A special called meeting has been posted for Tuesday, February 25. I am praying that the 4 o’clock meeting time is simply due to a scheduling conflict with one of the councilmen and not an attempt to hide anything from the citizens who will be working during that time. The meeting has one agenda item: “Pursuant to Texas Government Code 51 Section 551.071, Consultation with Attorney; Legal discussions with legal counsel regarding City Council-JEDCO matters”.

Now, let’s be clear — this is not about the City Council. The issues we’re addressing are squarely on JEDCO’s shoulders.

Just for fun, let’s recap JEDCO’s history as an employee file for the CEO’s review.

Employee Review: JEDCO

CEO: Citizens of Jasper

Manager: Jasper City Council

Employee: Jasper Economic Development Corporation

Issue: Unapproved Board Expansion

Details: JEDCO expanded its board from 5 to 17 members without the necessary approvals. The city secretary conducted extensive research on all records from 2009 to 2017 and found no documents supporting this change. If the motion and second were made in July 2008, why did the secretary’s report exclude the remaining months of 2008? Why would the city secretary spend so much time researching and leave out those months? Wouldn’t a brief examination of these months produce the same absence of records? Maybe her report had a clerical error? If this had been a small clerical error, why wasn’t it fixed long ago?

Issue: Financial Mismanagement

Details: Tax dollars were allocated to failed ventures like Double C Customs, Explorer Aircraft Company, Sky Ranch, and Platinum Silk Hair, with no tangible results left behind. How can we justify pouring public funds into businesses that disappear with the money? Despite JEDCO’s claims of job creation, the unemployment rate in Jasper has risen from 2.90% in January 2023 to 3.60% in November 2024. How can jobs be created while unemployment rises? Aren’t these claims in need of concrete evidence?

Issue: Lack of Accountability

Details: JEDCO has repeatedly failed to provide timely and accurate information to the public. How can the public trust an organization that doesn’t communicate clearly? Major decisions have been made without the necessary supporting documentation. What does this say about the legitimacy and transparency of these decisions? With a 17-member board, equivalent to a bunch of yes-men, how can there be meaningful oversight? Wouldn’t this just ensure the desired number of votes for pet projects?

Closing Sentiment

As we wrap up this review of JEDCO’s operations, let’s face the facts: How can such blatant oversight not breed corruption? Are these decisions genuinely for the betterment of Jasper’s citizens, or are we cultivating an environment ripe for unchecked actions that erode our community’s integrity? The success rate versus the losses tell a grim story, yet we keep applauding with photo ops, back patting, and plaque passing. Additionally, who is vetting the businesses JEDCO is courting to bring into our city? Public participation isn’t just a nicety; it’s essential.

The burning question now stands: Would you retain this employee?

I have every confidence that the attorneys present at Tuesday’s meeting will do what’s right — morally, ethically, legally, and 100% in the best interest of every citizen of Jasper and not just the select few.

#tiktoktiktok

For 17 years, the Jasper Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO) has been operating under questionable circumstances. The expansion of their board from 5 to 17 members on July 14, 2008, without any official approval, is a glaring example of small-town corruption at the hands of oligarchs, aristocrats, and plutocrats.

Despite the bylaws stating the board should have 5 members, 12 new members were added without proper approval. Mayor Barber and Councilman Sayers, involved in these discussions in 2008, had stark contrasting views on the legality of this move. Mayor Barber insisted on written confirmation from the Attorney General’s office, while former councilman Sayers appeared to be following orders from his puppet masters, doing the job he was sent to do, determined to push through the expansion despite legal concerns.

An article by Mike Lout on August 6, 8 stated that the new board was seated on August 5, 2008. This means a motion was made and seconded on July 14, and the board was seated just over three weeks later. There’s no way the bylaws could have been amended that fast. This rushed expansion raises concerns about the board’s legality and legitimacy.

A records request letter written by former City Secretary Karen Pumphrey reveals that despite extensive research, NO supporting documentation was found in the city minutes from January 2009 to December 2012 to approve the increase from 5 to 17 board members. This lack of documentation shows that JEDCO has been operating with an illegal board for almost 17 years, rendering their past projects potentially null and void.

The cozy relationships and behind-the-scenes maneuvering are attempts to keep the “good ole boys” in business, sidelining the interests of the community. Over approximately 200 meetings and this “communication” error still exists, raising questions about transparency and accountability.

