Jackson Free Press

Members of the Jackson Public School board and City Council are delaying crucial votes in connection with a contract dispute over the school board's $150 million bond.

Joint contractors Integrated Management Services and California-based Parsons Engineering are sparring with joint contractors Preferred Management Group LLC and California-based Jacobs Engineering over managing the bond.

The council postponed a Monday vote confirming JSU Dean Ivory Phillips to replace JPS board member Maggie Benson-White. Benson-White is one of the three board members in a one-vote majority favoring a contract proposal by Preferred Management Group, which JPS employees say made a considerably lower bid than IMS. Replacing Benson-White with a Melton nominee could swing approval toward IMS.

Councilmen Marshand Crisler, Ben Allen and Leslie McLemore recused themselves from the confirmation vote, claiming they have various conflicts of interest, while Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon said she recused herself in protest of apparent attempts by the Melton administration to influence the school board's decision. Barrett-Simon was one of the council members who alerted the Jackson Free Press last month that Melton's Chief of Staff Marcus Ward threatened JPS Board Vice President Jonathan Larkin's appointment if he did not vote for IMS.

Ward denies the allegation.

Allen recused himself because his company Taylor Publishing sells yearbooks to JPS. McLemore and Crisler each have relatives employed by the district.

The recusals prevented the confirmation vote Monday because only a minority of members were available to vote.

Three council members who routinely support the mayor showed up for the confirmation. Frank Bluntson, Charles Tillman and Kenneth Stokes--who rarely attends Monday council meetings--lamented the lack of a quorum.

"Do they have to recuse themselves? This is an important vote," Bluntson said.

City Attorney Sarah O'Reilly-Evans assured remaining members that Allen could vote on the confirmation without a conflict of interest, but Allen said he has gotten legal advice to the contrary.

Meanwhile, JPS board members Delmar Stamps and Sollie Norwood, who opposed the Preferred Management proposal, delayed a scheduled vote on the contract until Friday.

Stamps said he did not have time to read the Preferred Management joint contract with Jacobs Engineering over the weekend, while Norwood said he "had concerns" over the proposal.

The battle between IMS and Preferred Management has spilled out of JPS into city government and the courts.

"Ward threatened Jonathan Larkin with the school-board appointment if he doesn't vote a certain way on the contract," Barrett-Simon said last month. "This sounds like extortion to me, and if this is true, there should be an investigation."

Larkin voted in favor of IMS' competitors in a preliminary April 24 vote, saying at the time that he was aware of both "legitimate and illegitimate lobbying" on behalf of competitors. Shortly after, Mayor Frank Melton sent a memo to council members asking them to withdraw Larkin for a spot on the school board, only weeks after Melton re-nominated him.

The dispute came before Hinds County Chancery Court Judge Denise Owens last week, where attorneys for IMS filed a restraining order against the JPS Board, seeking to delay the Monday vote and demanding that California-based Jacobs Engineering release information regarding local and minority participation in their contract proposal. IMS Attorney Adam Stone told Owens that such information was crucial to IMS' attempt to convince the school board to reconsider its preliminary vote awarding the contract to Preferred Management.

The school board's policies require it to favor companies working jointly with local businesses. The district also seeks to maximize the number of minority contractors. Jacobs Engineering has partnered with local contractor Preferred Management and local minority business owners like Socrates Garrett of Garrett Enterprises.

Stone said his client has "strong suspicions" about how much local and minority participation the Preferred Management group would actually bring.

Owens denied IMS' motion for a temporary restraining order against the Jackson Public School District last Friday.

"Having heard arguments on the matter and all premises considered, the court finds that the motion for temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction is not well taken and the relief requested shall be denied," Owens wrote in her May 18 decision.

Owens based her decision, in part, on the fact that IMS did not object when Jacobs' redacted the same information on minority and local participation back in April.

"The Court takes notice that IMS failed to intervene as a party to this civil action," Owens wrote.

IMS CEO and founder John Calhoun argued that Jacobs is an out-of-state company and should rightfully take second billing to his more locally-owned business. He also asserted that Preferred Business Management was created only recently, for the sole purpose of helping Jacobs qualify for the JPS contract. JPS requested proposals in December, months ahead of Preferred Management's creation on March 26.

"Would you want a three-month old company handling millions of dollars worth of work? I wouldn't," Calhoun said.

Preferred Management attorney Sam Begley said Calhoun was exagerrating local participation in the IMS group.

"IMS isn't the sole company in on their bid. They entered into a joint bid with Parson's, out of California. Truth is, no local company could manage a $150 million bond proposal," Begley said.

Attorney David Watkins, who represents the board, said that IMS should "appeal a board decision to circuit court once the board makes its decision," not drag in the courts prior to the deal.

Previous Comments

ID

92635

Comment

I, for one, am sorry I voted in support of the school bond. It looks as though the good intentions of the voters are once again beging swept under the rug by the Melton administration. He is using this as an opportunity to reward his friends and the children are being forgotten about. I think John Calhoun is a sore loser who was probably promised this contract by his buddies. Now all the back-room politics are in motion and he may actually get it for that extra 1.5 million dollars!

