history of praising the mayor when he's done well, and burning him when he's done things that aren't in Hattiesburg's best interest. DuPree has worked with Bob Pittman and his staff before. Now, however, something has changed that has them running scared. And don't be fooled -- it's not just because of a few editorials that hurt their feelings. There's something much deeper at work.

[BDPH1856]

WEll this is all very interesting Tireswang. You make a good point or two.

I hear that Bob Pittman has been around for a LONG time....a native of Hattiesburg....and well-known in the political scene in Mississippi for the last 40 years.

I hear he knows everyone and is well-respected...bringing to light positive points and negative points.

I have read his newspaper for several years now....and he seems to be honest and fair.

You must be right....JLD must have something to hide down there....but I have no doubts that Pittman and the Independent will get to the bottom of this.....for the sake of the citizens on our city.

What a shame that a man with the personality and poise of JLD would succumb to the path of the corruptors in his office.....If I was him....I would bail out now and save my face!!!! :smt022

[Sir Mickey Mouse]

I sure hope so.

If I were his little assistants (M or B), I'd sure be watching my back... as the heat gets placed on JLD and the good rev., they are going to be looking for somone to place a burden on... someone who they wouldn't mind bringing down.

[BDPH1856]

Sir Mickey...I think you are absolutely right!!!!
In other words..... they better not drink the Koolaid!!!!! :smt038

[aaron]

We sure do have a strong support group for the Independent around here.

[nonnegotiable]

I agree that this administration has something to hide! But this admin seems to know something but not enough to keep them out of lawsuits! They are trying though but not doing a good enough job! It is like my mama always said what comes around goes around! Mayor, Rev, Wynn, Eddie, Bev, Clem, Fiero, Massingale, and Beth you will get what the LORD has for you it may not be today or tommorrow but he does say vengence is mine! My prayer is that it will be soon!

[nonnegotiable]

By the way where is 3rd floor employee are they just trying to pass the buck to make you think it is someone else that might be out-of-town to throw you off and not let it be known that it is BB!

[lamarrebel]

I wonder where the good Reverend has been in all of this to share his insight?

[nonnegotiable]

In the mayors --- at the Neshobia county fair!

[lamarrebel]

The fair is almost always the last week of July...I remember during the 1999 election cycle, having to take the Bar Exam on the days of all of the political speeches -- I was absolutely livid!

[lamarrebel]

I've been able to go twice...at age 15 in 1988, when Trent Lott and Michael Dukakis spoke the same day (Dukakis got heavily heckled) and in 2002...saw the Pickering/Shows debate as well as Chuck McRae receiving only a tepid response. Jess Dickinson spoke a few minutes later and opened with the words, "I'm Jess Dickinson and I intend to replace Chuck McRae on the Mississippi Supreme Court" and brought the house down. I remember McRae pulled a Johnny DuPree in that election and refused to talk to the Sun Herald as well.

Of course, I've read about Ronald Reagan's 1980 visit, and wish I could have gone! That visit symbollized the emergence of Mississippi as a two-party state and certainly cemented us as a red state.