And what about their paid legal representation? You’d think the attorneys for JEDCO, Ted Walker, and the city’s attorney, Billy Morian, would be aware of this glaring issue. Are they complicit, or just covering for their buddies? This legal oversight reeks of cronyism and warrants a thorough investigation to uncover any potential complicity or negligence.

In my opinion, and I would think any great legal mind’s opinion, JEDCO should be shut down until an external legal investigation has been conducted thoroughly. Most of the board members trying to be ratified for two more years are the very ones that were placed illegally in 2008.

The tax dollars that JEDCO is wasting could be better used to improve our roads and infrastructure. Instead of funding an illegal, mismanaged board and their pet projects.

Truth belongs to the people!

We do not need to let any information or news articles distract us from the mission at hand.

Do not get this confused. This is not about Provalus or any company in Jasper. This is about JEDCO. While Provalus’ success and challenges are part of the conversation, the core issue here is the business practices and accountability of JEDCO.

In a recent attempt to educate the citizens, I posted public record information about one of the contracts JEDCO had within the past few years to show the expenses JEDCO incurs to bring in new companies. I chose Provalus because of the substantial incentives given in their contract and the fact that The Walker Firm was confirming the records to complete the incentive portion and deed the multi-million dollar building to them. The community responded negatively about Provalus as an employer, leading to a rapid PR response from Provalus executives in the form of media coverage over the weekend discussing their success in Jasper.

I saw some of the success touted in the comments and remembered an article from a few months ago, August 16, 2024, where Jamal Jackson, the Delivery Director for Provalus, stated in a prepared speech that since 2019 Provalus had contributed $8 million dollars to the local economy. This past weekend, he claimed the company had contributed $25 million dollars during the same time frame. This inconsistency, suggesting a sudden $17 million dollar increase in just five months, raises questions about the accuracy and transparency of the information being provided.

It is imperative to scrutinize JEDCO’s actions and business practices, regardless of whether the companies they incentivize are successful or not. Several companies have taken the money and run, leaving the community high and dry. By demanding transparency and accountability, we aim to help citizens make an informed choice about whether JEDCO should be ratified or dissolved. This isn’t about pointing fingers — it’s about ensuring JEDCO operates with integrity and truly serves our community.

Your voices are being heard. It is absolutely essential to ask questions and seek the truth. There is nothing negative about demanding transparency and accountability. We must continue to speak out and share our experiences. By doing so, we can create a powerful impact.

P.S. Please note that any humor or creative elements in this message or related materials are not directed towards any individual. They are intended to highlight the need for transparency and accountability in a light-hearted manner.

Someone sent me the media piece with ETB and the Provalus executive, but I haven’t wasted my time or energy reading it. It speaks volumes that “they” (all of them) don’t use their own town media but have to drive to Kirbyville for exposure. I wonder why 🤔 and I wonder if they get to expense it? 🤣

They’re clearly scrambling, and I know this because executives don’t run and do media pieces during the weekend unless they’re prompted. 🤨 The people are waking up, and that’s their biggest fear. Just a few comments from real folks who have seen “behind the curtain” have caused them to run out and try to regain control with their smoke-blowing nonsense. They can’t allow it!

Interestingly, the Facebook post mentions recent statements from two councilmen about Provalus. However, those statements were made two weeks ago. Talk about a delayed response for a concerned Delivery Director — unless Provalus and the powers that be are scrambling for that free building!

#criticalthinking #truthseeker #wakeupjasper

I recently received a message that sheds light on the history of Jasper United and the promises made by former Mayor Gatlin when he ran for re-election. Jasper United was created by former Mayor Gatlin, Ted Walker (JEDCO’s attorney), Danny Walker, and Denise Kelly. Despite the initial optimism, Jasper United has become a significant debt and liability for the citizens of Jasper, benefiting only a select few.

Here are some key points from the shared article:

“Currently, the City of Jasper finds itself in a promising economic situation. The City has a solid working relationship with the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Chamber of Commerce and Jasper Economic Development Company (JEDCO). The City and JEDCO have recently developed a joint partnership named ‘Jasper United’. Jasper United has entered a new contractual relationship with a company from the State of Alabama, and projects this venture to have tremendous impact on the City of Jasper and its citizens. The company has the potential of bringing over one hundred (100) jobs to Jasper over the next 3-5 years. The economic impact of $10,000,000.00 – $12,000,000.00, annually, for the City of Jasper and surrounding areas translates to new jobs, new businesses, new homes and updated schools, financial security to the City of Jasper and its citizens. Without the working relationship and vision between the City of Jasper, JEDCO, and its leaders, this opportunity would not have been possible.”

