Starkvillians - what's up with this?...
- Thread starter dawgstudent
- Start date
my take...
the uber-conservative old starkville crowd doesn't want Starkville to be a progressive college town and for it to continue down the path of becoming something great... a destination for more than just students.
this will locked in about 2 minutes.
the uber-conservative old starkville crowd doesn't want Starkville to be a progressive college town and for it to continue down the path of becoming something great... a destination for more than just students.
this will locked in about 2 minutes.
The board of aldermen fired Lynn Spruill who is in an appointed position and then over rode the mayors veto. People were upset about it and made fake accounts. Only sent out a couple tweets from each and never anything offensive.
The article says that the accounts stated they were parody accounts, so does this lawsuit even have any legs? Why aren't people taking down fake accounts all over the place then?
The article says that the accounts stated they were parody accounts, so does this lawsuit even have any legs? Why aren't people taking down fake accounts all over the place then?
Agree this is the more important question here. She had all good reviews in past years
Old people and technology.... c'mon man.
Legal dudes, can they even do anything about this? Seems like the greatest stretch I've ever heard of. I live 1,100 miles away from Starkville. I'm tempted to make a bunch of twitter accounts of elected and appointed officials in Stark now.
Legal dudes, can they even do anything about this? Seems like the greatest stretch I've ever heard of. I live 1,100 miles away from Starkville. I'm tempted to make a bunch of twitter accounts of elected and appointed officials in Stark now.
Absolutely not
I just finished my first year of law school and even I know there is nothing they can do about this. They have no criminal case and a VERY weak civil case.
I just finished my first year of law school and even I know there is nothing they can do about this. They have no criminal case and a VERY weak civil case.
Some of the old folks just don't get it. There was a sizeable group in fierce opposition of Wiseman from the Sunday alcohol sales deal years ago. Everyone sees how much good that's done for business. These same groups will tooth and nail oppose anything progressive he tries.
In my expert legal opinion this lawsuit is standing on magic legs, like Lieutenant Dan, magic legs that just might end up getting sued for impersonating real legs if they don’t watch their step.
Carver is not representative of the young/progressive crowd. He's the one fighting progress.
He's not actually trying to market his ideas as being 'progressive' is he? Unfortunately that term has been hijacked and has bad connotations in most places in MS. It's probably fine to use in planning circles, but it's probably an idiotic term to use in the political arena in Starkville if you want people to be receptive to your ideas.
I just don't see this. The vote was 5-2, and nobody is saying anything about why they voted to fire her. SOMEthing happened or changed. And somebody who reads this board knows what it was....... So spill it.
Support Sunday Sales - Nope
Support Form Based Code - Nope
Support Sign Ordinances so our town does look like crap - Nope
Support Historic Preservation - Not typically
Respond to requests from constituents who might not agree with him - Nope
Fired highly qualified and effective administrator - Yep
Provided justification and rationale for his actions - Nope
Support Form Based Code - Nope
Support Sign Ordinances so our town does look like crap - Nope
Support Historic Preservation - Not typically
Respond to requests from constituents who might not agree with him - Nope
Fired highly qualified and effective administrator - Yep
Provided justification and rationale for his actions - Nope
I don't know a single player in this group...
BUT the vote was 5-2 which means to an 'outsider,' SOMETHING drastically changed. One does not come out on the short end of a 5-2 vote without a MAJOR reason.
BUT the vote was 5-2 which means to an 'outsider,' SOMETHING drastically changed. One does not come out on the short end of a 5-2 vote without a MAJOR reason.
The reason is the five are supported by the local TEA Party. This includes the three African American aldermen. Their goal appears to be to disrupt our local government entirely. But no one is talking. The local democratic committee did not get wind of this until after the primaries. Three of those will not be certified as democrats in the next election. Without the D at least two of them are likely unelectable in their wards.
All campaigned on transparency yet no one has attempted to offer any justification. This was one of the first items in their first meeting. No discussion of the matter was held neither publicly nor in executive session. None has been held since. It is illegal to collude outside of public meetings. All five came to the same simultaneous conclusion without discussion of the matter. Two of the aldermen are freshmen they have yet to work with our former CAO to adequately judge her ability to work with them.