Author

honey2me

Date

2007-05-22T12:37:13-06:00

ID

92636

Comment

Gee, If IMS gets all the minority contracts from the City and County (check out who they use all the time), then what is the point of having other minority firms in the City? The State? Unfortunately, you can't see if the City has other minority firms that do what IMS does because the link doesn't work. Imagine that! This what I don't understand about the Mill St Posse group/mind set. Isn't it better to have an administration that puts several minority firms to work, even if it is within the same industry, over just supporting the Goliath of a firm? Especially when the Goliath may be big; but, relatively inexperienced in terms of years of service, staff, and scope of projects? Unless money is flowing back into their pockets, then why wouldn't you want a hundred minority engineers and contractors over just one or two big ones? This last sentence really isn't a question!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-22T12:47:33-06:00

ID

92637

Comment

the big ones are usually big for a reason. they can handle big jobs, expertise, experience, economies of scale, etc. Look at how much stuff in Katrina recovery has been bungled because inexperienced firms got contracts for things they had no business bidding for.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-05-22T13:25:20-06:00

ID

92638

Comment

Yeah, the Shaw's of the world did a bang up job on after Katrina. It's not like these huge firms sent 1000's of people to the Coast to do the work. No, they hired sub-contractors - companies like IMS. Those companies ended up trying to get their own contracts for Katrina work. A lot of work was paid for double and triple because of this. And, while a handful of smaller firms got work, some got naught. And, those little piggies cried all the way out of state because they moved! ;-) IMS is listed as a small business enterprise kingfish. Yet, they are the largest minority firm in their area. They coupled with Bechtel after Katrina. So, I don't think they are a 'goliath' in the terms of a multi-national firm. I was putting this on a Jackson level scale. Sorry for the confusion. Check out the other threads on this...

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-22T13:49:08-06:00

ID

92639

Comment

The story states, "Replacing Benson-White with a Melton nominee could swing approval toward IMS." Wouldn't this be an illegal move to deprive a company out of the contract that it won legitimately by placing the lowest bid? Can something be done to stop this Frank Melton induced train-wreck? We're talking about $150 million dollars with FM lurking around somewhere in the shadows!!!

Author

blu_n_a_redstate

Date

2007-05-22T13:52:12-06:00

ID

92640

Comment

good point about Shaw. I was thinking more about the road home crap and the trailer dealers. Shaw actually does a good job when it does the work and sometimes what you do need is someone like a Shaw that can coordinate such a project on a large scale which will involve subcontracting.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2007-05-22T13:54:32-06:00

ID

92641

Comment

Someone else pointed this out but, this is a good enough reason for me to go with anyone Jacobs wants. Parsons Office Locations in USA Bueller...? Bueller...? Mississippi...? Mississippi...? Jacobs Global Office Directory: Stennis Space Center Our NASA Test Operations Group, of approximately 250 employees, provides test and test support services for NASA's Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Our services encompass management and administration, test and engineering, and test project implementation/test performance capability. I guess the extra $1.5 million dollars was to build the Parson guys a cushy office in Mississippi!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-22T13:58:04-06:00

ID

92642

Comment

Trailer dealers! Why do you think Charles Barbour doesn't need to be a Supervisor anymore? His wife, Rosemary "In the money" Barbour landed a fat contract! They say he won't even win Public Service Comm. because the Republicans in Rankin will override any Hinds votes and then some.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-22T14:00:55-06:00

ID

92643

Comment

Sub-contracting good! Shut-out contracting bad! ;-)

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-22T14:01:52-06:00

ID

92644

Comment

BTW, jacobs has been awarded the construction management agreement for the federal courthouse being built in downtown jackson and did the same work for GSa with the federal building in gulfportaway.

Author

chimneyville

Date

2007-05-22T15:44:48-06:00

ID

92645

Comment

The school board may learn the hard way that Frank is out for Frank. The board may be hard pressed to get any more money out of the taxpayers. I talked to several people that did not know that a bond issue would have to be paid back. Poor management of funds is not a crime. A little collusion, a little favoritism and a whole lot of investigation can make someones career. Not Jim Hood's, I think he is afraid of Melton, but maybe someone....

Author

Slider

Date

2007-05-22T22:09:08-06:00

ID

92646

Comment

I agree that JPS is walking on thin ice here. A lot of people went to bat for them who may not in the future if they keep playing these games. So one does wonder how people are going to go down with the Titanic?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-22T22:19:07-06:00

ID

92647

Comment

The Council Members recusing themselves may not be as shrewed as they think. Someone help me on this, if they recuse themselves from appointing a JPS School Board person doesn't this mean they won't ever be able to vote on one? If there's a conflict of interest that is not going away. Just wondering if this is going to present a problem later for future appointments. What a mess all of this is. Can we get back to economic development and promoting this City. It's a shame the Council Members (not Tillman, Bluntson or Stokes), have to spend time trying to outwit a dumbwit (fm).

Author

maad

Date

2007-05-23T09:10:01-06:00

ID

92648

Comment

As a JPS parent this greatly concerns me. This bond issue is critical to improving our facilities, but poor mismanagement could cancel any success on future bond votes... Why isn't Watkins sounding out on this issue - that signals poor leadership. We are talking about spending an additional 1 million dollars to hire a firm that appears on the surface, to not be as qualified as the low bidder. I would think that the school board would have to document/justify in writing their reasons for going with the higher bidder. We can't afford that - we are probably paying through the nose to defend the superintendent in that other case. :( BTW, when does that come back up?