Mayor Gatlin

After further exploring, here are the incentives provided per the contract between Jasper United and the Company:

• 60-month contract
• Free maintenance and cleaning for the duration of the contract (public records showed an individual receiving $5,000 a month for cleaning)
• Free utilities for 12 months
• Facility land purchased and prepared by Jasper United (the group purchased the building from local businessman Ben Stover for $207,000)
• Facility will be deeded to the company
• Free administrative assistance for obtaining grants
• $1,800 per new full-time employee for 5 years (up to $360,000 total)
• Up to $20,000 for relocation expenses
• Temporary housing for leadership for 6 months
• Facility build-out handled by Jasper United — $2,954,238.00
• Temporary facility at 534 S Wheeler with free rent, utilities, maintenance, and cleaning until the new facility is ready

Is it a success or not — you decide.

• Have we seen the promised return on investment from Jasper United and the company?
• How many of the new jobs created by the company have been given to citizens of Jasper?
• Has the economic impact of $10–12 million annually been realized?
• What steps are being taken to ensure that the community benefits from these investments?

It all sounds good until you read between the lines. Without the huge incentive package provided by Jasper United, would the company even be here? A quick search on Indeed reveals employee reviews indicating that Provalus offers minimal pay and tends to hire mostly outside of Jasper. After considering all this information, I find myself questioning the true success of Provalus and the actual benefits it has brought to Jasper.

It’s crucial for us to continue seeking transparency and questioning the use of public funds and the real impact these investments have had on our community. My aim is to help the citizens of Jasper become more aware of what is happening behind the scenes. I’m just providing information — it’s up to you to do your own research and make your own decision.

A quick search on KJAS’s website for January shows JEDCO is consistently in the news, as it has been since its inception. While you might find stories of parties and celebrations, the corporation has also faced significant scrutiny—and rightfully so. Despite searching for a JEDCO project that has truly benefited the citizens of Jasper, I’ve come up empty-handed. If you have any success stories, please share!

Now, the city council meeting agenda is out, and there’s not a single mention of JEDCO. This is surprising, especially since JEDCO’s board is in a state of turmoil and unable to meet due to its questionable legal status—a status that has been in question since 2008. As Wincy Walker pointed out, City Councilmembers ignored Open Meeting laws and JEDCO Bylaws to appoint their “masters” to the board. They bypassed the requirement for JEDCO directors to change the Bylaws, leading to a board that’s essentially a “play-like Board”—in name only. What’s further alarming is that most of the individuals who were illegally appointed to the board in 2008 have continued to serve. Their “masters” did not want to stagger their terms, so in 2025 we pretend it’s a communication issue or a clerical mishap and hope to extend their terms by another two years to push their agenda forward.

Projects and any business related to JEDCO should be on hold, including deeding the building to Provalus. The Walker Firm should be fully aware of this situation and advise their clients accordingly—unless their motto is “It is what it is.”

Hold onto your hats, folks! The legendary investigative reporter Wayne Dolcefino is back and he’s got Jasper, Texas in his sights. If you don’t know Wayne, you’re in for a treat, he is the real deal when it comes to exposing the truth and holding the powerful accountable.

The conversation on item #10

Just to recap: Mr. Eddie Hopkins wants to ratify the current situation at JEDCO by reinstating the board members and their term. It sounds like the illegal board members got to “draw” for their new term lengths. JEDCO should publish the list showing what term each board member drew. Although Mayor Anderson Land seemed surprised at the hiring of outside legal counsel, Angel McCroskey pointed out, it doesn’t make sense to ratify anything with the JEDCO board until Ross Fischer, hired by the people, finishes his job. Until then, it feels like they are trying to sweep this under the rug.

Voting segment of the exchange in the comments. I was surprised that Lequin Hilderbrand opposed the vote on this. Maybe he was just trying to toss the Mayor a bone.

The agenda for the regular city council meeting on Monday, December 9th at 6:00 pm is out. I have posted the agenda for you to view, but shouldn’t WE THE PEOPLE know more about the “consider for approval” line items they are presenting? If you have any insights, please share and educate us all. This is where transparency gets murky, and things can be pushed through that should not. I have added my opinion to a few items, and that is just what it is, my opinion. You can do with it what you will.