At the last meeting 19 citizens spoke in favor of Lynn Spruill and requested reasons for her dismissal. Many more attended in support of her. More still contacted their aldermen privately and have received no response. Both local news papers have run editorials denouncing both the decision and the process. The total disregard from the public for at the very least discussion of this matter is what led to the parody accounts. They weren't even that funny. They were merely totems upon which the public could foist their frustrations.
If you want more background I would highly recommend reading past articles at the Commercial Dispatch.
All campaigned on transparency yet no one has attempted to offer any justification. This was one of the first items in their first meeting. No discussion of the matter was held neither publicly nor in executive session. None has been held since. It is illegal to collude outside of public meetings. All five came to the same simultaneous conclusion without discussion of the matter. Two of the aldermen are freshmen they have yet to work with our former CAO to adequately judge her ability to work with them.
At the last meeting 19 citizens spoke in favor of Lynn Spruill and requested reasons for her dismissal. Many more attended in support of her. More still contacted their aldermen privately and have received no response. Both local news papers have run editorials denouncing both the decision and the process. The total disregard from the public for at the very least discussion of this matter is what led to the parody accounts. They weren't even that funny. They were merely totems upon which the public could foist their frustrations.
If you want more background I would highly recommend reading past articles at the Commercial Dispatch.
To me, it looks like the people spoke. Three of the Five alderman were newly elected. That tells me that people in their wards wanted change. More people in town wanted Lynn gone than you think. They are just being quiet about it. I don't think the ordeal is over yet. Too many are butt hurt over it and some underhanded stuff has already been tried.
Parody accounts on Twitter differ from 18th century political speech in that Twitter parodies tend to be more professional and emotionally stable.
http://youtu.be/Y_zTN4BXvYI
http://youtu.be/Y_zTN4BXvYI
Gerald posted about it just a few moments ago on Facebook...
...And he said: "I should think SPD has much more important things to do! There was a Twitter parody account of me and one for Dan Camp. I ignored mine."
...And he said: "I should think SPD has much more important things to do! There was a Twitter parody account of me and one for Dan Camp. I ignored mine."
The most obvious explanation for this is that
1. something illegal happened, and
2. the BOA is letting her save face somewhat by not talking
1. something illegal happened, and
2. the BOA is letting her save face somewhat by not talking
That is definitely not it. It would be more likely that the new BOA members hoping to cover up illegal activities of their supporters than your theory.
If helping Lynn were the issue you'd think she'd go away quietly. She hasn't and she won't. You are also talking about someone with as close to unimpeachable character as will be found.
There is also a cultural issue tied up in the previous two administrations doing great work to move Starkville into the later half of the 20th Century. Who here hasn't seen major positive changes in Starkville in the past 8 years? We have a much stronger retail base as evidenced by ever increase sales tax growth. A higher quality of life as evidenced in the surrounding communities losing population to Starkville, low city taxes (go look it up for yourself at <cite>www.dor.ms.gov/</cite>), young energetic mayor, and ever growing ranks of young professionals who are learning that there are great opportunities to develop careers in Mississippi if you look in the right places. We are now "Mississippi's College Town" not so long ago we were known as "The Town that Fun Forgot".
Unfortunately there will always be some who aren't too happy about any kind of change. They're generally older (although not exclusively), generally don't interact with those outside of their tight social network, generally have too much free time, and although a minority of the population they vote en masse. One of the failed mayoral candidates campaign slogans was "let's make Starkville like it used to be." That's the mindset we're dealing with here.
And since this is already a bit of political thread I would like to add this is a partisan issue but the lines are blurred. It's not a democrat versus republican thing. That has little meaning on the local level. And as was pointed out by another poster progressive is a loaded term, but this is progressives versus regressives.
If helping Lynn were the issue you'd think she'd go away quietly. She hasn't and she won't. You are also talking about someone with as close to unimpeachable character as will be found.
