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!