A Head with a Heart

The following is an article taken from the Boston Globe in March of 2009. The author is Kevin Cullen and it demonstrates that even in an economic crisis, the "whole" is more than simply the sum of its parts. No ones job in unimportant and that caring can extend beyond one's inner circle. Several Scoop readers suggested that Paul Levy's innovative thinking would be a great model for DRMC.

It was the kind of meeting that is taking place in restaurant kitchens, small offices, retail storerooms, and large auditoriums all over this city, all over this state, all over this country.

Paul Levy, the guy who runs Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, was standing in Sherman Auditorium the other day, before some of the very people to whom he might soon be sending pink slips.

In the days before the meeting, Levy had been walking around the hospital, noticing little things.

He stood at the nurses' stations, watching the transporters, the people who push the patients around in wheelchairs. He saw them talk to the patients, put them at ease, make them laugh. He saw that the people who push the wheelchairs were practicing medicine.

He noticed the same when he poked his head into the rooms and watched as the people who deliver the food chatted up the patients and their families.

He watched the people who polish the corridors, who strip the sheets, who empty the trash cans, and he realized that a lot of them are immigrants, many of them had second jobs, most of them were just scraping by.

And so Paul Levy had all this bouncing around his brain the other day when he stood in Sherman Auditorium.

He looked out into a sea of people and recognized faces: technicians, secretaries, administrators, therapists, nurses, the people who are the heart and soul of any hospital. People who knew that Beth Israel had hired about a quarter of its 8,000 staff over the last six years and that the chances that they could all keep their jobs and benefits in an economy in free fall ranged between slim and none.

"I want to run an idea by you that I think is important, and I'd like to get your reaction to it," Levy began. "I'd like to do what we can to protect the lower-wage earners - the transporters, the housekeepers, the food service people. A lot of these people work really hard, and I don't want to put an additional burden on them.

"Now, if we protect these workers, it means the rest of us will have to make a bigger sacrifice," he continued. "It means that others will have to give up more of their salary or benefits."

He had barely gotten the words out of his mouth when Sherman Auditorium erupted in applause. Thunderous, heartfelt, sustained applause.

Paul Levy stood there and felt the sheer power of it all rush over him, like a wave. His eyes welled and his throat tightened so much that he didn't think he could go on. When the applause subsided, he did go on, telling the workers at Beth Israel, the people who make a hospital go, that he wanted their ideas.

The lump had barely left his throat when Paul Levy started getting e-mails.

The consensus was that the workers don't want anyone to get laid off and are willing to give up pay and benefits to make sure no one does. A nurse said her floor voted unanimously to forgo a 3 percent raise. A guy in finance who got laid off from his last job at a hospital in Rhode Island suggested working one less day a week. Another nurse said she was willing to give up some vacation and sick time. A respiratory therapist suggested eliminating bonuses.

"I'm getting about a hundred messages per hour," Levy said yesterday, shaking his head.

Paul Levy is onto something. People are worried about the next paycheck, because they're only a few paychecks away from not being able to pay the mortgage or the rent.

But a lot of them realize that everybody's in the same boat and that their boat doesn't rise because someone else's sinks.

Paul Levy is trying something revolutionary, radical, maybe even impossible: He is trying to convince the people who work for him that the E in CEO can sometimes stand for empathy.

DDT Editorial:

We appreciate the restraint that four Greenville City Council members exhibited last week when they decided to forgo spending the city's money on travel to the Mississippi Municipal League's annual conference in Biloxi in June.

Three will not attend; Ward 1 Councilman Kenny Gines, Ward 3 Councilman Lee Owen, and Ward 5 Councilwoman Ann Hollowell. Ward 2 Councilman Carl McGee will travel at his own expense, although not a huge expense as he explained later.

He has access to housing accommodations there.“There's no halo over my head,” he quipped.

Ward 4 Councilwoman Betty Watkins will attend, but because of her retirement status she already saves the city $6,000 per year, as she explained during the council meeting at which the trip was discussed.

Ward 2 Councilman Errick Simmons was absent from the meeting and his name remained on the list of those attending. Mayor Heather McTeer Hudson also will attend and urged the others to do the same, but they were not swayed.

In this time of tightening budgets, up and down sales tax revenue returns, and economic hardships, it's good to know that our City Council representatives are thinking ahead to a time when they may have to ask city employees to make sacrifices as well. They are leading by example.

It's not as if MML conferences are without merit. Members of city councils and boards of aldermen from around the state attend this conference each year to network, but more important, to educate elected city officials.“The league represents the collective interests of cities and towns to the state legislature, provides timely information on crucial municipal issues, offers certification and training for elected officials and provides valuable networking opportunities,” according to its Web site at http://www.mmlonline.com/.

We recognize the value of this opportunity, but we also are grateful to those who will save the city several thousands of dollars by not attending this year.

Everyone knows that these "conferences" are part work and part vacation; otherwise they wouldn't be held in resort areas. Can you imagine the statewide attendance if the conference were being held in Greenville, which is far more centrally located than Biloxi?

In private organizations, when they need to cut costs on travel, they send one or two representatives to the conference. In return, they are charged with presenting the information attained to the entire leadership group. Most conferences offer free PowerPoint presentations to facilitate the sharing of education provided. You eliminate hotel, travel and meal costs, but still get the training.

The days of "perk" trips are over. If the city can't afford garbage pick-up twice a week, they shouldn't be spending $7,500 on travel/training when there are more cost effective ways to accomplish the same goal. In an economic crisis, everyone needs to cut back a little. I commend the council-members who declined to "feed at the trough". As for our mayor... drop us a postcard!

Forthright

The "Costs" of Business in Greenville

Anonymous said...

My college-age son and I were watching the local news and heard that the local Pizza Inn, A&W, and Long John Silver's all had closed recently. He commented that it was no wonder, as he had not visited any of those places in all the years he's been independently mobile---they simply did not interest him. I quote: "If people want to have a successful restaurant in Greenville or anywhere else, why don't they simply appeal to the desired demographic?"