There is also a cultural issue tied up in the previous two administrations doing great work to move Starkville into the later half of the 20th Century. Who here hasn't seen major positive changes in Starkville in the past 8 years? We have a much stronger retail base as evidenced by ever increase sales tax growth. A higher quality of life as evidenced in the surrounding communities losing population to Starkville, low city taxes (go look it up for yourself at <cite>www.dor.ms.gov/</cite>), young energetic mayor, and ever growing ranks of young professionals who are learning that there are great opportunities to develop careers in Mississippi if you look in the right places. We are now "Mississippi's College Town" not so long ago we were known as "The Town that Fun Forgot".
Unfortunately there will always be some who aren't too happy about any kind of change. They're generally older (although not exclusively), generally don't interact with those outside of their tight social network, generally have too much free time, and although a minority of the population they vote en masse. One of the failed mayoral candidates campaign slogans was "let's make Starkville like it used to be." That's the mindset we're dealing with here.
And since this is already a bit of political thread I would like to add this is a partisan issue but the lines are blurred. It's not a democrat versus republican thing. That has little meaning on the local level. And as was pointed out by another poster progressive is a loaded term, but this is progressives versus regressives.
So if Carver is not progressive, and Spruill is too progressive, why did he vote to keep her? And you're claiming that Roy Perkins is backed by the tea party? And that the "regressive"/tea party crowd only wants to disrupt the government? Not trying to flame but none of that really makes sense.
I agree that Starkville has made some good strides, but it needs more. A town of 25,000 which houses an entity with a budget of a half BILLION dollars should not be one of the poorest towns in the state.
Before somebody calls me out: I don't know what the total cash flow into the university is, but the operating budget is like 250mil, plus athletics, foundation, etc.
I agree that Starkville has made some good strides, but it needs more. A town of 25,000 which houses an entity with a budget of a half BILLION dollars should not be one of the poorest towns in the state.
Before somebody calls me out: I don't know what the total cash flow into the university is, but the operating budget is like 250mil, plus athletics, foundation, etc.
Because I'm a bit lazy and don't feel like adding a big comment, I'm just going to hit the proverbial "like" button on everything Thinline says.
I understand that you may not be in Starkville so you are not aware of all the personalities involved. And I take no offense to anyone asking questions. My frustration in Starkville right now is that there are a lot of questions and no one is talking. With that said:
Carver made the motion to fire her and the motion to override the mayors veto of that action. He was pretty pissy about it.
Yes, I am claiming the Roy Perkins, Henry Vaughan, and Lisa Wynn are backed by the TEA party. They along with several now former members of the local Democratic committee were at a campaign function for the TEA party mayoral candidate. What's in this for Roy I don't know but I'm certain promises have been made to get his support. And he has demonstrated open disdain for the mayor. That's not too surprising. There is more to the story but that that's the short short version.
The TEA party wants to disrupt government perhaps to cast the mayor in a bad light. I know the state republican party would like to see that.
Roy Perkins and Henry Vaughan want to disrupt government perhaps because they believe their constituents are always on the short end of any thing that happens in the city. Thus if they aren't being helped by the government then it may be best if no one is. Historically this position may have some merit but not today. Those two continually try an gloss over this fact but the previous administrations have spent more tax dollars in Wards 6 and 7 than in any of the other wards. But its easier to keep their constituents under their control by denying that fact.
Strange bedfellows for sure. It's definitely helping out our newspapers in business though.
Carver made the motion to fire her and the motion to override the mayors veto of that action. He was pretty pissy about it.
Yes, I am claiming the Roy Perkins, Henry Vaughan, and Lisa Wynn are backed by the TEA party. They along with several now former members of the local Democratic committee were at a campaign function for the TEA party mayoral candidate. What's in this for Roy I don't know but I'm certain promises have been made to get his support. And he has demonstrated open disdain for the mayor. That's not too surprising. There is more to the story but that that's the short short version.
The TEA party wants to disrupt government perhaps to cast the mayor in a bad light. I know the state republican party would like to see that.
Roy Perkins and Henry Vaughan want to disrupt government perhaps because they believe their constituents are always on the short end of any thing that happens in the city. Thus if they aren't being helped by the government then it may be best if no one is. Historically this position may have some merit but not today. Those two continually try an gloss over this fact but the previous administrations have spent more tax dollars in Wards 6 and 7 than in any of the other wards. But its easier to keep their constituents under their control by denying that fact.
