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Openness in gov’t should be a priority
Published Sunday, February 10, 2008
When public officials break laws — any laws — it is disappointing, even infuriating.
They should know better.
Catching a public servant doing wrong is a little like discovering your preacher is a drunken gambler, who kicks dogs and pinches babies for fun on the weekends.
Sure, we’re all humans, so we all sin.
However, elected officials still need to be held to a slightly higher standard than John Q. Public.
Unfortunately, many taxpayers seem content with just looking the other way when elected officials make a mistake — intentionally or by accident.
Last week a number of people seemed to have no problem whatsoever with the fact those three Adams County supervisors met privately with two county road officials.
State law stipulates that meeting was a violation of the Mississippi Open Meetings Act. Unfortunately, the law is like a watchdog without teeth. No real penalty is stipulated in the law for those who violate it.
Newspapers and other civil rights groups have been pressing for stronger open meetings laws for years.
But the worrisome part is just how little the common man seems to care.
What’s happened to our society when we collectively hold our leaders to such a low standard of accountability?
Do we just not care anymore?
Or are we simply more worried about the “big” things that we just don’t mind a few small ones?
Nationally and at the state level the “mistakes” can be huge — sex scandals, refrigerators filled with cash, etc.
Maybe that’s it.
Perhaps in our global media world, our level of tolerance, our breaking point of concern is just higher than it once was.
Society would be better off if everyone became a little more concerned about all of the little “mistakes” that compound into a government that no longer truly works for the people, by the people.
Sure, our elected officials give lip service to “openness” and “accountability” during the election process. But the minute the votes are counted all bets are off.
We’re going to meet with whomever we want, whenever we want.
The supervisors are just part of the problem. Sure, they broke the law when they met with the road manager and the county engineer.
But then again, they haven’t had a good lead to follow, either.
A little over a year ago, members of the previous board of supervisors met with a prospective private prison development, GEO Group Inc.
Nothing was ever official, but the talks occurred behind closed doors — whether it was a violation of the Open Meetings Law or not, we may never know.
We’ll also never know if anything was promised under the table. But public servants did the talking — public servants paid with public money, discussing the sales off public land to a private company.
Across the street, the Natchez mayor ordered public workers to go on private property and tear down a building, violating a couple of regulations — both city and state. It’s OK, some people said, the building needed to go down anyway.
How infuriated would you be if you owned a building and had been prevented from doing work to it — or even demolishing it — by city preservation regulations only to see the mayor disregard similar laws?
Just down the road from the supervisors’ State Street office, the former circuit clerk embezzled money, admitted to it and received a slap on the wrist.
It was OK, the judge said, because he paid back the money. A similar case in a neighboring county resulted in jail time for the guilty party.
In each case, laws were broken, yet in each case large blocks of the community stood up to defend the perpetrator.
That’s almost as disappointing as public officials breaking the law.
Kevin Cooper is publisher of The Natchez Democrat. He can be reached at 601-445-3539 or kevin.cooper@natchezdemocrat.com.
Comments
Posted by oilman7058 (anonymous) on February 10, 2008 at 7:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Shame, shame on you talk about openness. Where did you bury the Palmer corrections? Yes we all make mistakes
some more than others. I would say your staff makes more than most. Like you say it's the price you pay to be in the public eye. By the way did anyone see that the county crews are working this wekend. Our supervisors talk must have worked because that has not happened in many years if ever.
Everybody deserves a chance don't you agree Mr Cooper?
Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on February 10, 2008 at 7:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It does seem Kevin, that circumvention of law is so commonplace people do not even recognize it when they see it, or when they are told about it.
As to open meeting laws having no teeth, neither do ethics laws. Of course both are decided upon by people serving in office, so no surprise there.
Even the meetings concerning our founding document, the Constitution, were held behind closed doors and against the intent of the states sending delgates; those delegates were supposed to be meeting to fix some minor problems with the Articles of Confederation. Our national heritage is a legacy of secret meetings.
Most likely we are stuck with this mode of operation until it becomes so intolerable the people simply can no longer bear it.
We became strong as a nation through regard for a few basic principles no longer honored individually or collectively. We became weak through trading those principles for security of several sorts.
Thomas Jefferson said that when the government fears the people there is freedom, and that when the people fear the government there is tyranny. We have zero tolereance for all manner of transgressions concerning the common person, and infinite forgiveness for our ruling class.