Item 5 – Grant Administration Contract between David J Waxman and Jasper for GLO Grant

Did you know that on September 26th, the Commissioners Court discussed grant-related business and voted to apply for approximately $40 million in funding through the Texas General Land Office? However, the timeline for identifying eligible projects under this program is short, so they agreed to consult with David J. Waxman, Inc. for potential “shovel-ready” projects. I’m sure they already have some projects in mind, but will they benefit ALL of Jasper?

Item 6 – Amend and Update October 15th minutes

Why would we need to Amend and Update minutes from 2 months ago, isn’t that why there are minutes?

Item 8 – Catalytic Converter Grant Program

In my opinion, this program should be voted on by the people. It seems to be an intersection camera program aimed at preventing theft or locating those who steal, but how are “intersection” cameras supposed to achieve all that? I can drive all over Jasper without passing through a main intersection.

Another question I have for the City: will you help replace stolen goods? From my research, it seems that ordinary folks who try to use the program to recover financially often get the run-around. Furthermore, installing the cameras under this “reimbursement” program means we pay upfront and are responsible for 20% of the cost. And what about maintenance?

Item 10 – Review request from Jasper Economic Development Board asking city council to ratify the current JEDCO board members to assigned terms.

This line item seems to be strategically placed in the middle of an agenda, perhaps so people don’t pay too much attention. At this point, who knows?! This is one of the most important issues our city is dealing with, and they want to sneak it in to see if they can ratify the situation. According to Mayor Land, he made this decision along with JEDCO’s Executive Director Eddie Hopkins, their attorney Ted Walker, and the recently resigned city attorney Michael Ratcliff. Who wouldn’t want to go in and backdate something they’ve failed at?

Honestly, after reading and reminding myself on JEDCO’s history, it seems clear they need to scrap the board and start over, or scrap the EDC altogether. The over $1 million per year in taxpayer money they receive could be put to a multitude of better uses. It’s high time we rethink this!

Item 11 – Change the name of Graham Street to Lewis Street

Why do we need to change the name of a street? Unless it has to do with someone’s “legacy”

Closed Executive Session – Personnel Matters – City Attorney

I wonder if they’ve found a new one already, and if so, who have they chosen? Did they meet with applicants for the job, or were “special” requirements conveniently changed on the application to ensure their desired lawyer was a shoo-in?

City Council Workshop/NO ACTION TO BE TAKEN – Scope of work – Forensic Audit

Delay – Delay – Delay

This write up was taken from Councilwoman Angel McCroskey. If you do not follow her you should!! She is going above and beyond to educate us!!

Under Article III. Sec. 3.01 (a) the charter states, “A mayor shall be elected by the qualified voters of the entire city and shall be the presiding officer of the city council and shall be recognized for ceremonial purposes and by the governor for purpose of military law. In the event of a tie vote, the mayor shall be entitled to vote on any matter under consideration by the city council.”

By contrast, Sec. 3.07 Powers of the city council, the charter states, “All powers of the city and the determination of all matters of policy shall be vested in the city council.”

So the mayor, in the absence of martial law, is a figurehead for the City of Jasper for ceremonial purposes, presiding officer during council meetings and has a vote only in the event of a tie.

“He’s just the mayor. He kisses the babies and shakes the hands. He reads the agenda. We vote, we discuss it, we vote.”

Councilman Ronald Sample

So Mayor Anderson Land of Jasper, Texas asking for $1,000 a month for photo ops is a little steep in this economy!

Sometimes life can take a crazy turn and leave you speechless. As I spent time on the Hill this past week, that is how I felt and I began to ponder my purpose for The Jasper Jewel. (just so you know, it probably won’t be the last time I contemplate my purpose).

One thing I realized this week is that as we live our lives, we get caught up in the day-to-day, back and forth, only to forget that we are not here for a tit-for-tat session against our fellow man. Does that mean that we are to sit back and not say anything — NO — but sometimes you just have to be quiet for a moment and listen.

Another thing I realized is we all see the world through different lenses. For instance, I see and believe that public institutions, public offices, and city employees work 100% for the people, and transparency is a must. I see and believe that every public records request should be provided to the requester in a timely manner, free of charge. I do not understand why some people are charged for their requests while others are not. I am grateful for the records that I have received free of charge, but Ms. Renee Harrington posted an email earlier showing the fees she was being charged for records she has requested — why? Then you have those, such as the Chamber of Commerce, who have ignored requests altogether. PSA: this was just a test — I don’t care if you send me the records or not, it is apparent by your lack of communication just how you feel about public records. And whether or not it is true, your refusal to simply “reply” suggests that the records are not on the up and up.