Strange bedfellows for sure. It's definitely helping out our newspapers in business though.
Ha! Now they want to change the form of Government because Spruill was fired!! Can't beat 'em, change the rules!! LOL
It all boils down to one simple thing. The new and re-elected Aldermen and the people that elected them, didn't like how Spruill was running the City so she was let go. Spruill has stepped on a LOT of toes in this town and it's finally caught up to her. Thinline below is so full of conspiracy theory's that it's just crazy!!
First of all, the board is being quiet about why she was fired because they HAVE TO! Read up on the laws involved in public personnel management and you'll understand the rules. Our society has become overwhelmed in knowing other peoples business. Under Starkville's form of government, Department heads serve at the will and pleasure of the Board of Alderman and can be removed with no cause. When they are removed with no cause, then the Board SHOULD NOT give a cause. That's how it works under our form of Government. It's in the best interest of the City and is part of the law. It's not about transparency, it's about following the law. The Board did not want her so they let her go. It's their job and their right and they chose to go in another direction.
Second, these 5 alderman are not controlled by the Tea Party as Thinline claims and they were not at a Tea Party Mayoral meeting. Are you trying to claim that a black Democrat over a majority minority Ward is controlled by the Tea Party? BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! The Mayor was a member of the Republican Party and the event was a Republican fund raiser of which the Governor attended. When you are a City elected official and the Governor comes to town for an event, you attend the meeting, that's politics. It's not switching parties.
As for Thinlines comments on reading the Dispatch, that's the last source I'd turn to for information on Starkville. Carl Smith is the MSNBC of local news media. Sure, if you want a left-wing liberal twisted version of the story, read what Carl writes. The Starkville Daily news isn't much better. They often only run one side of the story and that's the liberal side. There have been several people write letters of support for Spruill that were printed in the Starkville Daily but they didn't print ONE SINGLE letter that supported the board for their actions. Their excuse was that they didn't get any yet they were submitted.
And where is all this good stuff that Spruill has done for the City that you mention? Where's all this grand Retail shopping? Where's all this grand economic development? It ain't happened. I have a relative that works for a nation wide restaurant chain. Her job is to go in to a City and get the ground work started to open one of their restaurants. Her territory is the South East U.S. and she's been doing it for almost 20 years. Their chain opened a store in Starkville a couple years ago. She started two stores in Mississippi on the same day. The store in another town opened 6 months before the Starkville store. She said Starkville was the most difficult City she's ever worked with.
It's time for some change in Starkville.
It all boils down to one simple thing. The new and re-elected Aldermen and the people that elected them, didn't like how Spruill was running the City so she was let go. Spruill has stepped on a LOT of toes in this town and it's finally caught up to her. Thinline below is so full of conspiracy theory's that it's just crazy!!
First of all, the board is being quiet about why she was fired because they HAVE TO! Read up on the laws involved in public personnel management and you'll understand the rules. Our society has become overwhelmed in knowing other peoples business. Under Starkville's form of government, Department heads serve at the will and pleasure of the Board of Alderman and can be removed with no cause. When they are removed with no cause, then the Board SHOULD NOT give a cause. That's how it works under our form of Government. It's in the best interest of the City and is part of the law. It's not about transparency, it's about following the law. The Board did not want her so they let her go. It's their job and their right and they chose to go in another direction.
Second, these 5 alderman are not controlled by the Tea Party as Thinline claims and they were not at a Tea Party Mayoral meeting. Are you trying to claim that a black Democrat over a majority minority Ward is controlled by the Tea Party? BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! The Mayor was a member of the Republican Party and the event was a Republican fund raiser of which the Governor attended. When you are a City elected official and the Governor comes to town for an event, you attend the meeting, that's politics. It's not switching parties.