There are HUNDREDS of local folks---and thousands beyond our city limits---who crave a nice location for a meal, someplace they don't have to be ashamed to take a date, someplace that is as much a destination as a diner. How hard would it have been to open a McAllister's deli rather than a silly A&W/LJSilver combo. Totally wrong demographic!

If you want your restaurant to survive, then appeal to the group that has the money to spend. We don't want another hot wings trailer or tamale shack. We want a location, a place to spend a pleasant evening with friends.

We don't want another national pizza franchise---we want Lost Dog Pizza! We don't want another Taco Bell---we want Newk's Express or Sweet Pepper's Deli. Pay attention!!!! Heather, Betty Lynn, Ed: get the word out, please. We will THROW money out of the car window as we drive up! Just give us some better options.

The author makes some very good points. We would all like to see some up-scale restaurants in Greenville, but let me ask you this: Would you open a restaurant in Greenville?

The fact is that these franchises cost between $250K to $750K to open, over and above the cost of land and construction. Then you have the problem of labor. There is no labor pool from which to draw in Greenville... only the welfare pool who are perfectly content to milk the system rather than work, but they will take a job for a while, just to become eligible for unemployment. They know the system!

Think about the last time you went through a fast food drive-thru and could barely understand the person speaking. Did they get your order right? Probably not... do they care? NO! They have no work ethic and know they always have welfare to fall back upon if they are fired.

The difference between Greenville and Cleveland is that Cleveland has a large pool of educated college students from which to draw. They are trained in their job as wait-staff and appreciate the chance to make even a meager income on their way to enhancing their lives and education.

Anyone who has been in the restaurant business in Greenville will tell you that the biggest obstacle to making a profit is the employees. Take a day off and your restaurant becomes a free food pantry. What they don't give away to "friends", goes out the back door to their homes. Employee theft is considered just another entitlement of the low paid... another perk of "club membership".

No business can make a profit when you are being robbed on a daily basis... by your own employees! Greenville will never have any of these up-scale eateries because of the ignorant and unethical work-force we have produced. As long as it pays more not to work, than work, we are doomed!

Forthright

Color-Blind America?

GREENVILLE - City Council members are speaking out about their votes last week over whether to approve funds for travel/training requests.

Betty Watkins, Carl McGee and Errick Simmons on Tuesday voted to send Police Chief Charles Patterson, Capt. Andrew Kaho and Lt. Xavier Redmond to Jackson to attend the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Region III conference. The cost is $288.50 each.

Ann Hollowell, Kenny Gines and Lee Owen voted against.

However, the motion passed when Mayor Heather McTeer Hudson broke the tie by voting in favor of approving the travel expenses.** (end of article by Terri Ferguson of the DDT)

I have a problem with our city tax dollars paying to go to ANY Race specific event. I would be more likely to agree a need, if the conference had been for Police Leaders in General and not "Black Only". Same goes for the city paying for the Mayor attending "The Black Mayor's Conference". Our tax dollars should be specifically related to the population in general. If these people want to attend a race specific event, then they should be willing to pay their own way. If Lee Owens requested funds to attend a "White Council conference", can you imagine the roar from those who do the same???

If we are going to get past racism, we need to get at least past the tax dollars paying to support race specific events and groups.

African Americans who continue to differentiate themselves as members of "black" organizations are simply perpetuating the stereotypical views of "separate, but equal". Are there black and white "laws" and are they enforced differently by our police officers?

Do black mayors manage cities differently than white mayors? What are these "members only" secrets that need to be segregated by race?

This "labeling" only perpetuates racism and serves to further divide our communities. However, as for our mayor's approving these "black" travel requests, I am afraid that she would appear a bit hypocritical had she not voted to approve any one's travel requests, given her last year in office.

Continuing education is a good thing which should be supported by community leaders; however, the stink about this issue is the use of the term "black" as somehow being "different". If we are all truly equal, why do we need to differentiate ourselves as black, white or purple?

We will never get beyond racism until all races quit pointing to our differences, rather than our similarities.

Forthright

Patricia Lee: "Not Guilty"

A third trial for former county Tax Collector Patricia Lee ended today in Washington County Circuit Court with a verdict of "not guilty" to all charges. Lee was arrested along with eight former clerks in 2007 after an investigation found employees of the tax collector's office were placing car tag purchasers in cheaper tax districts to provide them a discount. A jury was seated for the trial on Tuesday.

Lee was being prosecuted by the state attorney general's office, which investigated the car tag discount scheme. Her defense attorney is Johnnie Walls. In addition to Lee, eight have been charged as a result of the investigation. Lee's two previous trials have ended in mistrials.

Now who would have predicted this verdict? Eight other employees in your department are participating in this "discount scheme" and you don't know about it?

What can I say? This is just another example of the perks of "club membership".

Forthright

How to Stimulate Greenville... Tell Us!

Heads up - Greenville wish list for stimulus money said...

Copied from web site shown below: Projects in Greenville, Mississippi. Below are the "shovel-ready" projects for which this city submitted in the 2008 U.S. Conference of Mayors report. You can click on a project to read (and add to) its description.

You can also discuss the project and vote on whether you believe it is critical or not. The total cost of all the projects submitted by Greenville is $337,850,000. Copy and paste to go to web site or just click on this link: http://www.stimuluswatch.org/project/by_city/Greenville/MS

Thanks, "Heads up" for the web address. This is a great site for information about how our city funds will be spent, plus you can rate the importance of each project and state why you believe the project is needed or a waste of money! As with the "Scoop", all responses will be anonymous unless you offer your name (which many have done).

Everyone should at least vote on these expenditures. Here's a tip... Click on the up and down arrows in the "vote ratio" column of the page. This will order the project from the least or most important projects. When you click on each project, you can vote "yes" or "no" to its importance and below, you can offer comments as to why you believe as you do.

Here's a great chance to become more informed about our city projects and to let your voice be heard. Your votes may become very useful in future debates about what Greenville residents really want. Check it out.

Forthright

No Easy Answers!

Lincoln was no saint nor hero, just a politician! said...