During my downtime, I had taken the time to write my thoughts on the statement Mayor Land made concerning the recent changes resulting from the city council meeting. By now, we have all seen the video or read the article, and the only thing I have to say is that TRUE leadership should inspire trust and present a clear vision for positive change. How you interpret that statement, or anything for that matter, is clearly an individual thing. Case in point: as I was scrolling the other day, I happened upon a couple of posts on the Jasper TX Community Bulletin page (posts in comments). A member of the group posted the mayor’s statement, and a separate post showing their support for him. What I realized by their post is that the clear defense of Mayor Land suggests that they do not see things through the same lenses as I do. It is apparent that they view those that ask questions and speak out as “bullies that only look to seek and destroy.” However, many people view them as citizens looking for equality and truth for our community. Are we truly that different? The difference in the way we view things is shocking to say the least — but don’t you think the way we view things is a choice?

If that’s the case the choice is yours — how do you want to proceed through life? How do you choose to see the world?
Do you want transparency and change or do you want it all to remain the same?

Well… well… well… the grapevine doesn’t disappoint, and it really gets your ol’ thinker to thinking. This whole police chief thing runs deeper than originally thought. In my opinion, it’s nothing more than a backroom deal! More people are involved in this racket than I initially realized. This situation runs deep, much like the divisions we see across the country. It’s basically a group of people pretending to be on different sides, but in reality, they’re all in it together with one agenda: to benefit themselves.

Question: When did we become so selfish that we only care about our own interests, ignoring everyone else? We live in this world together. What should be a world of brotherly love has turned into a mess of greed, secrecy, and hidden agendas.

We may think of our little town as a place where we live peacefully with family, neighbors, and friends but from the mayor and the council to the local news, it seems they are working in the background for their own interests.

Well, I am reaching out to the mayor and the city council this morning to say, “Go ahead and do what you’re gonna do because the chosen candidates have been on the auction block long enough and will be won by the highest bidder.” And to all involved, always remember the price you paid against your fellow man to benefit your own agenda. It’s disheartening to see people show one face in public and another behind closed doors.

Standing up for what you believe in and advocating for fairness and transparency are vital steps toward creating a better community. It’s important to voice concerns and push for change, even when it might be uncomfortable.

What problems in our town bother you the most?

What changes would you like to see in our local government?

Are there any environmental issues that concern you?

How can we make sure everyone’s voice is heard in our town’s decisions?

What can we do to get more people involved in the issues at hand?

Speaking out is the first and crucial step to being heard. It’s important for everyone to voice their concerns and ideas to bring about positive change in the community. Your courage to speak up can inspire others to do the same, and together, we can make a real difference.

Councilman Lequin Hilderbrand, at the special called meeting last week, you amended Angel McCroskey’s motion for outside legal counsel regarding the situation at JEDCO. Your amendment was to get proposals from 2-3 firms outside of the city. Great posturing, but I have to ask — why does the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting include “consultation WITH attorney; legal discussions WITH legal counsel regarding City Council – JEDCO matters” under closed executive session?

Did you blindly choose counsel? How do we have legal counsel without the proposals? I know it has nothing to do with the city’s own counsel, Mr. Ratcliff, as he recused himself from the conversation.

This isn’t just procedural confusion — this is a serious concern for the integrity and transparency of our council’s actions. Our community deserves answers, not backroom decisions that sidestep the process.

Mr. Hilderbrand, what say you?

The candidates for chief of police were never revealed. Renée Harrington requested that information and has yet to receive it. This raises an important question: Are the powers that be ignoring citizen input on this crucial position?

The city council will vote on the new chief at the next meeting. But what was the selection process for the three finalists? Were citizens given a say? Were these candidates thoroughly vetted, or are we seeing decisions made to fit certain agendas?

Our community deserves transparency in such important decisions. Public involvement builds trust and ensures the best candidate is chosen.

Important question for the community.
Do you want transparency, or do you even care? Are you content with the status quo, or do you want change? At some point, you have to decide which path you want to take.

It’s troubling to hear that the mayor, who also serves on the JEDCO board, is meeting with the executive director of JEDCO, the city attorney, and the JEDCO attorney to discuss the legality of the board. How can we expect an unbiased discussion when those involved have direct stakes in the outcome?

