Annual Ward 4 Dialogue Announced

          The annual Ward 4 Dialogue has been scheduled for September 16th at 5:30-7pm at Lighthouse Baptist Church on North Belair Street (this is the Ward's municipal voting precinct).  The Dialogue's format will be in the style of a town hall meeting, where I plan to give a brief presentation, followed by a time for questions, general discussion, and individual conversations.  I will stay for the full time so if you cannot make the meeting when it starts but would like to share your comments or concerns, I would encourage you to swing by; I want to hear from you. 

          I believe this meeting will be beneficial for our Ward, as have the other two we've enjoyed since I became the Councilman of Ward 4.  It has been and continues to be my goal to be accessible and available to you and that's why I continue to bring the business of the city to the people I am so honored to represent.  The fact is that most people will never attend a City Council meeting unless they have business before the council.  People must be involved in the business of their city to be informed, passionate citizens.  I want the people of Ward 4 and Pascagoula to know what is happening in their city and understand how city government works, what's going on, and how they can get involved to make a difference along side us.  The more people know, the less they are frustrated by the process and the sooner they too can catch the vision to help us move Pascagoula forward.

          At the Dialogue there will be sign-up sheets for Ward and City email updates along with comment/suggestion sheets for those who do not want to ask a question in public or who wish to simply leave their thoughts for future follow-up.

          Bring a friend, a neighbor, or any citizen passionate about Pascagoula's future and get involved in your community.  All are invited and welcomed.  You can print the flyer above as a reminder.  Feel free to post it in your office, church, school or wherever you choose.

See you at the Dialogue,

Frank Corder
Pascagoula City Councilman

Comments on House District 111

            Mississippi in 2011 promises to be interesting.  The political rumor mill is beginning to churn throughout the state not only for the predominant eight statewide races but also for those in the state legislature and in county offices.  Here in Jackson County, the rumor mill is going strong. 

Today I was asked by the local press if I was planning to run for the House District 111 seat currently held by Democrat state Rep. Brandon Jones in 2011.  In an effort to stay fully engaged with you in Pascagoula as well as those who have supported me thus far in public office, I feel it prudent to offer up my response to the local press here on this blog to ensure that you are aware and in the know and to allow for the full content of my response.  Please read below:

"I've been asked from numerous individuals and organizations not only in Pascagoula and Jackson County but from around the state to explore a run for House District 111.  At this point I am actively exploring that option, meeting with supporters and the business community as well as with area and state Republicans, and listening to the citizens in this area. 

Truth is whether I run or not there needs to be a change in that seat that better reflects the conservative values of the people in House District 111. 

At his recent fundraisers, the current representative showed his true liberal bent by aligning himself with those listed as donors, some of the most recognized liberal Democrats in Mississippi. 

Robin Hood Goes Into Effect

In 2007, Senate Bill 2403 was enacted into law by the Mississippi state legislature authorizing for ad valorem tax revenues from the Gulf LNG Plant under construction in Bayou Cassotte and any additions or improvements to the existing Chevron Refinery to be allocated among the four school districts in Jackson County.  The problem with this is that these locations lie exclusively within the boundaries of the Pascagoula School District as recognized by the state of Mississippi. 

As you might imagine, I have been keeping a close eye on this matter.  All taxpayers in the Pascagoula School District will be adversely impacted by this new law.  It is imperative that we continue the fight to protect our tax dollars for the future of education in Pascagoula Schools, rather legally or politically. 

Numbers are starting to come in as to the financial impact this Robin Hood law will have on the Pascagoula School District.  The proponents of this law have said that Pascagoula Schools will retain their current area of assessment and the law only affects the improvements and additions at Chevron and the development at LNG.  I and others contend that is not the case.  As Chevron upgrades and improves the current area, these values will be added into the "improved" pot and taken from the Pascagoula Schools current assessment area, essentially through depreciation and reallocation. Here are the numbers:

2008                2009                2010 (projected)

Current Area 1           $233 million    $269 million      $234 million

Current Area 2           $63 million      $52 million        $45 million

Improved Area                                                          $66 million

            What you see here is a jump in value due to improvements, etc. between 2008 and 2009 in Current Area 1.  Between 2009 and projected 2010, that same area is reduced by $35 million, which I'm told is being spoke of as "economic obsolescence."  According to Wikipedia, "obsolescence is the state of being which occurs when an object, service or practice is no longer wanted even though it may still be in good working order.  Obsolescence frequently occurs because a replacement has become available that is superior in one or more aspects." (Just thought I'd throw that in there for you.)  Current Area 2 shows a continual decline across the board. 

The Improved Area represents approximately $13 million from LNG and $53 million from Chevron improvements.  This Improved Area will be split by the new law.  If you will notice, the decrease of value in Current Areas 1 and 2 between 2009 and 2010 totals approximately $42 million, mighty close to the $53 millions in the Improved Area for Chevron. 

So what does this mean in terms of taxation and funding for the Pascagoula School District?  The loss of assessed value in Current Areas 1 and 2 represents a loss of approximately $1.6 million to the Pascagoula School District.  The Improved Area represents an approximate tax value of $3.6 million which will now be split among the four county school districts, of which Pascagoula will receive about $928,000.  Essentially, due to the Robin Hood law, the Pascagoula School District is losing a total of $4.3 million in funding projected for 2010. 

We, the Pascagoula citizens, can thank some overzealous local politicians for such a Robin Hood law cherry picking one area in one school district.  As an elected official myself, while I understand the zeal to represent your constituency and make the voters in your area proud, I cannot for the life of me bring myself to the place where I could justify robbing another entity's tax base to make up for the deficiencies in my own.

All of our county school districts should be supported by their own tax base.  If they cannot support themselves, perhaps they should consider consolidation.  Otherwise, Pandora's Box can be opened and everyone loses.  This is why I asked my colleagues on the Pascagoula City Council to adopt a resolution calling for a partitioning of ad valorem tax revenues from any and all new industries to be located in Jackson County; if it's good for the goose, it's good for the gander as the saying goes.  Thankfully, the City of Gautier will be taking up the resolution as well at its upcoming City Council meeting.  If this law is indeed constitutional and we now must operate under its direction, then Pascagoula Schools should be allowed to benefit from similar considerations as propagated in this Robin Hood law. 

As we have seen in Washington D.C. and now locally through this new law, Robin Hood may be a classic children's story but it makes for terrible public policy.

Frank Corder

Pascagoula City Councilman

Past Time for Answers

Hurricane season is in full swing and it is on the minds of many citizens in South Mississippi and along the Gulf Coast just exactly what the plan of action is in the unfortunate happenstance a tropical storm or hurricane does enter the Gulf of Mexico and should it make landfall while there is oil on the surface of the Gulf.  The potential for oil to be pushed ashore by storm surge or even to be rained down is extremely worrisome. With the now impending threat of Tropical Storm Bonnie, our worries will be tested and our worst fears could come to life. 

Having experienced the fury of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the subsequent difficulty of many in South Mississippi and Louisiana in handling their insurance claims, this scenario must be at the forefront of the minds of FEMA, state emergency managers, BP, the state Insurance Commissioners, NFIP administrators and of course, the insurance industry. 

Informing the public now of the plan should such a worst case scenario occur along with providing some assurance that their investments are safe, insured, and protected should be acted upon immediately.  If oil is blown onto vehicles and homes inland or storm surge pushes oil ashore and onto private property, who is the responsible party and who should that property owner contact?  What agency will coordinate the response?  Is there a mechanism in place to support such claims?  These and many other questions must find a listening, concerned ear.  It is past time for answers; hurricane season started June 1^st, it's now mid-July.  Any delays and confusion regarding insurance, recovery, and local, state, and federal assistance and coordination will further exacerbate the damages.

The Obama administration has already added insult to injury during the oil spill by imposing an offshore drilling moratorium.  The federal government has use the oil spill as a political football and has allowed this unfortunate accidental disaster in the Gulf to shape our nation's future energy policy in terms of off shore drilling and thus essentially taken food off the tables of so many along the Gulf Coast causing an additional tragedy while harming our country's ability to ever achieve true energy independence.

The Gulf Coast should not have to deal with another slap in the face.  We have shown our resilience and fortitude time and time again, especially over the last five years.  Now is the time to respond to our concerns and worries along the Gulf Coast, not after another disaster.  The White House and Gulf Coast state leaders should step up and lead now.  Thankfully at this time Tropical Storm Bonnie is not projected to reach hurricane strength but I would encourage a concerted effort of informing the public now at this opportunity of what the plan and coverage avenues are should oil come ashore as a result of tropical activity.  Ease all of our minds on the Gulf Coast; we deserve it.

Frank Corder

Pascagoula City Councilman

Happening Around the City

City Update July 2010

Protecting Children and Families

                At the July 20^th City Council meeting my colleagues and I unanimously passed an ordinance banning the sale and distribution of synthetic marijuana, a product known as Spice.  This product is unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not for human consumption, as it clearly states on the package.  Spice is rolled in the same form as a cigarette or marijuana and is being bought by and marketed to children below the age of 18 (this is evidenced in the Betty Boop-esque cartoon character shown on the front of the package).  Spice has already played a role in our community in a very visible way; those charged with the break-in and damage at our new Senior Citizen Center admitted to have used this product prior to their illegal activities. 

                I want to thank Jackson County District Attorney Tony Lawrence, his staff, the Sheriff's Department and the Narcotics Task Force for helping us research this matter.  Thanks to a combination of efforts from those in the law enforcement community and public officials this product will no longer be sold or distributed in our City and County.  I expect the state legislature to tackle this topic in the upcoming session which starts in January 2011.

Gusher in the Gulf

                I am cautiously optimistic as to the recent news of the cap on the gusher in the Gulf.  For the sake of the Gulf Coast, our economy, our environment and many families I pray that the cap holds and the relief wells do the trick in finally stopping this disaster.  I had the opportunity to fly over the Gulf in recent weeks to see for myself just exactly what we are facing.  The vast amount of crude surrounding the well site hurts your heart.  The sooner the gusher is plugged the better.  The effects of this disaster may be felt for years but we on the Gulf Coast are a resilient people and we will once again come back stronger and more determined.  That's just who we are.

I do not believe that an extended moratorium on offshore drilling in the Gulf region would be beneficial to the City of Pascagoula, Jackson County or the State of Mississippi.  Many of our citizens in Pascagoula work on oil rigs in the Gulf and local businesses support, repair, and construct these rigs.  To allow this unfortunate accidental disaster to shape our nation's future energy policy in terms of offshore drilling and thus essentially taking the food off the tables of so many in our city, county and state would be an additional tragedy, adding insult to injury.

Projects and Construction

                If you've driven around the City then you've probably noticed the numerous projects under construction, road work and other efforts underway to improve and grow our City.  Below is only a short list of what all is happening:

·         Downtown parking garage and Riverfront development

·         Chipley water/sewer and roads

·         Round Island Lighthouse moved ashore

·         Pascagoula Street and Ingalls Avenue work coming soon

·         Beautification and streetscape work throughout downtown

·         New Pascagoula beach

·         Beach Park concession stand and restrooms

·         County's new service complex downtown

·         Riverfront Cottage Village

·         Numerous street and drainage work throughout the City

·         New Senior Citizen Center

·         and more.

Please be patient as we work to improve Pascagoula for the future.  A little temporary inconvenience today will pay tremendous dividends for us tomorrow.

Property Clean-up

                The City is working diligently to continue our efforts to clean-up blighted and derelict properties around the City.  These properties include lots that are overgrown, houses that may be falling in, and the like.  Please help us keep the City clean by taking care of your property and help us identify troubled properties by letting us know what you're seeing around you.  When we all work together we can make a positive difference in Pascagoula.

First Lady Coming to Town

                First Lady Michelle Obama will be in Pascagoula this Friday morning (July 23^rd) to visit with officials on the ongoing oil spill efforts and to christen another great ship built by the people right here at Pascagoula's Northrop Grumman shipyard.  Mrs. Obama will break the bottle on the Coast Guard Cutter to be known as the Stratton.  No matter your political ideology or party affiliation it is good to have the First Lady of the United States visit our community and to see for herself the diligent efforts of the hardworking people right here in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

2011 State and County Elections Coming

                The 2011 Mississippi county and state elections are around the corner.  The rumor mill is starting to turn as people are positioning themselves for a variety of positions from the Governor on down to County Supervisors.  As 2011 approaches you will start to see many names tossed around and fundraising invitations will arrive in many mailboxes.  2011 will be a big year for our state with these elections - the possibility of a changing legislature especially in the state House, a new governor, and possibly four ballot initiatives (personhood, eminent domain, healthcare, and vote ID).  I encourage you to stay tuned and stay aware as we quickly approach 2011.

Contact Me

                I know this hasn't addressed all of your concerns or questions but I wanted to provide a short, informative update of what's happening around the City.   If you have specific questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at frank @frankcorder.com or call me at (228) 623.1236. 

                An active, informed citizenry makes for good local government so please contact me anytime and join with us as we continue to make Pascagoula a truly great place to live, work, worship, and play.

Local Gulf Gusher Perspective

The 2010 hurricane season is in full swing and summer storms are already popping up almost daily.  Fishing, shrimping, and tourist seasons are underway and all are desperately needed to buoy the Coastal economy during this ongoing national recession.  Local and state government budgets continue to see shortfalls in tax collections resulting in the loss of constituent services.  Here in Mississippi, qualifying for state elections is less than seven months away meaning announced candidates and those considering a run for the legislature or one of the eight statewide offices are surveying the political landscape and posturing themselves in the minds of potential voters.  In November, Mississippi and other Gulf Coast states are holding Congressional elections amidst a flurry of political activity from the White House and liberals trying to hold on to their power base and from conservative movements such as the TEA Party and other like minded Constitutional activists who want to change the direction of our country.  Blend all of these together and add a squeeze of lime and this is the worst possible time for the gusher in the Gulf. 

Much has already been said about the ongoing Gulf oil spill from politicians and media pundits and I'm sure there is still much more to come, but the local perspective continues to be lost in the discussion.  We here on the Gulf Coast are not focusing on placing blame; we're looking for results.  We did not blame Bush for bringing us Katrina; we are not blaming Obama for the oil spill.  However, how an Administration responds after the initial disaster affects how we along the Coast recover, rebuild, and sustain in the perceivable future from such disasters.  The mere mention that a powerful hurricane would be a good thing to help disperse the oil in the Gulf effectively squashed any possibility that Obama could be trusted with our Gulf Coast.  What a slap in the face for all who have struggled and rebuilt from Katrina.  No matter how the White House spins the Administration's talking points or how many times Robert Gibbs, Janet Napolitano, Ken Salazar or President Obama mention "Day 1" the truth is politics has been allowed to rue the day.  That's not change the Gulf Coast should believe in.  Furthermore, character is not made in a disaster, it is revealed.  Obama would do well to keep his thoughts in check and not allow his mouth to overload his Presidential behind.  We on the Coast don't want to hear clichés on whose posterior the President wants to kick; we want to know he and his Administration are looking out for our collective posteriors and are acting with our best interest at heart.

The last thing the President should do is add insult to injury in the wake of this disaster.  An extended moratorium on offshore drilling in the Gulf region is not good for the Gulf Coast or America.  It hurts families, businesses, and our nation as a whole.  Many of our citizens on the Coast work on oil rigs in the Gulf and local businesses support, repair, and construct these rigs.  To allow this unfortunate accidental disaster to shape our nation's future energy policy in terms of offshore drilling and thus essentially taking the food off the tables of so many in our city, county and state would be an additional tragedy.  Further, since when do we as Americans propagate a defeatist attitude.  We are the country of innovation and invention.  We should learn from this disaster, yes, but it should not be used as a political football to promote a liberal energy policy that ultimately makes us more dependent on foreign oil.  America should continue its offshore drilling, open up more areas for exploration and invent new technologies to supply energy all at the same time.  We do not need to end one to have the other.  We are Americans; we can do both, and we should if we are to ever end our dependency on foreign oil.

What the Gulf Coast needs now is a plan, not more politics.  With the start of hurricane season just over a week ago, it is on the minds of many citizens in South Mississippi on what the plan of action is in the unfortunate happenstance a tropical storm or hurricane does enter the Gulf of Mexico and should it make landfall while there is oil in the Gulf.  This is an answer we need now.  The potential for oil to be pushed ashore by storm surge or even to be rained down is extremely worrisome.  Having experienced the fury of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the subsequent difficulty of many in South Mississippi in handling their insurance claims, this scenario must be at the forefront of the minds of state and federal officials, FEMA, BP, state Insurance Commissioners and the insurance industry as a whole, namely State Farm, Nationwide, Allstate and the like.  Informing the public now of the plan, should such a scenario occur, along with providing the general public some assurance that their investments are safe, insured, and protected should be acted upon immediately.  Any delays and confusion regarding insurance and local, state, and federal assistance will further exacerbate the damages.

Many around the country join us on the Gulf Coast in our frustration over how this disaster has been handled by the responsible party, BP.  Please know that we appreciate your thoughts and prayers; however boycotting your local gas station is not the answer nor does it adequately show your ire.  For the most part, boycotting BP gas stations only hurts your local businessman which ultimately hurts your local economy.  Don't buy into the hype of such consumer protests or allow yourself to be a political punching bag; show your indignation by joining the residents on the Gulf Coast in holding BP accountable for the mitigation and recovery efforts that could potentially last for years to come. 

In addition, do not allow this disaster to change your conservative philosophy of government and business.  BP should make reparations for what it has caused through this accident, rather it was through neglect or sheer poor luck.  They should pay for the loss of income to local fishermen, suppliers, and the like affected by this gusher in the Gulf but they should not be required to pay for losses resulting from the offshore drilling moratorium imposed on the oil industry by Obama and Company.  BP didn't cause the moratorium, the government did.  It is easy to disguise liberal, socialistic attacks on businesses in humanitarian, environmental clothing.  Don't buy in to the propaganda my fellow Americans; hold fast to your beliefs and remain engaged while keeping a cool head.

If you really want to help us along the Coast, come visit us on the Gulf this summer.  Explore the Pascagoula River - the longest free flowing waterway in the lower 48 states, wet a hook in the Mississippi Sound, visit an art museum or take in some local history, dine on Coastal cuisine, catch a movie or do some shopping in one of our many unique local Coast stores.  Spend your summer with us and invest in our future as you share in our frustration.

Frank Corder

Pascagoula City Councilman

Playing Robin Hood

The definitions of fairness and equality have been skewed and twisted so as to fit comfortably within the confines of what is expedient and profitable.  I speak of course of those who have effectively played the role of a distorted Robin Hood in terms of Pascagoula School District's right to its ad valorem taxes as it relates to the Chevron Pascagoula Refinery.  After much discussion and wrangling over this issue, I for one am not content to simply let this issue die and thus accept a certain percentage being mandated as going to our Pascagoula School District.  If the taxation district was drawn legally, then Pascagoula Schools are entitled to 100% of the ad valorem taxes derived from this area, not 50% or 29%.  I do support an appeal of the recent court decision and look forward to allowing the Mississippi Supreme Court hear this case of first impression.

            Some may say that this whole discussion is politically motivated and to that I would concur emphatically; it is.  Why else would the original bill have been submitted and handled the way it was?  Why else would every other elected official outside of those specifically representing the Pascagoula area be so in favor of this effort?  They know as you and I do that the majority of who elects them will benefit, with no thought of what is right and wrong in terms of the established taxation districts.  They are solely looking out for their elected positions and thus effectively holding the Pascagoula School District hostage.  And as an elected official myself, while I understand the zeal to represent your constituency and make the voters in your area proud, I cannot for the life of me bring myself to the place where I could justify robbing another entity's tax base to make up for the deficiencies in my own. 

A large part of the argument being made is that the Pascagoula School District is a "rich" school district as opposed to the other school districts in the county being "poor."  In addition, the argument is being made that the workers at Chevron do not only live in Pascagoula, but throughout our county.  I trust just reading that you see the inherent fallacy of those words.  When did being rich become wrong?  When did robbing the rich become right?  People chose to live in a certain area for various reasons, often largely based on the area schools.  This is a personal choice.  And while I understand and sympathize with those school districts that may not have as much, I cannot support this distorted form of playing Robin Hood, of robbing the rich and giving to the poor.  If you're not happy with your school or school district, you have the right to move and support another district. 

If this is the political game we are now to play, then let's play on equal footing.  The next economic development project that locates within the county, whether it be in Ocean Springs, Moss Point or the rural area let's split those ad valorem tax dollars as well.  Moss Point's development surrounding the former International Paper site is a prime starting place.  Heck, why stop at the large industrial projects?  Ocean Springs has a tremendous retail and restaurant climate; let's split those ad valorem tax dollars too.  And while we're at it, let's tap into the developments going up in Grand Bay and Mobile.  After all, many of the workers that work at Chevron live in Alabama.  You tell me where this vicious cycle stops?  Opening Pandora's Box is not the answer.  Our constitution and laws have been written and tried for just this very reason.  The state legislature in their infinite wisdom did not adequately consider the potential effects this law and now taxation districts within the state of Mississippi take a backseat to who lobbies the best and the loudest. 

I could bore you with a litany of issues regarding the constitutionality and the conflicts between statutes of this original bill.  I could ramble for hours about the injustice and sheer audacity of the elected officials and entities supporting this thievery.  I will refrain from doing either, except to say that I trust level heads will prevail (perhaps at the Supreme Court level) concerning this issue and people will see that while your school district may be in poor condition, it is not the fault of the Pascagoula School District or the City of Pascagoula.  And while your school district may need to renovate the 1959 décor in the restrooms or add new computers and more teachers, and granted those are all worthwhile efforts, it should not come at the robbery of the Pascagoula School District's ad valorem tax base.  All of our county school districts should be supported by their own tax base.  If they cannot support themselves, perhaps they should consider consolidation.  Otherwise, Pandora's Box can be opened and everyone loses.  What a poorly thought precedent this was indeed. 

This is why I have asked my colleagues on the Pascagoual City Council to adopt the resolution below.  If this law is indeed constitutional and we now must operate under its direction, then Pascagoula Schools should be allowed to benefit from similar considerations as propagated in this Robin Hood law. 

Frank Corder

Pascagoula City Councilman Ward 4

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, pursuant to Senate Bill 2403 which was enacted into Law by the Mississippi Legislature in 2007, certain ad valorem tax revenues from the Gulf LNG Plant currently under construction in Bayou Cassotte and any additions to the existing Chevron Refinery are to be allocated among the four school districts in Jackson County, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Chevron Refinery and the Gulf LNG Plant lie exclusively within the Pascagoula School District; and

WHEREAS, the City of Pascagoula has joined with the Pascagoula School District in certain litigation now pending in the Chancery Court of Jackson County, Mississippi, to have the aforesaid legislation declared unconstitutional; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Pascagoula has heretofore voiced its support of this litigation and is united in its belief that the legislation as embodied in Senate Bill 2403 is in fact unconstitutional; and

WHEREAS, a ruling adverse to the interests of the Pascagoula School District and the City was entered by the Chancery Court of Jackson County, Mississippi, on May 5, 2010, which will result in an appeal being taken to the Mississippi Supreme Court; and

WHEREAS, it is anticipated that new industry will be coming to Jackson County during the time that this litigation is pending and that in all likelihood, such new industry will be located in school districts other than the Pascagoula School District; and

WHEREAS, the City Council is of the opinion that legislation should be introduced to provide for a distribution of ad valorem tax revenues from these new industries in similar fashion as that set forth in Senate Bill 2403 and until such time as such distributions are declared to be unconstitutional by our Supreme Court:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Pascagoula is on record in support of legislation to effect a partitioning of ad valorem tax revenues from any and all new industries to be located in Jackson County, Mississippi, among the four school districts in the County in accordance with the parameters set forth in Senate Bill 2403 as enacted by the Mississippi Legislature in the year 2007.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be sent to each member of our local legislative delegation encouraging them to introduce legislation in the House of Representatives and in the Senate to effect the intent of this Resolution.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this resolution be sent to the Governor of the State of Mississippi, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the State of Mississippi.