All this hero worship of Lincoln is quite disconcerting, if you know the facts. An educated man like Obama might want to study his "Hero" a bit closer! Check out the web site and quotes below to learn the facts and not read more myths. http://www.americanstalin.com/

-- Abraham Lincoln in speeches at Peoria, Illinois ....

My first impulse would possibly be to free all slaves and send them to Liberia to their own native land. But a moment's reflection would convince me that this would not be best for them. If they were all landed there in a day they would all perish in the next ten days, and there is not surplus money enough to carry them there in many times ten days. What then? Free them all and keep them among us as underlings. Is it quite certain that this would alter their conditions?

Free them and make them politically and socially our equals? My own feelings will not admit of this, and if mine would, we well know that those of the great mass of whites will not. We cannot make them our equals.

A system of gradual emancipation might well be adopted, and I will not undertake to judge our Southern friends for tardiness in this matter."

Abraham Lincoln later said, in discussing the options of colonizing them with segregated areas of Texas, Mississippi and South Carolina: "If we turn 200,000 armed Negroes in the South, among their former owners, from whom we have taken their arms, it will inevitably lead to a race war. It cannot be done.

The Negroes must be gotten rid of." Ben Butler responded to this by saying: "Why not send them to Panama to dig the canal?" Lincoln was delighted with this suggestion, and asked Butler to consult Seward at once. Only a few days later, John Wilkes Booth assassinated Lincoln and one of his conspirators wounded Seward.

It is fairly common knowledge that Lincoln was not the "great emancipator" as history claims. He had very mixed emotions about slavery, not so much as to its inherent "wrongness", but more with respect to how to correct a problem without creating chaos.

Basically, it was a political hot potato which had to be dealt with very delicately in order to appease two warring segments of our country. Obviously, the immorality of owning another human being was not a difficult position to defend. The quandary was what to do with these "disowned possessions".

Lincoln's strength was in considering the rights of both sides in this debate. It was very difficult to solve a problem that was so morally ill-conceived as slavery, but he knew that to do nothing would perpetuate a war that was very unpopular on both sides.

Lincoln's death came at a time in which history might have been rewritten. For Lincoln, it was the "problem" of the Negros that needed to be "gotten rid of"... and quickly in order to prevent national anarchy.

Presidents Lincoln and Obama share one very astounding similarity in their presidential challenges. No matter what decisions they make, many Americans will suffer and it will take years for this country to recover from some incredibly horrific decisions made by their predecessors.

Forthright

More "Club" Perks...

Care and make an effort said...

The citizens of Greenville who care need to take action when they see someone littering. Call 911 and report the tag number, if it happens driving or while parking. Maybe, if we all did this, some of these jerks would finally get the message...oh wait, these same people leave small children and pets unattended in cars, their children ride in their laps while they drive or the children stand in their moving vehicles and wear NO seat belts...in comparison, litter would be last on the list, but it is a start!

I called the cops one night when leaving Wal Mart. As I approached my car I found 4 small children, all under the age of 10 years old, left unattended at on a hot July evening, mosquitoes out in force. The doors were unlocked, windows down and the baby was crying for momma, while the siblings tried to cope. The mother came out as I stood by waiting for the cops to appear, she denied that the kids were alone as if I was nuts and jumped in her car and took off.

Luckily, I had already made note of her car tag. When the cop got there, I am not kidding now, his response to my story was that there was nothing to be done about it, that was just how Greenville was!!!!! I pushed and made him make out a report, later I called the then Chief with not much better response. As a last resort, I called the welfare office, I heard the cop getting her name from the tag. I reported her for child neglect and they said it would be investigated by one of their Social workers. Who knows if any thing came of it, but at least I tried and did not just walk by that night. More of that needs to happen in this city, people have to care to make it better!

Anonymous said...

Now that brings up a whole other conversation. The Dept. of Human Services around here is so overworked and underpaid that they probably looked at your report and rolled their eyes. You'd be lucky if that parent recieved some training in how to parent, because there surely was no threat to lose her kids for what she did. If we lived in most other states, there would be something to answer for if she left her kids in the car alone on a hot, summer evening!!

Anonymous said...

hot or not no responsible parents should leave children in a car alone. you can bet if something happened to those children they'd be the first to sue wal-mart, call a lawyer or call the police all the while never admitting they did anything wrong. Parent is the wrong word for these people. they are not parents. all they did was give birth and collect welfare and ssi payments. these are not children to them--they are ways to make money. have you heard them "talk" to the kids, it's nothing but screaming and cursing. If you criticize them, you are being racist or insensitive. I feel so sorry for the kids!

I know that the first author has the best intentions, but if I called 911 and reported someone littering, they would probably come and arrest me. Sure there are laws against littering; just as there are laws regarding seat belt use and child restraints, but they are generally overlooked (for certain citizens).

There are numerous laws on the books for which people get a "pass" in Greenville. How many times have you been behind a vehicle bilging smoke, has no tail lights or muffler, crushed windshield, parts dragging underneath... but a brand new inspection sticker on (what's left of) the windshield? I find myself having to change lanes every 500 feet in Greenville to keep from being asphyxiated from the vehicle in front of me.

In most cities, the police don't care if you drive a $200 "hooptie" or a $50K Hummer, the laws apply the same. Not in Greenville! It's another "club" perk where if you can't afford a car that is "legal", it's okay to pollute the environment and endanger other drivers.

My daughter was pulled over last week for "following too close". There was nothing wrong with her vehicle, she wasn't speeding and in her estimation, she was four car lengths behind the car in front of her. She was informed by the officer that it was at his discretion as to what constitutes "tail-gating" and that she best not argue with him. She didn't get a ticket because she shut her mouth. I guess I have taught her something in 19 years.

The point being, when were the police charged with interpreting the law? Probably 40% of the cars in Greenville should be removed from the road for blatant motor vehicle safety violations, and yet... it ain't gonna happen to club members!

Once again, we have two standards. If you can afford to abide by the laws, then you must; but if you are "doing the best you can", you get a pass... and that is at the individual officer's discretion! Democracy in action?

Forthright

Premium Parking?

GREENVILLE - “It can't be done.”

