Jackson Free Press

This is an updated version of this story that broke Monday on the JFP Web site.

Councilmembers Marshand Crisler, Ben Allen and Margaret Barrett-Simon told the Jackson Free Press that city Chief of Staff Marcus Ward threatened Jackson School Board member Jonathan Larkin's re-appointment to the board if he does not approve a bid for a contract by a company supported by the mayor's office. According to the three council members and sources connected to JPS, Ward told Larkin that the mayor's office would not submit Larkin's name to the Council for re-confirmation if he did not approve a contract bid byy Jackson business Integrated Management Services PA, for work related to the $150 million bond issue—a bid that is reportedly much higher than the next lowest bid.

"Marcus Ward has threatened Jonathan Larkin with the school-board appointment if he doesn't vote a certain way on the contract," Barrett-Simon said Monday.

"According to our source, this chosen contractor for project management is supposed to be IMS," Crisler said. "Allegedly, they will pull his re-appointment if he doesn't approve this contractor's bid, supposedly $2 million over the next bidder."

Larkin told the JFP Monday that he would neither confirm nor deny the threat. A source close to the JPS board confirmed that the mayor and members of his staff had contacted board members regarding this particular contract.

Allen promised a full Council investigation. "We're talking subpoenas if there's something to this," Allen said. "This is major extortion here."

Ward denied that he threatened Larkin that night at the JPS board meeting where the issue was being voted on.

"No, no, no and no. We talked about the mayor's agenda and his vision for doing business with the city of Jackson," Ward said. "(Larkin) interpreted very incorrectly. … That was twice this afternoon we talked. We talked one time for about four or five minutes. He was at the doctor's office, and he called me back. I was at the convention center commission meeting. We talked then. He made the allegation then, and I told him that was not the case. He said, 'well, I withdraw that then,' and I said, 'well, I'm glad you do because that's not within my character or the mayor's character.' I thought that was the end of it. Then, all of the sudden, you guys (the press) start calling me and saying all this other stuff."

Ward added that the council will be "hearing from my attorneys."

Regardless of alleged influence, the board spurned IMS' bid, awarding the contract for program manager for the $150 million general obligation bond for district construction and improvements to a joint contract between California-based Jacobs Engineering and local business Preferred Management.

Larkin's favor would have made a difference on that decision. Supervisors opted in a close 3-2 vote in favor of Jacobs Engineering and Preferred Management, with supervisors H. Ann Jones, Maggie Benson-White and Jonathan Larkin in favor and Sollie Norwood and Delmer Stamps opposed.
In another, unrelated, vote that night, supervisors elected Stamps as the new board president and Larkin as vice president.

Larkin admitted that some parties had lobbied hard to sway the board's decision in the bond management vote.

"There has been a significant amount of lobbying efforts, both legitimate and what some of us would consider not so legitimate, on many sides during the last three or four months," Larkin said. "We're making sure that everything that's going to happen is clear, transparent and above board and want to make sure that whatever's done … is for the sake of the taxpayers. It's critical because the taxpayers have spent a lot of money and they have a lot of faith in us."

Mississippi Link Publisher and Garrett Enterprises owner Socrates Garrett is one of the contractors entered into a joint venture proposal with Jacobs Engineering and Preferred Management. Garrett was a staunch supporter of former Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr., over Frank Melton during the last election.

Since he was elected mayor, Melton has moved to push Garrett out of contracts with the city. Last year, the mayor vetoed the council's decision to award publication of the city's legal ads to the Mississippi Link—which was the lowest bidder—in favor of The Clarion-Ledger. In response, Garrett's lawyers successfully sued the city for about $50,000, calling the veto "arbitrary and capricious."
Also involved with the joint contract is Preferred Management Group CEO Johnny Crisler, brother of Ward 6 Councilman Marshand Crisler—a frequent opponent of some of the mayor's decisions and policies.

Garrett said he knew nothing about the hidden influences that council members say the mayor's office attempted to wield over the board decision.

"I really don't have any knowledge of that. That would be hearsay," Garrett said. "I was pleased to get the support of Mr. Larkin, and I trust everything was done above board."