This reeks of a conflict of interest!Apparently, backdating records is their way of ratifying the situation. If that’s the case, a forensic audit is desperately needed to ensure the board has truly been acting in the best interests of ALL citizens.

As Ms. Angel McCroskey pointed out, Eddie Hopkins, the JEDCO board of directors has had ample opportunities to bring the appointment and reappointment of board members to the council's attention but as evident in Ms Renée Harrington’s research he has failed to do so for several years.

Link to full East Texas Banner video in comments.

It’s troubling to hear that the mayor, who also serves on the JEDCO board, is meeting with the executive director of JEDCO, the city attorney, and the JEDCO attorney to discuss the legality of the board. How can we expect an unbiased discussion when those involved have direct stakes in the outcome?

This reeks of a conflict of interest! Apparently, backdating records is their way of ratifying the situation. If that’s the case, a forensic audit is desperately needed to ensure the board has truly been acting in the best interests of ALL citizens.

As Ms. Angel McCroskey pointed out, Eddie Hopkins and the JEDCO board of directors have had ample opportunities to bring the appointment and reappointment of board members to the council’s attention, but as evident in Ms. Renée Harrington’s research, he has failed to do so for several years.

Why should the citizens have to continue to request information that should be made public from day one! I've been wondering why the city isn't making the list of applicants for the Chief of Police position public. It seems crucial for transparency and trust that such important roles, and those applying for them, should be known to the public.

Why should this information be kept secret? It's our right to know who is vying for such a significant position in our community, especially one that impacts our safety and security.

The mayor admitted to questionable spending. Let’s be clear — transparency and accountability are non-negotiable. We deserve full disclosure and honest answers. It’s not about pointing fingers; it’s about ensuring our community’s best interests are always at the forefront.

Body language observation — Hand-wringing is a classic sign of nervousness or anxiety. When someone continuously wrings their hands, it’s often a subconscious way to self-soothe and manage stress.

“Your body language, the way you move, your expressions — they can’t lie. When you’re being sketchy, even if your words are perfect, your body will give you away.”

This underscores the importance of consistency between our actions and words. If someone’s behavior seems off, it often shows through non-verbal cues — no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

Well, this is taking longer than I expected, but thoroughness is key. Here is the first of several video analyses.

Recently, Mayor Land addressed our community on a public video, calling out individuals for using social media to share the truth by showing public records. In my opinion everybody is relevant and that was a pretty strong statement by the mayor. Social media has become a significant platform for community engagement and sharing information. Dismissing it entirely overlooks the value it brings in terms of transparency and public discourse. It’s important for leaders to recognize and respect the voices of their constituents, regardless of the medium they use to express their concerns.

Here are some points to consider:

Anonymous Contributions
Being anonymous is not inherently a bad thing. In fact, it ensures that the spotlight stays on the message, not the messenger. Anonymity safeguards those who wish to contribute without fearing personal backlash. In a small town, it’s easy to get caught up in who is saying something rather than what is being said. We should focus on the facts and make informed decisions based on truth, not bloodlines. Remember, it’s the content of the message that matters most, not the name behind it.

Truth and Transparency
When public records are involved, the truth is based on documented facts. Sharing these records is an effort to inform and engage the community constructively.

Intentions Matter
The mayor’s comments come off a bit like a playground tattletale. However, it’s crucial for him to change his perspective. Our goal is not to be confrontational but to ensure that the community is well-informed. Constructive dialogue is key to addressing concerns and working together towards common goals.

Addressing Concerns
If the truth is shared publicly, it should encourage open discussions, not defensiveness. We believe in transparency and accountability, which benefits everyone in the long run.

Leadership and Collaboration
Effective leadership involves listening to different perspectives and fostering a collaborative environment. We all share the same goal of improving our community.

Let’s keep the momentum going, turning up the heat on transparency, honesty, and constructive engagement! If we don’t commit to these principles, we risk losing our trust, unity, and the very essence of our community. It is not my goal to be mean or to call leadership to the carpet, but to ensure we are all working towards the betterment of our community together. Without these core values, we jeopardize the integrity and future of our community.

#CommunityEngagement #Transparency #Accountability #PublicRecords #CivicDuty

Going through some bank records, I noticed a hefty payment made out to Jasper United. Turns out, it’s a partnership between JEDCO and the City of Jasper. It might be a well-needed partnership, but I’ve never heard of it and I’m super curious. Does anyone know more about it? Is it a separate entity with its own board? If so, who’s on the board? Why do the city and JEDCO need a partnership if they already work together?