Author

lanier77

Date

2007-05-23T09:23:34-06:00

ID

92649

Comment

Does anyone not care that the firm selected by the JPS Board to manage the $150 Million Bond Issue has only been in business nine days! This is crazy! Look for yourselves! https://secure.sos.state.ms.us/busserv/corp/soskb/Corp.asp?446844

Author

abetterjackson

Date

2007-05-23T14:54:03-06:00

ID

92650

Comment

I see a creation date of 3/26/07. The PDF shows the request was filed on 3/26 with an effective date of 3/27. However, I can't tell from this form how much time lapsed before this form was processed, if PMG existed with another name before this, etc.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-23T15:31:39-06:00

ID

92651

Comment

What does that have to do with anything? The RFP came out in December, the proposals were submitted in Janurary. The RFP calling for the company's past 5 and 10 yr experiences (which there can't be any since the firm was just created) was due in January and they submit the name of a company that doesn't even exist? Can you say "RED FLAG". Something is going on there. JPS selects a company with no track record? What criteria were they looking at? You tell me what that means.

Author

abetterjackson

Date

2007-05-23T15:57:53-06:00

ID

92652

Comment

I'm asking because I don't know enough about the company based on that document alone. Where can we see the RFPs you're referring to? What other documentation do you have? I just want to know more information before I draw a conclusion, that's all.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-23T16:05:36-06:00

ID

92653

Comment

I agree with you, I don't know enough about the company either. Don't you find that odd? This company's paper work says it just developed in March. Not to mention, i've yet to locate any info on the company on the web. Who are they? But the media and whomever have portrayed this company as being 50% responsible for this $150 million bond issue and i'm having a hard time believing that it's possible with a company that no one has ever heard of and was just formed in March. "RED FLAG" The RFP can be found on JPS' website outlining the selection criteria.

Author

abetterjackson

Date

2007-05-23T16:28:28-06:00

ID

92654

Comment

Actually, I don't know enough about this company or IMS. I'm still learning how the entire process works. Where do I go on the Web site to find this info?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-23T16:42:38-06:00

ID

92655

Comment

Also, could JPS' decision have more to do with the qualifications of the out-of-state companies who are partners with each of them?

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-23T16:46:15-06:00

ID

92656

Comment

abetterjackson, you may also want to read this: Judge Denies Contractor on School Bond There's more background information there.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-23T16:56:12-06:00

ID

92657

Comment

L.W., Surely you know how to look up informationon the internet. I mean, you are so good at blogging. If you put IMS Engineers in a search engine, you will find their website. I can't say the same for Preferred Management. With your regard to the qualifications of the out-of-state companies, I seriously doubt it came down to their qualifications. I've taken the liberty of pulling down ENR's (Engineering News Record) Lits of Top Program Managers, where Parsons ranks #2 in the country and Jacobs ranks #5. http://enr.construction.com/people/topLists/topProgMgr/topProgMgr.asp So, one would have to compare the local entities, one created in 1996, with a track record and one created in March with no such track record. Who do you choose to count your $150 Million? A bank created yesterday or a bank with a track record? Newspaper articles aren't background information. It's public opinion just like these blogs.

Author

abetterjackson

Date

2007-05-24T07:48:32-06:00

ID

92658

Comment

Lots of conjecture here and not a lot of facts. Look at the principals of PMG who personally have a track record in the business - the company is PMG LLC - a corporation. The partners are smart business people to incorporate even if it is just recently filed. Also look at the other postings above - Jacobs is here already working in and around Jackson. Ranked #5 with Parsons #2. But who does more work in education buildings? That's what is more important. Also has anyone checked to see about the work Parsons did in Iraq. Local veterans experienced Parsons first hand and tell stories that are a lot worse than Haliburton or KBR. It's bad enough Parsons took billions from the Federal government - do you want them taking it from your pockets also? And don't forget - each local company is a local and minority vendor and each partner is a national company - same amount of money staying home or leaving the state no matter who gets the job.

Author

onewhoknows

Date

2007-05-24T11:31:36-06:00

ID

92659

Comment

To put this info out there: Mayor Melton nominated Dr. Ivory Phillips before JPS voted for Jacobs as a firm of interest. What about Margaret Barret comments in the paper? I read in the paper on Tuesday that Councilwoman Barrett will not attend a meeting to confirm one of the Mayor's JPS Board Member Nominations, Dr. Ivory Phillips. Dr. Phillips is clearly qualified for the post. He is a former Dean of Education for Jackson State University. If confirmed, he will replace Maggie Benson-White. Barrett states, "I will not attend the confirmation hearing until JPS selects a program manager to manage the bond process." Is this any difference in what Jonathon Larkin's accussing Marcus Ward for? Jonathon Larkin is playing back room politics. In the past, JPS board members serve one (1) four (4) year term. Jonathon Larkin's time has expired. Maggie Benson-White's time has expired. Maggie was not nominated for reappointment. Does Larkin deserve to be reappointed since Maggie will not be reappointed? Marcus Ward is too scary to commit any crime. Jonathon is using his conversation with Marcus Ward to hold Mayor Melton by the balls!! Only two people truly know what the conversation was about.

Author

anderk

Date

2007-05-24T11:37:07-06:00

ID

92660

Comment

None of what you are saying accounts for Melton re-nominating larkin, then pulling it (in a documented memo) days after IMS was not selected. Like we are to believe that a good person like Larkins would stoop to levels you are accusing him of. Also, given all the lies of the Melton administration it is far more logical to believe Larkin over Ward any day of the week! If you put IMS Engineers in a search engine, you will find their website. abetterjackson You mean the outdated website. Hope that isn't indicative of their work!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-24T11:49:35-06:00

ID

92661

Comment

Let it be clear that i'm not attacking or validating anyone's character, Larkin or Mayor Melton. It was a statement regarding the actions of Larkin. In any political arena, if you know you could be on your way out, for whatever reason, if you gain leverage you will use it. I believe that's what Larkin is doing. It doesn't make him any better or any worse for that either, that's political tact. I do believe he is trying to force the mayor in a positon to reappoint him. But that is politics everywhere not just in Jackson.