John Calhoun, CEO and co-owner of IMS Engineers, PA, said it was the mayor's responsibility to influence local governments to support local businesses.

"The two choices were a company from California or IMS. You expect the mayor's office and the council to support local, minority-owned businesses. Who's going to pay back the school bond issue? Jacksonians. If Marcus sits here and says to a board member we need Mississippi businesses doing business in Mississippi, I would expect the council to be saying that as well. I mean, I'm not going to do business in California," said Calhoun, who says he knew nothing about Ward's lobbying.
Calhoun added that it was the mayor's prerogative to submit board nominees sympathetic to his cause.

"Whether it's the governor or the president, you want people on the board who support your philosophy and the mayor's philosophy is to support Mississippi business, and I don't think he would support members of the board who did not support that," Calhoun said. "If that's what they were doing, if they were advocating for Mississippi business, heck yeah, I support that."

Previous Comments

ID

127412

Comment

I would say I'm amazed, but I think this was just a matter of time, which is extremely sad to write. This one sounds like it needs to be investigated by the Feds. Time Warner anyone?

Author

JenniferGriffin

Date

2007-04-23T17:23:46-06:00

ID

127413

Comment

This town needs an enema...and an exorcism.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-04-23T17:28:36-06:00

ID

127414

Comment

Not. Surprised. At. All.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-23T17:41:24-06:00

ID

127415

Comment

While I don't know what's true and what's not, Marcus Ward is the chief of staff NOT the chief of state.

Author

willwork4food

Date

2007-04-23T17:57:35-06:00

ID

127416

Comment

Gee, I'm stunned. Really.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2007-04-23T18:00:22-06:00

ID

127417

Comment

willworkforfood... The way Melton lets his inner circle run around, Ward probably thinks he is Sec. of State, Parker Weaver is NSA Chief, SORE as AG, and Redd as 1st lady - once removed. Oh yeah, and Recia and Wright as Secret Service agents. Anderson is Sec of Def, and he's still waiting to get approval on his CIA and FBI chiefs! It's a hell of a charades game on Friday nights at the Carter!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-23T18:21:24-06:00

ID

127418

Comment

Good catch, Willwork4food, though Piker is right, too. I corrected the typo.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2007-04-23T18:47:42-06:00

ID

127419

Comment

While I don't know what's true and what's not, Marcus Ward is the chief of staff NOT the chief of state. I'll claim that one. Adam called his story in from outside the school-board meeting. Sorry for the bad typing. ;-) Also, tonight, the board voted down the IMS contract and went for the other one, Adam just told me. So the question, now, is if Larkin will be punished for IMS not getting the contract? Gotta love the new Jackson. We'll have a detailed update on tonight's events shortly.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-23T19:50:05-06:00

ID

127420

Comment

Pike, "1st lady once removed" is one of the funniest things posted here in a long time. I'll have to mention that one to Darren. LOL.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-23T19:51:05-06:00

ID

127421

Comment

I get the feeling that Marcus didn't do this on his own; rather, it was a directive from the top.

Author

golden eagle '97

Date

2007-04-23T20:10:15-06:00

ID

127422

Comment

dammit, we got a serious crime emergency in this city, I'm trying to do something about it, it consumes all my time while I try to throw the dope pushers in jail and protect you people while you try to make my life hell because you are corrupt and don't care about crime.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-23T21:03:52-06:00

ID

127423

Comment

The question regarding potential jurors having read this blog is priceless. Makes us all feel important or something. Truth be told, we are important. Wonder how many folks are reading us besides the defense team?

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2007-04-23T21:28:49-06:00

ID

127424

Comment

Rest assured Chris, Melton's defense reads this daily.