That's what Mayor Heather McTeer Hudson says to the question: “Why can't we have diagonal parking on Washington Avenue?”

A memo to the mayor from Lorenzo Anderson, interim city engineer, explained the city's position on the issue of parallel vs. diagonal parking.

“As previously discussed concerning the diagonal parking on Washington Avenue from Walnut Street to Delesseps Street, the MDOT's (Mississippi Department of Transportation) Roadway Design Manual requires 27 feet for diagonal parking maneuver.

“In order to have only two lanes of traffic with diagonal parking on both sides,” Anderson wrote, “we will need a total of 80 feet from curb to curb. Currently the width of the street is 67 feet from curb to curb. The current width of the street is not adequate to safely accommodate diagonal parking on both sides of the street.

”The city must comply with state and federal regulations when it uses state and federal funding, Hudson said. The fact that some cities still have diagonal parking in tight spots doesn't matter, she said, because if such situations arose now, where a city was basically reconstructing a street using federal dollars, that entity would have to abide by the new standards.

“The street is only 67 feet wide,” Hudson said. “The numbers just don't add up. Basically, you need 80 feet across to have diagonal parking, we only have 67.”

Where did the space go? There was diagonal parking on alternating sides of the street. Considering there are only about ten businesses left on Washington Avenue, this shouldn't be rocket science.

In as much as we are the "fattest" state in the nation, it might do us well to have to walk half a block!

Forthright

Aahhh... Paris in Spring!

Delta Democrat Times reports:

A request for funding to replace a heating and air conditioning unit in a building owned by the city sparked debate about where the money will come from at Tuesday's City Council meeting.

Brad Jones, public works director, asked for $3,800 for a HVAC replacement for Brent Neighborhood Facility. The money had not been budgeted, Jones said.“Take it out of the travel/advertising budget,” said Councilman Kenny Gines.

However, Mayor Heather McTeer Hudson urged the council not to deplete that portion of the budget.“Please do not sacrifice your entire (travel/training) budget,” she said, adding that she would be asking council members to accompany her on some trips as the city pursues federal funding for numerous projects.

Councilwoman Ann Hollowell asked if the city had reduced the rent for the daycare in exchange for the renter's making some repairs themselves. Councilman Carl McGee said no, saying it was still the city's responsibility to take care of the building.

“We're going to find this money,” Hudson said.

Councilman Errick Simmons made a motion to approve the request for funding, which Jones and Hudson said they will find. McGee seconded the motion, which passed.

The question of funding for a travel/training request for $245.09 that was turned down last month by the council came up again, but this time Hudson was present to explain the request. She said her trip to the Mississippi Delta Grassroots Caucus in Little Rock, hosted by the Delta Regional Authority Thursday and Friday, is not merely a speaking engagement, but an opportunity to lobby for funds for the port city.

“The city of Greenville requested to make a presentation to this organization about a lot of our infrastructure projects, but also transportation,” Hudson said. “This is the organization that has given us the most recent funding for the Washington Avenue project, the second half of that project.”

However, she said she was not going to ask for travel expenses again for the trip. She said a third party has agreed to pay for it. The council turned down the request at the Jan. 20 meeting because some members said they did not believe the city should pay expenses for the mayor's speaking engagements. Hudson was in Washington, D.C., for the inauguration during that meeting.

"Save the travel budget!" is the latest cry from our globe trotting mayor. This was our mayor's response to a recent request to replace an HVAC system at a city owned child care facility.

Hudson promised to "find" the money elsewhere rather than deplete our (her) travel and training budget. In the same meeting, the council voted not to reimburse the mayor for a recent two day trip to Little Rock which she claimed was an opportunity to lobby for funds for the port city. The mayor stated that she had found a "third party" to pay for the trip.

As for Hudson's Washington DC trip, just how much "work" do you think actually occurred on the days before and after Obama's inauguration? With the entire country's economy headed toward a depression, I doubt that the Mississippi Delta's woes were on anyone's short list.

Everyone needs to take advantage of Mayor Hudson's "open mic" Wednesdays. Ask questions and demand answers to our city's plight. You had better hurry though... I hear Paris in spring is quite beautiful!

Forthright

Hudson and Humphreys: What a Team!

Local officials are working toward a Feb. 19 deadline to prepare plans and bids ready submission to the federal government for a portion of the $825 billion economic recovery stimulus package proposed by President Barack Obama.

Ray Humphreys, CEO of Delta Regional Medical Center, said the hospital has a master plan for land purchased several years ago. The property is on Colorado Street south of Lowe's, which is on Mississippi 1. “The primary purpose of that purchase was to find a location for a new hospital when we have the funds to build that,” Humphreys said. “The 180-acre campus would also have room for and has plans for other facilities to be on that campus.”

Humphreys said the facilities could include doctors' offices, a cancer center and various medical support businesses.“Those businesses like to locate near hospitals. What we want to do is go ahead and do something that will cause that development to start,” said Humphreys. “We can't build a new hospital right now, but let's go ahead and get an entrance road in there with underground utilities in place so that people can go ahead and start developing their facilities on that campus. We want to make it development ready.”

Although DRMC has been involved in a $6 million renovation for the past couple of years, the hospital is 55 years old and does not offer the kind of facilities necessary to attract some doctors practicing in specialties, he said.“This community needs a modern, new health care center so that we can address the needs in this area more adequately,” he said, adding that Mississippi leads the nation in incidences of many health problems, such as diabetes and hypertension." We've got to have the facilities from which to operate to attract doctors,” said Humphreys.

Humphreys said DRMC has had talks with University Medical Center and William Carey College about the School of Osteopathic Medicine they are developing to use the hospital as a residency and a training program.“We need to do those kinds of things,” he said. “It's kind of hard to attract medical specialists if you have old, out-of-date facilities. It doesn't give them the ability to practice the kind of medicine that they were trained to do.”

No thanks! said...

My response is more of a question. For all the millions spent on DRMC why is it out of date???? No, I do not want a new hospital on the south end of town....why?? For one, my taxes are stretched to the limit, as it is in this city. The last thing we need are more taxes through the city and county to pay for this new hospital.