Mississippi, Meet Lady Justice

                In county courthouses and city halls, Supreme Court buildings and state capitols all around America you'll find a statue of Lady Justice.  Her eyes are adorned with a blindfold and stately robes drape her elegant figure.  Lady Justice wields a set of scales in one hand and a sword in the other.  The scales are where she weighs the merits of a case's prosecution and defense.  The sword is her power to convey reason and justice, for or against any in her presence.   Lady Justice stands as a symbol of the fair and equal dispensation of the law, without partiality or corruption, but in truth and with candor. 

                The ideals of Lady Justice can be found in Mississippi's judicial elections; judges are elected in a non-partisan manner.  According to the Secretary of State's Judicial Candidate Guide, political parties and any committee affiliated with a political party is prohibited from engaging in fundraising on behalf of a candidate, nor can they accept a contribution or endorsement from a political party or related committee.  The judicial candidate cannot personally solicit or accept campaign contributions or personally solicit publicly stated support.  No judicial candidate can use or allow the use of campaign contributions for the private benefit of the candidate or others.  While every judge brings to the bench their own personal life experience and sense of right and wrong, the ultimate intent here is to remove the possibility of outside influence, whether through money or politics.

                I must admit, I have often wondered why, if judges are statutorily required to remain non-partisan to ensure they adorn Lady Justice's blindfold and wield both the scales and sword without bias, those acting on behalf of and legally representing the people are not held to an equally politically isolated standard?  Why do we allow the state Attorney General and local District Attorneys to run in partisan races but not judges?  Should not they, too, act on behalf of the people to prosecute offenders without political partiality or under the influence of hefty donors?  It would seem plausible to require the Attorney General and District Attorneys to put on the same blindfold of justice and propagate the law for the betterment of all citizens, regardless of various persuasions.

                With the partisanship exemplified in Attorney General Jim Hood's ongoing actions (or rather, inactions as it pertains to the health care debate) Mississippi may do well to require the state's chief prosecutor, lead law enforcement official, and primary legal advisor to visit Lady Justice.  All but refusing to represent the state's interest in cases directly affecting our citizens out of what can only be defined as purely political associations is not properly attending to the law, nor is it upholding the oath to defend the Constitution of Mississippi or of the United States.  While no person is completely impartial in their private thoughts, Mississippi would conceivably do well to have a neutral public interpreter of the law whose sole intention was to protect the interest and rights of the taxpayers of our state. 

                I am not foolish enough to believe that removing party classifications and restricting campaign fundraising will change our system or bring about a revolution in Mississippi's legal world.  I do, however, question the system that allows for obvious prejudices on the one hand but not the other.  Should Mississippi continue to allow such inequity in our highest legal offices locally and in the state, why not revert to partisan judicial elections? 

Many in Mississippi and around the country are sick and tired of liberal, activist judges.  While justice is meant to be blind, all too often judges impose their hidden political ideologies into their rulings.  Wouldn't it be easier if we already knew their political bent before they took a seat at the bench?  We know the Attorney General or District Attorney's party affiliation, why not the judge's? 

                I am of the belief that political party affiliation matters, whether you like it or not.  Who a candidate aligns him or herself with is telling of how they will handle the business of the people.  Party affiliation can also point to one's character and patterns of belief in terms of their philosophy of humanity, freedom, liberty, and spirituality.  Further, I believe that the voting public, for the most part, is cognizant of what both Democrats and Republicans stand for (not so much for Independents or other Third Party candidates).  The voting public generally knows the difference between liberal and conservative policies and ideologies.  Party affiliation speaks volumes in our day.

                While this discourse has raised a number of questions and possibilities, I am not promoting any one solution here; my only intent is to make you think, to create an environment that encourages the open exchange of ideas.  Consistently questioning such oxymoronic governmentally induced practices only serves to provide a dialogue conducive to refining our uniquely Mississippian and American experience.  Lady Justice would be proud of you for weighing such ramblings.

Frank Corder,
Pascagoula City Councilman

The New Era of Principle

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honor Society Initiation Keynote Speech

April 1, 2010

It's indeed an honor for me to share this time with you all and to be able to speak to you this evening.  Ben Franklin once said, "He that speaks much is much mistaken," so tonight I'll do my best to be engaging yet relatively brief.

          I won't try and deduce your thoughts and beliefs; I've found that assumptions often lead to a number of ills.  I will, however, share my thoughts in the hopes that perhaps through this discourse you may begin to formulate your own circle of beliefs, which we'll talk more about shortly.  My ultimate goal is nothing more than to make you think, and if I have done that, then my time with you this evening will have been productive.

Our nation is growing increasingly divided and I'm not sure if that's all bad.for the future of business and government in America that is.  It does, however, challenge our personal sense of community. 

The American people on the left and the right, liberals and conservatives are digging in their heels on a variety of issues, many of which directly relate to the long standing belief in the American dream, you know the idea that through hard work every American can have a better, richer, and fuller life.  Also at issue is the idea of American exceptionalism - the belief that the United States holds a special place among the nation's of the world because of how from such diverse immigrant backgrounds we have been able to find a common bond in standing up for the inalienable rights of all mankind, those of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Such long accepted ideas are now the catalyst for much debate amongst the American public. 

In the early 19^th century, Alexis de Tocqueville, a Frenchman (yes, a Frenchman) wrote a major work entitled Democracy in America where he said,

"The position of the Americans is therefore quite exceptional, and it may be believed that no democratic people will ever be placed in a similar one. 

Their strictly Puritanical origin, their exclusively commercial habits, even the country they inhabit, which seems to divert their minds from the pursuit of science, literature, and the arts, the proximity of Europe, which allows them to neglect these pursuits without relapsing into barbarism, a thousand special causes, of which I have only been able to point out the most important, have singularly concurred to fix the mind of the American upon purely practical objects.  

His passions, his wants, his education, and everything about him seem to unite in drawing the native of the United States earthward; his religion alone bids him turn, from time to time, a transient and distracted glance to heaven.  

Let us cease, then, to view all democratic nations under the example of the American people."

When was the last time you heard someone, anyone from another country speak in such awe of our America.  Heck, when was the last time you heard an American speak with such reverence.  I challenge you to listen objectively to the mainstream media.  Pick any TV or radio station.  See if you, too, sense the ever-widening rift between everyday America, where you and I live, and the perceived America propagated by the 24/7 media pundits and yes, Hollywood.

Yet, the great divide of our day is not as much about partisan politics as you might think; it is more about a system of basic American belief.  If the divide was purely about politics, then bipartisanship would at times win the day.  You see, in politics, everyone wants to win and no one wants to be hung out to dry by themselves if they can help it. Many a vote has changed out of fear of standing alone.  Believe me, I have seen it first hand at City Hall.

For these reasons and more, I believe this divide goes much deeper than the usual scapegoat of politics.  I am of the belief that America is rapidly exiting an era of compromise and entering an era of principle, not unlike the era which spurred the comments by Tocqueville.  In this new era of principle, it will be up to us as individuals to search for truth diligently and to actively engage our communities, not necessarily to win their vote or approval, but to once again promote and instill the basic foundations of our uniquely American experience.  It was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that once said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."  America matters.

I have learned in my brief, yet thankfully full years that there is a circle of beliefs, or philosophies, we each must cultivate within ourselves if we're going to be well rounded, engaged people in the society and time in which we live.  Picture with me a circle with three points spaced equidistantly around the sphere.  The three points represent one's philosophy of business, one's philosophy of government, and one's philosophy of community.  As we put these philosophies into practice, they move around the circle and interact with the others.  Each of these three philosophies in some measure influences the other two, often to a vast degree.

Take my circle of beliefs for example.  My philosophy of business is rooted in the system of capitalism.  And what is capitalism?  The basic principle of capitalism is founded in the 17^th and 18^th century ideas that saw man as free moral agents with a free will to make decisions and ultimately control their own success or failure.  Capitalism, by definition, is an economic system based on the private ownership (not government) of the means of production and distribution of goods, characterized by a free competitive market and motivation by profit.  Capitalism encourages a person, a business owner to decide what type of business they operate, how they manage that business, and who their business will cater to.  

I believe that free markets ultimately help to keep a people free.  It is the uninhibited ingenuity of the entrepreneur, the capitalist that has been the backbone of our American society, from the mom and pop shops to the national chains, and has allowed our country to grow and expand more than any nation in the history of the world.  As Calvin Coolidge once said, "The chief business of the American people is business."

With such a philosophy of business, it is fairly easy to discern my philosophy of government.  In my mind, a government primarily exists to protect us from each other and from outside threats, not to protect us from ourselves.  To paraphrase Thomas Paine, government, even in its best state, is a necessary evil and in its worst, an intolerable one.  Government, then, must be limited in its reach to ensure that it does not infringe on the rights of its citizens. 

Government's role is to provide equal opportunity for all to succeed, not mandate that we all succeed equally.  You see, government isn't meant to be the savior of its people, to ensure its people never face struggles or hardships.  The inalienable rights of man must include the right to fail.  Without failure, there is no opportunity for success.  Even as hard as failing may be, there is something liberating about standing on your own two feet without a crutch.  Failing makes you appreciate and respect success, but not expect it or feel you are entitled to succeed to the same extent as your neighbor - it's up to you.  Thomas Jefferson said, "Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have." 

I also believe that you and I know what to do with our money better than the government, which is why my philosophy of government calls for limited, low taxation on all levels, from city halls to state capitols to Congress.  I do not espouse the belief that just because someone earns more than me that they should be taxed more than me; I don't buy into such a Robin Hood mentality.  The problem is, you eventually run out of other people's money.  Robin Hood was a great children's story, but it makes for terrible economic and government policy.  Why should anyone, regardless of their earnings, be penalized for working hard and succeeding in America?  When the government requires less, every American has more.  There are more jobs, more free market competition, and more charitable giving, which is where my philosophy of community comes in.

My philosophy of community is centered in my personal belief in the Creator God who I believe instills in each of us the yearning to support and care for our fellow man.  I believe it is the responsibility of the local community through neighbor helping neighbor, communities of faith, charitable organizations, and the like to take up the reigns where government should leave off.  Local people know far better what the needs are of those in their community.  You see, the idea here is that we all can do more for the people in need in our local communities when we recognize the value of giving and engage passionately in service, rather than being forced by a government that will impose the redistribution of wealth and forced taxation for similar means.  Are you more willing to fully invest yourself into a project or work if you are told or commanded to or if you offer your hand willingly and freely? 

It seems we now have a culture that fears the spirit of the American people so the inclination is to mandate and regulate morality and caring through government programs.  But living in fear is easier than understanding.  We foster goodwill and public sympathy not by force, but through freedom.  In general, the more people have, the more they are willing to give.  That's why it is paramount that we require less of government and instill in our citizens a positive, active, and caring philosophy of community.  An individual that freely invests their all into understanding and caring for their fellow man can do more for society than any government mandated program ever will.

So that's my personal circle of beliefs.  Each of my philosophies, whether business, government, or community, is influenced by the other two.  Together they produce the guiding principles upon which I live my life, which brings us back to the first part of our discussion.  I said at the outset that our nation is growing increasingly divided and I'm not sure if that's all bad, that is, for the future of business and government in America.  I also said that such division does, however, challenge our personal sense of community.

I am of the belief that the division we are seeing today within the minds of the American people will have one of two effects: either our nation will spiral down the slippery slope toward European style socialism with the further nationalization of private business (such as the banks, auto dealers, health providers, and student lenders), increased government intrusion in individual freedoms (from sin taxes to dictating what you buy and at what cost to restrictions on food, medicine, cars, etc.), and an ever growing national deficit, or the sleeping giant that is the American people will awaken and will rise up to once again instill the principles upon which our nation was founded - limited government, free market economics, limited taxation, community involvement - all leading to a resurgence of the American spirit, with a hope in the American dream and a belief in the exceptionalism of the American nation.  Whatever the path, it is up to each of us to maintain civility and rapport as we continue to refine this uniquely American experiment.

So as we leave an era of compromise and enter this new era of principle, I encourage you to actively cultivate your philosophies of business, government, and community now so you will be prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow head on by choosing principles over pragmatism or power.  As the next generation of business leaders here in South Mississippi and America, you must consider your own circle of beliefs and put them into practice; don't wait until you're out of school or in the workforce or have a family of your own.  Search diligently for the truth now and invest yourself in our collective future.

Let me leave you with one final word.  To quote Ronald Reagan,

"I'm convinced that today the majority of Americans want what those first Americans wanted:  A better life for themselves and their children; a minimum of government authority.  Very simply, they want to be left alone in peace and safety to take care of the family by earning an honest dollar and putting away some savings.  This may not sound too exciting, but there is something magnificent about it.  On the farm, on the street corner, in the factory and in the kitchen, millions of us ask nothing more, but certainly nothing less than to live our own lives according to our values - at peace with ourselves, our neighbors and the world."

You future business leaders are the tip of the spear in this new era of principle.  What you do in your profession, your innovation, your ingenuity, your spirit will buoy our nation into the future.  Don't go quietly into the night; set the pace so others will follow.

Thank for you for the opportunity to share in your special evening and for your attention.

Given by Frank Corder, Pascagoula City Councilman

Mississippi's Cycle of Insanity

                Almost a year ago I wrote a blog entitled "Tug Fork River Running through Mississippi" (click here to read).  In it I paralleled the feud over the state budget between the Governor and Speaker McCoy's House with the classic tale of the Hatfields and McCoys.  It's conceivable to think that the lawmakers would have taken something away from the 2009 session, namely the understanding that revenues are down, expenses need to be cut across the board, and the budget must be priority number one going into 2010.  Now we're nearing the end of the 2010 session and after listening to the floor proceedings and talking to some in the know, it seems we're right back in the same position this year.  

                What we are seeing in the legislature is simply unacceptable.  The state budget is the primary task facing lawmakers each January.  I'm of the opinion that no other business should be allowed to come to the floor until the state budget is adopted.  Lawmakers should be working on it day in and day out, without excuse, without attention to other proposed legislation.  No other issue is as important on the annual agenda as the state budget.  And no matter how much the House leadership tries to pass the blame, the Governor is not at fault; yes, he has input, but ultimately the Governor only signs or vetoes what is sent to him by the state legislature.  Now, due to the legislators' lack of handling with their primary task, our state is extending the annual session, possibly even forcing a special session, the mere mention of which is an affront to all Mississippi taxpayers in these tight fiscal times.  The excuse as of this week: $187 million in one time federal funds.

It has long been said by citizens and politicians alike that Mississippi seems to always be at the "bottom of the good lists and at the top of the bad ones," from education to health to housing to the jobs and more.  Numerous social, educational, and political campaigns have hinged on the idea of advancing Mississippi, of climbing the ladder of measurable success.  Yet, each year in the Mississippi state legislature we continue to hear the same tired rhetoric by the same out of touch liberal leadership (especially in the House of Representatives) that produces the same futile results.  State lawmakers continually do the same thing over and over again, year in and year out, and expect different results.  It would seem, by Einstein's definition, we are in a perpetual cycle of insanity in the Mississippi legislature. 

Nowhere is this cycle of insanity more prevalent than in the state budget process.  Mississippi needs a legislature that will refuse to use one time funds to balance our state budget.  One time funds are icing on the already baked cake.  If the state budget was drafted and balanced using revenues solely generated by and from Mississippi, when those one time funds do come, imagine the doors that those monies would open for our state.  Yes, living within our means will require us to make significant cuts, even in areas we are hesitant to do so, but the ultimate result would surely justify the actions.  Mississippi will be more solvent, state government will be more efficient and less intrusive, and local communities will be more in control of their own futures by their lessened reliance on the state.

I know full well what I am suggesting is controversial, especially when it comes to the unfortunate political hot potato of education.  I can hear the debate now.   But local school districts should not rely so heavily on the state to fund their systems.  Depending on the state to subsidize local school districts is a disease we must cure.  The willingness of local school districts to live off the state coffers must stop.  Upwards of 60% of our state budget is currently spent on education and yet we still have struggling schools and more requests for funding each year.  When will we wake up to the fact that money isn't always the issue?  Often, government intrusion is the issue and the more money you take from the government, the more intrusion there is.

Believe me, I agree that education is important and worthwhile.  I fully support it in my community.  But just like with other federal and state mandates, education in Mississippi's local school districts suffers at the hands of those not directly involved in the life of the local community.  It is far too easy to legislate away from the masses.  Thomas Jefferson once said, "The expense of...schools for every county is proposed to be levied on the wealth of the county..."  Jefferson understood that it was the responsibility of the local community to support the local schools, if for no other reason than to properly influence and direct the schools' focus for their children.   Jefferson also said, "If twelve or fifteen hundred schools are to be placed under one general administration, an attention so divided will amount to a dereliction of them to themselves.  It is surely better, then, to place each school at once under the care of those most interested in its conduct." 

Mississippi can see better education but first we must require local school districts to adequately fund themselves, stop playing Robin Hood with local taxing districts, only allow state funding for short term needs or special items as the state budget allows, and demand less state and federal mandates and oversight.  It's amazing how innovative school districts truly are, especially when they lack funding and when they are allowed to think outside the box.  If we move towards true fiscal reform in Mississippi and away from the cycle of insanity, soon you will see a revolution in education thanks to enterprising school administrations.  Partnerships will be formed between the public and private sectors, between parents and teachers, between neighboring communities and counties.  Innovative ways of teaching will emerge and the sterile, boxed in, government controlled environment we have created will be transformed over time, with some growing pains for sure, into a self sustaining, self reliant system of education that best fits that local community.  I know that sounds utopian and yes, there are flaws in the argument, but in theory and with a little elbow grease such a notion could revolutionize our public school systems.

Education is just one area, though likely the most notable that must be taken out of the legislature's annual cycle of insanity.  There are other areas that need to be weaned off the state and/or federal till if we are ever going to effectively move forward in Mississippi.  A true balanced budget, minus the one time monies, that weans the continual over reliance on the state coffers would be a major first step in breaking the cycle of insanity the Mississippi legislature perpetuates.  I trust in reading this you hear the spirit in which I write.  It is meant to open a dialogue on issues such as these as we attempt to right the ship in Mississippi.

Of course, another equally impressive step would be to place true conservative lawmakers in the state House and Senate.  Do away with the liberal disconnect and thoughts of spend it now and pray for tomorrow as the Speaker and others in his partisan leadership propagate.  Thank goodness 2011 is almost here; maybe we can finally stop this cycle of insanity in Mississippi once and for all.

Frank Corder,
Pascagoula City Councilman

Questioning Health Care Legislation

Above is a letter I have penned regarding the passing of the health care legislation in Congress and have forwarded it to Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood with copies sent to Governor Haley Barbour, Lt. Governor Phil Bryant and House Speaker Billy McCoy. (a printable pdf version can be accessed by clicking the link just above this blog post)

I would call on other concerned local elected officials and citizens from around Mississippi to implore Attorney General Hood and the state legislature to challenge the constitutionality of this flawed health care legislation.  I commend the states of Virginia and Idaho for their stance on this legislation and hope other states, especially my state of Mississippi, will join in the fight.

As I wrote in a recent blog, principled government - the kind of government that enriches individual liberty and freedom, upholds and defends the Constitution, and promotes the interest of the sum, not the part while maintaining as limited a role as possible - starts in the City Halls all around this country.  We must demand better, more principled government from our city hall to our state capitol to Washington D.C.  We can make a difference and rightful restoration can be made of our American foundations.  Make your voice heard.

Frank Corder,
Pascagoula City Councilman

Grading Taylor:

Mississippi 4^th District Democrat Rep. Gene Taylor In Review

                Since 1989, Gene Taylor (D-Bay St. Louis) has held the 4th Congressional District seat here in Southeast Mississippi.  Taylor, a former city councilman and state senator, is well versed in what it takes to win in this district, which by the way is one of, if not the most conservative Republican districts in the nation (no Democrat Presidential candidate has carried the 4th since 1956).  His voting record is a mixed bag; he has walked the tight rope between party and populist for many years and thus far has mastered it with only the occasional wobble which has quickly balanced.  He proclaims to be pro-life and pro-gun (anything else in Mississippi and he would have been out a long time ago), yet he has supported his party and its leaders inconspicuously (voting for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker) knowing that if he carried too much of the party's water he would be on the proverbial hot seat come election time.  He knows how to appear as if he is fighting for his constituents while not making too many waves in Washington D.C.  His tenure and party connections landed him an important seat on the Armed Services Committee and the Shipbuilding Caucus, making him increasingly valuable to his 4th District constituents.  But could 2010 be a perfect storm that even Taylor can't weather?

                Now that the qualifying date for Mississippi's 4^th Congressional District has come and gone, Taylor has drawn four challengers: Republicans State Rep. Steven Palazzo and Joe Tegerdine, Libertarian Tim Hampton, and Reformer Anna Jewel Revies.  While the two third-tier party candidates are realistically a stretch, the two Republicans, Palazzo and Tegerdine, perhaps have the best chance in years to take down the long-term representative.

I thought I would take a few minutes (with some help from various sources I've listed below) and give Democrat Rep. Gene Taylor his election review.  Take a few minutes and see what grade you would give Rep. Taylor based on his record:

·          Gov Track (www.govtrack.us) reports:

-          Gene Taylor missed 276 (2%) of 12,694 votes since Jan 23, 1990.

-          Taylor is a follower according to our statistical analysis of bills in this legislative session.  Taylor tends to cosponsor the bills of other members of Congress who do not cosponsor Taylor's own bills.

-          Gene Taylor has sponsored 34 bills since Jan 3, 1989, of which 20 haven't made it out of committee and 6 were successfully enacted, at least 5 of which were to name Post Office locations around the district.  Taylor has co-sponsored 1,215 bills during the same time period.

·          Open Secrets (www.opensecrets.org) reports:

-          During the 2009-2010 period to date, Taylor raised $238,949, spent $213,612, and has $225,779 cash on hand.

-          Taylor's top donors during the 2009-2010 election cycle were FedEx Corp. and General Dynamics (each with $6,000). Other donors of note include John Larson for Congress of Connecticut ($4,000), Operating Engineers Union ($5,000), National Rifle Association ($1,000), and NFL Vikings ($4,800).   The organizations themselves did not donate, rather the money came from the organization's PAC, its individual members or employees or owners, and those individuals' immediate families. Organization totals include subsidiaries and affiliates.

-          Taylor receives most of his contributions from the following industries: sea transport ($22,750), transportation unions ($15,500), defense aerospace ($15,000), air transport ($12,500), lawyers and law firms ($12,000), defense electronics ($12,000), and building trade unions ($7,500).

-          During the 2009-2010 cycle to date, 61% of Taylor's contributions have come from In-State sources, with the majority from the Hattiesburg metro area.  The 2007-2008 cycle garnered 62% from In-State sources with the Hattiesburg constituency making up the majority of contributions as well. 

·         Project Vote Smart (www.votesmart.org) reports:

-          Project Vote Smart is a non-profit, non-partisan research organization that collects and distributes information on candidates for public office in the United States founded in 1992 by 40 national leaders, including Barry Goldwater, John McCain, former U.S. Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter.  The group administers the Political Courage Test.  The Political Courage Test is a key component of Project Vote Smart's Voter Self-Defense system.  Major leaders of the media, major parties and Project Vote Smart repetitiously ask candidates one central question: "Are you willing to tell citizens your positions on the issues you will most likely face on their behalf?"  The Political Courage Test is administered to all candidates for presidential, congressional, gubernatorial, and state legislative offices.  Taylor repeatedly refused to answer the 2008 Political Courage Test.

