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Latham back on board
Supervisors rehire attorney at Rentech’s request
Published Thursday, January 10, 2008
NATCHEZ — Members of the Adams County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday to temporarily rehire former county attorney Bob Latham.
At a Monday board meeting, members voted not to rehire Latham as county attorney.
But Latham was rehired Wednesday at the behest of Rentech consultant Bill Harrell to facilitate the land transaction between Rentech, International Paper and Adams County.
Harrell said Latham had such an intimate knowledge of the Rentech project that moving forward without him could hinder the project’s progress.
Harrell said the closing on the land must be completed by April 1, as dictated by the terms of sale set forth by IP.
And since an illness in the family of Joe Regnery, Natchez Project Manager for Rentech, will have him away from the project for the next 30 days, Harrell said Latham is even more important to the project.
“That could unnecessarily delay the closing date,” he said.
Harrell stressed to the board just how important the land acquisition is to the Rentech project.
“It’s really the fist major step,” he said.
Newly elected Supervisor’s President Henry Watts said he thought interim attorney Bobby Cox could handle the deal on his own.
However Latham and Harrell did not agree.
Latham said that his in-depth involvement in the project makes him more than qualified to see it to its completion.
“He (Cox) has just not been involved,” Latham said. “I’ve devoted two years to the project.”
Latham also said the closing on the Rentech deal was unique because of the fluid nature of the entire project.
“It’s constantly changing,” he said.
And while the board has voted to rehire Latham until the closing goes through or until April 1, Latham said he has not discussed the logistics of the working alongside Cox or his own fees for working on the closing.
“I’m not sure why they need two lawyers to work on the same case,” he said. “That just doubles the amount the county pays in fees.”
On Wednesday evening Watts said he envisioned Cox functioning in a supervisory role that would review Latham’s work on the project.
Latham said while he is not opposed to continuing to work on the case, he is reluctant to work with Cox in a capacity that would have Cox reviewing his work.
Watts said he will try to meet with Latham on Thursday to iron out the details of Latham’s newly extended contract.
At the close of Wednesday’s meeting, Harrell said he was pleased with the issue.
“Having Bob is a smart choice,” he said. “It’s complex issue and he knows it well.”
Comments
Posted by DIXIEGAL21 (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 1:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My opinion? Attorney Bob Latham should dump the Adams County Board of Supervisor's immediately. If it were me, I would give these "smart boys" the opportunity to figure out what is required in putting together a business project like Retech...and actually bringing it to fruition. If Bob Latham is allowed to do so, he will likely see the project to completion...for the benefit of the Natchez workforce.....despite Watt's and the Board's insults and ignorance. Bob, I for one appreciate your blood, sweat and tears on this project.
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 4:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here we go again...If Rentech was that big of a deal a lawyer or sickness in the family would not hinder the deal.I guess we will just have to wait until April so we can see what kind of fools Rentech & Bob Latham has made out of us.Keep up the good work Spanky,Mike & Henry.
Posted by eagles (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 5:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I knew it. If I were Latham, I'd walk away from the county job. Let Rentech hire him and let the county suffer for making such a stupid mistake. I'm not sure which one was worse - the fact that they dismissed him to begin with , or the fact that they are going to pay TWO attorneys now. And why should he have someone looking over his work? I'd tell them to take a hike, Bob!
Posted by muffinrules (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 5:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree eagles, Bobby Cox, has dealt with oil deals, house closings, and Richard Swartz kind of cases, I just can't figure out how his name came up in the first place, Bob let the board figure it out on their own, I'm sure Henry has ALL ANSWERS ....
Posted by olderthandirt (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 5:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just my opinion as a TAXPAYER, but on the Rentech deal, it is absolutely ridiculous to be paying TWO attorneys. Great going, Henry. In this case Bob Latham is more qualified to complete this assignment.
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 5:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Okay, he was let go by the board, only to be rehired by them. What a joke.
Posted by james (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 7:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bob Latham you are worth 2or3 time,s your old salary now keep them in hot water after all what are they gonna do FIRE YOU?
Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 7:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
HAHAHA...well we got that change didn't we.. TWO ATTRONEY'S!! WITH NO MONEY TO PAY THEM! GRRRRRREAT!
Posted by localyokel (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I still don't understand why they decided to stir the pot now of all times. I haven't heard where Bob was doing a bad job and this other person could do better for one. Secondly, even the company wants Bob to remain for the duration. Doesn't sound like rocket science to me. If this was a "necessary" move, show me where it needed to be done "now"? Sounds like either something personal against Bob or Cox is someone's best buddy. Ain't Politics great.
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I still don't know who Cox is. I have never heard of him, and I know quite a few of the attorneys in town. What has he done in the past? Good going Watts - now you get to pay 2 attorneys at the same time. Bob Latham is a good person - I wouldn't have come back.
Posted by kpage1 (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GREAT! Now Rentech knows how unstable the board of supervisors is and may just pull out!