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on February 10, 2008 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
youre rite oilman....Ben said they would correct the poorly reported story on Dr Palmer.What happened??? or were we lied to again?Oilman..I also saw the crews working,looks like things might get better in the county with Henry,Mike & Spanky doing what they were elected to do.Im sure Mr Grenell will go crying to the Democrat at their every move....but so be it.Just keep up the great work Henry,Mike & Spanky
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on February 10, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The paper corrected the on-line story: Updated 10:38 a.m., February 9, 2008
Editor's note: This story was updated to correct an error of fact. We regret the error and are happy to correct it.
And there is an acknowledgment of the error in this morning's print edition.
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on February 10, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, this a case of "damn if you do" or "damn if you don't"!
Any manager worth his SALT (salary) tries to find out what the little people are thinking! Some of the best ideas come from those who are trying their best to do a good job.
Whether it was breaking the law or not, I applaud the supervisors for taking the time to talk to our county employees. It should not be against the law to talk to employees for ideas and suggestions!
Surely, the supervisors can find a way to conduct the meeting and meet the requirements of the law.
Just my opinion!!!
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on February 10, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This article was about our elected officials being above the law when they should take all precautions to follow the law, same as we do. It is not about the errors in the Democrat which have been corrected. Pay attention folks!
Posted by oilman7058 (anonymous) on February 10, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
freedom42, I do not think the supervisors feel as though they are above the law. Once again, Mr. Grennell and Mr. Campbell were both invited to come to the meeting with Mr. Marlow and Mr. Wimberly and decided not to come for reasons I do not know. This was a meeting about state aid roads, nothing secret or even exciting about it. I don't know why the Democrat is still beating this same old horse. Good things came from this meeting and from the meeting with the road dept. Don't you realize that? The meeting with the road dept. was such a productive meeting but some people do not see it. They are just intent on critizing the supervisors. Mr. Grennell set up his little "fit' and called the Democrat (Adam Koob) ahead of time but he doesn't realize that he is the one that looked bad, not the supervisors he was trying to set up. Mr. Grennell is the only supervisor that is causing such a stir, the others are getting on with their work and actually working to make Adams County a better place.
Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on February 10, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
people seem to want to chat about this all day. much chat when the school board raised their tax 26% last (?) year?
Nope.
Posted by jooodoo (anonymous) on February 10, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This does seem a bit overdone. Voters deciced on a change, against the advice of the Democrat.This decision was made by a pretty solid vote.
I'm sure their conficence will be awarded with better government and more decisions made FOR the voters as apposed to the benefit of a few.
If you want to know what really happens at the Supervisors
Metings just tune to Channel 4,6:00pm every Thursday.
See if is sounds like the same meeting the Democrat reporter attended.
Posted by jooodoo (anonymous) on February 10, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry, I omitted an obvious point. Only the Democrat has the priviledge of making a mistake and it's ok when they say oops and print a small corredtion in an obscure place usually the size of one of our postage stamps.
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on February 10, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What some politicians forget so soon after election day, is that another will be here soon. I believe the three that is being scrounged in public right now have done the right thing. I feel that most of the voters are of the same thought. The ones who are trying to make the trouble will be remembered as such come election day again. It's time to settle down and get the business of NTZ/ADAMS CO. taken care of, instead of all this whimpering.
Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on February 11, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Question oilman, should the supervisors, mayor or any govt official follow the laws all the time, or just when it suits them?
Can the public pick and choose what laws to follow?
Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on February 11, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I for one would like to know can yal not even get the OBITS names spelled correctly? You have Ms Catherine Price yet further reading is Catherine Prince! WHICH IS IT DEMOCRAT!?
you really need a proof reader
Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on February 11, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all, a newspaper is a private company and not beholden to the public in the way a politician is. If you don't like the paper's content, stop buying it and it will go away. Newspapers are about making money like anyother business. If you can do it better, start a better newspaper, or work at this one to make it better.
With politicians, unfortunatly they do not just go away--they are there for the full term.
But Kevin, lets not forget, HUGE-VAST-MILLIONS of Americans have looked the other way, or condoned George Bush trampling on the US Constitution. He flat out violated his sworn oath to defend and protect the US Constitution, and they let him get away with it. So is it any wonder people don't care when a local "Joe Politician" violates a little local ordinance??
People don't want to engage. They want to complain and then do nothing.
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on February 11, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
While roberth33 wishes for someone other Bush, let's not forget LBJ and the great society programs that are still been funneled thru the entitlement programs of the tax and spend DemocRATs! Heaven forbid that we don't get "Owhampy or sister Hillary. The Clintons have done more harm to this country, especially Bill and his "lovers and his "mouth"! All, don't forget the Board of Aldermen meeting tomorrow night-call the Mayor's Office for the time and temperaure!