Second? Let's see, go to any city, not just Greenville, and where ever that hospital is located you can bet the worst part of town is nearby. Most welfare recipients and all of the low income follow hospitals as to where they want to live because of convenience to get free medical attention when needed. The closer they are the less need of transportation or the cheaper it is for them to get there. I honestly am not trying to be racist, this applies to whites or blacks.....be honest and you will see what I am talking about.

Most hospitals were built years ago, the neighborhoods then were usually upscale and high class. Now those same neighborhoods are run down and the original owners are long gone.

Think of Jackson, the VA Center, Univ. Med Center....all dangerous areas to be visiting loved ones in the hospital.So, please, fix up, update the DRMC and keep the crime rate where it is without it expanding more to the south, thanks but no thanks!

There he goes again! $6 million dollars in renovations; $4 million for an ad campaign and now Ray wants a new hospital! Does this man ever quit?

NICU - Failed; Heart Center - Flop; Burn Center - Gone; KDH... why? When will Ray learn that hospitals are not about shiny new buildings, but about qualified medical staff who are treated fairly and are proud to work at that facility. The way to keep good nurses, physicians and ancillary staff is to create a work environment that is safe, non-threatening and fair to all. That's where DRMC fails.

In terms of having state of the art equipment, DRMC is doing rather well. Sure, everyone would love to have a new medical center, but would it improve health care in the Delta? Would building all new schools improve our educational system? I think not.

So, in the last two years, we have spent $10 million dollars to "build the next great hospital in Mississippi" and now Ray has realized that none of his ideas have worked. So now he is back in his field of dreams asking for money to build an entrance road with underground utilities. Another "road to nowhere" funded by guess who?

Forthright

In Good Hands?

Concerned Citizen writes:

On Dec. 2, I called the Greenville Water Plant to report that raw sewage was backing up into my downstairs bathroom. City workers came by that afternoon and checked the sewer line at the south end of the street, but they did not let me know anything.

A few days later I reported to the water plant again that raw sewage was still coming into my downstairs bathroom. Workers came out again and told me to call a plumber. Plumbers came by, opened the manhole by the street at the end of my driveway, and showed me that the city sewer line is clogged or has collapsed north of my property, causing the raw sewage to overflow and back up into my house.

To make a long story short, city workers have been here; representatives from the Health Department have been here; Brad Jones has been here; plumbers have been here; Lee Owen has tried several times to help - and still nothing has been repaired. The plumbers did dig a trench in my front yard and left my clean-out valve open so that raw sewage will no longer come into my house.

The city workers and Brad Jones all admit that this is a city problem, but they have no idea when the sewer line will be repaired. In the meantime I have paid my plumber $433.35 for digging an unsightly (but necessary) trench in my front yard. The city should reimburse me for this expense since the obstruction is in the city sewer line north of my house, but Brad Jones tells me that the city probably will not reimburse me.

In mid-January I asked Brad again when the repairs will be made to the sewer line on my street. He admitted that he has no idea. He went on to say that there are many jobs on the list before this one.

Something tells me that this job will be like so many other projects in Greenville - the downtown improvements, the Bass renovation, the city street repairs, etc., etc., etc.

Something tells me, you're right! The really sad fact is that while residential streets and sewers are in total disrepair, we can still find money for the downtown "road to nowhere." The residential sections of Washington avenue (from DRMC to Hwy 82) are horrendous. This section is designated as our "historical" district for which tax payers pay dearly and yet the avenue is almost impassable.

Look at Bowman Boulevard. For the total costs of "patching" that street over the past ten years, it should be paved in gold. Instead, it is a roller coaster of bumps and ruts. The city has been working on Main Extended for 3 years and every time they patch a section, water starts oozing from from another and there are still several open "craters" that will jar your teeth.

If the past election has taught us a new buzz-word, it is "transparency". We should demand to know how our road and property taxes are being spent. Go down to City Hall and ask for a copy of a line-item budgetary expenditure report for 2008. Keep track of how many people you have to ask for this report as well as the number of excuses you get of why that information is "not currently available".

Actually, it would be a very good question for the Mayor herself during her weekly open forum visits with the residents. "Transparency" in our city and county governments is not something we will see in our lifetime.

Forthright

Over the Line

DRMC employee shares:

It is no wonder there is poor morale at DRMC which affects patient care. The way employees are mistreated and abused by upper management with reckless disregard for the DRMC Code of Conduct, not to mention federal laws, is just a drop in the bucket.

Recent events at "holiday parties" are good examples of upper management's misconduct with no accountability. Employees were attending a departmental Thanksgiving party held at the home of a supervisor. A revenue director became inebriated and in a drunken stupor told a hospital worker she was going to beat her ass and added there were other asses there that she was going to beat.

This is clearly indicative of upper management's Neanderthal mentality, and misconduct regarding rules against threat of violence to employees. If this was not bad enough, at a departmental Christmas party held at the home of the revenue director, the financial administrator became inebriated and in his drunken stupor told a worker and her husband that he needed to go home and take care of "that thing" before she had surgery.

This is clearly indicative of upper management's disdain, and misconduct regarding rules against lewd remarks and sexual harassment.

Sounds like DRMC employees had a bit too much holiday cheer! As for lewd remarks and sexual harassment, you should report this officially to Mr. Alphe Wells, whose job it is to insure that these incidents are investigated completely and appropriate action taken.

Unfortunately, this is just another example of the lack of sophistication and crudeness tolerated in "upper management" positions at DRMC. Humor is one thing, but when does it cross the line? I would suggest that the two examples of behavior above are about ten steps OVER the line.

We should demand more of our community "leaders".

Forthright

Congratulations President Obama!

It won't be all festivities and celebrations for Mayor Heather McTeer Hudson when she arrives in the nation's capital for the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama.

Sure, there will be inaugural balls and such, but Hudson is also going to work.“We're going to the inauguration on Tuesday and I've got meetings on Wednesday morning.”

Still, the historical significance of the event isn't lost on the mayor.“It's wonderful to be able to celebrate the first African-American president of the United States,” said Hudson. “It's truly momentous.