Posted by formernatchezian (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is the work of the people yall voted in office. Good call. I never thought I would hear myself say this, but I am so glad I don't live in Natchez anymore. I can see Henry's face now. How in the heck could he not see beyond his own nose and realize what firing Bob would do to the biggest deal the supervisors have going. It is just not good thinking. Not looking out for the taxpayers. I am ashamed of the supervisors.
Posted by SayItRight (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good luck on the Rentech deal. I hope if they sell it for millions of dollars to someone else it won't jeopardize the location of the facility and the potential economic benefit to the area.
But if it does sell, you know who will close the deal. And if there are more legal fees to be had by dragging out the process you can bet it will take months........
Posted by eagles (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I knew that Watts was wrong for this job and I knew sooner or later - he'd prove it. It didn't take long. I bet Joe Eidt wouldn't have made such an ignorant move. Leave em hanging, Bob. You're better than that!
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yep, looks like they just realized they had cut off their nose to spite their face -- now they're doing a botched up job trying to reattach it.
Posted by whatitis (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh what a web the county weaves! No one still knows why they dismissed Bob in the first place! Watts, Felter and Lazarus had to reinstate Bob after dismissing him in the first place. What a farce! What a way to begin the new year!
Posted by sandyman7 (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
REMTECH....Another PIPE dream???/ Any one remember years ago of how a UPS truck and plane repair shop was to be built on Foster Mound rd.????also a Airplane factory to build fighter jets for Spain....When Spanish officals were contacted, they never head of such a deal...And why is Latham so "afraid" of letting anyone look at his dealings with remtech???????? Just a reminder of past history and a question??
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
He never said he was "afraid" but uncomfortable with it. I wouldn't want someone new coming in and looking over projects I had been working on for 2 years either unless I felt the person had a better grasp of what was going on. I repeat my earlier questions - who is Bobby Cox and what has he done? Does anyone out there know. He is probably a very nice person for all I know, but is he qualified for the job?
Posted by opinsab (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well i agree sandyman!!! I personally know Bobby cox and hes the most honest man i know (that qualifies for the job) I mean yes he is a lawyer but he knows his stuff and hes honest. So i dont mind help paying his salary to make sure that the other bob does his job. Exspecialy after he was laid off. After all its best for our county!!
Posted by dixiecrat (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey, I hate to rain on "Bob's Booster Club" parade out there in cloud-cuckoo land, but the reason(s) he got fired are well-known to anyone who reads more than a single area newspaper (oh no, tickle my ears some more and only tell me what I want to hear!) or stays half-way informed. Whether you agree with it or not, the allegations are that he charges the county hundreds of thousands of dollars for work that should cost hundreds. The good ole boys in Adams Co. politics have been swilling at the trough and lining their pockets for so long (at the expense of the taxpayers) that apparently lots of you don't even think there's anything wrong with it. Well, thank goodness, a majority of the voters do! The other very public complaint that has been raised by and to the Board is that Latham seemed to be representing Rentech's interests more than the County's in the past two-years of dealings. I agree with the earlier statements others have made -- there's no way we need two attorneys on this project -- at least on the same side. Let Bobby represent the County and Bob represent Rentech -- isn't that the way it's usually done in America? You'd think if he was so valuable to the deal and all then Rentech would want to hire him in a New York minute -- and then there's no loss of experience, etc. -- and we the taxpayers, aren't footing those exorbitant bills! But you know that compromise is the heart of politics -- any one who was alive during the campaign knows that Henry doesn't want Latham "on board" anymore, as he campaigned on getting rid of him -- it's obviously Latham who has the friend(s) enough to keep his sweet deal going a little longer (and having Cox looking over Latham's shoulder was the best Watts could do). Yeah, right -- I'd love to see Bob walk away from this one -- and throw away his consolation prize.
Posted by jclinton (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How about some support for our supervisors for doing everything they can to keep this project going. They are not as vindictive as you all seem to think they are. Henry is doing just fine, sure he is a bit conservative, that's okay, and Mike is wanting to get alot done, so I'm sure they will help each other to make Adams County prosper and hopefully Spanky, Boo and Darryl will keep Adams County heading in the right direction. None of us are perfect but please trust this group that all they want to do is the right thing and lets back them up and contribute positively.
Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well Said Dixiecrat - It amazes me how many people think that a change in the County Attorney (for a day) could damage a supposedly multi-billion dollar project. Bob has been working for Rentech (and billing the county $180,000 last year) so of course Rentech wants to keep him.
If any one knows of a part time job that pays $180,000 per year please let me know, it seems that most of the bloggers on this site would not try and retain that job out of principle. If I could make $180,000 part time as a small town lawyer I might consider going to law school.
Believe me there are many attorneys in town who could do the job (well) and would bill far less. They would also work on the County's behalf rather than the potential new industry.
Posted by jammin1 (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Someone has the dirt on somebody. Rentech wants him and the board put a bow on him and handed him back.
Posted by james (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
AND Y'ALL THOUGHT LOUISIANA HAD SOME SCREWED UP POLITICS & UNDER THE TABLE DEALS !
