BREAKING: City Council Has Standing Against Mayor

By Donna Ladd Thursday, October 25, 2007 1:58 p.m. CDT

The Mississippi Supreme Court ruled today that the Hattiesburg City Council has standing to seek a writ of mandamus against Mayor Johnny DuPree.

More details shortly.

ID: 96492
Comment: I take it this is good for Jackson? I hope the stars are aligning for us real soon!
Author: pikersam
Date: 2007-10-25T14:36:35-06:00

ID: 96493
Comment: AP reported this: Presiding Justice Oliver Diaz Jr., writing for the Supreme Court, said state law governing the mayor-council form of government requires that the mayor nominate the directors of the city departments, who can only serve if approved by the council. “The statute clearly vests in the council checks and balances on the executive powers of the mayor. A plain reading of the statute supports the conclusion that ’the term of office’ is to be read in the singular, meaning that a director, once confirmed, serves only for the term of the mayor nominating him,” Diaz said. Diaz said it is not uncommon for mayors to serve multiple terms, and in some extreme cases, remain in office for decades. “The council, as a legislative body, would be stripped of valuable checks and balances that preserve the separation of powers if a mayor could simply shield his or her decisions with political longevity,” he said.
Author: DonnaLadd
Date: 2007-10-25T14:53:15-06:00

Jackson Free Press