Author

anderk

Date

2007-05-24T13:47:40-06:00

ID

92662

Comment

"Look at the principals" - Seems like the principals are the only persons employed at the company. To my knowledge, neither principal are engineers or acrchitects. How much of a responsiblity could they have on their team? If you take a close look at the rfp, posted on the Jackson Public Schools website, it clearly asks for the experiences of the company, not it's top two or lone employees. You seem to know a lot about the company. How many employees do they have in their two month existence? "onewhoknows" - First u asked the question and made the following statement, "But who does more work in education buildings? That's what is more important." Then you started talking about Iraq. Does that have anything to do with education buildings? The fact remains both California firms are qualified to do the work and have done the work across the country, otherwise they would never have made the short list. "And don't forget - each local company is a local and minority vendor and each partner is a national company" - True indeed, the difference comes from the structure of each team. IMS serves as PRIME on their team (w/ Parsons serving as a sub), while the freshly established PMG, LLC is a sub to Jacobs, who serves as their team's PRIME. This qualifies the statement that one team is Local and one team is Out of State. The PRIME is the BOSS, so to speak. So, if Jackson was serious about BUYING LOCAL, who should the City Council, JPS BOARD, and the City of Jackson support?

Author

abetterjackson

Date

2007-05-24T13:59:25-06:00

ID

92663

Comment

Larkin having the mayor over a barrel doesn't add up logically. Larkin has one vote on the Board. His term was coming to an end. Ward tells him to vote for IMS or he will not renominate him. Larkin tells the press. Larkin does not vote for IMS. Melton withdraws Larkin's Re-nomination to the Board. Where does Larkin have leverage? You shouldn't try to twist this around on such flimsy logic and facts that show otherwise. Logic dictates that if the mayor tells you to vote one way or else (which is illegal), that the person would follow that advice if they wanted to be renominated.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-24T14:06:14-06:00

ID

92664

Comment

My, I have to wonder if your name isn't "abetterjackson - with IMS" Look plenty of companies are formed just to work the contract system. I know of a local person who started a firm the January after Katrina to help with staffing needs down there. Gee. How about those two state senators who started a company that got a Katrina contract? Or Rosemary Barbour? Sometimes companies will tweak their classification or start a subsidiary so they can fit the need the gov't contract is looking for. Know anyone that's done that? Face it, the other company's bid was lower, and should get the job. We don't need to pay extra to make sure the overhead of a greedy firm is paid for. Go ahead IMS, be a Melton about this and keep taking it to the courts so the taxpayers can waste more money on rich greedy people who want all the business. The MS Link's bid was lower than the Clarion Ledgers. The courts agreed. If IMS really wants a better Jackson then they should respect the law and the decision of the School Board with the selection they made. Just because Melton goes around breaking the law doesn't mean his "favorite" companies should do so to!

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-24T14:15:18-06:00

ID

92665

Comment

L.W., Surely you know how to look up informationon the internet. I mean, you are so good at blogging. If you put IMS Engineers in a search engine, you will find their website. I can't say the same for Preferred Management. abetterjackson, I assumed that since you have so much information, you already had the links I would need, and therefore you would just share those links instead of telling me to research information that you already have. Since I do know how to use the Internet, I'll find the information on my own. Thank you.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-24T14:29:05-06:00

ID

92666

Comment

You may address me as "abetterjackson - for LOCAL BUSINESS" Actually, i don't believe this was a bid. In fact, had it been a bid. IMS Engineers would not have even been able to submit. I'm not sure if you know this, but Professional Engineering Firms are prohibited from bidding by state law. I know that Jacobs, IMS, and IMS' sub are engineers so they all would not have bid. I'm not certain what PMG's clasification is. The price of one team isn't comparable to that of the other. The key reason being that the RFP had no defined scope. Take some time out and give it a good read. The RFP asks for the proposer to submit a scope and a price on the scope you submit. So, there's no way to compare one team's price to the other, because the scopes (services being offered) are not the same.

Author

abetterjackson

Date

2007-05-24T14:30:06-06:00

ID

92667

Comment

Anderk wrote: If confirmed, he will replace Maggie Benson-White. Barrett states, "I will not attend the confirmation hearing until JPS selects a program manager to manage the bond process." Is this any difference in what Jonathon Larkin's accussing Marcus Ward for? The short answer is: Yes, it's quite different from what Larkin accused Ward of doing. Whether you agree with Barrett-Simon or not, what she is doing is unquestionably legal. She is using her legislative power to put a hold on changes to the school board until this contract issue is resolved. Considering the manure flying around about this whole thing, that seems reasonable, at the very least. By contrast--and I need to point out it was City Council members who described the exchange between Larkin and Ward, not Larkin himself--Ward allegedly threatened Larkin's appointment if he did not vote for the mayor's preferred contractor. Ward denies that allegation. As piker wrote, if Ward did do such a thing, he likely broke the law. Barrett-Simon has not broken the law.