Posted by sandyman7 (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
someone help me understand....Latham is representing Adams county.....and remtech???? Is he getting paid by each, if so isn't that a conflict of interest?????
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well put dixiecrat....Sounds like Bob might have some sort of a sweet deal with someone in the rentech family.Whats the matter Rentech doesnt have the money to hire their own lawyer?If the Rentech deal falls thru will Rentech reinburst Adams County the hundreds of thousands dollars the taxpayers they have paid for the legal fees.If Mr Latham is such a good person maybe he will return the fees he was paid for this ghost company.
Posted by whatitis (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ghost company? "Shedevil" what are you talking about? Rentech is as legit as the red suit you are wearing!!! Google Rentech if you have any doubts...
Posted by muffinrules (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
freedom42, Bobby Cox is an local attorney, he has dealt with oil deals, house closings, and made lots of money with asbestus cases. I think this is public record, however, i'm not sure, he gave large contributions to Ronnie Brown to help have him elected sheriff, enter his son Cliff Cox who replaced Chuck Mayfield as head of Metro Narcotics...This should help you. I just don't understand the logic, why Bobby Cox?????I can think of many other attorney's with more experience with Adams County business affairs...unless Ronnie Brown was at this particular meeting and put his name in the hopper.
Posted by muffinrules (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would like to make one than very clear...I'm much more upset with Darrel being replaced, than this attorney thing....
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks muffin, I will look him up. And I agree, Darrell being replaced was probably an even stupider move. Maybe they fired Bob to keep people from realizing Darrell was replaced.
Posted by NTZgirl13 (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
muffinrules, you sound very negative towards Ronnie Brown, Bobby Cox and Cliff Cox. Do you really know their qualifications? Ronnie Brown is an elected official. The county has spoken loudly in his favor. Bobby Cox is a local attorney that has been practicing in Natchez for 30+ years. Do you know of his other positions on other boards? He has served as county attorney before when he lived in Jefferson County. Cliff Cox as been with the ACSO for years. He has his master's degree in Criminal Justice. Doesn't that make him more qualified as a commander and able to get the grants Adams county needs to fight the growing drug problem?
Darrell was doing a great job-- who knows about the politics involved. But everyone needs to stay focused on the betterment of this county. It is a done deal by people voted into office by a democratic vote. So lets support them and if when their term is up we don't like it--- replace them.
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you very much dixiecrat. You took the words right outta my mouth.
Posted by muffinrules (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BELIEVE ME I KNOW BOBBY COX ,RONNY BROWN AND CLIFF COX REALLY WELL, IN FACT EXTREMELY WELL,I'LL LEAVE IT AT THAT......NTZgirl13
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Please +kpage+ don't for one moment think the board will have anything to do about it when the deal never happens. Read and study all the details you can on this company. It is not a done deal yet and may not ever exist in Natchez. They need millions of dollars and can not find one to back them up. They probably never will from what I have read.
Posted by america39120 (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
HELLO!!!!! LADIES.......DIXIEMAMA NEEDS YOUR HELP OVER ON THE STORY ABOUT THE MAN SEXUAL ASSAULTING A HANDICAPED PERSON STORY. SHE'S BEING BEATUP UP SOMETHING AWFUL...........HURRY OVER AND OFFER YOUR ASSISTANCE..........SHE NEEDS SOMEBODY YOUR HELP..........SHE'S BEING BASHED TO DEATH!!!!
Posted by muffinrules (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Isn't that RONNIE BRWNOS JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by america39120 (anonymous) on January 10, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BRING YOUR LAWYER AND THE POLICE!!! HURRY.......
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on January 11, 2008 at 2:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with you ntzgirl13...Ronie Brown,Bobby Cox & Cliff Cox are fine citizens & do their job well....I think muffinrules is the has been sheriff
Posted by america39120 (anonymous) on January 11, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hear this mess is creating a lot of animosity .......... who can you trust?????????
Posted by sandyman7 (anonymous) on January 11, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Can anyone answere my question ??/ Is Att. Bob Latham receiving pay from Remtech??????
Posted by natchezbum (anonymous) on January 11, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
shedevil if their doing such a good job, where are all the big drug busts we were told would happen. Only drug busts I hear of are done by the k9 unit on patrol.
Posted by shedevil (anonymous) on January 11, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ntzbum..they make many drug bust..just read the reports in mondays natchez democrat.only problem the judges give them suspended sentences.
Posted by ntz143 (anonymous) on January 12, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
for all of you posting comments, please reflect back on who you supported and voted for in the supervisors' elections. If you didn't vote, be quiet. You lost the right to comment when you didn't cast a ballot.
City elections are coming up. They are critical..Natchez, for the first time in many, many years is on the brink of major economic development. Status quo, negativity, and "same ole, same ole" won't move this city forward. Those of you who are the "power brokers" of both political parties should choose who you financially support carefully....think OUTSIDE the box. Without your leadership we will never move forward. PLEASE try to put your support toward candidates that are about moving Natchez forward.
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