At the same time,” she added, “it's exciting to celebrate the president who is ready to come to work.”Hudson will continue her efforts to bring funding to Greenville for a variety of projects. The president-elect has pledged funds to help the nation's crumbling infrastructure, something the two-term mayor knows a lot about.Hudson will meet on Capital Hill with other mayors and congressional leaders.

“Specifically for me, it's the Greenville community and other communities around Greenville, making sure that our infrastructure needs are there at the table,” Hudson said. “We're not going seeking theme parks and seeking things that have come under fire by the larger media, that some of the cities are looking for.

“We're going for base infrastructure: streets, sewer, water,” she said. “And we don't want to be left out. We've got to hit the ground running from day one, making sure that our needs are there.

Hudson believes her plan will work.“How better to improve the United States of America, both from an economic standpoint and from a structural standpoint, than to put the money into infrastructure,” said Hudson. “(Obama) is working not only with state governments but also local organizations, mayors, city council members, - organizations that have actual input, have hands-on contact - with how these dollars would be spent in our community.

“He's really getting a good idea of what it's going to take to get the structure of this nation back into play,” Hudson continued. “But also how many jobs is that going to create, what's the amount of money that is going to go into that?”

Hudson said when Obama unveiled his infrastructure stimulus package, he emphasized the need for information for projects that would be ready to start quickly. Going on the belief that “if you don't ask, you won't get it,” or possibly, “dream big,” Hudson has a wish list totaling nearly $338 million.

Hudson recently began a new feature at City Hall, “Open Office with the Mayor.” Citizens are invited to visit with the mayor at to discuss concerns, ideas, or plans they have regarding Greenville. Open Office is designed to give citizens the opportunity to just stop by and chat.

“I want citizens to feel free to stop by and share their ideas, compliments and complaints,” Hudson said. “In a city with over 40,000 residents, it can be difficult at times to get to every single person. This will allow us a day each week dedicated to just hearing from our citizens and improve our overall communications.”

The sessions will be held every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the mayor's office. No appointments are necessary. Persons will be seen on a first come first serve basis.

By TERRI FERGUSON SMITH, Delta Democrat Times

Tuesday, January 20, 2009, will be a momentous day for this country and the world. A new era will begin ushered in by one of the most challenging economies since the great depression. President Obama will need the support of every American to achieve his goals. It is a time for all of us to put aside our personal views and stand behind the man we have elected as President.

No one man can clean up the mess we have "permitted" in Washington D.C., but I believe that we will see significant steps toward that goal under Obama's leadership. Between the economy and the war, I can not imagine why anyone would want the job of President, but Mr. Obama seems to think he can make a difference and we should all commend his dedication and fortitude.

With a little positive thinking and a great deal of support from all Americans, perhaps President Obama will be the catalyst for change that this country has needed for years. We need a leader to whom we can look to for strength, honesty and support of the freedoms on which America was founded.

I hope you join me in wishing President Barack Obama the best of luck as our 44th President of the United States of America.

Forthright

Education is the Key

Anonymous said...

You can't blame the whites for leaving Greenville or the public schools. blame teenage pregnancy, one parent families, crime, gangs, welfare, parents who don't care, etc. i feel safe at ws. i don't feel safe at greenville public schools. Some of the parents are as scary as the students. i know that will be taken as racist, but it's how i feel. i want to go somewhere where i have the same lifestyle and values as the other parents. My family doesn't live off government handouts. I believe in working for what you get. I don't want to be around people who have an "entitlement" mentality.
9:05 AM

Anonymous said...

Private Schools were a blessing to this community. Oh yes a lot of parents cut budgets took a side job and worked extra hours to make sure our children got the best education available to them. My children went to private school and they are now well educated and contributing to their respective communities which by the way does not happen to be Greenville. I graduated from Gville High and got a good education. I was there before metal detectors and guards walking the halls.

I have watched classmates who come back for a reunion and have not been in Gville for 20 yrs or so just cry when they see the city now. In fact there are several upcoming reunions that are thinking about having theirs outside of Greenville because of the present condition of the city. They want to remember Greenville as it was when we had leadership in Greenville.

Whether you are black or white just ride around and look at your city and see if you are satisfied. Tell me your elected officials are making a difference. Ride down some side streets like S. California and tell me you like the way it looks or McCorkle Circle. Try 82 Hwy or Main St.

Just tell me at what point Gville was in this condition under white leadership. It is natural to defend your race but you sure as the devil do not have to vote for them if you want a better Gville for both black and white.
10:24 AM

Quality education is the key to a growing and prosperous economy. If you are lucky enough to receive a good education in the Delta, the first thing you do is "get out" (as the author above noted). Who can blame them? Today's Delta is the heart of poverty, ignorance and apathy. The local government is corrupt and their crimes go unpunished.

Local politicians stand in front of a TV camera and slaughter the English language. Some are barely literate. What message does that send to our children about the value of education? The only thing our "leaders" know how to do well is hold onto their jobs (which goes back to the "silent game").

I once had a black teacher tell me that "whites" could not teach "black" children. When I asked her to clarify, she stated, "Y'all don't know where we been; we have a different culture." Admittedly, this was several years ago, but it brings to light a very good question: If you perceive yourself as "different", then logically you expect different treatment... which is the basis for prejudice. What happened to cultural diversity... or is that a one way street?

It is sad to think that former students would consider moving their class reunion rather than have to face the reality of Greenville. Perhaps memories are the only things Greenville has left to offer.

Forthright

The Rise and Fall of Racism

A Black Racist speaks said...

Very good insight from both of you. Now if I may, as a black Deltan who still has hope, I’d like to add my two cents. There seems to be a tradition in the Delta (and the whole country for that matter) where black people, unable to come up with a strong enough argument against a white protagonist, almost out of desperation calls the white person a racist.

This, of course, implies an unwritten assumption that black people are not capable of being racist and that all criticism of black people by white people is based on racism.Well, I think it is time to debunk that myth. Black people can be as racist, or even more racist, than some of the worst white racists.