Author

Brian Johnson

Date

2007-05-24T14:32:28-06:00

ID

92668

Comment

I'm not sure if you know this, but Professional Engineering Firms are prohibited from bidding by state law. abetterjax No, I don't much about this. Didn't know much about newspaper legal advertisements either. But, the lower bid won. And, I bet that the Clarion Ledger has more experience than the Link. The price of one team isn't comparable to that of the other. The key reason being that the RFP had no defined scope. Take some time out and give it a good read. The RFP asks for the proposer to submit a scope and a price on the scope you submit. abetterjax That may be fine; but, more often than not these companies come in over budget and it cost the taxpayer more money! So, if IMS is already the higher costing company based on the scope of the project, then the overrun will even cost us more. What is IMS's track record on coming in or under budget?

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-24T14:58:05-06:00

ID

92669

Comment

You got me there. I'm certain Preferred Management has a better track record than IMS, with regard to coming in or under budget. Afterall, they've only been in business 2 months. "No, I don't much about this." Why is it that you are speaking to topics of which you have no idea? Again, this wasn't a bid. Engineering Firms are prohibited by law to BID.

Author

abetterjackson

Date

2007-05-24T15:23:07-06:00

ID

92670

Comment

I only know that it is reported that the other company involved can do it for less. The Board made their decision. I asked about IMS and budget overruns - not the other company. They are the ones whining over who got the contract. In fact, they are the only ones complaining about it right now.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-24T15:57:42-06:00

ID

92671

Comment

If that information isn't on the net, I can't direct you where to find it. Ur barking up the wrong tree here. I'm only speaking facts. You are speaking hear say. Protesting, whining as you call it, is what African American's did many years ago to afford African Americans opportunities like the ones our BOARD members and Council Members have today. What side of the protesting/whining were you on then?

Author

abetterjackson

Date

2007-05-24T17:28:03-06:00

ID

92672

Comment

I don't have a side. But, I know that the other company is a minority owned one too. Owned by someone the Mayor doesn't like. Hmmm? But, the Board must feel that Jacobs is a better partnership for Jackson's business. Who the partner 'is' is very important. From everything you've written, what I see is that the Preferred Management company will have to hire more sub-contractors (or engineers or whatever) to help them since they are so small. More than likely, minority sub's to help with the work load. That means that Preferred may put two, three, maybe five minority companies to work. Where as IMS would only have to go 'in-house' to do the work. So, only one company and a few employees benefit if IMS managed the contract. Yet, Preferred may put several folks and businesses to work across the City, thus contributing to many people benefiting from the project. I think spreading the wealth around in a project this big is the most beneficial way to help this City and the schools. That way more people are involved. You keep doing things the Melton way and you risk shutting out the people who have worked the longest and hardest in this town. So far he has done nothing to show otherwise.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-24T17:54:20-06:00

ID

92673

Comment

If that information isn't on the net, I can't direct you where to find it. Ur barking up the wrong tree here. I'm only speaking facts. You are speaking hear say. No need to be condescending. If you're speaking facts, you should able to provide evidence for those facts instead of having everyone else reinvent the wheel. Protesting, whining as you call it, is what African American's did many years ago to afford African Americans opportunities like the ones our BOARD members and Council Members have today. What side of the protesting/whining were you on then? You have just alienated your readers.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-24T18:16:12-06:00

ID

92674

Comment

Whoever gets the bid hopefully will do a good job abetterjackson. I understand your defense of IMS for the project. What you are missing, and I find highly disappointing that you condone it, is that Mr. Larkin was threaten by the mayor, and subsequentially 'removed' for renomination to the School Board due to his support of the other company. That is wrong, and probably illegal if proven. Then add to that, the owner of IMS gets in the press and tries to make it sound as if the School Board didn't pick a local company at all, nor that they {IMS} had ties to an out of state company when first asked about it. Then he goes on to basically condone the behavior of the mayor with Mr. Larkin by saying the mayor should put people in place that see it his way, etc... It was so very unprofessional. That's what truly bothers me about this abetterjackson. Good people are being pushed out and used by Melton and his cronies. These people put time and money into Jackson long before IMS even set up shop in Jackson. And, if you work for IMS, then you are only proving that IMS resorts to unprofessional-ism over good sportsmanship in business. If you think that is the right way to earn business then you can have it. If IMS had gotten the contract, there wouldn't even be a story. IMS, Melton and Ward made this a story when they threatened and carried out revenge on Mr. Larkin. Short and simple - has very little to do with "who" got the work.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-24T18:46:17-06:00

ID

92675

Comment

Pikersam you have made very serious allegations, no where have I heard or read that the Mayor and/or IMS has threatened anyone. Mr. Larkin has nor confirmed nor denied the allegations. Until he does, you are reporting hearsay. Moreover, I have not seen or read IMS talk negatively in regards to the principals of PMG, LLC. I don't believe IMS' fight is with PMG, LLC. IMS serves as the PRIME on their team. Jacobs serves as PRIME on the other. The two companys, IMS and PMG, LLC, have no BEEF. Furthermore, this is the reason why the fight is a LOCAL firm versus an OUT of STATE firm. Like you said earlier, the Mississippi Link sued to win the bid for the City's bids. They felt that they had been wronged. The beautiful thing about America is that everyone has the right to PROTEST. U should direct motion pictures rather than write blogs. Ur blogs depict a whole lot of drama that could be oscar worthy. Let's keep the comments to the events that have actually taken place rather what you think would have happen if such and such would have happened. Clearly, you are a great writer and have a wonderful imagination...you must work for a newspaper. The true fact of the matter is, if PMG, LLC and it's principals have all that experience and IMS has so much capacity to not hire any other minorities, why is it that these California firms are even in the picture. In my strong personal opinon, it seems like IMS and PMG should be able to work together and keep all the money in state and tackle the contract!