Just an observation, but isn’t it puzzling that despite economic development efforts, the population hasn’t seen significant growth. From what I am reading, some federal and state funding opportunities can change based on population thresholds. Looks like there’s a lot riding on those population numbers — and who does it benefit?

When we think of evil, we often conjure images of heinous crimes like murder, theft, and drug dealing. These are undeniably destructive, but society’s focus on these overt forms of evil can sometimes overshadow the more insidious, everyday evils that quietly erode our communities.

Indifference: One of the most subtle yet pervasive forms of evil. When we turn a blind eye to suffering or injustice, we allow it to persist unchecked. This apathy can spread like a silent poison, gradually weakening the bonds of community and compassion.

Prejudice: Holding biased views against others based on race, gender, religion, or other characteristics leads to discrimination and inequality. These prejudices, often unchallenged in everyday interactions, can build up, fostering environments of exclusion and hate.

Greed: Prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of others can lead to exploitation and corruption. This isn’t just about financial greed; it can manifest in various ways, from hoarding resources to taking credit for others’ work.

Deception: Lying or manipulating others for personal benefit erodes trust and integrity. This everyday dishonesty can break down relationships and create a culture where deceit becomes normalized.

Neglect: Failing to care for those who depend on us — whether children, the elderly, or even our environment — is a silent but devastating form of evil. This neglect can lead to suffering that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.

Complacency: Accepting the status quo and not challenging harmful practices or systems allows them to persist. Complacency can be as damaging as active participation in wrongdoing, as it endorses and perpetuates harmful norms.

In small towns, everyone knows everyone’s name, and that familiarity can create a comfortable backdrop for corruption to flourish. Local government officials can wield significant power, sometimes to the detriment of transparency and fairness. This kind of corruption might not always be blatant, but it erodes trust and can lead to decisions that benefit a few at the expense of many.

These everyday evils might not have the immediate, shocking impact of violent crimes, but they are just as harmful to individuals and society. Recognizing and addressing these subtler evils is crucial for fostering a more just and compassionate world. It’s about vigilance, awareness, and a commitment to challenging these behaviors within ourselves and our communities.

We’ve been conditioned to see only the most extreme acts as evil, but it’s the everyday actions — or inactions — that shape our world. Indifference, prejudice, greed, deception, neglect, complacency, and local corruption are corrosive forces. To combat them, we must first acknowledge their presence in our lives and communities. By doing so, we can start to build a society rooted in empathy, fairness, and integrity.

Let’s shine a light and demand better. Our town deserves leaders who respect fairness and honesty. Transparency and integrity are crucial. Let’s work together to ensure our communities are places where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

As I was doing all the things on this glorious Friday (TGIF!), I tuned into the conversations around me, and they did not disappoint. One topic that caught me off guard was the speculation about my identity. I’ve heard several names floated around — Angel McCroskey, Jenn Miranda, Renée Harrington. While I’m honored to be mentioned alongside such ladies of honesty and integrity, you were not even close.

I’ve shared meals with some of you, had coffee with others, and attended your social gatherings. The suspense is intriguing, but honestly, my identity shouldn’t matter as much as the truth I share. Let’s focus on finding a better way together.

That being said, another topic of conversation that caught my attention was an incident in town. As we all know, the council has yet to vote on the police chief. Out of 21 applicants — whom I never heard the list of — there were three final candidates. Although the Mayor did not want the information disclosed, we now know that it was Interim Chief Mike Poindexter, Lieutenant Joshua Hadnot, and Lieutenant Garrett Foster.

It’s been heard through the grapevine that Poindexter has stated he would like to retire but will give “them” a couple more years. Hadnot and Foster have been there for quite some time and are not ready to retire anytime soon. All candidates are very experienced and knowledgeable about the position. In another conversation I overheard that Anderson Land doesn’t like Poindexter. However, the Mayor took it upon himself to dig up an irrelevant story from 17 years ago to smear one of the other candidates. He printed out copies and placed the article in each council member’s box.

This raised all sorts of red flags!

1. Why would a Mayor try to sway the vote with something that was handled years ago? And why would a Mayor try to influence the vote to go his way?