-          Taylor did complete the 1996 National Political Awareness Test.  Here's a few of his responses on a variety of issues (many of the questions had multiple choice answers):

Abortion:

Abortions should be legal only when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape or when the life of the woman is endangered.

Affirmative Action:

The federal government should not provide any affirmative action programs.

Balanced Budget Amendment:

Do you support amending the US Constitution to require an annual balanced federal budget?  Yes.

Prayer in School:

Do you support amending the United States Constitution to allow voluntary prayer and/or moment of silence in public schools?  Yes.

Immigration:

Further limit the number of immigrants allowed into the country, Establish English as the official and recognized language of the United States, Restrict the eligibility of legal immigrants for certain social programs (i.e. AFDC, HUD housing, food stamps, etc.), and Children of illegal immigrants, born in the United States, should not automatically receive US citizenship.

Term Limits:  

No answer

Legislative Priorities:

Balance the budget Eliminate or reduce national debt.

                Hopefully this brief review stirs your curiosity as you begin to assess this 4^th Congressional District race.  There are numerous other points and resources that could be cited on Taylor but for the sake of space and time I will not attempt to delve further; I would, however, encourage you to do your homework on this race.  Grade Taylor's body of work and see if you believe we can do better in the 4^th District in 2010.

                Gene Taylor is not a bad guy; heck, he's not all that bad of a Congressman if you judge his body of work through a narrowed lens.  America and the future of our great nation are about something bigger than narrow, spin driven, seat ensuring issues that sound good on the campaign trail but are often forgotten in D.C.  We need a Congressman that will stand up and fight for Mississippi.  We need a Congressman who will stand on the principles of the Constitution, for the freedoms we hold dear, to speak against the ills of the day and actively support a different direction than what is being proposed by those now in leadership (leadership supported and encouraged by Taylor himself).  It would seem that we need a change in the 4th District, but I'll leave that up to you to decide.

Frank Corder,

Pascagoula City Councilman

Principled Government Starts at City Hall

                A few months ago, I met a gentleman at the National League of Cities conference in San Antonio named John McAlister.  John is a fellow City Council member from Gahanna, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus.  As we waited for a boat tour of the downtown San Antonio Riverwalk, John and I discussed politics in our hometowns, a common discussion at such conferences.  Soon our discussion turned to national politics and the challenges facing our country.  I learned of John's steadfast commitment to the oath of office he took as a City Councilman to uphold and defend the Constitution, an oath that City Council members and Boards of Aldermen take all across this country.  John is a strong believer that we can regain limited federal government by holding local politicians accountable for their votes.  I found his zeal for such thoughts refreshing and reassuring.

                One of many truths that can be gleaned from John McAlister can be found on his website, www.localpoliticians.net.  There he wrote, "If you check the background of your local member of the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate you will find that most of these people started out in politics as a city council representative, county commissioner, etc.  Many went on to their state legislatures.  What if we were only sending people to higher office who had proved their worthiness of upholding the Constitution at the local level?  Might we then start to get state legislatures and a U.S. Congress made up of people who honor freedom and the founding principles of limited government and a government that secures our rights rather than tramples on them?"  How profound.

                Principled government - the kind of government that enriches individual liberty and freedom, upholds and defends the Constitution, and promotes the interest of the sum, not the part while maintaining as limited a role as possible - starts in the City Halls all around this country.  It is in the local communities, not the state capitols or Washington D.C. that a fundamental change can begin to reverse the course of the "nanny state" and rightful restoration can be made of our American foundations.  The continual overreaching of government can be combated best and most effectively by city officials who stand on solid principles and act at times against their own inclinations, with an eye on the Constitution and an ear listening to the voice of the people. 

                There are times, I will admit, when the will of the people is in direct contrast to the Constitution and to the principles of good Republic government.  Many, even some traditional conservatives, will accept more government intrusion into their personal lives and support laws that chip away at our Constitutional foundations for what could be seen as a humanitarian or medical cause or even for a slight bit of comfort all the while consigning the founding principles of our Republic to a mere afterthought.  Former President Ronald Reagan once said, "One of the traditional methods of imposing statism or socialism on a people has been by way of medicine.  It's very easy to disguise a medical program as a humanitarian project."  In recent days, we have seen such relegation of principles in cities around Mississippi, big government ideals disguised within seemingly worthwhile causes.  While there are numerous examples, one now up for debate in my city comes to mind - a smoking ban. 

Proponents of a smoking ban believe restaurants, bars, and other such establishments to be "public" places, which allow local governments to regulate such activity.  They use phrases such as, "Your right to smoke ends when my right to breath begins," and "If I want to eat in that restaurant I should be able to do so without breathing in smoke."  They point to the medical community's research that secondhand smoke is harmful.  They say that smokers cost society by way of increased likelihood for the need for medical treatment which in part falls on the general taxpayers.  Proponents also say that all such establishments should be mandated to comply with a smoking ban to level the playing field for all who do business in the area. 

I trust by now you can recognize the inherent flaws in the smoking ban proponents' arguments in terms of principled government.  In case you missed it, allow me to elaborate.  (To qualify my statements to follow, I do not smoke.  Actually, I personally do not care to be around smoke nor would I condone the use of cigarettes.  With that said, I will now continue.)

Restaurants, bars, and other such establishments are not "public" places as defined in government terms; they are privately owned businesses.  "Public" places are areas that are owned by the city, county, or state, such as parks, ball fields, and government buildings.  Private businesses can refuse service should they choose; public areas are accessible by all taxpayers. 

America was built on capitalism, free enterprise, and an entrepreneurial spirit.  Capitalism by definition is an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods, characterized by a free competitive market and motivation by profit.  Capitalism has been the backbone of our society and has allowed our country to grow and expand more than any nation in the history of the world.  Allowing a person to decide what type of business they operate and how they manage that business has been what has made this country great.  A business owner's right to choose who their business will cater to and what services and goods they supply to the public is capitalism at its best.  So for me, as an elected official, to hamper in any manner a private business person's right to run their business as they see fit is a detriment to capitalism and our economic system.   That is what a smoking ban on private, commercial businesses does; it takes the business owner's right to choose who their business will cater to and disregards capitalism.  A smoking ban is over regulation, big government, and infringement on freedom at its core.

 Additionally, I personally find it disconcerting that business owners who support a smoking ban and that would be impacted by such an ordinance would essentially turn over the direction of their companies to a local governing body.   If a business owner wants to ban smoking in their establishment, then by all means post a no smoking sign and lead by example.  The truth is, however, that those who will not act on their own merit fear the loss of revenue it will cause if they act alone.  In their train of thought, if all such businesses are required to comply with a smoking ban, they stand to lose less customers and revenue because all of the like businesses in the area will be under the same mandate; there will not be an alternate choice for the consumer.  While I follow their thinking, I find it in stark contrast with my ideals of principled government.

As for the medical studies, yes, smoking is not healthy and secondhand smoke can be and often is harmful.  And yes, often times, poor choices by the few adversely cost the sum.  I would agree with those statements and concerns.  But please don't miss the greatness of our country here.  You and I have the choice to be a patron of any business we choose.  And those businesses will succeed or fail based on if you and I support them.  That is our freedom, our privilege in a society based on free enterprise.  Your patronage of a business will determine that business's health.  And if enough of us do not buy from a business it will inevitably die.  That is capitalism.  So if a business owner chooses to cater to smokers and provides such an atmosphere, it is that business owner's choice; he or she will succeed or fail based on that choice.  It is not up to me as a local elected official to mandate to a private business owner what he or she can and cannot do with their private business in terms of offering smoking within their establishment.  After all, the last time I checked, cigarettes and cigars were still legal products for sale and purchase in the United States.  Capitalism allows for success if the market will sustain it and failure if it cannot.  Why over regulate businesses if the market will ultimately decide their fate?  That's the greatness of free enterprise. 

This, of course, is just one example of where city leaders who are grounded in good, principled government can demonstrate their intent to uphold their oath of office and further the restoration of our founding ideals of government.  I can think of other examples as well, some even in our state government: "sin taxes," pseudoephedrine ban, etc.

As difficult as it may be to accept for some, the Constitution and principled government should never play second fiddle to personal comforts, charitable or humane endeavors, or yes, even religious viewpoints.  Indeed, faith and values influence our decisions and should play a profound role in our lives.  The founders of our country, however, never intended to allow government to legislate morality or mandate how an individual lives his or her life.  The point of government should be to foster an environment where everyone can prosper and achieve, while holding fast to their individual eccentricities that indeed make them autonomous and unique.  It is the proper role of government to provide equal opportunity for all to succeed, not mandate that we all succeed equally.  Thus it is both the challenge and the responsibility of local elected officials to uphold the principles of their oath while effectively guiding those they represent in the understanding of such fundamental basics of Republic governance. 

                To be a city official and to promote principled government is not an easy task.  City officials are not insulated from their constituents as are state and federal leaders.  City Hall is just around the corner, not hundreds of miles away.  Local politics is prevalent in the grocery stores, schools, churches, and corner drug store.  While state and federal leaders may encounter professional lobbyists and well funded special interest groups in their daily political world, city officials must hear from their friends, family, coworkers, pastors, and small business leaders every single day.  It is easy for a city leader to be torn between sound government principles and what may make their next day at work, the weekly trip to the store, or next Sunday morning a little easier to endure.  But expedience only breeds future governmental ills.  The sooner those serving in cities around the nation recognize their own strategic importance in the political struggles of the day, the sooner America will return to principled government.

                To quote Reagan once again, "I'm convinced that today the majority of Americans want what those first Americans wanted: A better life for themselves and their children; a minimum of government authority.  Very simply, they want to be left alone in peace and safety to take care of the family by earning an honest dollar and putting away some savings.  This may not sound too exciting, but there is something magnificent about it.  On the farm, on the street corner, in the factory and in the kitchen, millions of us ask nothing more, but certainly nothing less than to live our own lives according to our values - at peace with ourselves, our neighbors and the world."

America can experience a governmental awakening, but it will not start in the state capitols or Washington D.C.; it will start in the City Halls and family kitchens throughout this great country.  City leaders must be steadfast to uphold their oaths and choose daily to actively stand firm in principled government, and if they do, we will surely see a true American reformation.

Frank Corder,

Pascagoula City Councilman

Could Taylor Face a Democrat Challenger?

                Fourth Congressional District Democrat Incumbent Gene Taylor could be facing a challenge from within his own party.  That's the word out of a local Democrat party member with knowledge of the race. 

Speaking this morning on my radio show, "On the Edge" on WPMP 1580 AM (www.wpmpradio.com), the Jackson County Democrat member did confirm that there were some within the Mississippi Gulf Coast Democrat ranks that are actively seeking a challenger to the 20-year incumbent Congressman.

                At issue for the local Democrats is Taylor's vocal challenge of the President and other Congressional Democrat leaders on the usual party issues, namely health care reform.  Taylor, who is a long-time member of the Blue Dogs and touts himself as a conservative Democrat, has effectively rode the political party fence by opposing abortion, gun control, and other  conservative mantles while often times voting for and alongside the liberal House leadership.  Such stances have allowed Taylor to defray criticism at home while remaining relevant in D.C. 

                The shear notion that Taylor could face a challenger from within his own party adds to the already rising tide sweeping through the national political scene of those fed up with business as usual in Washington.  Such feeling was never more prevalent than with the win by Scott Brown in the recent Massachusetts Senate race.  Many believe Brown's win to be a precursor of things to come during the 2010 Congressional elections.  It seems that now, more than ever, people on both sides of the aisle want to know where their elected representatives stand on the issues of the day and don't want to wander on a consistent basis where their allegiance lies. 

                Taylor has already drawn two Republican challengers to date - State Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-District 116) and Petal Businessman Joe Tegerdine.  There are rumors within the Jackson County Republican Party, as was also revealed on "On the Edge" this morning by a local Republican party member, that State Senator Michael Watson (R-District 51) was exploring a run for the 4^th Congressional seat as well.  Watson, in a January 31 story by the Clarion Ledger, said that he is "not currently planning on" challenging Taylor for the seat. 

The qualifying deadline is March 1^st.  In politics, that's a long time for the landscape to change.

Frank Corder,

Pascagoula City Councilman

4^th Congressional District Race Heats Up:

Palazzo Throws His Hat in the Ring

                State Representative Steven Palazzo (R-District 116) announced this morning while on the Paul Gallo Show on Supertalk MS that he will throw his hat in the ring to challenge 4^th Congressional District Democrat Congressman Gene Taylor.  Palazzo must first face Joe Tegerdine in the Republican primary.  Tegerdine has already qualified to run for the seat and has been working to form a grassroots organization while visiting locations throughout the district.

                According to his state representative website, Palazzo is a native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and has lived there his entire life with the exception of temporary work assignments and tours of duty in the US and overseas.  He is committed and dedicated to helping the MS Gulf Coast recover and meet the challenges ahead.  Palazzo touts his experience as a small business owner, CPA, and employee that has provided him with a keen insight and understanding of what it means to hold yourself and others accountable for their actions.  He understands the need for a balanced industry to sustain economic and job development.  Education is important to Palazzo as he sees it as the key to our future and creating a competitive workforce.  As a US Marine veteran of the Persian Gulf War and current Mississippi National Guardsman he understands the importance of promises made and promises kept to our active military, reserves, and retirees.  

                Palazzo made headlines recently when he requested Mississippi's Attorney General prepare for action against the federal government in case the pending health care legislation is passed in its current form.  In one interview, Palazzo stated, "The vast majority of American people oppose a government takeover of healthcare.  We are all seeing firsthand the bold corruption and calamitous nature of our federal government unfold in front of our eyes.  This is truly sickening to watch."

                The Jackson Free Press did a story on Palazzo recently as their Person of the Day.  The December 31, 2009 article spoke to the aforementioned letter to Attorney General Hood and other points.  Here's an excerpt:

"Mississippi legislators take an oath of office to never vote for any measure in exchange for a promise or vote for another measure or person," Palazzo wrote in his letter. "The blatant federal deal brokering to BUY votes is immoral and unethical."

Not content to merely castigate Congress' deal making, Palazzo also alleged that health-care reform would actually violate the Constitution.

"Furthermore, it is unconstitutional to pass such an unfunded mandate onto the states," he wrote. "Simply put, I along with a majority of Mississippians, see this as a violation of equal protection of the law, an affront to our sovereignty, and a breach of the U.S. Constitution."

Palazzo has carried the banner for right-wing national politics before, notably on a resolution from the 2009 legislative session recognizing Worker's Memorial Day, a commemoration supported by labor unions of Americans who have died on the job. The house bill, sponsored by Rep. Jim Evans, D-Jackson, sparked thirty minutes of bloviating on both sides, after Palazzo insisted on attaching an amendment that offered a veiled criticism of the proposed, union-supported Employee Free Choice Act a favorite bogeyman of conservative political commentators.

                It says something about the politics and character of Palazzo when the Jackson Free Press makes an issue of him.  The first part of the article starts with "While he represents Biloxi in the Mississippi Legislature, Rep. Steven Palazzo often seems to be acting on a national stage."  Could even they see potential?

Palazzo does bring conservative credibility to his Congressional run and will be able to actively compete with the Gulf Coast voting base.  He will also be a viable fundraiser, a must to effectively brand his name and message in the minds and hearts of the 4^th District electorate.  Palazzo brings to the table name recognition and a proven record of public service, both of which are weighty campaign needs especially taking on such an incumbent as Democrat Gene Taylor.  Additionally, Palazzo will be able to speak to the needs of the people of Mississippi and the hardships facing the state due in large part to the current Presidential administration as well Democrat controlled Congress.

I expect a gentlemanly race between Tegerdine and Palazzo.  Either way, we've seen what twenty years has given us in the 4th District.  I truly desire our nation to be more than it is today; America desperately needs the next generation of leaders to begin to take hold now, not tomorrow.  I encourage you all to consider the 2010 Congressional race and help America be more.

Frank Corder,

Pascagoula City Councilman

Voter ID Ballot Referendum Moving Forward

                Mississippi's Voter ID petition drive is moving forward and has acquired the numbers needed to continue the process to place the initiative on the state wide ballot. 

                The petition drive had to capture 90,000 signatures divided between the five old congressional districts.  According to sources close to the effort, over 22,000 signatures have been compiled in the First, Second, and Third Congressional Districts.  The Fourth District has just over 20,000 signatures and the old Fifth District has over 21,000.  In Circuit Clerk offices across the state there are several hundred more signatures awaiting certification and the certified totals in all districts are expected to rise.  The hope is to have each district exceed 22,000 signatures at the end of the effort and given the totals thus far it looks promising.  Plans are to deliver the petitions to the Secretary of State's office February 11^th.

                Many around the state have invested much of their time and effort to compile these signatures from walking streets and knocking on doors to businesses that have actively promoted and publicized the effort.  This has truly been a grassroots initiative to change the face of Mississippi's voting future.   

Showing an ID in order to prevent voter fraud just makes sense in the world in which we live.  Many around the state have united to demand accurate and honest elections by ensuring that each and every vote is cast in the proper manner.  Through the groundbreaking work of so many, there will be no more of the ploys and countless excuses to prevent Voter ID in Mississippi.  There will be no more of the good ole boy politics, no more of the "vote early and vote often" mentality that abounds throughout our state.  This one initiative will ensure that when you go to the polls and cast your ballot, your vote will count.  After all, you vote to make a difference and to be heard.  You vote because it's a right of our Republic.  You vote so that the will of the people can be accomplished.  So why not help protect this most sacred of all Republic rights and support the need for Voter ID.  Thanks to so many, we may all finally have that chance.

Frank Corder,
Pascagoula City Councilman

Peeking In:

The House Apportionment and Elections Committee

                After glancing through the Mississippi House of Representatives committees, I thought I would offer up for your deliberation a few bills currently under consideration in the House Apportionment and Elections Committee.  I have long considered this committee one of the most vital groups in state government given its subject matter.  Elections are the very fabric of our Republic and this committee indeed serves a crucial function. 

The bills below may never come out of committee and see the light of day on the House floor but they are definitely good conversation starters around the water cooler.

State Superintendent of Public Education

                Should we elect the State Superintendent of Public Education?  If Rep. John Moore (R-District 60) has his way, we just may have that opportunity. 

House Bill (HB) 491 provides for the election of the State Superintendent starting with the 2011 elections.  Under the bill, the State Superintendent would serve a four year term and follow the same electoral guidelines as the other eight state wide elected offices.  The compensation for the State Superintendent, as defined by this HB 491, would be equal to 90% of the salary of the Commissioner of Higher Education, which is currently the pay structure for the appointed position.  This equates to over $300,000 annually or $200,000 more than what the Governor is presently paid.  The bill would require the State Superintendent to hold at least a master's degree in any field and a minimum of five years experience in educational administration. 

Click here to read HB 491.

Political Party Switching

                In the past few months, we have seen quite a few Democrats switch parties (i.e. Simpson County, etc.).  It would seem plausible that such activity provoked Rep. Bob Evans (D-District 91) to file House Bill (HB) 1457.  And just for the record, District 91 does include Copiah, Covington, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, and yes, Simpson counties.

                HB 1457 would prohibit an elected official from changing political party affiliation during their term in office.  Should a party switch be made, the bill states that a change of party affiliation would be considered a resignation from that elected office and the vacancy should be filled in a manner as provided by law for that office. 

Sour grapes?  Click here to read HB 1457. 

Mississippi's Version of the Fairness Doctrine Creeping In

                According to the Heritage Foundation, legislation known as the "fairness doctrine," entitled the "Fairness in Broadcasting Act," required broadcasters to "afford reasonable opportunity for the discussion of conflicting views of public importance."  The fairness doctrine was overturned by the FCC in 1987.  The FCC discarded the rule because, contrary to its purpose, it failed to encourage the discussion of more controversial issues.  There were also concerns that it was in violation of First Amendment free speech principles.  Mississippi House Bill (HB) 144 authored by Rep. John Mayo (D-District 25) comes uncomfortably close to revisiting this failed, flawed federal legislation.

                HB 144 would require certain broadcasting stations (Supertalk MS, have you read this yet?) that receive public funds to afford equal opportunity in use of their stations to all candidates for office and would require stations to allow equal opportunity and time for rebuttals to positions taken by its on-air announcers or commentators during a certain period of time before an election. 

                I guess some people will try and skin a cat more than one way.  Click here to read HB 144. 

Judges and Party Affiliation

                Many around Mississippi, and even more so across the country, are sick and tired of liberal, activist judges.  While justice is supposed to be blind, often judges impose their hidden political ideologies into their rulings.  Wouldn't it be easier if we already knew their political bent before they got in office? 

Rep. John Moore (R-District 60) has filed House Bill (HB) 494 that would repeal the Nonpartisan Judicial Election Act, meaning that judges would be forced to identify their political party affiliation when qualifying to run for office.  Guess that's one way to uncover the truth.

Click here to read HB 494.  Also, click here to read my prior blog post on why "Party Matters." 

                These are just a few of the more interesting and thought provoking bills currently sitting in the House Apportionment and Elections Committee.  James Buchanan, our 15^th President, once said, "I love the noise of democracy."  It's high time we all made some noise to ensure the future of our Republic.  I would encourage you all to take the time to browse through the bills being considered during this legislative session.  Get involved in your local and state government.  Read and study for yourself.  Then, let your voice be heard. 

Frank Corder,

Pascagoula City Councilman

More Trial Lawyer Politics in Mississippi

                The Mississippi Association for Justice, formerly the Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association, has as its motto on its website (www.msaj.org) "Lawyers Representing People Not Corporations."  In theory, such a phrase would seem appropriate and be well received by most.  It suggests that there are trial lawyers who seek to rush to the rescue of the people of Mississippi as they fight for legal justice when facing the well-funded corporate giants who are ever prepared to defend their interests perhaps to the detriment of those citizens who can't.  Sounds plausible enough, even chivalrous.  But the truth is that many trial lawyers, seemingly more often than not, pursue frivolous lawsuits that drive up costs that ultimately are passed on to the average consumer.  They lurk and prey, waiting for just the right moment to strike.  When they pounce, they seek often exorbitant monetary damages where they feel they have the best chance to win and pad their own pocketbooks.  It's not really about the individual client or the cause; it's about their careers.  The same can be said of trial lawyers who get elected to public office.

                Trial lawyers who become elected public officials have a tendency to bring their "Lawyers Representing People Not Corporations" philosophy into the public policy arena.  Just as the story of Robin Hood is a good children's story but makes terrible economic and public policy, so too does this trial lawyer motto.  Here's an example.

                A bill has been filed in the Mississippi House of Representatives (HB 1007) that creates the duty for persons operating trains to keep a lookout for persons and property on railroad tracks.  Sounds innocent enough, right?  Keep reading for an excerpt from the bill below:

(1) (a) It shall be the duty of all persons running trains in this state upon any railroad to keep a constant lookout for all persons, including licensees and trespassers, and property upon the track of any and all railroads.

(b) If any person or property is killed or injured by the neglect of any employee of any railroad to keep a lookout, the company owning or operating any railroad or its agents, servants and employees shall be liable and responsible to the person injured for all damages resulting from neglect to keep a lookout.

(2) (a) In any action brought for failure to keep a lookout, contributory negligence shall not bar recovery of damages for any injury, property damage, or death where the negligence of the person injured or killed is of a lesser degree than the negligence of the employee or employees in charge of the train of the company.

(b) In all such actions accruing for negligence resulting in personal injuries or wrongful death or injury to property, the contributory negligence shall not prevent a recovery where any negligence of the person so injured, damaged or killed is of a lesser degree than any negligence of the person, firm or corporation causing the damage.  However, where contributory negligence is shown on the part of the person injured, damaged or killed, the amount of the recovery shall be diminished in proportion to such contributory negligence.

Did you catch what was written there?  Railroad companies, train operators, and their employees could be held liable if any person is injured or killed or if any property is harmed while on a track under the guise of the railroad employees' not "keeping a lookout."  Does the bill's author not believe that railroad employees who are traveling at such high rates of speed are not "keeping a lookout?"  How would such action even be proven?  Moreover, how realistic is it to believe that a train traveling at such speeds could essentially stop on a dime even if the operator saw a person or an object especially given the many twists and turns in Mississippi's tracks? 

The bill goes on to say that even if the person that is harmed is found to be at fault through "contributory negligence," the rail company could still be held liable.  The bill's author tries to sugarcoat this last part by adding that "the amount of the recovery shall be diminished in proportion to such contributory negligence."  "Diminished?"  Really?  The vagueness of the implication allows trial lawyers the opportunity to at least go after something under the banner of "representing people not corporations."

It shouldn't surprise you that the author of this bill is a trial lawyer himself - Rep. Brandon Jones (D-Pascagoula). 

It is bills and subsequent laws such as these that harm our economy, put companies out of business, cause job loss, increase costs to citizens, and ultimately create an environment that is detrimental to growth and prosperity for local communities.  The frivolous lawsuits that will come as a result of this bill if it passes will only serve to pad the pockets of trial lawyers around the state, giving them yet another avenue to continue the trend of attempting to play Robin Hood.

I wonder: Could this be a precursor to things to come?  Will we see more such attempts to encourage irresponsible litigation?  Could the tort reform progress we have seen in Mississippi be eroded by similar efforts?  Let's all hope for the sake of our state and our collective futures that this bill and others like it meet a quick, fiery death.

Frank Corder,

Pascagoula City Councilman

The Parents' Campaign Pushing for House Bill 392

                The Mississippi House of Representatives passed House Bill 392 yesterday.  The bill would achieve the House Democrats' plan to limit the amount that can be cut from the budget ($374 million) and force the Governor to raid the rainy day fund of $50 million to shore up state agencies and use $61 million in federal stimulus money, both one-time money sources which Gov. Barbour and many other fiscal conservatives have emphatically opposed.  Such notions play squarely in to Speaker Billy McCoy's theory of spend now, pray later.

                State Democrats and their related special interest groups are now trying to rally support for HB 392.  Just today, The Parents' Campaign sent out emails encouraging its readers to support HB 392 and to contact their Senators to support the bill as well.  They even provided a list of who voted for and against the measure.  Click here to view the vote record.  Here's the email:

The House of Representatives passed today House Bill 392, a good alternative to Governor Barbour's request for additional budget cuts authority.Please thank our legislators who voted in favor of this bill. We will need your help to get this bill through the Senate.

House Bill 392 allows the governor to exempt from cuts the Department of Corrections, the National Board Certified Teacher supplement, the Ayers settlement, the Veteran's Affairs Board (Nursing Homes), the Chickasaw Cession, debt service, and the courts. It also requires that the governor use the $61-million in available ARRA funds and $50-million from the state Rainy Day Fund before making further cuts.

According to House Education Chairman Cecil Brown, the measures in this bill would leave only $13-million in cuts necessary to balance the budget. There is $48-million in cuts that can still be made before all agencies reach the 5% threshold (which education has already reached).Therefore, under this plan, no additional cuts would need to be made to the education budget. 

We need to get this bill passed in the Senate. Please call your senator.Ask your senator to support HB 392 as it passed the House. 

Your phone call will be very important. It could help us save our schools from devastating cuts. Please ask your friends and family to call too. Our kids are counting on us!

                True to form, when the state Democrats struggle to get their way, they turn to beating the education drum and enlist their special interest groups to do their dirty work despite the realities at hand. 

                There continues to be a disconnect between the House leadership and Gov. Barbour as to just how dire the state's financial situation is now and could be in the near future.  Also at issue here is the seven year tug of war: McCoy and his liberal boys versus Gov. Barbour.  

The real question on this issue I believe is who do you trust more with the state budget: the state-wide elected, full-time fiscally conservative Governor who is seeking to uphold his constitutional duties for a balanced budget or district-elected, part-time House Democrat representatives who consistently bring to the table their own wish list of spend now, pray later programs?  Can you guess who I side with?

Frank Corder,
Pascagoula City Councilman

Party Matters

                For some time now, many across Mississippi and around the nation have questioned whether there is a need for political party designations in local municipal and county races.  As a matter of fact, there is a bill in the Mississippi House of Representatives submitted by Rep. Becky Currie (R-District 92) that would create the "Non-partisan County Elections Act."  House Bill 304 would make county offices (such as Supervisor, Sheriff, Chancery Clerk, Tax Assessor, etc.) in Mississippi non-partisan and would prohibit a candidate from campaigning or qualifying for such an office based on part affiliation. 

                Taking party politics out of local decision making would seem to have merit.  In theory and in a utopian society such a notion would be ideal.  Often, it can be argued, local issues can be negatively impacted by the politics of party on both sides of the spectrum and can cloud the better judgment of some in local elected office.  But in the day and time in which we live, the truth is, party does matter, perhaps even more so now locally than ever.   Allow me to explain.       

As a local elected official, I take my position as a City Councilman seriously.  I am on the front lines of the political landscape day in and day out, in the grocery store, the doctor's office, at football games, and walking down the street.  Not a day goes by that no less than a few dozen of my constituents call, email, come by, or stop and talk local, state, or national politics.  I cherish every minute of the interaction with each of them.  I love being able to help resolve issues within the city or just listen to their thoughts on the condition of our city, state, and nation. 

No other political office is quite like a local elected official in that they have the opportunity to live and work with the people they represent every day and then go handle the city's or county's business just down the street amongst friends and family.  State Representatives, Congressmen and Senators, Governors and Presidents are shielded from doing business amidst the masses.  These offices have a cushion of location, if you will.  Yes, such close contacts locally can offer their own challenges but the positives definitely outweigh the negatives because local elected officials get to see how their decisions make a difference each and every day.  Local elected officials aren't allowed to lose their foundation and that's a healthy position for those in governing bodies to be in. 

All of this and more is why political party affiliation matters at the local level of government.  Who a candidate or local official aligns him or herself with is telling of how they will handle the business of the people in local government from taxation to land use to economic development to fiscal budgeting to law enforcement to a host of other locally sensitive issues.  Party affiliation can also point to one's character and patterns of beliefs in terms of humanity, freedom, liberty, and spirituality.

A local elected official's party of choice speaks volumes.  The voting public is, for the most part, cognizant of what Democrats and Republicans stand for (not so much for Independents or even third party candidates).  The voting public generally knows the difference between liberal and conservative policies.  They know what party's ideals of government best align with their own and they want to be able to trust that those ideals are carried out.  I would argue that such is true even more so in the local communities where they have chosen to live, work, worship, and play.  

It was Thomas Jefferson that said, "That government is best which is closest to the people."  Local elected officials should continue to declare their party affiliation so the public knows by what standard they live their lives and to what ideals they will lead their communities.  Party matters.

Frank Corder,

Pascagoula City Councilman

Support the Need for Voter ID

Everyone wants fair, honest elections.  When you go to the polls and cast that ballot, you want your vote to count.  You vote to make a difference and to be heard.  You vote because it's a right of our Republic.  You vote so that the will of the people can be accomplished.  So why not help protect this most sacred of all Republic rights and support the need for Voter ID.

Surely by now you've heard of the state-wide ballot initiative to require a photo ID when voting.  Voter ID is an important issue.  Showing an ID in order to prevent voter fraud just makes sense in the world in which we live.  We need to unite to demand accurate and honest elections by ensuring that each and every vote is cast in the proper manner.  No more of the ploys and countless excuses to prevent Voter ID.  No more of the good ole boy politics.  No more of the "vote early and vote often" mentality that abounds throughout our state.  Your help is needed to ensure fair elections in Mississippi and all it takes is a signature.  So have you signed the Voter ID petition?

If you have not signed a Voter ID petition or would like to help collect signatures, please visit one of the locations below in Jackson and Harrison Counties.  Or you can visit www.msgop.org and click on the "Support Voter ID" link to request a petition via mail.

Jackson County Pickup/Dropoff Locations:

• Ocean Springs:  Miner's Toy Store, Washington Avenue
• Gautier:  Coldwell-Banker Realty, Hwy 90
• Gautier:  Sleep King, Hwy 90
• Gautier:  David Thompson (at bank between McDonald's & Wendys on Highway 90 - ask for David)
• Pascagoula:  Anderson's Bakery, Market Street
• Pascagoula:  Sleep King, Denny Avenue
• Vancleave: Coles Service Center, Poticaw Bayou Road
• Wade/Hurley/Big Point area: Farm Bureau Insurance, 16913 Highway 63 (10 miles north of I-10, 1 mile north of the power plant, 4 miles south of Wade-Vancleave Rd.)

Harrison County Pickup/Dropoff Locations:

• Sweet Pepper's Deli on the west side of Hwy. 49 in Saucier.  Ask for David or Joyce.
• Comvest Properties on Beauvoir Rd. in Biloxi.  Across from Autozone. 
• Vintage Station on Courthouse Rd. in Gulfport.  After 5pm.  Just north of the railroad.
• Bernie's restaurant in Biloxi.
• Hallmark Mortgage on Cowan Rd. in Gulfport.  Just north of Hwy. 90.
• Palazzo CPA's.  1/2 mile north of I-10 at exit 41/Woolmarket.
• Any Sleep King location.  Denny Ave. in Pascagoula.  Eisenhower Dr. in Biloxi.  Hwy. 49 in Gulfport next to Best Buy.  Dedeaux Rd. in Gulfport, 1 mile east of Hwy. 49.  Hwy. 90 in Gautier.  Pass Rd. in Gulfport, next to Center Point Energy.  Sangani Blvd. in D'Iberville next to Lowe's.

Also, to assist you in completing the Voter ID petition, here are a few guidelines:

• Official petition forms are 2-sided legal size. Sheet must have printing on back to be valid. Use official forms.
• Print name and address as listed on voter rolls (Clerk compares name and address to voter rolls to certify each signature)
• No P.O. Boxes.
• Black or blue ink is OK.
• Don't worry about precinct or congressional district (not necessary)
• Keep different counties on separate sheets.
• Sign at the bottom of the sheet as the circulator.
• Deliver completed sheets to drop-off points AS THEY ARE COMPLETED (we want to avoid a bottleneck at the Clerks's office). Our deadline for turning in sheets to the drop-off points is January 31^st.

Join in the fight to protect our most sacred of all Republic rights.  Support the need for voter ID.  Enough is enough - no more voter fraud or the potential for such practices in our great state.  Sign a petition today and get in the fight.

Frank Corder,

Pascagoula City Councilman

Analysis of Taylor's Town Hall

Mississippi's 4^th Congressional District

                In Mississippi's 4^th Congressional District, Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Bay St. Louis) held a town hall meeting in Ocean Springs January 11, 2010.  Taylor, currently running for reelection, represents the most conservative district in Mississippi, yet has held the Congressional seat as a Democrat for 20 years. 

                After opening the meeting with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance, Taylor praised Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding for their agreement to build the new DDG-51 while Bath Iron Works will build the 1000s.  The Congressman then highlighted his support for increasing the depth of the shipping channels and for restoring the barrier islands.  After making these two points, Taylor took questions from the audience.

                Looking around the room, it was obvious that campaign season was in full swing.  "Joe Tegerdine for Congress" t-shirts were sprinkled in the crowd and various media outlets hung on Taylor's every word.  Citizens were looking for answers, asking direct, often poignant questions, and at times even expressed their reluctance for Taylor's recent actions and continued liberal party support.

                Taylor is no stranger to walking the line between party loyalist and populist pleasing conservative.  It would seem, however, that those in attendance and even more throughout the 4^th District, are not as willfully drinking the Taylor Kool-Aid this go around as in years past.  I could sense an undercurrent starting to swell seeking to right the 4^th District's left leaning ship.  Taylor seems to sense it too, given his temperament with some members of the audience.

                Having held town hall meetings of my own and now hold public hearings on a regular basis as a Councilman, I expect to be cut off, interrupted, and even challenged at times.  And when those times come, as a public servant hired by the people, it is imperative those situations be handled with care.  There is a right and a wrong way to ask someone to not interrupt or blurt out a comment, to wait their turn.  After all, as a public servant you are there for the people you represent; they're not there for you.  The people are your bosses.  They put you in office.  Perhaps spending 20 years in D.C. and not directly involved in the day-to-day lives of those he serves has allowed Taylor to forget these truths and exactly for whom he works. 

                Taylor repeatedly commented that it was his town hall meeting, not those in attendance.  Of course, that didn't go over too well with more than a few, with some shouting out that he worked for them, it was their meeting.  Taylor commented that his name was on the invitation and announcement; it was his meeting.  He even addressed one gentleman by saying if you interrupt again, you'll be asked to leave and that you can hold your own town hall meeting when you wish.  One lady, a local access television host, who had had her hand raised since the beginning of the question and answer period, finally got tired of waiting and addressed the Congressman by name asking to be heard, but Taylor cut her off, saying not to interrupt and that by interrupting your question would not be taken.  Hers never was, yet her hand remained raised throughout the remainder of the meeting.

                Questions ranged from insurance concerns to health care to the overreaching of the federal government.  Here are a few interesting comments from Taylor as he answered the crowd.  I have paraphrased the comments while attempting to quote them as close as possible:

·         In response to his voting for Nancy Pelosi for Speaker:  I voted for me.  I voted for the Democrat slate (in essence saying his vote for Pelosi gave him the best chance to be in the leadership).

·         Concerning the comments made by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in the wake of the failed Christmas terror attack:  I'm no fan of hers, and she's no fan of mine.I would hope she would be replaced.

·         On his opinion of President Obama's appointments thus far:  I can count on one hand the appointments this President has made that I like (Secretary of Defense Gates, Secretary of the Navy Mabus, and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Shinseki were a few).

·         Relating to big government spending:  I'm a co-author of Rep. Ron Paul's audit the fed bill.

·         In response to Congress getting pay raises:  There will be no raise for Congress this year.

·         Regarding the recent comments by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada):  I did not call for Trent Lott's head.I'm not the thought police.

·         Concerning what's been said by media pundits:  The guys on talk radio don't really have a lot to do all day.

·         On what good he believed President Obama's election will bring:  A good thing about Obama being elected was that the barrier was broke (meaning that a black man reached the highest office).

While I was unfortunately unable to quote the Congressman word for word, there were at least three video cameras in the audience that I'm sure would confirm my assessment of these answers as well as point to Taylor's aforementioned lack of patience with the audience.

On a personal note, it seems that Taylor or at least his staffers have read my previous writings concerning the Congressman and the 4^th Congressional District.  Now fully aware of this fact, allow me to reiterate what I have said previously, which can be read in full by clicking here and here:  

"A few years ago this 4th District seat didn't seem all that important.  Having one or two Democrat Congressmen wasn't a big deal most thought.  They have tenure, clout among their peers.  But now, with the make up of Congress, the Speaker of the House, the Senate in full control and the White House locked up, this Southeast Mississippi seat needs to symbolize and portray how we in this area truly believe to our core.Shakespeare once said, "We know what we are, but know not what we may be."  We've seen what 20 years has given us in the 4th District.  I truly desire our nation to be more than it is today; America desperately needs the next generation of leaders to begin to take hold now, not tomorrow.  I encourage you all to consider the 2010 Congressional race and help America be more."

Frank Corder,
Pascagoula City Councilman

The Race is On

Taylor, Tegerdine, and the 4^th Congressional District

                2010 is here and with it comes Congressional elections.  Much has been made of the potential for Republicans to make in-roads around the country in Democrat held seats given the partisan, liberal tenor currently in Washington D.C.  Here in Southeast Mississippi, Gene Taylor (D-Bay St. Louis) has held the 4th District Congressional seat since 1989.  Taylor, a former City Councilman and Mississippi State Senator, is well versed in what it takes to win in this district, which by the way is one of, if not the most conservative Republican districts in the nation (no Democrat Presidential candidate has carried the 4th since 1956). Political newcomer Joe Tegerdine hopes to unseat the incumbent Taylor and change that (D) to a (R) for South Mississippi.

For those who have yet to hear of Joe Tegerdine, you will soon as he has now filed his paperwork to run for the 4^th District seat.  He is an energetic man, someone I have come to enjoy speaking with on my radio show.  He is grounded in the Constitution and has cast a broad vision of fiscal responsibility, new House leadership, strong national defense, and limited government.  Here is a quick biography of the 4^th Congressional District Republican candidate adapted from his website (www.joetegerdine.com).

Tegerdine was born in Portland, Oregon and grew up in the Northwest.  He was raised by a single mother for most of his childhood and learned early on to work hard and hold true to the things he was taught.  Shortly after graduating from high school, Tegerdine served as a missionary in Taiwan.  After spending almost two years overseas, he headed home to the United States and attended college at Brigham Young University, earning a B.A. in Communications.  While in college he met and married his wife and in 2002, they moved to Tallahassee, Florida where he earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the Florida State University College of Law.  Tegerdine is currently employed as Senior Director of Business Development for WNC Satcom Group.  He relocated to Hattiesburg, Mississippi in the spring of 2007 and settled in Petal where he currently lives with his wife and four children. 

Given the previous elections in the 4^th Congressional District since Taylor has held the seat, Tegerdine has an uphill challenge indeed.  Taylor has won the last four elections by taking between 64-75% of the vote.  His voting record in the House of Representatives is a mixed bag, however; he has walked the tight rope between party and populist for many years and thus far has mastered it with only the occasional wobble which he quickly balances.  He is seemingly pro-life and pro-gun (anything else in this part of Mississippi and he would have been out a long time ago), yet he has supported his party and its leaders inconspicuously (voting for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker) knowing that if he carried too much of the party's water he would be on the proverbial hot seat come election time at home.  He knows how to appear as if he is fighting for his constituents while not making too many waves in Washington D.C.  His tenure and party connections landed him an important seat on the Armed Services Committee and the Shipbuilding Caucus, making him increasingly valuable to his 4th District constituents.  Taylor's good ole boy persona coupled with his staff's superb PR work in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina make him a force that only the perfect storm or perhaps some truly informed, inspired, involved, and fed up voters could take down.

I believe that we in the 4th District can and should do better than Gene Taylor (hey, that almost rhymed...perhaps there's a campaign slogan in there for Tegerdine).  Taylor is deeply entrenched and knows how to work the system, both locally, through ensuring that the proper spin is applied when needed, and nationally, by being content to sit on the sidelines and following the party line as necessary.  Gene Taylor is not a bad guy; heck, he's not all that bad of a Congressman if you judge his body of work through a narrow lens and confine it to babies, bullets, and budgets.  America and the future of our great nation are about something bigger than such narrow, spin driven, seat ensuring issues.  Yes, those things do matter greatly to me as a conservative and should matter to us all but when our nation's debt is increasing at such a rapid pace, private business is being taken over by government, our Constitution is threatened daily, healthcare is on its way to being rationed in every sense of the word, and on and on I could go we don't need a pacifist Congressman representing our area here in Southeast Mississippi.  We need a Congressman that will stand up and fight for the Constitution, for the freedoms we hold dear, to speak against the ills of the day and actively support a different direction than what is being proposed by those now in leadership - a leadership supported and encouraged by Taylor himself.  We need a change in the 4th District and soon.

The real question, and the most disturbing part of this discussion to me, is this:  How does Gene Taylor, a Democrat, keep getting elected in one of the most conservative Republican district in the nation?  For the sake of time and space, I'll cut to the chase - Republicans put him there.  There's no other answer.  If you live in the 4th District I challenge you to ask your Republican friends that actually vote who they voted for in the last Congressional election.  Check the campaign finance reports for Taylor, as well, and you'll find normally Republican donors sprinkled in among the typical Democrat patrons.
          So how does Tegerdine reverse this trend in 2010?  How can he topple this Goliath?  The only way is for conservative Republicans to break out of their self-induced habit and vote Republican.  Tegerdine must appeal to the true conservatives, creating a sense of urgency that now is the time for a change.  He must work to unite a strong conservative base and educate them on the realities at hand.  Twenty years is long enough for Mr. Taylor's trip to Washington.  

A few years ago this 4th District seat didn't seem all that important.  Having one or two Democrat Congressmen wasn't a big deal most thought.  They have tenure, clout among their peers.  But now, with the make up of Congress, the Speaker of the House, the Senate in full control and the White House locked up, this Southeast Mississippi seat needs to symbolize and portray how we in this area truly believe to our core.  Tegerdine must portray that in all he does over the coming months if he is to get within a stone's throw of Taylor. 

As a side note, another Republican challenger, John McCay (which ran against Taylor in 2008 and lost by a margin of 75%-25%), told me recently he was planning to make another run for the seat as well.  I'm not aware at this time if he has filed to run.  McCay will have the same challenges as Tegerdine should he run and win the party nomination. 

Truth is both Tegerdine and McCay are relative unknowns in the Mississippi political scene meaning that they must brand their name, ideals, and message in voters' minds quickly to have any chance at Taylor.  Republicans will have to get on board with their party's candidate, not only here in the 4^th District, but in the State Republican Party as well.  Southeast Mississippi and the nation deserve better than Gene Taylor and his Democrat friends.  I believe we can do better...but unless people wake up, get in the fight, and get engaged in the 4^th Congressional District, history tells us we won't. 

Frank Corder

Pascagoula City Councilman

The Tax Masquerade

                Most of you have heard the term "nanny state."  Wikipedia defines "nanny state" as a term that refers to state protectionism, economic interventionism, or regulatory policies (of economic, social or other nature), and the perception that these policies are becoming institutionalized as common practice.  Its usage varies by political context, but in general it is used in reference to policies where the state is characterized as being excessive in its desire to protect (as a nanny would protect a child), govern or control particular aspects of society.  The term can refer to public health interventions and consumer protectionism that removes or controls otherwise free choices, as well as national economic and social policies (regulation and intervention) that affect large and state-favored businesses.  Politically conservative groups (those that support free market principles and capitalism) object to excessive state action to protect people from the consequences of their actions by restricting citizen options and with good reason - it's unconstitutional and goes against the essence of the Founders' spirit.

                The story below taken from WLOX, an ABC affiliate in Biloxi, is a perfect example of how we as a society have dumbed down our individual freedoms and reliance on the Constitution and are now allowing our state and federal government to act as a nanny who dictates what we eat, where we go, what products we use, what cars we buy, which doctor we see, and on and on.  As you read the story, keep in mind the explanation above and see if you can see the nanny's hand at work.  I have italicized and underlined a few interesting parts of the story for your ease of understanding:

BILOXI, MS (WLOX) - If your list of must-have drinks include soda, it could cost you close to 50 cents more under a proposed soda tax bill.  The tax would also apply to pre-sweetened drinks like certain juices, teas, and energy drinks.

As the bill is written now, only wholesalers of sodas and sugary drinks would be taxed.  But, the bill's creator, Representative John Mayo, of Clarksdale, Mississippi, says he's aware that most or all of the cost could be handed down to consumers.  The idea of the tax is stirring up mixed reactions among South Mississippians.

.Representative John Mayo, of Clarksdale, the man behind the bill, says the Stennis Institute is currently conducting a study on the tax and estimates it could raise anywhere from $110 and $147 Million.

Mayo says the push behind the bill is two-fold.  The representative says he hopes to encourage Mississippians to make smarter, healthier choices and to pay for programs teaching people how to make healthier food choices and live healthier lives.

The representative would like to see the money go to the Department of Health, Department of Education and the Mississippi Development Authority.  Mayo says the hope is to get Mississippi thinking more in terms of preventative care as opposed to being in reactionary mode.

"I hope it passes this year.  It's focusing attention on what are healthy choices and what are not; it's a start."  He goes on to say, "If you choose to be fat by making unhealthy choices, why should those of us who choose to be healthy pay for your obesity."

Did you hear the nanny's voice in this story?  In case you didn't notice, it was prevalent throughout.  Perhaps you even found yourself asking these questions as you read the story: why only certain businesses, why only certain drinks, why does the state need to be so involved in my life, why should the state have a say in what I eat and drink, why is the government involved in the health care industry, and many more. 

For decades now, our state and federal governments have eased into the role of nanny as they have taxed some businesses and products more than others to encourage the average consumer to use or not use said products as is deemed politically expedient for the whims of the day.  The problem with such selective government endorsements is that all of the products are legal and hold equal standing under the law.  Such "sin" taxes masquerade as concern, but is essentially legal product discrimination authorized by the government.  

So why do we allow certain industries to be taxed more than others?  Why is it acceptable to tax alcohol more than milk?  Why is it fine to tax cigarettes more than chewing gum?  Why should we tax sodas more than Grandma's fried chicken or Momma's chocolate pie?  Heck, why don't we tax the dinner-on-the-grounds at the churches or the family holiday feast?

In 1961, Ronald Reagan made a recording aimed at speaking against socialized medicine.  He said, ".back in 1927 an American socialist, Norman Thomas, six times candidate for President on the Socialist Party ticket, said the American people would never vote for socialism.  But he said under the name of liberalism the American people will adopt every fragment of the socialist program.  One of the traditional methods of imposing statism or socialism on a people has been by way of medicine.  It's very easy to disguise a medical program as a humanitarian project.  Most people are a little reluctant to oppose anything that suggests medical care for people who possibly can't afford it." 

I would add that most people are just as reluctant to oppose efforts to curtail the use of socially questionable products, i.e. cigarettes, alcohol, and now sodas and sugary foods, even when you raise taxes.  It has become easy to disguise public health care and obesity concerns with the unconstitutional singling out of legal products and businesses while imposing big government taxation, essentially creating the nanny state.  And once the nanny state becomes the norm, our American way of life as defined by the Constitution erodes and soon we will no longer recognize our American existence, that of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - freedom of individual choice.

It's time we unmask the debates of our day and see the realities at hand.  Selectively taxing legal products under the guise of public health is a slippery slope that could result in the loss of much more than just a few cents here or there.  We must be diligent to assess these and other issues as we continue to perfect our Republic.

Frank Corder,
Pascagoula City Councilman

The Politics of the Census

Soon the questionnaire will arrive in the mail and you'll hear that familiar once-every-ten-year knock at the door.  Census version 2010 is coming.  You've heard the Census is important for your city, county, and state and that we all should be diligent to participate; this is certainly true.  While it does impact many factors from federal appropriations to emergency response to national perception to even how we're seen on the world stage, the most important result of the Census is the apportionment or redistricting of voting boundaries for local, state, and federal elections. 

Properly delineated voting districts ensure the concept of "one man, one vote," the equal protection clause.  It is through these boundaries that all of the other aforementioned results of the Census and more take shape.  In theory, every voting district, whether for city, county, state, or federal elections, should have an equal number of people located within each district thus ensuring equal representation.  The only problem with that simple notion is that politicians are in charge of drawing these boundaries and when politicians are involved, the potential for gerrymandering exists.

By definition, gerrymandering is a form of redistricting where electoral districts are deliberately modified producing a contorted or unusual shape.  Gerrymandering may be used to achieve desired electoral results for a particular party, or may be used to help or hinder a particular group of constituents, such as a political, racial, or other group.  It is used most often in favor of ruling incumbents.  This has been an evident result of the Democratic leadership in our state legislature for decades. 

Take a look at the Jackson County House and Senate District maps and you'll see with your own eyes what I mean.  Go to http://www.msjrc.state.ms.us/county_house/jackson.pdf for the House map and http://www.msjrc.state.ms.us/county_senate/jackson.pdf for the Senate map.  On the House map, see District 111 (bottom, aqua color).  It takes in South Pascagoula, grazes Gautier, and jumps in between Districts 112 and 113 to take in the outskirts of Ocean Springs.  On the Senate map, District 47 (top left, blue color) dives in between Districts 51 and 52.  What you don't see on the Senate map is that District 47 starts over in Pearl River County and meanders through Harrison and Stone counties before entering Jackson County.  Oh, and if you keep reading, it'll be no surprise that Senate District 47 is held by a Democrat, Senator Ezell Lee. 
                According to the House and Senate reports from the 2000 Census, the ideal House District size is 23,317 with the ideal Senate District size being 54,705.  Both reports allow for a maximum 5% deviation, with the highest deviation on the House side at 4.99% and 4.67% on the Senate.  What's interesting about this is that the districts that traditionally vote for the more liberal candidate or are considered more independent (normally vote Democrat or a toss-up in the Presidential elections) see the most negative deviation which allows for an increased number of representatives from those areas.

                Now, see the state House district map (http://www.msjrc.state.ms.us/ms_house.html), the state Senate district map (http://www.msjrc.state.ms.us/ms_senate.html), and a map showing traditional voting trends (http://www.csc.ncsu.edu/faculty/healey/US_election/figs/MS.png) with Democrat in blue and Republican in red.  Just for example, compare House Districts 5 (-4.8%), 9 (-4.9%), 11 (-4.9%), 26 (-4.9%), 29 (-4.9%) and 30 (-4.9%) to the trends map.  There are others.  Then compare Senate districts 11 (-3.9%), 16 (-4.6%), 24 (-4.4%), 26 (-3.2%), 32 (-3.9%), and 36 (-2.9%) to the trends map.  See anything interesting?  I would guess you do.  And if you trend it throughout the state in both the House and Senate, it's interesting to note the deviation between regions (north, central, and south).
                So what does all of this mean?  With the Senate leadership having shown a willingness to work in a bipartisan spirit, the Senate Legislative Reapportionment Chairman Sen. Terry Burton(R) and Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant should seek to reverse the trends above and bring about more equalized representation.  In the House, Speaker Billy McCoy (D) has shown no sign of working in a bipartisan spirit and as House Legislative Reapportionment Chair Rep. Tommy Reynolds (D) begins his work, you will see significant jockeying among Representatives and the House leadership in an effort to protect their perceived voting base and vulnerable Democrat members.  This should be of no surprise given the way in which the House Speaker vote went down after the last election.  It is widely known that one vote allowed Speaker McCoy to retain his chair, which brings us back to Jackson County.  
                Given the population shift from the coastal cities into the county since Hurricane Katrina, it's conceivable to believe that Senate District 47 could be taken out of Jackson County and Districts 51 and 52 could assume the electorate there.  As for the House seats in Jackson County, it is plausible that the Democrat House leadership will seek to ensure that District 111, the seat that was a Republican stronghold for two decades and that was narrowly won by 11 votes by Democrat Rep. Brandon Jones (who cast that deciding Speaker vote mentioned earlier), remains in their corner, perhaps by significantly redistricting the boundaries to gain more like-minded voters.  In addition, with the aforementioned population shift and the measures to protect Democrat members, the possibility of losing one House seat in Jackson County is a concern.
                You've heard it said that all politics is local; that is indeed true here.  As we look toward 2011 and the state elections, it is imperative that we participate in the 2010 Census and begin now to focus on continuing the progress we have made of putting true conservative leaders into state government, leaders that will be fiscally responsible, reduce our tax burden, protect our individual liberties, and advance Mississippi on the national and international stage through positive economic development.  Republican in Mississippi hasn't always been the norm, but we're making strides to that end everyday.

                And just for the record, I am of the opinion that the Census should only ask for the number in a household and if you are a legal American citizen, which means a little extra work for some but well worth the effort to get an accurate, legal accounting of our nation's citizens.

                So make sure you get counted in the 2010 Census.  No matter how frustrating it can be, stay involved in your government.  After all, all politics is local.

Frank Corder,

Pascagoula City Councilman

Mississippi and Education in 2010

Much has already been said and written regarding the possibility of school consolidation since Gov. Haley Barbour released his FY 2011 budget recommendations.  The Commission on Mississippi Education Structure has even been formed and appointed by the Governor, with its goal being to outline how to best achieve consolidation, capitalize on cost savings, and identify a process by which the 152 school districts can be paired down.  The Governor's vision is to merge the 152 districts in Mississippi's 82 counties into close to 100 districts saying that "by consolidating districts, we can make sure state and local tax dollars are spent on educating our students and increase the quality of educational opportunities for Mississippi's children."
             I would agree that there would seem to be a duplication of services (primarily in administration) in our current school district format, especially when you consider the number of students being served in some of the more rural, sparsely populated areas in our state versus the denser, urban regions.   It would seem obvious to contend that some level of cost savings would be gained by consolidating school districts given the amount that is spent on hiring highly educated, experienced superintendents and other administrative staff.   At first blush, such an idea as consolidation has merit.  It is only until you begin to talk through the practicality and impact of the issue that the subject takes a turn. 
            I have seen the idea of school district consolidation work all of my life.  Here along the coast, where most cities enjoy their own school district, the children in the cities of Pascagoula and Gautier have for decades been guided by one school district, the Pascagoula Municipal Separate School District.  While there are some obvious factions of rivalry that exist between the two citizenry, the students, parents, and school staffs all have allowed this system to work and work well.  What other school district can tout not one, but two national Blue Ribbon high schools? 
            When you talk school district consolidation, there are more than just dollars and cents to figure; you have to account for the communities you are affecting.  The elected leaders and the general public of the cities and counties must be willing to enter into school consolidation, or it will never work.  While cross town or county rivalry is all in good fun, there must be an overarching sense that such merging is beneficial to all involved and doesn't adversely impact one area more than another.  Believe me, people keep score even in the best of environments.
            Along a similar vein, school districts are their own taxing districts.  The citizens, businesses, and industries located within those districts all make up the tax base for the area schools.  We all choose to live in or relocate to an area for a reason, i.e. schools, employment, quality of life, etc.  Redrawing these districts will greatly impact the level of funding schools obtain thus impacting the level of service they will be able to provide putting the quality of education enjoyed now by some areas at risk while increasing the viability of others. 
            Take the Pascagoula School District for example.  The Pascagoula School District has a total current enrollment of approximately 7,100 students with 70% eligible for free or reduced lunch.  The demographics are 43% white, 47% black, and 10% Hispanic, Asian, etc.  The estimated local per pupil expenditure for Pascagoula is $4,765 as compared to the Mississippi local average expenditure of $2,476.  Redrawing the school taxing district or mandating consolidation with a neighboring school district would significantly impact Pascagoula schools and the students currently residing in the area. 
            Of course, playing Robin Hood with school taxing districts is not a new idea.  Going on three years ago, then-State Senator Tommy Robertson, at the urging of county officials, authored legislation and attached it to a bill allowing for Jackson County, Moss Point, and Ocean Springs school districts to essentially rob the Pascagoula School District of its tax dollars from the Chevron Refinery, saying that the industry was located in the county, not the City of Pascagoula and that the taxes collected should be shared by all county school districts.  While the refinery has always been in the Pascagoula district since its inception and school taxing districts are not held to municipal boundaries, nor have they ever been state-wide, the legislation passed and attempts to repeal the unconstitutional law has yet to be approved by the state legislature.  The law is now being challenged and is scheduled to be heard sometime in the spring of 2010.
            In theory, Robin Hood is a great children's story, robbing from the oppressive rich to give to the belittled poor, but such action is terrible economic and taxing policy.  The term "fairness" has been thrown around for such efforts, saying it is only "fair" for all to benefit, at least to some percent, from the wealth enjoyed by some.  No slice of the proverbial pie is adequate when you are entitled by law to the full pie.  I contend that rewriting law and robbing taxing districts to simply meet the whims of the day is damaging not only to an area but to the core beliefs of this country and to the Constitution.  But I digress.
            When talking school consolidation, it would seem prudent to further discuss local funding.  For my friends around the state, this will not be an easy pill to swallow, but local communities should be funding themselves at an appropriate level so as not to depend so heavily on the state for assistance.  I am not a fan nor a proponent of tax increases; we pay too much, too often now.  However, if we as a state are to ever advance our education system, local school districts must begin to tax their local residents at a level so they can pay the bills, and yes, that includes my own.  Relying on the state to subsidize local school districts is a disease we must cure.   The Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) has been a politically charged joke for too long.  Education funding is the number one burden on the backs of taxpayers in our state and it's high time the state change its course and encourage local school districts to adequately fund their own districts.  Please don't misunderstand me; our state's children are worth the investment but if you want to talk school consolidation, then separate the wheat from the tares and require all districts to fund themselves at an appropriate level.  It will be quickly seen as to what districts need consolidation.
            Another line of thought being promoted locally and in the Capitol is the expansion of the charter schools law.  By definition, charter schools are public, nonsectarian schools created through a contract or charter with a state approved granting agency, usually a school district but at times a for-profit organization.  They are publicly funded but operate outside some of the traditional school policies and regulations.  Supporters of charter schools contend that these schools create competition within the public school system and serve to improve the education for all children.  Opponents of charter schools contend that such schools drain the traditional public schools of motivated, involved families and create a competition of funding resources and community perception, essentially creating a publically funded "private" school.
            Many in my own political party, even some local state elected officials, are pushing to broaden charter school legislation.  I am not here to debate the pros and cons of charter schools, however, I am of the opinion that charter schools may be of some merit in a number of areas around our state at some point in the future, just not now given our state's financial situation.  Promoting charter schools while pushing school district consolidation would by definition be an oxymoron.  On one hand the state is compelled to reduce non-essential education spending through consolidation while on the other hand the state would authorize the expansion and implementation of more schools which would require more tax dollars and only for a specific, select few students.  Such talk at this juncture given our financial condition would be unwise indeed.
             The issue of school consolidation is sure to be one storyline worth tracking over the next few months, with the state legislature gaveling in next week and the Commission on Mississippi Education Structure slated to issue a report by April 1, 2010.  Below are a few quotes from others on this issue you might find interesting:

"It's been my observation everybody wants to consolidate everybody else's district, but not their own," said House Education Committee Chair Cecil Brown, D-Jackson.

"I think I might disappear if consolidation happened in some of my school districts," said Senate Education Chair Videt Carmichael, R-Meridian.

"I'm being told by people who study these numbers that because of their financial situations, the state could be looking at taking over 30 districts, maybe more..If the state of Mississippi is taking them over, that could be justifiable reason for merging those districts," said State Senator Doug Davis, R-Hernando.

"I don't think anyone can show the governor where there's any great savings by consolidating. I don't really see consolidating schools being a huge topic in the legislature this session," said Dr. John Jordan, interim state superintendent of Mississippi schools.

             While I for one am not opposed to school district consolidation in theory especially given our financial circumstances, I believe much needs to be considered and carefully worked through if our state is going to take up this mantle.  Throwing the baby out with the bathwater, as has been done with the Congressional health care reform debate, isn't prudent.  Gov. Barbour has served our state well thus far and I am sure he will guide this ship just as diligently.  The team he's enlisted on the Commission will be facing an enormous task.  I only hope that at the end of the day sound Constitutional principles will be upheld (especially in terms of taxing districts) while thinking first of the students that will be impacted, the affect on and the responsibility of the local communities, and the application of sound fiscal guidelines that will buoy our state now and in the future.

Frank Corder,
Pascagoula City Councilman - Ward 4

A Christmas Note

       At this time of year, I would like to pass along my sincere wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and Happy New Year to you and your family.

        I would like to express my deep heartfelt gratitude to you all for the opportunity to serve as a Councilman for our great City of Pascagoula.  It truly is a joy and a gift for me to be able to serve you, the people of Pascagoula. 

       Thank you for your support and prayers during 2009.  I covet your continued involvement as we enter 2010 and I look forward to seeing our City move forward throughout the upcoming year.

       While our nation and state are facing many challenging issues, our City has maintained a healthy position given the dire economic times and we are poised to meet the challenges of 2010 head on with diligence and hard work as we push Pascagoula forward.

       Please always feel free to email or call me anytime with your comments or suggestions. 

       May we all remember why we celebrate Christmas and give God praise for His sending His Son to give salvation to our world. 

       Again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  See you in 2010.


As always, Think Pascagoula First,

Frank Corder,
Pascagoula City Councilman

Eastlawn Campus and Community Enhancement Project

       Eastlawn Elementary School, located on Ingalls Avenue in Pascagoula, has been a hub for the surrounding neighborhoods since 1952.  For over 55 years, thousands of area children have walked the halls and many youth teams have utilized the vast outdoor area for soccer, football, and baseball practices.  Children in the adjacent neighborhoods have come to the school seeking an education during the day and have come back in the evenings and on weekends to enjoy the outdoor recreational options.

       Throughout the years, the school has seen a number of building additions and renovations.  As a matter of fact, the building is even now benefiting from new doors and bathroom upgrades.  However, as the building has seen changes, the outdoor recreation area has significantly lagged behind.  The large outdoor space currently has only a small, aged playground area scattered around the property with limited equipment as well as a new outdoor classroom space unveiled just this year.   

       We are launching an Eastlawn Community and Campus Enhancement Project campaign in an effort to create an outdoor recreational area for the school's students and staff while providing a much needed outdoor option for the families of the surrounding neighborhoods and the area youth teams.

       To accomplish this goal, we will be hosting a Project Kickoff Friday, December 18th at 10am at the school.  At that time, we will unveil the site plan, announce our fundraising goal and begin seeking financial and in-kind support and buy-in from the community to help us reach our project goals.

       As the City Councilman for Ward 4 (which is the area largely served by Eastlawn Elementary) and more so as a parent, I know first hand the opportunity and potential the outdoor area at Eastlawn holds for the students of the school as well as for the surrounding neighborhoods, which is why I've volunteered to help promote this project.

       As we begin this project campaign, we invite everyone to get involved at the ground level, to invest in the future of students and families in our local community by participating in this Eastlawn Community and Campus Enhancement Project.  We need your support and assistance.

       Those who are willing to make a donation to this project or would be available to participate in this project campaign on another level (i.e. volunteering at a fundraising event, helping promote the effort, etc.) should email or call me or PTA President Kelli Johnson. 

       We hope to see you at the Project Kickoff next Friday, December 18th at 10am as we begin this worthwhile project.  To see more, click here.

Frank Corder
Pascagoula City Councilman - Ward 4

Thoughts on Proposed Ordinance Change

There is an item on our next City Council agenda that seems to have already caused some stir.  On the agenda for discussion and possible action is the change in the ordinance that currently prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages on city property.  Given the stir and the number of questions swirling around, I thought I would go ahead and share my opinion on this proposed ordinance change.  Please indulge me and continue to read on despite the lengthy explanation to follow. 

I have to admit, this is one of those issues where I'm on the fence, which for me is rare.  I'm very right versus wrong, right versus left and don't dwell in many grey areas.  However on this item, I do see a grey area.

The current ordinance is extremely restrictive.  It offers no wiggle room at all.  It is written as unlawful without exception.  This has admittedly been an issue in the past with the Cruisin' Concerts (which I chaired and have first hand knowledge of) and was brought up again recently with the requests for a possible fishing rodeo, a wine and cheese fundraiser, etc. 

In a world where local city and county authority is being taken away increasingly by the state and federal governments and where it is becoming more and more difficult to generate business and event interest which then generates a diversified tax base thanks to the outside visitors such events bring into our city thus easing each of our tax burdens, allowing such possibilities on an as requested, as approved basis would make sense.  Essentially, it would provide the possibility for economic development, large events, and other opportunities we do not see now.

Some cities, such as Biloxi, outlaw alcohol on city property unless approved by their parks and recreation director, city manager, or other city employee. This essentially takes the political heat off those City Councils and passes the buck.  To me, City Councils were elected to make such calls, not City staff, and we shouldn't be passing the buck.

Since we are not a dry county and alcohol is legal, giving the City Council the authority to approve such requests would seem prudent.  Simply never reviewing the merit of these requests is not practical.  Giving a blanket denial (as is done now) or a blanket approval (which I would vote against) to me is not wise.  Putting the decision in the City Council's hands since they are elected and responsible for our city's growth or failure would have merit.  This would allow a public hearing for all such events and allow the public and the City Council the opportunity to voice their concerns and/or support giving us all more say over the growth or demise of our city.

This to me is a constitutional rule of law issue.  I believe that a republic government's role is to provide equal opportunity for all and it is up to the individual and the local governing bodies to control and enforce the limits where one's personal freedoms begin to conflict with another's.  That is the balance against which I measure how I vote on all decisions facing our City and is always in my mind.  I must balance my own will and convictions with the will and convictions of all whom I serve, whether they are red, yellow, black or white; blonde, brunette, or red headed; white collar or blue collar; Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, or Atheist.  To me, the greatness of our nation is that all of these people and groups are welcomed and encouraged and given a voice.  Reaching a fair balance and moderating activities is the answer.  And since we are talking about public taxpayer properties, I feel it is important to allow the opportunity for equal access to all taxpayers through a public vote allowing the citizens and the City Council a say, thus giving everyone the same footing to access of the property of which we all pay for.

There are areas and events in my mind I wouldn't ever vote to permit alcohol (such as 12th Street Park, the ball fields, etc.).  As a matter of fact, I have received another proposed draft ordinance exempting I.G. Levy and Beach Park from this change.  That sounds nice and is intended to pacify some, but if you're going to restrict an area or two, why change the ordinance at all.  This only invites problems later.  We elect City Councils to act in our best interests and to make decisions based on facts, facts that either positively or negatively effect our City by listening to those they serve.  Tied hands never create anything. 

I still believe that the best government is the government closest to the people.  I'm for giving the local governing bodies more control over their futures through open public debate and discussion.  Passing this ordinance to me does just that while maintaining control of our future through the public's input and a City Council vote.  However, restricting areas just to appease and get the ordinance passed is not healthy either.  Either we leave it as it is or we allow the City Council to permit the use of alcohol through a public vote process.

I for one am not afraid to vote my convictions.  If I feel through discussion an event would adversely effect our children or would create a public police nightmare, I'll quickly vote to deny.  Similarly, if an event is a positive function designed to benefit our community, I'll support it if I see said benefits.  To me, it's not about the alcohol; it's really about what events best fit and promote our City and what events can best help to diversify our dwindling tax base.  Right now, we don't know what's out there or what possibilities are around the corner.  I'd like to have our City Councils now and in the future have the most resources to capture the most opportunities.

I know there are those who simply disdain alcohol.  They see the hurt lives and struggling families.  I've seen those and have dealt with some of this in my own extended family.  I also know, having been raised and having served in churches in various capacities all my life, the quick ire such discussions can cause.  I personally do not believe the sacred scriptures ban alcohol.  I believe it preaches moderation through self control and maintaining an upright public witness.  This may differ with your personal beliefs  and your interpretation of scripture but I trust our hearts and intent are similar in that we both seek to understand the mysteries of the Word and the understand God's love and character more fully.  I have not divorced my faith from such arguments; it is my relationship with the Creator that allows me to be free and to realize that I am to do my part to impact my community and engage those I serve whether in a relational one-on-one way, which is where I believe ministry best occurs, or within the context of my roles in life, including politics.  I balance my own beliefs with the intent and spirit of the republic and the voices of the people. 

I also believe the law of our land does permit alcohol consumption and has legalized it meaning we as individuals and as local governing bodies are left to enforce moderation upon ourselves since government is established for all, those who drink and those who don't.  If you believe alcohol should be illegal, then call for a referendum and let's vote as a citizenry to change the law.  I see my position on this as trying to balance the two sides while maintaining my own convictions.  Giving the Council a vote and allowing the public to offer input does that in my mind. And restricting areas just to pass the ordinance only opens up future problems.

To read the two proposed ordinances for yourself, click on the links provided above.

The only difference in the current ordinance now in place and the first proposed change (#1) is the phrase ""Except as otherwise specifically authorized by the City Council..."  The second proposed change (#2) keeps that phrase as well but exempts I.G. Levy and Beach Parks.

I hope this helps clarify my position on this issue.  Please feel free to email or call me with your opinions.  As always, I am willing to listen and discuss any possible concerns or suggestions you may have.

Also, take a minute and vote in the opinion poll below to help me hear from you.

Frank Corder
Pascagoula City Councilman - Ward 4

Transcript of speech given at

Pascagoula Main Street Awards Gala
September 24, 2009

One Citizenship

           Since the beginning of our great nation, one singular issue has remained at the center of every political, social, and religious debate. One issue has divided this land of opportunity into brother against brother, father against son, denomination against denomination, poor against rich. It has started riots, fires, funerals, and wars. Jobs have been lost and industries have been built; buses have been made into memorials and crosses into ash all because of one issue. 
          Racial or ethnic equality is the driving force behind so many of our ills today, and yet the debate still rages because we as citizens allow it to persist and linger. Some even propagate it's existence to stir animosity and resentment, to garner political favor, and to justify and satisfy their own personal prejudices. These vultures strive to divide; they fight against unity.
          I ask you-what good is going undone while we allow such prideful foolery to inhabit our own minds and the minds of those around us? What could our country be if this issue wasn't diluting our communities and ruining relationships?
          We must move past labels and reclaim our national identity, not as individuals, but as one citizenship in this Republic. Such unity can only begin in the depths of each soul, which will require exploration into ones deepest sense of self. Allow me to elaborate.
          My ancestry nor my ethnic background make me who I am. I live in this present condition, at this time in history, and am tasked with serving my fellow man and my God right here, right now. My eye is fixed on the future, not the past, for I cannot change those who came before me; I may only learn and gain wisdom from studying where they erred, determining to not falter where they faltered, and at times celebrating their achievements.
          Running through my veins is blood that was created by the Almighty right here in America, not Europe or Asia or Africa. In ages past, whoever courted my kin to these shores of freedom and by whatever trials befell them on their journey is of no true consequence to me now. While it is indeed enlightening to learn those lessons, dwelling on such things would only serve to divide me from my neighbor. I live today and strive to live on for tomorrow, not for myself, but for my Lord, my family and my community.
          I cannot thank my Creator enough for placing me in such a liberating place. Thanks be to God that I was born an American. I am not white or black, Anglo-Saxon or African-American, Hispanic or Vietnamese, Baptist or Catholic, Jew or Hindu. I am simply an American, and that is enough. Such is the essence of our hope and existence as one citizenship in this Republic.
          Those who seek to label and wander in the midst of confusion and lore seek only to stir emotions for their own causes. We are people, not pawns. I do not condone nor do I support many past actions in my own beloved country, actions that at times have divided families, neighbors, and countrymen. But my hope is not in the past; my hope is not in the present; my hope is in the future and in the Republic I strive for each day in my own minute way and would die to protect should that be required of me.
          When we as Americans begin to see this common thread weaving each of us together and we lay down our pride and our labels of prejudice and division, this country will flourish beyond any of our imaginations. If America is ever going to overcome and reach its destined potential, we must openly and without shame or malice address this wound and nurture it to health. The scars may linger, but it is our choice not to prick those sensitive areas as it mends.
          I ask you today to join me in promoting one citizenship in this Republic. Our preferences, philosophies, and ideologies may differ in the church house, school house, or White House, but our one citizenship should always guide us in overcoming any self serving motives, striving together as fellow Americans within a spirit of unity, humility, and respect for our countrymen.
          Join with me; be one citizenship in this Republic. Discard the labels and antiquated mentality. Proclaim yourself as an American, no more, no less, and be proud of it.

Frank Corder,
Pascagoula City Councilman-Ward 4

Question with Boldness

          I awoke today with my mind settled on a story I have often told but for the life of me I cannot remember where and when I first read or heard it. I thought I'd share it with you despite the unintended lack of appropriate reference. (If the original story teller is reading this, please forgive my elaboration)

          As the 1960's (you know, the hippie-era) came to an end, those old rock-n-roll refugees of San Francisco began moving down the coast to Santa Cruz. They got married and had children, though usually not in that order, and soon set up a nice place to call home and raise a family. Now, these once hippie parents never named their children what we would consider normal names, like Bob, Jack, Melissa, or Janice. No, they gave their children lovely names, meaningful names, like Sea Foam, Moonbeam, and Snow Princess. Soon, the people in the area grew accustomed to having their little Billy and Suzy play ball with little Spring Fever and Time Warp. And eventually, many children with names like Precious Promise and Earth Love all ended up in the public schools.

It is during that time that one kindergarten teacher first met Fruit Stand (yes, that's right - Fruit Stand).

          On the first day of school, a little boy stepped off his bus wearing a name tag hung around his neck displaying his name - Fruit Stand. The kindergarten teacher thought the boy's name was odd, but no odder really than the other children's now coming through the school.

          Throughout that first day, the teacher tried her best not to make the boy feel self-conscious about his name. She tried to use his name as much as possible to help make it second nature for her and his classmates.

          "Would you like to play with the blocks, Fruit Stand?" she asked. "Fruit Stand, how about a snack?"

          By the afternoon recess, his name didn't seem much odder than Jill or Sun Ray or Fairy Queen.

          At the final bell of the day, the teacher led the children out to the bus loading area. "Fruit Stand, do you know which bus is yours?" the teacher asked. The little boy didn't answer, which wasn't particularly strange since he hadn't answered her all day. The teacher understood that lots of children were just shy on their first day of school.

          As the teacher searched for the bus Fruit Stand should be on, she remembered that she had asked each parent to write the name of the child's bus stop on the back of the name tag hanging around their neck. Just as she was putting the little boy on the bus and said, "Goodbye. See you tomorrow, Fruit Stand," she turned the tag over. There, neatly printed, was the word "Anthony."

          Within that simple story you can see how preconceived notions can cause significant problems. I believe we as Americans often fall into this trap. We assume and hope for the best without getting involved. We all want to believe and trust our government and her leaders; that is our natural instinct. But the truth is we must fight against such blind allegiance. We need to be engaged in our government and ready to stand up for what we believe. It's time we ask questions and demand answers, or as Thomas Jefferson once said, "Question with boldness."

          It is time we as Americans turn over those name tags and check out the facts. We must be more active, more willing to get in the fight at every level of government from our cities to our state to our nation. It's time we put our money, our time, and our elbow grease where our mouth is. We have taken our government's word for granted for far too long (on both sides of the aisle - Democrat and Republican) and we are now paying dearly.

          Do you believe in the government running healthcare? Do you believe in $9 trillion in national debt? Do you believe in an entitlement state? Do you believe it is right to tax one person more to pay for another? Do you believe in cap and trade? Do you believe you spend your way out of debt? And on and on and on I could go.

          As a local elected official who sits in City Council meetings regularly, I'm always amazed at the lack of involvement by citizens even at the local government level. On average, most City Council meetings are only attended by a handful of citizens, and most of those are attending for a specific personal purpose (i.e. variance, special request, etc.), not just because they want to learn and be engaged in the City's business. Don't get me wrong, I get those phone calls about drainage problems and potholes, but where's the concern over the local budget? Where's the concern about cleanliness and upkeep? Why do we only care about such problems when they effect us? Why are people reactive to government and not proactive? If people asked questions and were involved in the process, the outcome they complain about could be avoided. But such involvement takes effort and commitment, and in our day and time both are severely lacking. And now we are where we are as a nation and we wonder why.

          All politics is local and that's where government works the best, closest to the people. So what are you waiting for? Will you get in the fight? Ask questions, be engaged, and give of yourself for the betterment of your city, state, and nation.

          President Obama once said, "...change never begins from the top down. It begins from the bottom up." It seems he and many more have forgotten this truth. I still believe in the people, not the government. I ask you to join with me, to get on the bus and remind our government that it is the people, you and I, who matter and it's high time they remembered that, even if your name is Fruit Stand.

Frank Corder,
Pascagoula City Councilman

 We Can Do Better...but We Won't
4th District Taylor's to Lose 

          2010 is just around the corner and that means federal House of Representative seats are coming up for grabs.  Soon, we will be hearing and seeing alot of talk and debate from the potential candidates.  Just today, I saw where State Senator Alan Nunnelee (R-Tupelo) has entered the fray to challenge 1st District Congressman Travis Childers (D-Booneville).  Reading this news made me ponder my area, the 4th District.  I know of a gentleman from Petal, an attorney by the name of Joe Tegerdine, who has decided to throw his name in the ring, but I must admit (and believe me, it is hard for me to say and I don't want to believe it but...) the 4th District is Gene Taylor's to lose once again, just as it's been now for 20 years.  Mr. Tegerdine may be nice enough and he may be an astute campaigner; I personally haven't had the chance to meet him just yet.  Reality is, however, no matter who you are as a challenger to Taylor, the underlying issues and assumptions must be addressed and brought to light.
          Since 1989, Gene Taylor (Democrat-Bay St. Louis) has held the 4th District Congressional seat here in Southeast Mississippi.  Taylor, a former city councilman and state senator, is well versed in what it takes to win in this district, which by the way is one of, if not the most conservative Republican districts in the nation (no Democrat Presidential candidate has carried the 4th since 1956). His voting record is a mixed bag; he has walked the tight rope between party and populist for many years and thus far has mastered it with only the occasional wobble which he quickly balances.  He is seemingly pro-life and pro-gun (anything else in Mississippi and he would have been out a long time ago), yet he has supported his party and its leaders inconspicuously (voting for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker) knowing that if he carried too much of the party's water he would be on the proverbial hot seat come election time.  He knows how to appear as if he is fighting for his constituents while not making too many waves in Washington D.C.  His tenure and party connections landed him an important seat on the Armed Services Committee and the Shipbuilding Caucus, making him increasingly valuable to his 4th District constituents.  Taylor's good ole boy persona coupled with his staff's superb PR work after Katrina (i.e. lost his home, fought his insurance company, offered insurance changes, etc.) make him a force that only the perfect storm or perhaps some truly informed, inspired, and involved voters could take down. 
          I believe that we in the 4th District can and should do better than Gene Taylor (hey, that almost rhymed...perhaps there's a campaign slogan in there somewhere).  Taylor is deeply entrenched and knows how to work the system, both locally, through ensuring that the proper spin is applied when needed, and nationally, by being content to sit on the sidelines and following the party line as necessary.  Gene Taylor is not a bad guy; heck, he's not all that bad of a Congressman if you judge his body of work through a narrow lens and confine it to babies, bullets, and budgets.  America and the future of our great nation is about something bigger than such narrow, spin driven, seat ensuring issues.  Yes, those things do matter to me and should matter to us all but when our nation's debt is increasing at such a rapid pace, private business is being taken over by government, healthcare is on its way to being rationed in every sense of the word, and on and on I could go we don't need a pacifist Congressman representing our area here in Southeast Mississippi.  We need a Congressman that will stand up and fight for the Constitution, for the freedoms we hold dear, to speak against the ills of the day and actively support a different direction than what is being proposed by those now in leadership (leadership supported and encouraged by Taylor himself).  We need a change in the 4th District and soon.
          It is important for a person who is in political office to clearly outline their party affiliation and to be able to outline why they align themselves with that party.  Taylor (whether out of savvy or confusion) chose to be a Democrat.  He is quick to add the "conservative" tag to his label.  Surprisingly enough (as if you couldn't tell by now) I am a Republican.  I am proud to carry the mantle of Lincoln and Reagan.  I say this because who one chooses to associate with says much about that person's character and beliefs.  Now don't get me wrong, there are many in both parties, Democrats and Republicans, that break from their party at times (Taylor and his Blue Dog buddies would speak to this point well, if nothing more than to attempt to veil their allegiance), but I tell you when it comes down to the core issues and to the heart of a matter, those same people will choose to side with their party 99% of the time (again, think of the Pelosi vote).  Don't be fooled by the tag lines added to sway your votes on election day or in election years.  I've yet to meet a Conservative Democrat - that's an oxymoron in my book.
           The real question, and the most disturbing part of this discussion to me, is this:  How does Gene Taylor, a Democrat, keep getting elected in the most conservative Republican district in the nation?  For the sake of time and space, I'll cut to the chase - Republicans put him there.  There's no other answer.  If you live in the 4th District I challenge you to ask your Republican friends that actually vote who they voted for last time for Congress.  I would be amazed if you could find more than 3 out of 10 that say someone other than Gene Taylor (if they do, I would almost bet they are fibbing given that Taylor hasn't taken less than 75% of the vote except once since 1998). 
          So how do we reverse this trend?  How can we in the 4th District topple this Goliath?  The only way is for conservative Republicans to break out of their self-induced habit and vote Republican.  We true conservatives must unite together and take back this country one seat at a time, locally, statewide, and nationally.  Twenty years is long enough for Mr. Taylor's trip to Washington.  A few years ago this 4th District seat didn't seem all that important.  Now, with the make up of Congress, the Speaker, the Senate in full control and the White House locked up, this Southeast Mississippi seat should symbolize and portray how we in this area truly believe to our core.  The 4th District seat should be a sign to the rest of the nation that we are fed up with government intrusion, rising debt, unreconciled domestic and foreign affairs, and needless taxation.  The truth is, Southeast Mississippi and the nation deserves better than Gene Taylor and his Democrat friends.  I believe we can do better...but unless people wake up, get in the fight, and get engaged history tells me we won't.
          Shakespeare once said, "We know what we are, but know not what we may be."  We've seen what 20 years has given us in the 4th District.  I truly desire our nation to be more than it is today; America desperately needs the next generation of leaders to begin to take hold now, not tomorrow.  I encourage you all to consider the 2010 Congressional race and help America be more.  We can and must do better!    

Frank Corder,
Pascagoula City Councilman - Ward 4

Listening to Jefferson

            Summer for many is a time to unwind, vacation, and hit the beach, especially here along the Gulf Coast - surf, sand, and a big glass of ice tea.  The party starts Memorial Day weekend, kicks into high gear around the 4^th of July, and dwindles off around Labor Day.  Fun in the sun is the name of the game.

            For me, summer brings reflection.  Oh, believe me, I could use a vacation as much as anyone, but ever since I was a young boy, this time of year has filled my spirit with a certain sense of poignancy and reverence.  I read and engross myself into the writings of the American giants - Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln, Truman, Reagan.  I watch documentaries and period epics surrounding these figures and the events of their day.  Summer beckons my inner patriot and calls me to action.  It ignites a fire within me to hearken back to the founding fathers and listen once again to their wisdom.  I am moved by their sacrifice and astounded by their foresight and vision. 

            One such American giant is Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and arguably one of, if not the most influential of the founding fathers.  His handiwork in drafting the Declaration of Independence is still marveled by scholars today.  Each of us learned the basic ideal of Jefferson in school.  We know of Jefferson in theory.  But if you study Jefferson and read his writings, if you delve deeper into his reasoning I trust you will find a great deal to your interest, much of which is extremely applicable to our day in practice, not simply in theory.  I challenge you to listen to Jefferson in the quotes below and as I offer some relevance for today.  It is surprising how prophetic words written over 200 years ago can be.

            "Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have. The course of history shows us that as a government grows, liberty decreases." - Thomas Jefferson

I have said many times that it is not the government's responsibility to ensure people succeed, but that every person has an equal opportunity for success through hard work, personal commitment and individual responsibility.  When government at any level, whether locally or nationally, seeks to usurp the individual responsibility of its citizens and replace it with a centralized, equitable program or body of work, then government has indeed grown past the point of its original intent.  Equality for all through government mandate and oversight was not the rallying cry of our founders nor should it be today.  Opportunity for all through individual responsibility should be shouted and supported.

            "If people let government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny." - Thomas Jefferson

            Today, this very debate is raging in our national Capitol. I believe this quote speaks well to the issue of nationalized healthcare.  Involving the government in the intricate parts of people's lives is the last thing I want to see happen.  Government needs no role in deciding doctors, hospitals, insurance and the like for citizens.  But yet, that is exactly what will happen when the current Congress and Presidential administration have their way with healthcare.  I only wish they would heed the words of Jefferson, for the bodies of so many will soon be wrecked by the political agenda of a few.   

"That government is best which is closest to the people." - Thomas Jefferson

            I love this quote, especially as a local elected official on the City Council.  Day in and day out I see where the federal government is growing by leaps and bounds, which essentially makes local City boards nothing more than rubber-stamping bodies that must enforce and take the heat for what those in D.C. and even in Jackson decide.  Admittedly, I get very frustrated with the bureaucratic red-tape and the ever moving targets we as a local Council have to overcome to simply help our city and our people.  This has never been more evident than after Hurricane Katrina.  Those in D.C. and even in Jackson for the most part are insulated from such constant local struggles; they often times miss the boat and put politics before people.  I emphatically agree with Jefferson that the best government is the government nearest the people.

            "That government which governs best, governs least." - Thomas Jefferson

            Oh, how I wish the current Mississippi House of Representatives, the national Congress (both houses) and the President would truly let this fact sink in.  You want to see America succeed, then get the government out of our way.  Cities would rebound, jobs would return, homes would rebuild, and a new sense of individual responsibility would rule the day.  It's time we cut the lifeline a bit.  As long as the government continues to interfere and encourages citizens to rely so heavily on its purse strings, America will not be the strong, healthy nation we all want it to be.  Ronald Reagan, another American giant, was exactly right when he said, "Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them." 

            Those are only a few quotes of so many more as I listened to Jefferson.  As with anyone other than myself (and even then I am often conflicted), I do not agree with every ideal or thought put forth by the third President, however, I stand in awe at his immense knowledge and foresight of the issues our republic would be faced with even in his day.  Reading Jefferson and others like him brings me great comfort proving I am not alone in how I feel both about my country and about my convictions.  I trust these words will help to strengthen and enliven you this summer as you reflect on our Independence and those who have given so much for the freedoms we enjoy.  May we never forget the principles on which we were founded and on which we have built the greatest nation ever to inhabit this planet. 

            Shhhh..can you hear it?  Jefferson and the other American giants are speaking to us today.  Are you listening?

            May God Bless Pascagoula, Mississippi, America, and You.

As always, Think Pascagoula First,

Frank Corder,

Pascagoula City Councilman - Ward 4

Quit Sitting on the Sidelines

        Every morning I wake up, grab my trusty blackberry (which in itself can be addictive), and take a few minutes to browse the local, state, and national headlines online.  After a few minutes, I roll out of bed and proceed with my morning routine until I arrive at work.  Once I've said my "Good mornings" and checked a few sales figures, I make my way to the newsstand where I drop some quarters in the slot to see if there is anything more in the printed version than what I have already read online earlier.  Some days I wonder why I wasted such good quarters, but I digress.
        Now I must admit, I do not read the Sound Off columns in the local papers unless my phone rings and someone on the other end of the line says the seven words that is like unto finger-nails being drug down a chalkboard.  Just hearing these seven words makes my skin crawl to be honest with you - "Have you seen the Sound Off today?" This dreaded statement immediately gets the usual response - "No, should I?"  Those seven words irritate me worse than almost anything else as an elected official.  Why?  Glad you asked; I hoped you would (if you didn't, this blog would be quite short today).  I trust you'll understand my ire after reading below.
        I believe that elected officials at all levels of government should be held accountable for what they do or don't do during their term in office.  I believe every citizen who votes (that's the caveat in this statement) has a right to voice their opinion openly and passionately if need be.  I believe elected officials and the general public should be engaged in a constant dialogue that is both honest and open, whether the issues being discussed are at times painful to hear or hard to digest.  I believe constructive criticism is a two way street and should be offered in a manner that is addressing the matter at hand in hopes of building toward a better outcome for all involved with a true heart of care and concern.  These beliefs are what drive my utter distaste for columns such as Sound Off.
        Forums that allow and essentially encourage people to call in or write anonymously begin as a harmless way for people to express themselves when no one else seems to be listening.  Believe me, I for one want to hear the concerns and issues of those I represent to better serve my constituency.  What happens, however, is that such forums soon turn into negative, personal vendetta laced gripe sessions by nameless accusers.  Personally, it is my belief that if you cannot be man or woman enough to express yourself and willingly and openly apply your name to your thoughts or words, perhaps it would be best not to even open your mouth, especially since quite often in such circumstances, your foot is not far from making that next trek.  In addition, a large portion of such nameless accusations are blatantly false or extremely skewed.  Instead of ranting and wasting such good, productive energy that could be utilized for the betterment of those around them, they choose to remain anonymous, hiding behind their veil where it is safe and secure.  It is way too easy on such forums to caste stones without any chance of having them thrown back at you or having the issue addressed in a manner that is conducive to achieving a positive outcome or at least opening a dialogue with those hopes.
        The truth is that when you peel back the top layer of this onion, the real issue is the lack of involvement and the comfort of not being in the hotseat by those who wish to remain anonymous.  Choosing to be unengaged without being a part of the solution to the problem is the easy way out.  There's no commitment, no pressure, no chance of getting hurt.  Fear stifles the soul and creates animosity when there is no outlet for its healthy expression, meaning such anonymous words are driven by the lack of willingness to positively engage in productive activities to remedy the situation being referenced. 
        Each week on my TV show ("On the Edge") I conclude the show by saying, "Sitting on the sidelines does no one any good, but when you're on the edge, you're in the fight."  I truly believe that and I strive to put it into practice each and every day.  That belief led me to voluntarily serve on numerous boards and commissions around town and eventually led me to run for elected office, to make a difference, to be the change I want to see.  I saw needs in the community and I invested myself passionately into working to improve what was lacking.  I didn't run to the Sound Off or call in or write to some nameless forum; I stepped into the kitchen, was willing to take the heat knowing full well the criticism and accusations to come, and am committed to being actively engaged in the fight in some form or fashion whether in elected office or not, whether I'm 28 or 98. 
        I would invite those out there who don't feel listened to, who obviously are passionate about something around town, who unfortunately have found solace in turning to the Sound Off or to calling in or writing to some nameless forum to step up to the plate, out of the shadows, and become a part of making our community a better place.  We need everyone's help if we are going to succeed and thrive here in Pascagoula, the naysayers and the yeasayers. Invest yourself in your community.  Volunteer on a city board, join an active civic club, or tutor a child in the school system.  Find what it is you're passionate about and find a way to make a difference.  Quit sitting on the sidelines.  Get engaged, get involved, and join the fight.
        And by the way, don't forget to vote in the upcoming municipal elections May 5th, with a possible runoff May 19th.  Voting would be a great place to begin your venture into making a real difference for our community.

Think Pascagoula First,

Frank Corder,
Pascagoula City Councilman - Ward 4

Think Pascagoula First 

            As I delve into the body of this blog, I trust you will see my deep and ever growing concern and forgive my, at times, seemingly harsh candor, but I feel what I am about to share needs to be expressed for the potential betterment of our community.  After all, if you've ever read my previous blogs then you know I do not shy away from subjects I am passionate about; I present an issue and give you my assessment.  I trust you will give it a fair read and see the heart of what I am trying to convey.

I must admit - I'm confused.  I'm shaking my head in disbelief frankly.  I thought that we as citizens of Pascagoula all wanted to grow and progress by encouraging the development and expansion of local small businesses.  I thought we all wanted to be able to have more dining options, more retail stores, more family friendly amenities, more Pascagoula-community focused businesses and organizations of all sorts to help diversify our tax base, to help put more money back in your pocketbooks, to give you and your families more choices right here in our city.  I thought that we as citizens of Pascagoula stood by our local business people even though they may not be the best at what they do all of the time or offer the highest quality product or service at every turn, but dang it, they are our business people who we see in the checkout lines, who we sit by on the pew on Sunday, who dine at the table across the room, and who we cheer with on Friday nights.  After all, as Shakespeare said in The Merchant of Venice, "All that glitters is not gold." I thought we stuck by our people.  Today, I'm starting to wonder.

            For me as a local small business manager and an elected official, it is disturbing to see the trend that is taking shape.  I hear of more and more people shopping and dining outside of Pascagoula every day.  "Oh, have you been to the new restaurant/store in ________ (fill in the blank with any other area besides Pascagoula)."  I have seen first hand local hotels losing guests to out of Pascagoula chains.  Ad agencies and media conglomerates are swooping in knocking off the little guys.  Out of area contractors are gaining ground it seems.  Add all of these and more up and soon, if such a trend continues, Pascagoula will be seeing a very significant loss of sales tax revenue which will eventually result in potential loss of services and could even affect each of our pocketbooks come tax time each year.

Both before I was elected and since, I have worked to develop and encourage small businesses to invest and expand in Pascagoula.  I have held people's hands and talked them through the startup process and have assured them that the people of Pascagoula would embrace them with open arms because Pascagoula truly desires more diversity in all of the business arenas, saying that if you invest in us, we'll invest in you.  Pascagoula people aren't fair weather fans, or so I hope.  Having a wide array of business options for our citizens whether it be for dining, shopping, consulting, legal, banking, media, engineering, hospitality, and on and on only better serves our local community with a Pascagoula focus in a true hometown style. That has been and continues to be my core belief.

It is time that we as the citizens of Pascagoula wake up to the cold hard facts and the reality at hand.  Every dollar that is spent outside of Pascagoula is one more dollar that we as a city must make up somewhere, whether in the form of a loss of services, such as streets not being paved, drainage not being repaired, parks not being upgraded, or in the form of a millage (tax) increase which comes directly out of your wallet.  If each and every citizen of Pascagoula truly thought before they bought we would see an enormous upswing in sales tax revenues, giving the city the opportunity to accomplish all of those things we all want to see.  And given the current economic downturn, shopping, buying, and focusing on local small businesses just makes sense.

You out there reading this that work for the large industries and live in Pascagoula should be encouraging your employers to do all they can to support local Pascagoula businesses first.  You out there that will be taking the family out to dinner tonight should choose the Pascagoula restaurants first.  You out there that need that new suit, dress, or children's outfit should take a look along Delmas, Market, and Highway 90 first.  You out there that need to get the word out about your next event or advertise your business should contact a Pascagoula based TV, radio, and print media source first.  Whether you're looking for a place for a guest to rest their head for the night, invest your money, or all of the above, we all must choose Pascagoula first if Pascagoula is going to truly succeed and thrive.  Think before you buy. 

I hope my ramblings have encouraged you today, despite the passion and intensity that I have interjected at times.  Maybe with your help my confusion will soon go away.  Pascagoula is a great city with much unrealized potential.  That potential can only be achieved with each of us making a focused effort of supporting our local area in all we do day-in and day-out.  I am fortunate enough to be able to serve this city over the upcoming four years and am resolved to do whatever I can to promote and encourage the positive redevelopment of Pascagoula.  I hope you will join me in these efforts.  And remember today's thought - Pascagoula First - Think before you buy!

Frank Corder

Pascagoula City Councilman - Ward 4

Looking Out for Pascagoula in the New Year

Children can say and do the darndest things.  As the old adage says "Out of the mouths of babes." At times, children, unbeknownst to them, seem to highlight or portray an adult point of view that reaches far beyond their years.  It is in these times that life becomes a little clearer.  For me, much of what I have come to believe and practice has been influenced in some way by my own children.  The truths that my children teach me clarify often intangible issues and help put my world into proper prospective.  Keep reading to see what I mean.

          When my daughter was the ripe old age of three, she and I journeyed to the store to pick up a few household items, which of course to her included a needless toy strategically placed in eye-shot of any suspect toddler.  But I digress.  As we parked, I gave her the typical fatherly lecture about holding my hand, not running off, and so on.  She obliged my rambling with a sweet, "Yes, daddy," and then made an interesting statement.  She said, "Daddy, if anybody tries to get me, you'll beat them up won't you, daddy?"  Being the good, strong, masculine father all men secretly desire to be, I fearlessly proclaimed that I would "beat up" anyone who dared mess with my little princess.  This made her happy and off we went into the store.

          A few aisles into our trek, a large, intimidating, muscular man turned onto our aisle.  I nodded pleasantly, as did he, and the world was right.  Until my daughter looks up and sees this giant of a man.  As forceful as she could and staring straight at the gentleman, she exclaimed, "If you mess with me, my daddy's gonna beat you up!"   My face turned three shades of red.  I placed what was in my hand back on the shelf, gave the man a nod once again and quickly hurried off the aisle.  Rounding the corner, I glanced back to see the giant of a man chuckling to himself.

          Truth be known, had he messed with my daughter I would have fought as hard as I could to resist the man, no matter the cost.  That's what fathers do.  But in reality and being completely honest, I sure am glad he was a nice gentleman because my face wouldn't have looked the same when I got home if he wasn't.

           Ultimately, my daughter simply wanted to reassure herself that her daddy was looking out for her when she felt scared or intimidated.  She needed to know that I had her best interest at heart.  She wanted to feel safe and secure, and in her thinking, there was no one better to protect her than her daddy because I had proclaimed in no uncertain terms my willingness to defend her at all costs.

          As I relay this story to you, my mind settles once again on Pascagoula and her citizens.  It seems we as citizens need the same reassurance and protection as did my daughter.  We need to feel like our elected and community leaders have our best interest at heart, that they will defend our community at all costs, even if it means not getting reelected or reappointed.  We need to feel safe with their decisions and understand their motives. 

          Many of you have heard it said that doing what's right isn't always easy, but it's always right.  That is the essence of what a true leader should strive to reflect.  A true leader, one whose personal gain or fame is secondary to what's best and what's right, realizes that they too are just a drop in the ocean of life and that their goal as a leader should be to be willing to take a stand for what is truly in the best interest of the people they represent.

          As citizens of Pascagoula, it is imperative that we elect and promote leaders that exemplify these qualities.  The elected and community leaders we place our trust in serve a large role in how our city grows, plateaus, or declines over the next decade. 

I encourage you to get involved in our elections over the next few months as we once again have the privilege and responsibility of placing leaders in office.  Your knowledge of what these men and women believe and represent is a powerful tool in determining how Pascagoula continues forward. 

          President Calvin Coolidge once said, "Patriotism is easy to understand in America. It means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country."  That is the spirit we as citizens of Pascagoula should portray about our city and her leaders.  We all achieve and gain more by seeing the big picture as we play our parts together in harmony.

          I encourage you to look out for Pascagoula.  Our city is indeed poised for progress, but we need leaders that will stand in the gap as we move forward.  Now is not the time to blindly follow.  Forge ahead with the leaders who inspire and are working for you. 

City governmental leaders cannot achieve the vision alone, however - it takes everyone speaking and portraying a positive Pascagoula.  What you do in our city, for our city matters.  How you think of and speak about our city also matters, if not more.  Where you shop, dine, and spend those precious tax dollars weighs heavily on the health of Pascagoula.  I implore you to think before you speak and buy.

Let me encourage you to represent a positive Pascagoula in word and deed, in your day to day life, in your business and home.  No more branding or labeling that only serves to diminish the vision and dreams of your fellow citizens.  Each of us needs to be treating Pascagoula as if it had already reached its potential.  Yes, streets need to be paved, gutters need to be fixed, curbs need to be installed, buildings need to be built, but Pascagoula truly is a great place to live, work, worship and play; it has been all of my life.  With a little effort on our parts, our city can continue to be great and continue to achieve and progress a little more each and every day. 

A city is built on people and we have the best people in the world right here in Pascagoula.  We can achieve great things when we all work together.  You matter because in Pascagoula, everybody is somebody. 

May 2009 bring us a renewed spirit of hope as we again have a responsibility and a privilege of electing city leaders and may we resolve to portray a positive Pascagoula within ourselves from this day forward. 

Out of the mouths of babes.

Happy New Year to You and Yours!

Frank Corder,

Pascagoula City Councilman - Ward 4

First Ward 4 Dialogue A Success

          The first Ward 4 Dialogue was held at Lighthouse Baptist Church (Ward 4's voting precinct) last night.  It was a successful venture into bringing the business of the city to the people.  Approximately 45 people attended this first event which promises to grow over time as I seek to engage even more of you in the process of city government.  After my brief presentation of various city projects and highlighting what I personally have been working on both for Ward 4 and the city as a whole, the audience asked questions and shared their concerns and suggestions with me.  I truly enjoyed the exchange.  Being able to answer your questions and hear your concerns only serves to help me do my job better as your councilman.

          I thought I would share with you who read this blog some of the concerns that were mentioned last night at the Dialogue as well as my response.  The you know, the less you will be frustrated by the process, and believe me, government;s slow pace is extremely frustrating at times.  Helping you catch the vision and easing your concerns will only serve to help move Pascagoula forward.

          Here are a few questions that were raised last night:

-  Why does it take so long to clean-up a piece of property that is derelict and rundown? 

          The process for property clean-up is quite extensive and frustrating for local officials and city staff.  Currently, the city code enforcement office has approximately 375 trouble properties identified that need action.  Due to slim staffing, lack of funding, and a process that is outlined by state law regulating this issue, the process for clean-up of these eyesores is extremely slow.  I along with other councilman and city staff are looking into promoting a change in state law that would allow us to address these ills in a more productive and on-going manner than we are able to currently.  When the regulation is eased, we as a city can make more of a difference.

-  What can be done to help reduce speeders through neighborhoods and cars being allowed to park on the side of the street?

          I will be talking with the police department to notify them of these concerns and see what applicable remedy we as a city can offer.  Monitoring areas that are more prone to speeding and parked vehicles more readily is an easy starting place but to effectively manage the issue will require further study and implementation. 

-  What can be done about the litter problem around town?

          Recently, fellow councilman George Wolverton (ward 2) and I attended a Mississippi Municipal League meeting in Vicksburg and took note of how clean their city was, even after a very stormy evening.  We passed this observation on to our city manager and we discovered that many non-violent offenders were sentenced to community service, specifically litter detail, to assist the city in litter control.  We are pursuing doing a similar program here going forward to assist in this effort.  In addition, more emphasis on large trucks and garbage trucks covering their loads needs to be pursued and I will be looking into this as well in an effort to highlight this on-going problem.

-  How can we get the bulkheads replaced?

          Bulkheads are starting to be a major problem around town for many who live on an inlet or bayou.  Going forward, there needs to be a partnership between the county, the cities, and the private residence owners to address these concerns.  I hope to begin this discussion in the coming months with the county and those residents who are affected by this ever increasing problem.

-  Where does the jail/ADC stand at this point?

          With the defeat of the bond issue, the county can now finance the construction at a local bank (perceivably at a higher rate of interest than the bond was for) or they can attempt to put forth another vote on a bond issue at some juncture.  Recently, the city council voted unanimously to ask our local state legislative delegation to work towards a local and private bill to would locate the jail outside the city limits of Pascagoula.  The city has no say at this point over what happens next - the county and state delegation does.  If you are concerned about this item, I would encourage you to speak with your county supervisor (Mangum, Harris, Barton, McKay, or Broadnax) and your state representatives and senators.

-  What is the process of moving the FEMA/MEMA cottages and trailers out come the March 2009 deadline? And what is happening on the cottage village being constructed on the riverfront?

          The occupants of these cottages and trailers are being notified by the agencies of their short timeline to vacate these structures.  The city council has unanimously voted to have these structures removed by this deadline and I see no reason why that timeframe should or will be amended.  As to the cottage village - this is still in the conceptual stage and nothing has been finalized to date.  If and when it is, this endeavor will not be permanent as the plans for the riverfront redevelopment call for numerous retail, housing and recreational options.  This program will assist in providing structured and monitored workforce housing as well as be used as a small business incubator for business that are trying to make Pascagoula their home.

-  What can be done to help solve the underlying problems that seem to be mounting within our school district?

          As most of you know, the city council appoints 3 of 5 school board members.  And while we hold the authority of appointment, we do not hold the authority to oversee or remove these individuals during their term.  The city council's role in relation to the school board is only an appointing and recommending body.  Legally, the school board is its own entity apart from the appointments.  Any concerns you have dealing with the school system should be addressed to the school board or if you do not feel comfortable doing so, you can contact your councilman with your concerns and have him/her relay it to the appropriate board.  I encourage anyone who has a concern to let me know and I will be glad to engage the appropriate people to help remedy or clarify a matter.  Our schools are the biggest economic development tool we have as we strive to redevelop our great city.

-  What's happening at the old high school?

          You cannot tell it on the outside, but work has begun stripping the interior to make way for development by the property owner. 

          Here also are a few comments made last night:

-  Demolishing homes in an established neighborhood does no one any good.  It only harms the area.

          I would much rather repair an existing structure than tear it down, especially in an established neighborhood.  We all need to encourage our neighbors with these troubled properties to make a plan and stick to it in regards to keeping their properties clean.

-  The city contractor that mows the right of ways and medians does an outstanding job.

          Turfmasters (owned by Steve Jordan, a ward 4 resident himself) does an outstanding job, often times going above and beyond to ensure the city looks good.

-  The noise ordinance was a great idea but needs to be enforced more around Beach Park and in terms of construction at night.

          I am very proud of the noise ordinance that the city council passed a few months ago.  When I was campaigning I heard from many of you about the troublesome boomboxes and boomcars and once I was elected I began researching ways to amend our noise ordinance to offer a better level of enforcement while making it easy on our officers.  I am proud to say that after helping to draft and present this ordinance, it was passed unanimously.  As to the Beach Park, I will be glad to pass this along to the police department so they will know of the disturbance going forward.

-  The city looks better now than it has ever looked.

          Thanks to many organizations (Pascagoula Pride, Rotary, Garden Club, Main Street, etc.) and the city staff and contractors (specifically City Landscape Specialist Kevin Hall and Turfmasters) our city does look better than it has in the past.  The planting of flowers, the manicuring of lawns and right of ways, and other efforts only adds to the sense of place that we need to promote here in Pascagoula.

          I truly hope this exchange was beneficial and I am looking forward to the next such Dialogue.  Fact is that most people will never attend a city council meeting unless they have business before the council, such as a variance or a complaint.  I see it as my job as your local elected official to engage you in the business of the city so you too will be educated and informed on what is happening. I trust our next such meeting will be even better attended and I trust that much of the concerns and questions that were put forth will be handled in some form or fashion. 

          I appreciate the opportunity to serve you and our great city.  I awake each day humbled by the trust and responsibility you the people of Pascagoula have placed on me.  Always feel free to contact me with your comments, questions, criticisms, complaints and praises.  I look forward to seeing and hearing from you soon.

Frank Corder

Pascagoula City Councilman - Ward 4

It's the Follow Through that Counts

          A few years back, I was fortunate enough to have coached T-Ball for about 5 years.  I love the game and enjoy watching the kids grow and improve throughout the season.  But if you've ever coached T-Ball you know both the joys and the trials that come with the job.  The kids, the parents, the league, the weather, your time - there are a lot of things to juggle just to make it to the field and play ball.

          Now, I always thought I had a pretty good team except for the first year I coached.  Don't get me wrong - the kids and parents were great, we just didn't gel well on the field.  That first year, I had 9 four-year olds and 3 five-year olds.  If you know anything about T-Ball, that makes for a very rough year.  We were the first team knocked out of the end of the year tournament.  Score was kept back then and I can remember one game where we lost 31 to 7 (of course they turned the scoreboard off at a certain point, but you know those T-Ball parents, they always know the score, trust me).  I tell you, we struggled that year.  We had fun, but the scoreboard wasn't our friend.

          As a coach, I had to learn to teach my players better in many different areas.  One area - the major area - was hitting.

          That first year, my players would get up to the plate, they would get their best game face on (and if you've seen a four year old's game face it would make you smile, believe me), I'd tell them how to stand and that they had to run as fast as they could to first base.  So they would get in their best hitting stance and wait for the umpire to yell, "Play ball," and then they would measure up to the ball - not once, not twice but five and six times.  Then they would rare back, making me think they were about to knock the cover off of the ball, and then they would swing, and all of a sudden stop in mid-swing with the ball just flopping in front of them, rolling in the dirt. 

          Any of you T-Ball coaches know my pain?  I tried and tried to get them to swing right that first year, but to little or no avail.  My second year, I knew what I had to do - I had to make sure that my hitters followed through.  I had to get them to get in their best hitting stance, watch the ball, listen for the umpire to say "Play ball" and then commit to knocking the snot out of the ball. I had to teach them that committing to hitting the ball was the first step, but it was the follow through that counted.

          By now a few of you may be thinking, "Why is Frank telling us about T-Ball?"  I share this story to relay to you this concept of the follow through.

As a civic leader, we all should assess our commitment.  Why people do what they do matters.  The motivations for being a part of some activity or in a specific civic or social club or on a city committee or board will be revealed sooner or later.  Our stick-to-itiveness to that activity or that club is determined by the real reason for getting involved at the outset.  Joining a club in the community just to be able to hob-knob and be seen is a pitiful reason for becoming a member.  Your attendance and/or interest will quickly diminish if that is the motivation, and believe me, people will take notice.  

However, if your motivation is just you will persevere.  If you pick up litter in an elderly neighbor's yard for the simple reason of caring for their wellbeing, the likelihood of you continuing to be of service to that neighbor is far greater.  Such motivation is indeed an admirable character quality.

Community involvement is no different.  You can spot the flash-in-the-pan people almost instantly; the people who are getting involved in the community with self-serving motivations.  These people have no real commitment to what is best for their club or community.  There is no true concern for where the club or community is headed.  They don't take the time to understand the past and the present in the hopes of a better future; they simply jump on whatever bandwagon is rolling by that seems to serve their self-serving interest the most, while wanting the acclaim and name notoriety they think they deserve.  Such people just don't get it; they haven't learned what it's all about.

What is it all about?  What should be the motivation behind community involvement?  What should drive us forward and keep us grounded?  One word - People.  It's as simple as that.  We should all truly realize and put into practice that people matter.  If we thought about people and making the most effective difference possible in the lives of those around us and those we lead or work along side, how much more of a lasting impact will be made in their lives.  Forget the fame, the wealth, the things that come from the world around you - do what you do in the community solely for the people in the community and lives will be changed.

You see, we are more likely to follow through or stick with an activity if we've truly committed to it.  Serving in the community is much more enjoyable if our focus is on the right things.  We can have the greatest ideas and the best laid plans of mice and men, but if we don't actively and effectively follow through with them, what a waste of time on our parts.  If we cannot step up to the plate and swing with our all, then perhaps it is time we just get benched. 

I encourage you to assess your motives for whatever area of service you are involved in within the community.  Are you doing it for the notoriety?  Are you doing it out of "have to" or because it's "what's expected"?  If you're not involved in those clubs or committees or organizations to affect the lives of people around you in a positive and lasting way, I encourage you find an avenue in the community to do just that - to make a difference. 

As we enter this holiday season, I urge you to follow through in your life, whether it be in your family, your business, your community service, whatever and wherever that life pulls you.  Strive to give your all for the people around you and do it freely, with no strings attached.  You will be more satisfied in life and leave a legacy for others to follow.

Happy Holidays!

Frank Corder,

Pascagoula City Councilman - Ward 4 

Ward 4 Dialogue Announced

             Pascagoula Councilman (ward 4) Frank Corder is hosting a Ward 4 Dialogue on December 1, 2008 at 6:00pm at Lighthouse Baptist Church on North Belair Street.  The Dialogue's format will be in the style of a town hall meeting, with a        presentation by Councilman Corder to begin the discussion and then Councilman Corder will answer questions and take comments from those in attendance.

          Councilman Frank Corder believes this meeting will be beneficial for his ward.  "When I campaigned for this seat I promised to be accessible and available to my constituents," Corder said.  "That's why I have maintained my website and am now bringing the business of the city to the people I represent.  Fact is that most people will never attend a council meeting unless they have business before the council.  People need to be involved in the business of their city.  I want the people of ward 4 and Pascagoula to know what is happening in their city and           understand how city government works.  The more people know, the less they are frustrated by the process and the sooner they too can catch the vision to help us move Pascagoula forward."

          Councilman Corder's presentation will outline the city's many projects as well as focus on ward 4 issues.  At the Dialogue there will be sign-up sheets for email updates from       Councilman Corder, comment/suggestion sheets for those who do not want to ask a question in public, and an  outline of what Councilman Corder has been working on for ward 4 and        Pascagoula as a whole.

          "I hope everyone in ward 4 will make an effort to attend this Dialogue," Corder said.  "I look forward to seeing many in ward 4 that night."

Politics is Life

I'm a political junky; I admit it.  I truly enjoy politics.  Now, don't get me wrong, there are some areas of the political world I could surely complain about, but even with the problems I would much prefer our system of government to any on the face of the earth to date.  There is nothing in our world other than faith that is so all encompassing that it can touch the general populace's lives more than being in the political world.  From setting local ordinances on noise to the discussion on gas and grocery prices to being the leader of the free world, all politics is life.  And if you're like me, you watch the news networks consistently to see what is going on in our country and around the world because, like it or not, we live in an era when one slight word or deed can seemingly make or break each of our lives.  One word from Fed Chairman Mr. Bernanke and Wall Street and your 401k rises or falls.  One sign of aggression from some Middle Eastern regime and oil prices shoot through the roof.  One comment by our state insurance commissioner Mr. Chaney and our wallets feel the strain.   One action taken by our city council on local taxes, road repairs, property cleanup, or any other issue you may think of and in some form it can and most likely will directly effect you.  All politics is life.

I thought that I would take a minute today to share with you who read my ramblings on a consistent basis a few of my political hot button issues that have been on my mind as of late.  I will try and focus primarily on local areas of note but please forgive me now if I delve into state or national politics as I continue to write.  Often times local issues are more influenced by state and even federal politics than one may think.

First, I would like to begin by addressing the upcoming local city elections which will be held next spring.  There seems to be alot of talk starting to swirl concerning the state of our city and potential names for council seats.  Putting the right people in the right seats is a must if Pascagoula is going to reach her full potential.  I have said that consistently for many years.  It is up to you, the voters, to choose wisely who will lead your city the next four years when the time comes.  Please look at the substance of the person, not just a name or a family lineage.  Base your decision of supporting a candidate on what their qualifications are and how their stated values align with your own.  I have been humbled and blessed by the support I have been shown by being allowed to serve you and I hope to continue to serve you for many years to come in whatever capacity you the people should require of me.

I know for me when I am vetting a candidate for office I look for a strong moral and fiscal conservative with a proven record of being a voice for the people while being actively involved in the day to day life of their community and work.  I am using those same standards as I now focus on the state and national elections facing us.  I am unashamedly a conservative Republican.  I know it is not popular in this day and time to be so out front with such a view point but that is who I am and I believe in the party of Lincoln.  I worry at the liberalism and dare I say socialism that is steadily creeping into our society more and more, perpetrated primarily by those on the other side of the aisle.  I have said for years that having a "D" beside your name may not mean much in a city election but it means alot when you start talking about county, state, and national policy.  As the old preacher once said, "When you wallow with the pigs, you'll start to stink too."  Jackson County has long been known as the conservative foundation of our great state.  I truly hope we can reclaim that title in the upcoming elections over the next few years. 

My conservative values drive me on many issues facing Pascagoula in the upcoming months.  One such issue very much on my mind is the discussion of city taxes as it pertains to the recent reassessment of property values coming out of the tax assessor's office.  I mentioned this issue briefly in a previous posting but did not have the full scoop at that time.  I feel I now have a better grasp of what is at stake and how to frame this discussion.  As it sits, most of you reading this experienced a 30% increase in your property assessments this year, which depending on the value of your home could equate into an increase of city and school district taxes due by 70-520%.  In real dollars your tax increase for the city and school district could be between $200-850 when you add the two together.  You recently may have seen that the county voted to lower their mills by 1.5 which does help alleviate some of the burden, but there is still an increase that you will see.  When you couple all of this with the recent news that two of our larger insurance companies have once again raised rates by about 14% and the continued high price of gas and other necessary items such as milk and groceries, I am concerned for you and your families. 

The city is healthy fiscally speaking, yes, but the cost of doing business does not go down and has not gone down.  It takes more money every year to operate our city's services and continue to try and promote the growth we all want to see.  I have been outspoken on this issue for years calling on us to actively seek ways to diversify our tax base by attracting small business and by getting new commercial construction out of the ground, while limiting the number of tax exemptions we grant our local industries.  We have done much to promote small business growth within Pascagoula and it is slowly coming along, and if it were not for the state and federal bureaucratic red-tape we would see more commercial buildings out of the ground helping us to reach our goal of diversifying our tax base by following our plan for renewal and redevelopment.  But I say all of that to say that it is my goal to try and reduce your tax burden as much as is reasonably possible while also being fiscally responsible with the city's budgetary needs.  Yes, the cost of doing business does keep rising, but like my grandfather always said, "You can't get blood from a turnip."  In these tough economic times we are in now, any little bit helps - I know that.  That's why I am trying to watch out for your wallet as we discuss these local taxes this year.

You may have seen that the city council recently passed a noise ordinance.  This was a direct result of your calls and emails to me asking for something to be done.  After meeting with our police chief and city attorney, I read numerous ordinances trying to find the right fit for our city.  The impetus for the ordinance was the boom cars - you know, the loud stereos in cars that make your dishes shake in your home and your ears ring when you're parked next to them at a red light.  The city attorney, police chief and I mulled through many, many ordinances on our way to the one that was passed to make it as easily enforceable by our officers but that had teeth so it took care of the problem.  The ordinance ended up addressing all kinds of loud disturbances with a fine of up to $1,000 and / or 30 days in jail.  I am proud to say that the ordinance passed unanimously and has been active since the 15th of August.  Chief tells me it seems to be working well.  Thank you for expressing your interest in the health of our city by sharing your concerns with me.  You made a difference.

If you keep up with state politics as I do, then you've probably seen the discussion on voter identification.  It seems that some representatives in our state house have been playing politics with a very important issue that is higher than their pay grade.  And while I respect their concern and have listened to their arguments for why they felt the need of birddogging an issue that truly is a Secretary of State matter, it seems that the people of Mississippi got dooped on this one.  Mr. Hosemann, our secretary of state, spent month and months traveling around the state speaking with local county clerks and election officials working through the complexities of voter identification.  It is his job which he was elected to by a statewide vote to handle these issues and put them forth into a format for consideration as law, not local representatives who are not statewide elected officials. 

If you will indulge me for a minute I'd like to explore voter ID.  I understand the history of our state and fully respect our history.  Does our history make voter ID a little more touchy of a subject for some?  Why sure it does.  That is no secret.  How do you overcome any conflict or negativity in life?  Through open dialogue and factual evidence.  Our society today is designed to show some form of ID at the bank, when you check into a hotel, when you use your check or credit card, when you go to a doctor - everyone has some form of identification.  To me, there is nothing more sacred to our republic than the right to vote.  Our right to vote gives us, the people, the power to choose our government.  By all means I want that right protected at all costs and if I have to reach in my wallet and pull out my ID to vote, then I am glad to take that extra ten seconds to do so.  To those who say it is a way of disenfranchising some voters please excuse my ire at such a comment.  Some in our country love to throw up the ills of our past when it suits them and their agenda.  I for one on this issue do not take that excuse in 2008 as reason for not voting.  So thank you Mr. Hosemann for all you have done and to you representatives who think it cute to play with the most sacred of our rights as citizens of this great country, grow up.

On a lighter note, I'd like to thank all of the volunteers who gave of their time to help with the Dixie Youth Ozone World Series.  From the committee to the volunteers to the players and coaches and parents, it was a great week of baseball that will be remembered around our city for years to come.  Congratulations to the players on that team.

Finally, the three year anniversary of Katrina is coming up Friday.  It seems like yesterday in many ways to me, as I am sure it does to you as well.  The monument at Beach Park will forever be a reminder of what we went through that day and the days thereafter.  I am still so humbled that the words I penned were chosen to rest on the granite marker at the foot of the monument.  Those words still ring so true to me today as I reflect on what all has happened since August 29, 2005 and as I look optimistically into the future that is head of Pascagoula.  I hope you find some of the peace and understanding in the words below as I have:

"May the wind of destruction and the waves of sorrow forever remind us of the opportunity and hope we have found."

However you choose to mark this date, I want you to know that it is a honor and privilege to serve you on this city council.  If there is ever anything I can do to assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

All politics is life.  I encourage you to stay informed and stay involved.  What you may think is small, can make a big difference in the life of your community.  Oh, and by the way, don't forget to come out and cheer on the Panthers in their opening game Friday the 29th at the High School Stadium against Gautier.  Go 'Goula!

Frank Corder

Pascagoula City Councilman - Ward 4

City Projects Update

     Over the past few months, many things have been happening around our great city that affect not only Ward 4 but the entire city as a whole.  Funding sources and time constraints are always a factor.  When and where funds are appropriated either by the City Council, by the state or federal government, or by requirement through programs and grants such the Community Development Block Grant program or some other grantor plays a huge role in how and when projects of all shapes and sizes get off the paper and into the ground.  Fortunately your city staff is made up of dedicated, qualified individuals who know how to budget, plan, and handle such requirements.  And we're jumping through all of these hoops and dotting every "i" and crossing every "t" to ensure that what we are doing now will withstand the trials that will come in the future and that will be the building blocks of Pascagoula's greatness tomorrow. So if you will indulge me, I would like to update you on a few projects that may be of interest to you and yours:

-  Belair Shopping Center - The city is in negotiations with the property owner in hopes of remedying the problems located on the site in a much more timely manner than has been the case in the past.  Since it is in litigation, what I can say about the negotiations is limited, but please know that this is of the utmost importance not only to me since it is in our Ward (Ward 4) but to the entire City Council.  It is my intent to treat all of the property owners in Pascagoula in a manner that is respectful, while enforcing the ordinances and policies that keep our city beautiful. 

-  Street Paving - Within the last few months, Ward 4 has seen approximately 12 streets repaved and others are on the way.  Keeping our streets free of potholes and other bumps which damage our automobiles is a must.  If you notice any of these bumps and would like to pass along their location, please feel free to let me know.

-  Sidewalks - Perhaps you have noticed many of the sidewalks in Ward 4 being cleaned and/or repaired as of late; if so then thank the city's Public Works Department.  Through their efforts our sidewalks are returning to a reasonable alternative for meandering through our city that are free of hazards and debris.  Plus, it looks very attractive when you drive by and see a nicely manicured sidewalk.

-  Drainage - The city's drainage has been and will continue to be an issue for many years to come unfortunately.  The sheer volume of projects that exist coupled with the lack of funds that are available for these upgrades just doesn't add up.  Please do not misunderstand me though - drainage is any issue I and the rest of the City Council along with the city staff feel very strongly about and work diligently to correct and repair as the funds come available.  Streets such as Oliver, Belair, 10th, and King all have major issues.  Some of the issues deal with the curbing, some deal with caving in drains, while other problems are due to the growth of trees and bushes which block what would be normal drainage ways.  When I've thought I had them all listed and notated, another drainage issue comes up.  Please know that the city crews are working diligently all across the city to remedy these issues in a timely manner as the funds are available. 

-  Blighted Properties and Clean Up - One of the most costly and time consuming tasks that the city staff faces everyday is dealing with blighted properties and working to have them cleaned up in a timely manner.  There are pages and pages of these properties that have either been allowed to slowly worsen or that were effected by Katrina.  Code enforcement officials are working diligently to address each and every issue in this regard.  For the City Council to take action on a property there is a process that must be followed by law and even then the funds must be available to either have the blighted property cleaned or torn down.  I and my colleagues on the council understand the detriment that such eyesores are on our city and we are serious about cleaning these areas up.  I ask for your patience as we continue to work on these areas.

-  Tax Assessments - Hopefully you were sitting down when you received your new county tax assessment in the mail.  I'm sure you noticed the increase and most I've run across have been quite substantial, some upwards of 25 - 30% higher.  This is a dilemma which will soon hit the City Council as we begin our fiscal budget process.  Please know that I am committed to doing all that I can to keep your tax burden down while being prudent and realistic as it comes to the increased cost of doing business in today's economy.  As it currently stands and after much thought based on very preliminary discussions I am hopeful that we will be able to lower the millage rate slightly in an effort to offset your increased cost while maintaining the needs of the city.  Please know that this is premature as it stands but that I am aware of your plight and will be diligent in fighting to keep your tax burden down.

-  Waterfront Development - Many of you that I have seen are excited about the plans to extend the current sand beach towards The Point.  Not only will this provide a further buffer zone in the unfortunate event of a storm but it will also provide our citizens and those who visit here one more recreational area where we all can enjoy the beauty of our surroundings.  Along the east riverfront, the plan is in place and is being worked to create a whole new footprint.  Soon you will see dilapidated buildings coming down and new streetscapes going up.  By changing this area's appearance and makeup and by diversifying our tax base we will all benefit from the good that will be done there. 

-  Recreational Areas - Pascagoula is blessed to have 23 separate and unique parks in our community, but the need to provide more opportunity at those parks is tremendous.  That's why I am excited by the proposed skate park that is in the works, funding for which is starting to flow.  Also the rebuilding of the pier and the proposed new boat launching area are huge helps in providing fishermen, and fisherwomen, and those who just want to enjoy the outdoors opportunities do to just that.  The acquisition of the pond and playground areas on Chicot just south of I.G. Levy Park is also a win-win for our community.  And if you haven't tried the splash pad at Beach Park yet you're missing a treat.  Also, don't forget about the 2008 Ozone Dixie Youth World Series that is coming up in July.  Come out and enjoy the opening ceremonies on the 25th of July and then stay and watch some good baseball as we cheer on our own hometown team.

-  New Businesses - Pascagoula has been fortunate over the past three years since Katrina to see a rise in new, unique small businesses and restaurants.  Take a stroll through historic downtown or cruise down Market Street and you'll see what I mean.  I want to urge you to support these businesses.  Shop at home.  Eat at in town.  Help us raise the demographics in our area so other businesses and chains will want to come and enjoy Pascagoula as well.  We have to support what we have to ever have a chance to get more.

These are only a few areas of concern and interest I thought you would appreciate an update on.  If there are other issues or items that I could help clarify and speak to I would be glad to do so.  Simply contact me from this site via email or comment submission or call me anytime. 

I appreciate the opportunity to serve you and I look forward to seeing each of you around town soon.

Frank Corder

Pascagoula City Councilman Ward 4

     Government Should Enrich Freedom

     As an elected official here in Pascagoula, one of my responsibilities is to enact ordinances, laws if you will, that enhance and enrich our way of life, while penalizing those who choose to act outside of the perimeters set forth. This is a heavy task and one that should not be taken lightly. Much thought and deliberation must be given to ensure that what is legislated is proper and fair for the whole. But more importantly, laws should only be passed that enrich our freedom as citizens of this great city, state, and nation.

     Laws that enrich our freedom apply to us all, regardless of race, gender, socio-economic status, heredity, place of work, place of worship, etc. There is no room for discrimination or polarization, only equality and progress. Laws that prohibit murder and rape enrich every one of us, giving each the right to live without fear of death or bodily harm. No argument can be made supporting these activities. History has proven that banning murder and rape is fundamental to the safety and security of our society. Such bans only serve to enhance life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for every single person, thus the laws prohibiting these activities enrich the freedom of the whole. The essence of a good law should be then that it serves the interest of the whole, not a portion or segment of society.

     If you flip the coin, laws that infringe on our freedoms have just the opposite effect by appealing to certain segments of our society, in essence pandering to the person or group that shouts the loudest and longest. It has become an all too common occurrence that such laws infringing on our freedom are being legislated both locally and nationally. Needless legislation is running rampant. The founders of our country never intended to allow its government to legislate morality or mandate how an individual lives his or her life. The point of government should be to create an environment that everyone can prosper and achieve in, while holding fast to their individual eccentricities that indeed make them autonomous and unique.

     Many of you will, I am sure, disagree with me or think me profoundly neurotic, but for the sake of an example I will offer my opinion up for critique. One such needless law which infringes on my personal freedom is the seat belt law. I know most of you are thinking "seat belts save lives," and while that is true and a recorded, proven fact, why do I, an adult who is responsible for my actions, need to be told to wear my seat belt? Do I not have the right to operate a motor vehicle that has passed its inspection, is street-legal, and meets all of the necessary safety and operating requirements and not wear a seat belt? Will wearing a seat belt save anyone besides me? Is my life not my own or does the government own me? Why does the government feel the need to protect me from me? Yes, I see the need to buckle up infants and children; they are not yet at a place where they are responsible for themselves. But I, as an adult of legal age and understanding, am. That is just one of the laws that really get me going in terms of personal freedom.

     Nowhere is this infringement of freedom more evident than in the business community. It has long been my belief that governments who value freedom and free enterprise do not tell businesses how to operate. Yes, government should have a hand in outlining proper business practices to ensure no illicit activity is being perpetrated on the general public. But only when a business acts in a manner contrary to the laws of the land should the government intervene. And unfortunately, the inherent flaw of that statement rest on the fact that there are simply too many laws; business is over regulated and vastly over burdened by those in our country who support the big government mentality. The imposition that is placed on the business owner both locally and nationally is ridiculous. When it becomes more profitable and easier to hire workers and purchase goods from outside our own borders, the extent of over regulation is evident. And make no mistake about it, every imposition placed on business is felt, both in our wallets and in the steady decline in our freedom.

     Allow me to provide an example of over regulation and infringement on capitalism. I know this will spark another debate as did the previous example, but please indulge me and continue to read as I elaborate. It has become trendy for cities and towns all across our country to ban smoking in commercial buildings, in an effort to create a clean and safe environment. Now, before I continue, please note that I am a non-smoker so my views of which I am about to express cannot be simply extinguished as defending my habit. With that said, I for one cannot and will not support a smoking ban on private, commercial businesses. That may shock some of you reading this, but please allow me to explain my reasoning.

     America is built on capitalism, free enterprise. My handy-dandy Encarta defines capitalism as an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods, characterized by a free competitive market and motivation by profit. Capitalism has been the backbone of our society and has allowed our country to grow and expand more than any nation in the history of the world. Allowing a person to decide what type of business and how they run that business has been what has made this country great. A business owner's right to choose who their business will cater to and what services and goods they supply to the public is capitalism at its best.

     So for me, as an elected official to hamper in any manner a private business person's right to run their business as they see fit is a detriment to capitalism and our economic system. That is what a smoking ban on private, commercial businesses does; it takes the business owner's right to choose who their business will cater to and disregards capitalism. A smoking ban is over regulation and infringement at its core.

     Some will say, "Smoking kills. It causes cancer. Even second hand smoke has been proven harmful to your health. I should be able to dine or shop in a smoke-free environment at that business." I hear your concerns. I have had similar thoughts before as well. Yes, smoking is not healthy and second hand smoke can be and often is harmful. But please don't miss the greatness of our country here. You and I have the choice to be a patron of any business. And those businesses will succeed or fail based on if you and I support them. That is our freedom, our privilege in a society based on free enterprise. Your patronage of a business will determine that business's health. And if enough of us do not buy from a business it will inevitably die. That is capitalism.

     Likewise, if a business owner chooses to cater to smokers and provides such an atmosphere, it is that business owner's choice and he or she will succeed or fail based on that choice. It is not up to me as an elected official to mandate to a private business owner what he or she can and cannot do with their private business in terms of offering smoking within their establishment. Capitalism allows for success if the market will sustain it and failure if cannot. Why over regulate businesses if the market will ultimately decide their fate? That's the greatness of free enterprise.

     If a law does not enrich our freedom, then I for one cannot and will not support its passage. Infringement on our freedom is the mentality of big government and it has begun to disguise itself as being healthy or safe or practical. True freedom should leave the door wide open to us as citizens of our city, state, and nation. True freedom should encourage capitalism and support free enterprise and not burden down business owners. True freedom does not listen to the segments of society, but does the business of the whole for the betterment of the whole. True freedom creates an environment that allows you and me to succeed and fail out of our own making. That is what makes Pascagoula great and that is what makes our state and country great as well.

Frank Corder

Pascagoula City Councilman Ward 4

           The Politics of a Jail

           In my humble opinion, all politicians whether local, state, or national should largely be of a populist mindset.  And in reality most are, during their campaign and on election day, but that soon wanes once the votes have been tallied and their name plaque has been ordered. 

Now, I realize such a statement in itself could warrant much discussion so please allow me to frame my thought by defining the key term here using my trusty Encarta.  When I speak of a populist way of thinking I am speaking to acting as an advocate of the rights and interests of ordinary people, as well as emphasizing and promoting ordinary people, both their lives and their interests. 

Most politicians, while trying to lead and wrangle with the public and private nature of their positions, tend to forget that it is not the head of the large company that ultimately elects them; it is the ordinary factory workers or sales clerks or stay at home mothers which ultimately elect any candidate to an office, in simple terms due to the fact that the general masses are made up of the everyday, ordinary folk.  And for a local politician that is even poignant since they above all others live and work amongst the people they are elected to serve day in and day out. 

This relationship for local elected leaders is both a blessing and a curse, especially in regards to heavy decisions that may cause them to not get reelected or cause a rift in their neighborhood or place of worship.  The sheer utterance of the word change for most locally elected officials sends shivers up and down their spines because they know that someone's toes will be stepped on, and they in turn must weigh the risk of losing their base constituency. 

To me, it again comes down to right versus wrong, but so many locally elected officials allow their status and prestige and the chance of losing the next election convolute their better judgment.  This convolution is never more evident than when matters which lie in the grey area are brought up, because then process and procedure and better judgment take a backseat to their once populist mindset. 

The current struggle over the new Jackson County ADC seems to be in one of those grey areas, stuck between process and procedure and better judgment.  In the situation we find ourselves in now, given the pending appellate action, local officials remain mostly silent while citizens stir, creating an ever widening black hole which is only serving to stifle a resolution.  A reasonable conversation over a few pots of coffee should be able to settle this dispute.  But cool heads have begun to warm and both sides seem to be getting bogged down in the mud that has started to fly.  A step back from the issue at hand would do everyone good at this juncture.  After all, it is about people whether in a surrounding neighborhood or behind bars.

See if you can follow me as I digress for just a moment.  On one side, concern for the children and families within a neighborhood is a contested point.  The future growth of a city which lacks developable land is another.  On the other side, overcrowding and federal mandates are at stake, as are loss of possible funding and an even longer period of inactivity.  When you summarize both areas of contention, you can wrap them up neatly into a single term: feasibility.  Is it feasible to locate the jail in the center of a community that has largely stated its disdain for the plan at the risk of further losing time and resources to pursue your current course of action?  Is it feasible?

In my mind as an elected official that still thinks as a populist, it would be more feasible for the elected county governing body to concede this location and work hand in hand with the citizen group which now sits in opposition, inviting them to become a willing shield bearer and work horse.  Channeling the efforts of the citizens to carry their message further by allowing them to work with and not against the elected leaders is the only way out of the mire.  Conferencing between the two sides must begin now for the sake of the county's progress.  The citizens opposing the site have nothing at all to lose and everything to gain.  The county elected governing body however has much to lose if this process continues on its track: funding, time, imposition of federal mandates, and relevancy within the community. 

As an elected official, you must be willing to listen to all of the citizens you represent, whether or not they live in your respective area.  After all, you are doing the business of not only your ward or beat or unit, you are doing the business of the entire city or county.  Choosing to remain at odds is never the answer.  It is the bigger man who realizes when the time comes to compromise for the betterment of the big picture.  Choose to sacrifice the smaller battle to win the war.  Choose to concede the site to get on with the business of the county and build the jail.

 Abraham Lincoln said it best when he said, "Discourage litigation.  Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can.  As a peacemaker the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man.  There will still be business enough."  I urge both sides to take some of Old Abe's advice and put down the torch and pitch fork and take up the cause of doing what is truly best for the ordinary people being effected by this bickering.  Sit down together soon and hammer this thing out.

Frank Corder

Pascagoula City Councilman Ward 4

Playing Robin Hood with Ad Valorem Taxes

It seems that the definitions of fairness and equality have once again been skewed and twisted so as to fit comfortably within the confines of what is expedient and profitable.  I speak of course of those who have effectively played the role of a distorted Robin Hood in terms of Pascagoula School District's right to its ad valorem taxes as it relates to the Chevron Pascagoula Refinery.  Realizing at the outset of this letter that most who read this are well contented within themselves and proud to now have access to these revenues, my conscience tells me that I must stand for what is right and just no matter the implications.  As President Ronald Reagan so eloquently once said, "Someone must stand up to those who say, 'Here's the key, there's the Treasury, just take as many of those hard-earned tax dollars as you want.'"

After much discussion and wrangling over this issue, I for one am not content to simply let this issue die and thus accept a certain percentage being mandated as going to our Pascagoula School District.  Was it just me or did your mom and dad tell you as mine did that what's right is right and what's wrong is wrong?  There was no leeway.  There was no allowance for right to be right 50% of the time or 29% of the time.  Right is right and wrong is wrong - plain and simple.  So why if the ad valorem taxes being discussed are rightfully within the Pascagoula School District is it now wrong after over 40 years?  Whose rule of law and morality are we adjusting to in an effort to make this set of circumstances fit the outcome of this bill?  If the ad valorem taxes are rightfully placed in the Pascagoula School District then our schools should receive 100% of the revenue, not 29% or 50%.  

            Some may say that this whole discussion is politically motivated and to that I would concur emphatically.  It is.  Why else would the original bill have been submitted and handled the way it was?  Why else would every other elected official outside of those specifically representing the Pascagoula area be so in favor of this effort?  They know as you and I do that the majority of who elects them will benefit, with no thought of what is right and wrong.  They are solely looking out for their elected positions and thus effectively holding the Pascagoula School District hostage.  And as an elected official myself, while I understand the zeal to represent your constituency and make the voters in your area proud, I cannot for the life of me bring myself to the place where I could justify robbing another entity's tax base to make up for the deficiencies in my own. 

A large part of the argument being made is that the Pascagoula School District is a "rich" school district as opposed to the other school districts in the county being "poor."  In addition, the argument is being made that the workers at Chevron do not only live in Pascagoula, but throughout our county.  I trust just reading that you see the inherent fallacy of those words.  When did being rich become wrong?  When did robbing the rich become right?  While I understand and sympathize with those school districts that may not have as much, I cannot support this distorted form of playing Robin Hood, of robbing the rich and giving to the poor.  If this is the political game we are now to play, then let's play on equal footing.  The next economic development project that locates within the county, whether it be in Ocean Springs, Moss Point or the rural area let's split those ad valorem tax dollars as well.  Moss Point's development surrounding the airport is a prime starting place.  Heck, why stop at the large industrial projects?  Ocean Springs has a tremendous small business climate; let's split those ad valorem tax dollars too.  And while we're at it, let's tap into the developments going up in Grand Bay and Mobile.  After all, many of the workers that work at Chevron live in