Author

abetterjackson

Date

2007-05-25T10:49:08-06:00

ID

92676

Comment

Story number one, so you can catch up. 'Major Extortion'? Council members Marshand Crisler, Ben Allen and Margaret Barrett-Simon told the Jackson Free Press Monday 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 by 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 may not 'confirm' it as you say; but, somebody seems to think coercion is going on by the Mayor's office. Here is the next story: BREAKING: Mayor Wants Larkin Withdrawn Key points you are missing! Larkin neither confirmed nor denied Ward's threat last month, but he told the JFP today that he believes the mayor's memorandum and his April 23 vote were strongly linked. "Yes, I think the two are connected," Larkin said. "I'm very disappointed at (Melton's) actions, but I'm not surprised." Larkin would not say if he was consulting with an attorney. "I shouldn't comment on what's going to happen next," Larkin said. Ward 2 Councilman Leslie Burl McLemore said he was confident that the Ward conversation and the memorandum were connected. "The mayor had Larkin's name on the list prior to his felony trial. ... This is a name that the administration itself put out there, and now he's withdrawing it. He must not have been too wary of Larkin's abilities or he would not have first submitted it, and now he pulls it when Larkin doesn't agree with him," McLemore said. Allen said he was puzzled by the memorandum for a number of reasons. Hearsay? Allegations? Better go talk to our council members who seem to believe the "hearsay" and the "allegations!" This article above is called "Larkin-Gate" So, now you are saying: The two companys, IMS and PMG, LLC, have no BEEF. Furthermore, this is the reason why the fight is a LOCAL firm versus an OUT of STATE firm. abetter Yet, you wrote just a few post earlier: "Look at the principals" - Seems like the principals are the only persons employed at the company. To my knowledge, neither principal are engineers or acrchitects. How much of a responsiblity could they have on their team? abetter Or this one: ith your regard to the qualifications of the out-of-state companies, I seriously doubt it came down to their qualifications. I've taken the liberty of pulling down ENR's (Engineering News Record) Lits of Top Program Managers, where Parsons ranks #2 in the country and Jacobs ranks #5. http://enr.construction.com/people/topLists/topProgMgr/topProgMgr.asp So, one would have to compare the local entities, one created in 1996, with a track record and one created in March with no such track record. Who do you choose to count your $150 Million? A bank created yesterday or a bank with a track record? No beef? Why the comments? Now you say it is an In-State / Out of State fight between IMS and Jacobs, then in the earlier post you say you have to compare the "local entities!" You even say it doesn't come "down to qualifications." Therefore, you are supporting the Boards decision to go with the company that is providing the service at a lower cost! Did you not get the memo? :-p

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-25T11:47:44-06:00

ID

92677

Comment

BTW: If Harvey Johnson was mayor, IMS may have gotten the project and we wouldn't have all this drama. Just sayin' ;-p I wonder if they thought about that?

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-25T13:27:38-06:00

ID

92678

Comment

But Garrett questioned Calhoun's contributions. "Maybe if I contributed $21,000 to something, I can't walk away," he said. Ha! One group donates around $5000 and gets the bid - AND WILL DO IT FOR LESS. $2 MILLION LESS! Yet, IMS and its law firm donate $22,500 and don't get the bid! LOL! That is the way it should be! So many of these large firms just buy their way into projects. Also, the Clarion Ledger fails to point out that Larkin's nomination WAS WITHDRAWN BY THE MAYOR. Last month, Jackson City Council President Ben Allen said there were allegations Melton's chief of staff had attempted to coerce board Vice President Jonathan Larkin into voting for IMS' proposal. Allen said Marcus Ward may have suggested to Larkin his renomination to the board could be affected by his vote on the manager for the bond issue. The implication was Larkin's renomination could be pulled, Allen said. Ward denied making any threats. He acknowledged having a conversation with Larkin, however, expressing the administration's support for the use of local vendors in bond issue projects. Yet, in the beginning Ward tried to make it sound as if the other company wasn't local. Each of the three groups put on a short list to be bond project manager - Jacobs/Preferred Management, IMS/Parsons and TriVex/Heery - is composed of one local company partnered with a national or international company with headquarters outside Mississippi. Last week, Larkin would not be specific but said attempts to influence his vote have continued. "I will say without naming names of individuals that, yes, I have had additional pressure," Larkin said. He would not specify what kind of pressure he received. See! No mention that he was withdrawn. Here is the memo! Also, no 'story chat' to point that out. The Ledge is very selective with what you can comment about - especially when they don't report the whole story! If a better Jackson for all of us means hiring companies that use big money, petty court cases, and (potentially illegal) political influence to bilk the taxpayer out of a few extra million, then we should all hang our heads in shame.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-27T09:18:05-06:00

ID

92679

Comment

I clicked on the link and saw what you meant, Pike. No StoryChat. Interesting.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-27T18:24:05-06:00

ID

92680

Comment

Also, the Clarion Ledger fails to point out that Larkin's nomination WAS WITHDRAWN BY THE MAYOR. Agreed, Pike. That is a MAJOR news hole in that story. He even talked about it at his staff press conference. I assume they left it out because we broke the story. Sadly, that's the quality of journalism they routinely offer their readers.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-27T20:05:51-06:00