2. If Poindexter wants to retire, why would he need to give a couple more years?

3. Is that two years needed to advance a certain agenda or pay back any favors?

4. Why does the Mayor need him there for two more years?

5. The other two candidates have great resumes as well — why not put one of the younger candidates in place?

Of course it’s all speculation at this point, but it is something that deserves a little extra investigating.

Speaking of a little extra investigating… I saw a post about a special called City Council meeting and the agenda is about Outside Legal Counsel and the Jasper City Attorney. Although they are listed as separate line items, the council may want to combine them. After a little digging I found that Poindexter may not be interim after all.

Here’s the scenario (as stated on KJAS — link to full article in the comments).
Ronald Sample made a motion to appoint Poindexter and it was seconded by District 1 Councilman Marcus Barber. When put to a vote, Sample and Barber voted in favor of Poindexter, while District 4 Councilman David Shultz and At-Large Councilman Rashad Lewis abstained. District 3 Councilman DeMarcus Holmes was absent from the meeting. So…

2 in favor
2 abstained
1 absentee.

In the same article, this was printed about City Attorney Michael Ratcliff:
“However, Ratcliff says that he has since conferred with the Texas Municipal League and also reviewed Robert’s Rules of Order – which the Jasper City Council uses as guidelines for meetings – and he says that both confirm that the two votes were all that was needed to place Poindexter in the position.
Speaking on Tuesday morning’s Talk of the Town program on KJAS, both Ratcliff and Mayor Anderson Land said that effective immediately, Mike Poindexter is the Interim Chief of Police.”

I took our scenario and dug around to find that most councils require a majority of those present and voting, and abstentions generally don’t count as votes. With 2 in favor, 2 abstaining, and 1 absent, you fall short of the majority needed.

It seems there might be some confusion or differing interpretations of the rules in this situation. It would be wise to consult with outside legal counsel to clarify the proper procedure and ensure the decision is made correctly. Transparency and adherence to proper protocols are essential for maintaining trust and integrity in the process. From where I stand it looks like the City Council didn’t do anything — Ratcliff and Land appointed the interim chief, and for some reason the Mayor wants the chief to stick around for a couple more years.

We deserve leaders who respect fairness and honesty. Transparency and integrity are crucial. Such actions not only undermine the credibility of the process but also erode the trust of the community. Let’s shine a light on this and demand better.

Ronald Sample, Lequin Hilderbrand, DeMarcus Holmes, Marcus Barber, Angel McCroskey (tagged above). Can someone forward to the Mayor? He blocked me.

The choice to know will be yours.

In my studies, I’ve been delving into fraternities, sororities, and secret societies like the Masons, the Jesuits, and the Divine 9. We have all the information at our fingertips and most often the comments section will have little golden nuggets of information that should be broadcast. I stumbled upon an intriguing documentary that claims the Jesuits are at the top of it all. It’s eye-opening stuff that challenges everything we thought we knew.

In small towns, the influence of fraternities, sororities, and secret societies like the Masons, Jesuits, and Divine 9 can be profound. These groups often wield significant power, shaping local politics, business, and social dynamics. Their agendas, whether overt or covert, can impact everything from economic development to community values.

When these organizations prioritize their interests over the common good, it can lead to cronyism, favoritism, and a lack of transparency. This undermines trust and fairness, creating an environment where decisions are made behind closed doors, and the voices of ordinary citizens are drowned out.

The ripple effects extend beyond small towns, influencing broader societal norms and perpetuating systems of inequality and exclusion. It’s crucial for communities to demand accountability and transparency, ensuring that power is used responsibly and for the benefit of all.

By shining a light on these practices and advocating for fair and open governance, we can work towards a more just and equitable society.

When you take a deep dive down the rabbit hole, you’ll discover how deep their deception runs. Their beliefs often stand in stark contrast to everything our country was founded on. Do a simple search for any of these topics on any platform and learn. Knowledge is power.

Do I think every member of fraternities, sororities, or secret societies like the Masons, Jesuits, or Divine 9 is downright satanic? No. But if they are members and unaware of the deep-rooted practices within these groups, questions should be asked. It’s crucial to understand the full extent of what you’re part of.

We need to start asking questions of those inducted into these practices. If you don’t know who they “truly” serve and what their “true” agenda is for the club you belong to, then questions must be asked so informed decisions can be made.

If you’re aware of these secret societies’ goals, shame on you. How can you deceive your fellow man? Anyone holding public office or working in a government position should be mandated to declare which clubs they belong to. Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable.