Jackson MS city councilman Kenny Stokes threatens to slap colleague (and more fun)

The Clarion Ledger ^ | 01-07-04 | By Jimmie E. Gates

[WKB]

A Jackson city councilman told a colleague to get out of his face and threatened to slap him, as all decorum broke down Tuesday during a debate about who will become the next council president.

At one point, Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes told Ward 1 Councilman Ben Allen, "man, if you don't get out of my face, I will slap the..."

[dixiechick2000]

That video was a real eye opener for me. I thought that kind of thing was history. It's really embarrassing to watch. They should be ashamed of themselves for behaving that way. I have a feeling they aren't, though. I dare say that kind of behavior wouldn't be condoned in many areas.

[A. Patriot]

"I really and truly didn't think clowns like Stokes and Brown were capable of being elected."


Someone once said someting like: "The men put into office are no better than those who elected them"

And that is the case here. Almost a whole city of drug dealers, welfare queens and thugs.

[wardaddy]

Precisely.

Stokes is a thug, if he keeps going unabated, he will kill someone. I believe his minions may have already tried.

I wonder why the US Attorney isn't all over the Council....must be reams of allegations to investigate.

[bourbon]

I wonder why the US Attorney isn't all over the Council

I'm pretty sure they're keeping a close eye on them. They have in the past.

Remember the Louis Armstrong dust-up? This story should convince everyone that the Jackson City Council members aren't above a little "intimidation" from time to time.

[wardaddy]

I remember that....wasn't his son involved?

Was he convicted?

[dixiechick2000]

"Someone once said someting like: "The men put into office are no better than those who elected them"

And that is the case here. Almost a whole city of drug dealers, welfare queens and thugs."

That is so sad. Jackson used to be a very lovely city. I'm sorry it's come to this.

[dixiechick2000]

"Moses told prosecutors he offered his services to Armstrong after the councilman confided he was upset about being criticized in the paper. Moses said he waited until Armstrong was out of town to carry out the attack.

Armstrong had been City Council president for two years and a council member for 14. He pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiring to extort $28,500 from a topless-bar owner in exchange for a favorable zoning vote. He could get 30 years in prison.

Wow! "Intimidation" seems to be his middle name! I guess I shouldn't be surprised at the behavior in the City Council Meeting, I suppose. I do so hope the U.S. Attorney's office is keeping tabs on these folks.

What happened to Armstrong?

[Dan from Michigan]

Damn. Sounds like Detroit.

[bourbon]

This article indicates that Armstrong was sentenced to a 15 month prison term sometime in or around 1999.

[dixiechick2000]

Thanks, bourbon. Did you see this in the article?

"Neely will serve the remaining 18 months of former Councilman Robert Williams' term. Williams, who resigned Jan. 26, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for bribery and conspiracy to commit extortion in relation to the city's contract negotiations with Time Warner Cable."

There must be something in the City Council's water. There appears to be an epidemic of bad behavior. Do any of these folks ever complete a term of office before going to jail?

[bourbon]

nope. I had overlooked that. All of this confirms the well-known fact that the Jackson City Council is a de facto criminal organization.

[dakine]

Video bump...