I sincerely believe that black people use the race card when they are unable to come up with convincing arguments against white people. This is not to say that sometimes the criticism by white people of black people is not based on racism, but this is not always the case.

I believe that, by calling somebody a racist, it probably says more about you than about the other person.In any case, how in heaven’s name are we going to be able to have decent debates here if all white people are going to be scared to criticize black people? No one likes to be called a racist, and it is inevitable in the Delta for whites who criticize blacks to be tarnished with that label.

I try to deal with this issue by confessing that I am a racist. Once I have done this, I believe that it levels the playing ground for us to have a conversation about race and racism. And it is important for us to have this conversation. I believe that in our haste to become a “rainbow nation”, we did not deal with the issues that caused us so much pain in the past, and racism is one of those.

Unless we deal with the issues of race and racism, unless we talk about them, they will always come back to haunt us.

Now let’s say this together: I am a racist. You are a racist. Let’s talk.

And what better time to do it than now, before it gets worse for us here and more of the good ones that could lead in the future leave us.

The author makes a good point. To some degree, we are all racists. "Racism" being defined as a dislike of a group or groups of people based solely on their ethnicity. Here in the Delta, we generally label racism as black vs. white. In the mid-west, both blacks and whites are accused of racism toward Hispanic people.

Racism is simply another word for hatred and it only displays one's ignorance. It is easy to blame all of Greenville's woes on one race or the other; however, the real battle is not black vs. white, but educated vs. ignorant. The educated of both races are fleeing Greenville, leaving us with only those of an "entitlement" mentality.

The best thing that Mayor Hudson has done for Greenville is prove that neither the sex nor the race of a mayor matters at the end of the day. Greenville's decline started decades ago under mostly white leadership and has steadily progressed.

Perhaps now that both races have failed to produce the "magic strategy" to save Greenville; it might be a good time to join hands and work together.

Forthright

Welfare: The Other Bridge to Nowhere

Local Reflector said...

I'll always pull for the Delta to succeed but I left there a few years ago as well. While there, the only way I really felt I could stir emotion and fight apathy was through Delta Scoop, so I launched it for $17 to buy an easy website that's now expired. I tried to physically help in the community. My participation wasn't welcome among the local civic leaders so, BOOM, the Local Reflector was born.

One can accuse many blog participants and commentators of doing nothing but talking negatively. From my perspective a few years ago, just offering an outlet was better than keeping quiet, being censored and saying nothing at all, thus guaranteeing no debate.

I'll challenge those who call existing residents "nay-sayers" to speak to the aspects in terms of civic, economic and educational policy matters. Real policy and real leadership - don't fall back on comments like Greenville has a great steak house,had local writers, a rich blues heritage and other philosophical anesthetics that prevent true issues discussions. The truth is that without discussing cultural offerings that really don't advance the economy or truly increase the overall quality of life (but would hurt it if they vanished), the issues are tough for Washington County.

REAL "meat n' potatoes" policy discussions cause pain right now. They did for my entire life in the Delta. I'll admit.....I wouldn't know what to do either.

The truth is that there is really not a lot any of us can do about the economy of Greenville. The welfare population is growing at three times the national average. Children are having children. Educated students (black and white) flee Greenville as soon as they are handed a diploma... vowing never to return. Tax payers are fleeing Greenville to secure what little savings and equity they have left in real estate.

So, who is left in Greenville? Primarily a group of uneducated, unmotivated, welfare "savvy" residents who ride free on the taxpayers' dollars. Many, not all, are quite comfortable with this system as it is all they have known for generations. Welfare was developed to be a "temporary bridge" between jobs. It has evolved into a way of life for many.

Under our current Welfare system, people are penalized for going to work. If you are unemployed, you get free health care for yourself and your children through Medicaid. You get food stamps and qualify for Section 8 housing in which the government pays all or part of your rent. If you have worked at all within the last 12 months, you can also draw unemployment up to $230 a week.

If your 15 year old daughter comes home pregnant, is that good news or bad? Economically, it is probably good news in that the unborn child will soon be converted to another "check" drawn from the "cash cow" we call welfare!

So, where is the incentive to go out and get a job? If you had free health care, free food, little or no housing costs and up to $230 per week for anything else you wanted... would YOU be pounding the pavement looking for a job?

The system is being abused and WE are permitting it. When was the last time you saw a starving child in the Delta? Most are obese because of their lifestyles and diets. Illegitimate children have become monetary rewards under our system that sets no boundaries to this economic "dole".

To flee Greenville is not to fix Greenville... as LR has noted; however, for many, it is probably the first step toward a brighter future. To those who complain that the "Scoop" is too negative, I refer you to LR's initial motive for founding the Delta Scoop, which was to provide an outlet and forum for debate. I have tried to maintain that tradition which seems to have been moderately successful.

I doubt that there are any simple answers in the debate over of how to "fix" Greenville... but when we stop asking questions, we are sunk!

Forthright

The "Mind Game"

Local Reflector said...

Please, if you can, support the Delta Democrat Times and give new leadership a chance to prove itself. Granted, the early part of this decade saw the previous managers play deference to local politicians who don't want the public to get in tune with what's happening under their leadership. The perception was a reality, then, and may've contributed to philosophical disagreements between some subscribers and the publisher. It's one thing to cheer lead for a region, it's another to insist that the general public turn its head or be labeled as a malcontent.

Granted, there's a difference between attacking the newspaper emotionally and noting the growing number of wire stories being published daily. Remember, that media outlets are 100% dependent on local merchants to advertise with some national advertising purchases. As car lots find sales plummeting and other industries survive the recession, becoming monopolies with no pressure to market to a captive audience, you'll see media financial struggles. The result is fewer reporters with the same or growing demands of the readership.

TV news does make the spot news coverage dated in the newspaper but young television reporters may not have the time to dig deeper or sufficient training (at this stage of their career) to follow complex issues. Their audiences won't allow a slower news pace so it's "run and gun." However, advertising solely funds TV newsrooms to broadcast to larger audiences but there's no "pay per view" aspect to subscribing to watch local news whereas a daily paper subscription IS pay to view. There is a niche on which to capitalize. Is there enough of a paying audience and reading audience to justify advertising in local media and thus helping reporters earn a small living in Greenville? It's a dilemma facing newspapers and local broadcasters across this country as people forgo the knowledge of what's happening on their street in favor of nightly cable "political entertainment" shows many assume to be journalistic programs over editorial platforms on strictly national issues.