ID

92681

Comment

Lol, funny, Now you all are attacking the Clarion Ledger? You all must work for one of the Clarion Ledger's competitors???? Careful now, you all are showing your allegiance. You go from bashing the principals of IMS to bashing the Clarion Ledger. Wow. And Correction, if Harvey Johnson were Mayor, ole Socrates would have definitely had this deal in the bag. There wouldn't have been any RFP. And I see you are still running with the allegations from the Council. Everything printed isn't fact, my friend. Copy and Paste as you wish, but it doesn't mean the story is fact. "Hearsay" isn't allowed in court, so why run with it now? Until Larkin says from his mouth what happened, it really doesn't float, which is probably why the Clarion Ledger didn't really cover that piece. It's no secret that the council members quoted in the JFP article want Melton out. Again I say, the fight is between whom a contract from the Board would be signed with on each team. It's my understanding that if the Board approves a contract with the Jacobs/Preferred Team, Jacobs would be the name on the contract and on the other hand, if the Board goes into contract with the IMS/Parsons Team, IMS name would be on the contract. Hence, the reason it is LOCAL vs. Out of State. All I'm asking for is the Board to back up it's words. "BUY JACKSON". Do you not understand that? And as far as the contributions go, wouldn't you want to hire someone that cares enough about your cause to donate $20,000 to it? That shows they actually care about Jackson Public Schools. That's what one may call a VESTED INTEREST. Again, you are still speaking this "DO IT FOR LESS" stuff too. First I was thinking the Mississippi Link, now I’m thinking National Inquirer? To compare one teams’ prices to one another is comparing apples to oranges. If you take some time to read the RFP, to actually give yourself some factual background information. You'll see that price was not a factor during evaluation. Again, it wasn't a BID. Engineers are forbid by law to BID. Not to mention, that's one of PMG, LLC's principal's siblings being quoted about IMS’ bid being higher. When did he get the chance to review the proposals????? I still say our local firms should get together, form a team and maybe hire one of those national firms as a consultant to meet whatever k-12 stipulations or regulations are out there. I see you all had no comment in that regard. Seems like you all just want to keep the fire going.

Author

abetterjackson

Date

2007-05-29T08:41:21-06:00

ID

92682

Comment

betterjackson, it seems that while I was gone, you have revealed yourself to be a troll. You can agree or disagree with any point, but the immature chiding of people stops here.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2007-05-29T09:17:15-06:00

ID

92683

Comment

abetterjackson will not be acheived as long as we have this type of thought process going on. Your first paragraph killed your argument for fairness and is a major reason that this City is in the shape it's in. I don;t work for any competitor of the CL; however, I watched the CL help to destroy Johnson and Chief Moore and this man (melton)whom this City still does not know, they would endorce him for Mayor. lHarvey Johnson was a well educated, well educated,fair and honest man and who, by the way, loved Jackson. Before he took office, there were NO meaniful contracts or sub-contracts for Blacks. You are aware of this? I guess there is no place in Jackson for a man with this type of character and it has always been proven that 65% of our population just simply have a disrespect and a disreguard for intelligent African-American males. melton continues to prove this theory.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-05-29T09:30:15-06:00

ID

92684

Comment

TRANSLATION: You must be crooked to deal with the crooked.

Author

justjess

Date

2007-05-29T09:52:53-06:00

ID

92685

Comment

I think folks had it in for Johnson since he became the first black mayor of Jackson. I wonder if Melton would have ever considered running for mayor if we never had a black mayor before him.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-29T10:10:18-06:00

ID

92686

Comment

Melton is no cake-walk but we don't need johnson ever again.You've GOT to be kidding me. Are you on his campaign? He was slow, plodding, and aloof. Seemed disconnected to me. Im no Melton fan but we don't need Johnson again either. And Im an intelligent African American male too justjess who voted against Johnson and would have voted for anyone besides him. And I think other intelligent folks would be put off by that statement. We have a disrespect for intelligent black males because we didnt vote for Johnson? You're cheerleading a little too vigorously

Author

trusip

Date

2007-05-29T11:07:05-06:00

ID

92687

Comment

Trusip, I wish that you and others who thought/think like you would be honest enough to answer the question: Where is the evidence of Johnson being "slow." and slow to do what? ....and what mayor are you using as a measuring stick to compare him to? What was it that you asked him to do that he could have done and didn't? Your statement about Johnson appearing "aloof" and "diconnected" seems meanspirited. Johnson was not a lying, jiving, hip-talking, womanizing, bullsh!tter that many of our people look up to. If you are as intelligent as you say you are then take my challenge: My challenge to you is to 1. take time to read the history of Johnson and his accomplishments for the City of Jackson 2. pull off your mask of black racism and step into his role as a mayor - not a Black man that you and some others expected the impossible from. 3. Call Johnson, he is actually listed in the phone book and returns all call as he has always done - personally. Ask to meet with him or just engage him in conversation. Just as Whites taught us about who the real Martin Luther King was: Maybe someday they will let us know through the real records - who Johnson was and what he actually did. It is so interesting to me that we claim to be so bright and so intelligent; however, we have just disrespected, killed and buried one of Jackson's brightest and best. This man Johnson is recognized all over the world and serves as a consultant for the National Council of Mayors. He was good enough for this type of recognition in other parts of the Country - but, not Jackson. I wish I could continue the cheerleading as vigorously as I/WE did during the 60ies. I had this same argument with others who said some of the same kinds of things about Dr. King. My parents were told not to let him in the house because he would only get our family killed and he was only out for money. Part of what they said was true. We were harmed. My parent's store was bombed and a taxi driver parked in from of the store was killed. This did not stop us from standing up and defending people we knew were of good will and had the communities best interest at heart. Johnson was this type of mayor for this City. I have my evidence - Where is yours? PS. To say that you would vote for anyone other than Johnson is a mis-statement - You Did and MY WHAT A CHOICE!