As for Thinlines comments on reading the Dispatch, that's the last source I'd turn to for information on Starkville. Carl Smith is the MSNBC of local news media. Sure, if you want a left-wing liberal twisted version of the story, read what Carl writes. The Starkville Daily news isn't much better. They often only run one side of the story and that's the liberal side. There have been several people write letters of support for Spruill that were printed in the Starkville Daily but they didn't print ONE SINGLE letter that supported the board for their actions. Their excuse was that they didn't get any yet they were submitted.
And where is all this good stuff that Spruill has done for the City that you mention? Where's all this grand Retail shopping? Where's all this grand economic development? It ain't happened. I have a relative that works for a nation wide restaurant chain. Her job is to go in to a City and get the ground work started to open one of their restaurants. Her territory is the South East U.S. and she's been doing it for almost 20 years. Their chain opened a store in Starkville a couple years ago. She started two stores in Mississippi on the same day. The store in another town opened 6 months before the Starkville store. She said Starkville was the most difficult City she's ever worked with.
It's time for some change in Starkville.
I'm a grad student who has been in town for the better part of a decade and Starkville has done nothing but improve on all fronts since I have been here, and my friends who are in the know for local government tell me that it had a lot to do with our current elected officials.
If anything, I think that the people of Starkville are owed an explanation as to why someone who seems to be doing a good job was suddenly and without reason removed from office. If it really is all above board like drail14me says, then the alderman responsible for the removal could at the very least give a brief statement of reason.
National politics have nothing on local politics when it comes to how dirty it gets. There has to be more to it than SHE'S A LIEBRAL! Party does not really matter in local elections, as there is a personal connection with the candidates and it is a lot easier to evaluate job performance accurately because it all personally effects you. The vibe around town is that something is wrong with what went down, so with the seemingly overwhelming support this lady has, the truth will likely come out eventually.
If anything, I think that the people of Starkville are owed an explanation as to why someone who seems to be doing a good job was suddenly and without reason removed from office. If it really is all above board like drail14me says, then the alderman responsible for the removal could at the very least give a brief statement of reason.
National politics have nothing on local politics when it comes to how dirty it gets. There has to be more to it than SHE'S A LIEBRAL! Party does not really matter in local elections, as there is a personal connection with the candidates and it is a lot easier to evaluate job performance accurately because it all personally effects you. The vibe around town is that something is wrong with what went down, so with the seemingly overwhelming support this lady has, the truth will likely come out eventually.
I just asked my guy. He told me she came out as gay and "coincidentally" was removed from office shortly thereafter. If this is connected, she might have grounds for a lawsuit. I doubt she sues though, as she is already rich as hell and likely does not want to hurt the city over what a few homophobes did to her.
This would explain the coalition that formed against her (religious black dems and the arch conservatives) and why they won't talk about it.
This would explain the coalition that formed against her (religious black dems and the arch conservatives) and why they won't talk about it.
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If this is correct, which I've heard a couple independent sources say that this is the reason, I hope she sues Starkville's *** off and a court orders her reinstated.
Come on Law Dawg, if you release someone without cause, then you don't come back and give cause. If you do, then they have cause to sue, even if it's a BS lawsuit. People are not owed an explanation. That's how "No cause" works. If the Alderman give a brief statement for reason to satisfy people's curiosity, then it would put the City in a bad position.
They fired her for a reason and many people know that reason. The rest just have to understand that the reason will never be made official or publicly known. Like I said, she has stepped on a LOT of toes, especially lately. It caught up to her.
You are right, local politics is dirtier than national politics. This last election here saw some interesting stuff. But, with elections, to the winner go the spoils. If you were pissing on the candidate during the campaign, don't expect them to take care of you when they get elected. Just saying.
And that lady doesn't have overwhelming support. She has a small group that is VERY vocal and they have tried some underhanded maneuvers and continue to do so so they can to hold on to power for her while. The majority of the people sit at home quietly happy that she's gone. Do you think Alderman would have voted like they did if the overwhelming majority of their Ward didn't want her gone?
I hate to burst your bubble but Lynn has been open for YEARS! Her wife is known in town. This isn't a new revaluation. Tell your "GUY" to keep fishing. The only thing "coincidental" is that she was removed shortly after an ELECTION where people elected new leadership to take the town in a new direction.