Author

LawClerk

Date

2007-04-23T21:33:58-06:00

ID

127425

Comment

I hope the board stands up to Ward and Melton. This is the type of stuff that put Bill Campbell in jail. I don't think Melton's appointee to the Board will make confirmation if they ever come up for vote. Has Integrated Management Services gotten any City contracts under Melton? I saw their name recently with a couple of County projects mentioned in the paper. I know Kim Wade is hot to trot on the Superintendent and the principle; but, he needs to reign it in on the Board and the Board attorney. Now maybe he will see they may have a better handle on this bond now that Melton has stuck his foot into it. There was absolutely no way Watkins was getting all that money! Not even a fraction. And, even if he got 2-3% at least he reinvests in the community which enhances our standard of living.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-23T21:42:36-06:00

ID

127426

Comment

Looky Here!!! http://www.wapt.com/video/4906971/index.html

Author

blu_n_a_redstate

Date

2007-04-24T08:42:36-06:00

ID

127427

Comment

WOW!!!!!! Thanks blu_n_a_redstate. I was glued to the hearing. They are taking a 15min. break. So far, it seems as if the Prosecution is making some real headway and their witness did not melt under cross with Danks or Smith.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-04-24T09:44:49-06:00

ID

127428

Comment

I know why melton pulled Ward from his job as lobbyist. He had bigger and better things in mind. You know, I really feel sorry for the young men and women, especially who have never had anything and prehaps were just looking for an opportunity to launch a career. melton made many promises and painted such a wonderful and bright financial picture that some fell for anything, i.e., State of the Art Recording Studio. Now it is time to pay the piper and some think that going all the way, even if is is illegal, unethical or uncouth is the direction to go. WRONG! I haven't much sympathy for the "old folks" who are caught up in this foolishness. For the most part, they are career, veteran, and seasoned game players. Ward got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. melton is trying to get his own hand out; so, it will be interesing to see if he can clean this one up.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-04-24T10:06:42-06:00

ID

127429

Comment

Did I miss something. Did Ward suggest he was having his attorneys call someone today because they are grossly wrong, and then on a TV interview last evening say he was lobbying to have a local company get the job - to keep the business local? Interesting that the JPB Board Member in question actually spoke to the issue during the board meeting. So who asks for the formal investigation - JPS?

Author

JenniferGriffin

Date

2007-04-24T11:07:27-06:00

ID

127430

Comment

All, this story is updated now. Note the role that Socrates Garrett—one of Melton's nemeses—plays in this. Hmmm.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-24T12:08:08-06:00

ID

127431

Comment

spellcheck. ;-)

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-24T12:14:03-06:00

ID

127432

Comment

On what? Don't be cryptic. We're busy as hell over here.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-24T12:19:59-06:00

ID

127433

Comment

nemesis ;-)

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-24T12:51:58-06:00

ID

127434

Comment

Uh, no, 'Fish. "Nemeses" is the plural. You never look up anything before you post, do you? ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-24T13:01:48-06:00

ID

127435

Comment

this is when you need a smiley feature. one with a slingshot would've looked good next to that post. Or the one where you the smiley is giving a spanking to another smiley.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-24T13:04:57-06:00

ID

127436

Comment

Yeah, because I just smacked your butt down, eh? What else is new? ;-P OK, back on topic now.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-04-24T13:15:28-06:00

ID

127437

Comment

Sorry I don't understand a few things. Does a JPS board member have to have M&M's support in order to run again for his/her post? What is meant by re-appointment to the board? I thought these were elected officials. HDM

Author

HDMatthias, MD

Date

2007-04-24T14:59:47-06:00

ID

127438

Comment

No they are appointed by the mayor, confirmed by council. Calhoun sounds just like a snake oil salesman from his quote. Despite the fact that I am glad IMS didn't get this contract considering the ties with the mayor and the county; I'm not sold on the other local company they have chosen either. They should re-bid, if you can do that?

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-24T15:08:56-06:00

ID

127439

Comment

The School Board is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. A re-appointment means that the person's term is up; however, the mayor can re-appoint the individual, if he so choses. You "term" ends with your confirmation date; therefore, we don't have all board members coming or going at the same time.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-04-24T15:09:56-06:00

ID

127440

Comment

Larkin’s favor would have made a difference on that decision. Supervisors opted in a close 3-2 vote in favor of Jacobs Engineering and Preferred Management, with supervisors H. Ann Jones, Maggie Benson-White and Jonathan Larkin in favor and Sollie Norwood and Delmer Stamps opposed. In another, unrelated, vote that night, supervisors elected Stamps as the new board president and Larkin as vice president. Fact and protocol check time. Supervisors run the county's business. The Board of Trustees or "School Board" runs a school district's business. There are no "supervisors," elected or appopinted, managing the policies and directives of a school district in Mississippi. They can be referred to as "Board Members" or "Trustees" but never as "supervisors."