Author

justjess

Date

2007-05-29T13:09:26-06:00

ID

92688

Comment

Trusip, I wish that you and others who thought/think like you would be honest enough to answer the question: Where is the evidence of Johnson being "slow." and slow to do what? ....and what mayor are you using as a measuring stick to compare him to? What was it that you asked him to do that he could have done and didn't? Your statement about Johnson appearing "aloof" and "diconnected" seems meanspirited. Johnson was not a lying, jiving, hip-talking, womanizing, bullsh!tter that many of our people look up to. If you are as intelligent as you say you are then take my challenge: My challenge to you is to 1. take time to read the history of Johnson and his accomplishments for the City of Jackson 2. pull off your mask of black racism and step into his role as a mayor - not a Black man that you and some others expected the impossible from. 3. Call Johnson, he is actually listed in the phone book and returns all call as he has always done - personally. Ask to meet with him or just engage him in conversation. Just as Whites taught us about who the real Martin Luther King was: Maybe someday they will let us know through the real records - who Johnson was and what he actually did. It is so interesting to me that we claim to be so bright and so intelligent; however, we have just disrespected, killed and buried one of Jackson's brightest and best. This man Johnson is recognized all over the world and serves as a consultant for the National Council of Mayors. He was good enough for this type of recognition in other parts of the Country - but, not Jackson. I wish I could continue the cheerleading as vigorously as I/WE did during the 60ies. I had this same argument with others who said some of the same kinds of things about Dr. King. My parents were told not to let him in the house because he would only get our family killed and he was only out for money. Part of what they said was true. We were harmed. My parent's store was bombed and a taxi driver parked in from of the store was killed. This did not stop us from standing up and defending people we knew were of good will and had the communities best interest at heart. Johnson was this type of mayor for this City. I have my evidence - Where is yours? PS. To say that you would vote for anyone other than Johnson is a mis-statement - You Did and MY WHAT A CHOICE!

Author

justjess

Date

2007-05-29T13:09:31-06:00

ID

92689

Comment

And as far as the contributions go, wouldn't you want to hire someone that cares enough about your cause to donate $20,000 to it? That shows they actually care about Jackson Public Schools. That's what one may call a VESTED INTEREST. abetterjax Besides being the predictable (and patently wrong) answer, I just want you to know that whether you give $1 or $1 million dollars, your vote counts just as much as mine at the polls! I put on my pants the same way you, and those who gave nothing do too! Do you condone the same "strong arm" money tactics that the "good ol' boys" used for so long to keep smaller and minority businesses down all these years? Justjess you couldn't have said it better: Harvey Johnson was a well educated, well educated,fair and honest man and who, by the way, loved Jackson. Before he took office, there were NO meaniful contracts or sub-contracts for Blacks. You are aware of this?

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-29T16:41:10-06:00

ID

92690

Comment

Pike, don't expect to get a response from "abetterjackson" any time soon. Go here, read his/her last comment, and you'll see why.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-29T22:19:45-06:00

ID

92691

Comment

"Pike, don't expect to get a response from "abetterjackson" any time soon. Go here, read his/her last comment, and you'll see why." Wait, unless I can't see something y'all can (like IP addresses), LW, I think ladd and you have your posters mixed up. "Abetterjackson" didn't even post over there..."citofjacksonms" did. They don't even appear to have the same agenda. Ladd wrongly accused "abetterjackson" of making statements made by "cityofjacksonms" unless he/she is a troll posting under two different names.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-05-30T06:37:08-06:00

ID

92692

Comment

Oh, I see now, Jeff. Oops, my bad...

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-05-30T06:53:59-06:00

ID

92693

Comment

Also, I had forgotten that IMS already has the contract for the construction of the Convention Center with Yeats. Spread the wealth fellows. There is a story tonight on WAPT that points out that IMS has a contract to repair bridges in Hinds Co. that isn't going very well. Will post later.

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-05-31T17:12:31-06:00

ID

92694

Comment

Oh if you could hear the lies that Larry Nesbitt is spreading about this on the radio. It's like he isn't even reading the same story in the Ledge today. First he says that only Jacobs had their proposal redacted. Fire mad about it! Yet, in the story it says: After a public records request, The Clarion-Ledger received redacted copies of proposals for Jacobs/Preferred Management and IMS/Parsons, and a full proposal from TriVex/Heery, the third potential bond project manager. Are you going to correct yourself Larry? It has been reported here, and in the Ledge, that IMS's proposal was higher - by as much as $2 million dollars. Yet, when the owner of IMS says his was lower - without being able to look at his proposal - Larry laps it up. John Calhoun of Integrated Management Services, which also bid for the project, said he was disappointed the board chose a more expensive contract than his company offered. He did not disclose how much his company's proposal was for. Oh OK, if he says it was lower then it must have been. And of course, he is ignoring the strong arm tactics of Melton and Ward in this process. So, if all the 1180am listeners want to eat up the lies of Larry, go ahead. Or you can read the articles and decide for yourself whether he is "telling it like it is" or fudging the truth to meet his agenda of getting rid of Jonathan Larkin - JUST LIKE MELTON! Hmmm?

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-06-01T07:48:13-06:00