Posted by sentas (anonymous) on February 11, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Keep your "DemocRAT" talk on your right-wing hate sites.
Posted by jooodoo (anonymous) on February 11, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There are some people that enjoy banter more than others.
Can't wait for the nest issue of "just the facts, ma'am".
For those of you who do not remember that line. it came from a fictional cop show Dragnet, I know it was fictional because he only wanted facts.
Will you all give the kudos to the Supervisors when the do
something to make you proud or will you still hang on to the sour grapes that come with the smell of defeat.
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on February 11, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
(Sentas) I will go on any sight that I wish! You are the one who needs to leave and take one step backwards!
Posted by observer (anonymous) on February 12, 2008 at 4:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Roberth33 commented that the newspaper is a private company. This is true, but in our case, for all practical purposes, it's the only act in town. The way to make it better is to continue applauding it when it does a good job and correcting it when it makes a mistake. To stop buying it is cutting off the proverbial nose (though to stop advertising in it would really hurt).
Until something better comes along it's all we have, and the citizens and advertisers should demand that the paper hold itself to high standards. Plugging away at those who violate the open meetings law is an important way for them to do this. How can the truth be reported if all they have to go on is hearsay?
Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on February 12, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There is another paper in town observer, that conservative paper. Only problem is Rinaldi has published too many stories that weren't right and people quit believing him. Well not all, I am sure rushing still reads it
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on February 12, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
(Mike8427) I only read the Natchez Democrat! I also understand that Rinaldi is looking for good "Scoopers", looks like you would qualify!
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on February 12, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
“Racism is man's gravest threat to man - the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason.”
Abraham J. Heschel quotes (Jewish theologian and philosopher, 1907-1972)
Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on February 12, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh Observer I agree. I think those who violate the open meeting call should be called on it.
I'm just saying that the Demo is not an elected official so it's apples and oranges to compare them.
To rushingjr, sorry, but there is no comparison to Bush violating the US Constitution and having a girlfriend in the White House (Anymore than it did when Bush Sr., LBJ, JFK, Ike, and FDR had girlfriends.)
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on February 12, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
(roberth33) You forgot your idol, Slick Willy Clinton , former Governor and YOUR EX-President! It has never been proving that Bush has violated the consiitution or broken any laws!
Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on February 12, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
rushing, I didn't forget Clinton, my point was he was no worse than any of those. Toss in Harding too.
Illegal spying on Americans is a crime. Bush authorized it and it is ILLEGAL. That is NOT upholding the US Constitution. You are forgetting that there is no political will to impeach Wimpy, but that does not mean what he did was legal.
Let's not forget that Wimpy dropped the ball on the Presidential Briefing that told him Bin Laden was going to strike. Wimpy went on vacation.
Oh and lets not forget Wimpy's stellar effort in rescueing New Orleans and the Coast after Katrina.
I'll take Bill Clinton over this moron ANY day of the week.
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on February 13, 2008 at 12:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
(Robert33) Guess What! You can have Bill along with his live-in Hillary any day! Even Obama doesn't care for either one of them! But I think that this is a conspiracy between the three of them! Also, when National Security is at stake, any law can be broken when lives are at a risk! In regards to Hurricane Katrina, Mayor Ray Nagin and Governor Kathleen Blanco refused to ask for help on several occasions from FEMA! Governor Haley asked for help right away and got it! Blanco even admits it now! It looks like we will become more of a Third World Country if Hillary or Obama gets in! As an added note, New Orleans had severe flooding where MS. had very little compared to N. O. New Orleans had levee topping and levee "breaching", thus causing much more damage than our great State of Mississippi!
Posted by roberth33 (anonymous) on February 13, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No, Sir, we DO NOT break the law to enforce the law in the USA. We have a Constitution that is inviolate. NEVER EVER do you ignore the the US Constitution. You are UN-AMERICAN to even suggest something like that.
As for becoming a 3rd world country, specifics please? Not rhetoric--S-P-E-C-I-F-I-C-S. Exactly how will this occur?
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on February 14, 2008 at 1:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
(roberth33) If I am Un-American, well then you are a traitor for not supporting our President in time of war! Liberals always have an excuse! If you are ignorant to see the conditions in the U.S. today, well then you need to take a step backwards and re-examine yourself! President Bush did not break a law! For telephone conversations to be listened to in matters of national Security from overseas to the United States, you need to check with an F.B. I. agent that knows or an U. S. Attorney. You will learn something before you "spout off".
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