Author

Rex

Date

2007-04-24T15:37:18-06:00

ID

127441

Comment

While one's term on a Board may expire, you continue to serve with full power until your replacement is confirmed. Given the temprement of the City Council, I don't see any replacements being confirmed any time soon. Jonathan and Dana Larkin are honorable people and will have my full confidence in what they relate as having happened. And, to answer an above question, IMS is involved with the Jackson Convention Center and other projects with the City of Jackson. Also, I believe this administration brought in people from Tennessee to handle a portion of the financing for the Convention Center. Jacobs is a well respected project management team who has partnered with two good local firms. Who they are kin to or have supported politically does not matter nearly as much to me as what kind of work they are capable of performing and at what price. Besides, they were $2,000,000.00 lower in their price, is what I have heard. That's a whole lot of money to save right at the beginning of a project.

Author

ChrisCavanaugh

Date

2007-04-24T20:41:37-06:00

ID

127442

Comment

“The two choices were a company from California or IMS. You expect the mayor’s office and the council to support local, minority-owned businesses. Who’s going to pay back the school bond issue? Jacksonians. If Marcus sits here and says to a board member we need Mississippi businesses doing business in Mississippi, I would expect the council to be saying that as well. I mean, I’m not going to do business in California,” said Calhoun, who says he knew nothing about Ward’s lobbying. Calhoun added that it was the mayor’s prerogative to submit board nominees sympathetic to his cause. “Whether it’s the governor or the president, you want people on the board who support your philosophy and the mayor’s philosophy is to support Mississippi business, and I don’t think he would support members of the board who did not support that,” Calhoun said. “If that’s what they were doing, if they were advocating for Mississippi business, heck yeah, I support that.” ---- I find it very interesting that Mr. Calhoun doesn't mention the following: Preferred Managment/Jacobs Engineering is a Jackson based company partnered with a California company just like IMS (Jackson based company) partnered with Parsons (a California based company). See the www.parsons.com -- their corporate headquarters is in Pasadena, CA. Also the other company IMS partnered with is MGT (www.mgtamer.com) which is headquartered in Tallahassee, FL. The choices aren't at opposite ends of the spectrum as presented by Calhoun...are they? Makes one wonder.....

Author

upliftdaSip

Date

2007-04-24T21:38:52-06:00

ID

127443

Comment

That is why I always say hire the resume and go with the numbers. You start playing politics and hometown stuff, it eventually bites you in the ass. You hire the best people for the job at the best price, period. If that means a local guy loses out, then he needs to figure out how to tighten his azz up to win those contracts. 4 million dollar deficit, now another 2 mill. nice. hmmm....6 police cars just FLEW down Old Canton Road with sirens blaring through Ridgewood, including an unmarked car with lights. WOnder what is going on. Happened within 1 minute of each ohter.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-04-24T21:46:29-06:00

ID

127444

Comment

Also, interestingly, Parsons has A LOT of business in Iraq (and according to some, not all of it is good). Here are a few links to articles that came up on a google search. 1. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/02/AR2006040201209_pf.html 2. http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=12005 3. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16909438/ 4. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/business/july-dec06/construction_11-15.html

Author

upliftdaSip

Date

2007-04-24T21:53:16-06:00

ID

127445

Comment

Sure the mayor can do what he wants with appointments; but, the gall of Calhoun is outstanding to say that it is his prerogative in ensure people are appointed to push his agenda. That is fine Mr. Calhoun. What you cannot do is put people in place to vote for contracts to go to friends. Then Calhoun goes and comments on the fact that if the mayor had someone favorable on the board to your company then you would have gotten the contract. The reason why both local groups had to go out of state is neither are qualified to administer the bond projects alone.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-04-24T22:15:10-06:00