The DDT could learn much from the success of the "Delta Scoop" by and large. There's a lot of whining on here but there are always stubbles among the hay. News die-hards seek engagement when discussing the issues. They are few but they are empowering to reporters, each other and to those who are seeking better understanding and involvement.However, an independent media must be cultivated. It's not enough to silence "everyman critics and it's NO public service to for there to be no journalist watchdogs on city hall or the county courthouse. A hybrid relationship serves the same purpose for readers as having no newspaper or local news broadcast. One media outlet may disappear but if the existing news outlets don't tell it "straight," what's the difference?

Anonymous said...

Welcome back, LR. You've been missed.

Anonymous said...

Local Reflector I agree with all you have said and i have enjoyed our local paper for over 50 yrs.

Now let me state how hard it is to support our local businesses under the present leadership. Yes it is very hard! Mayor Hudson has created the worst disaster in Greenville since the 1927 flood. Yes Greenville survived the flood and flourished but under our present leadership we are on a path that will end in failure if the leadership does not change. Even if she resigns we will be no better off with Gines so we are literally in a no win situation.

Mr Jefcoat had us in descent shape and after he left it was all downhill. Mayor Hudson wants this city black and wants to do it with grant money and government assistance 100%. Well mayor Greenville was not built that way. Greenville was built by business leaders who loved greenville and wanted to make a difference instead of just getting elected for a pay check. There is not 1 successful business leader on council.

Sure there are some good people on council and some really want to make a difference but it has not happened under Hudson. The Morale in Greenville is terrible. It is no longer a place to come shop. The crime is terrible. The streets are terrible. No business wants to come here. The people who spend money do it outside of Greenville.Wake up Mayor!

The fact is 35 per cent of the Greenville population is paying 100 per cent of the taxes and the rest are unemployed and getting government assistance with no ambition to do better.The city is crumbling around us and regardless of economy and excuses the present leadership is responsible.

There is not a industry or business that could make a difference by locating in Greenville coming here until we clean Greenville up and have a major change at city hall. Bottom Line.

Local Reflector responds:

Greenville needs more of the entrepreneurial spirit, there's no question but that's a spirit that is cultivated or inspired as people believe in their abilities. Many times, grant monies short circuit the process by funding ideas or proposed ideas without a diligent audit of the grant recipients' ability or motivation to actually act on the proposal not to mention short-circuiting the natural forces that dictate whether a proposed program or project is an effective or "good" idea or whether it needs to be replaced with the next experiment.

Once grant recipients get acclimated to a steady paycheck via grant money, it KILLS the process entirely.Why would a non-profit agency or citizen "activist" want to solve community challenges if the existence of the challenge (and its worsening) means more money, more pay and more political clout for the supposed expert? Grants can do great things for cash-strapped communities....paving roads (but in a timely manner) is one such benefit.

But it depends on leaders at the local level actively working and not holding meetings, issuing soundbites and insisting that the public hear they're working hard yet are helpless in facing the situation at hand. These economic development meetings are basically the same meeting being held over and over and over. I believe a severely apathetic general public allows this to occur. Apathy allows the incompetent to reign without worry while cheating the community of brain power and intellect (as people choose NOT to offer possibly constructive ideas or honest "medicine").

If 35% of the people are paying 100% of the taxes, I don't think that fact is lost on Greenville leaders. I certainly do not believe they would purposely punish taxpayers though you taxpayers may feel punished. If they keep raising taxes, they risk greater outward migration of citizens with the financial means to move away from the fiscal policy. If they start cutting services, they'll alienate tax payers who believe they are getting NOTHING for their tax payments instead of the current disappointment.

In summary, your legacy families will stay and go down with the proverbial ship and don't have the answers - they ruled the area well before a second-term mayor. A new influx of new citizens, while openly supported, probably isn't so popular behind closed doors and at a personal level (where new residents would feel their sense of "home" when arriving).

So, how do you inspire a generation of people while instilling a work ethic and removing excuse? Civic leaders are talking a talk but the "walking" must be done by the displaced workers who'll earn a paycheck and then stimulate the local economy. Think Textron. Employees who said they needed work effectively ruined it making the Greenville plant not worth the company's efforts in spite of heavy economic development subsidies.

Local leaders really are helpless except to adjust or maintain tax rates and public expenditures to keep current taxpayers somewhat stable and attempt to hold population levels. I don't envy the job. I've never bought into the power of positive thinking without an effort to create a business-friendly environment (public school quality, acceptable crime levels, quality water & sewer and decent property tax rates to encourage relocation and home purchases).

Remember, if most of the people are on gov't. assistance....and most of the political and civic leaders benefit from the transfer of gov't. payment monies into their businesses (rents, gambling, etc), then it's an uphill climb to get potential workers to earn their way off the dole, cutting off guaranteed subsidies AND the guaranteed cash flow of local business and political interests who thrive of the steady cash transfer on a monthly basis.

I'm afraid your economy is based on low and no-income citizens transferring its finances (in tiny pieces) to smaller class of leaders who benefit financially and offering its subsequent apathy to current incumbents. It's a mind game, really.

Good to hear from our old friend "Local Reflector". As always, he has a firm grip on the current maladies that plague our community.

The prevailing mentality of our local government is "what's in it for me?" When fiscal misbehavior is permitted, it is in essence "promoted" and it quickly spreads throughout all aspects of local government. Soon, even an "honest" official realizes he has but two options: get on the take, or get out.

I agree with LR that we are caught up in a mind game... or as I would more aptly call it, "The Quiet Game." I keep quiet about what you do and you keep quiet about what I do... a "don't ask, don't tell" philosophy that has served its players well under Mayor Hudson's reign.

Is there hope for Greenville? Yes, there is always hope, but not without action from the few remaining taxpayers. Until we demand better, we should not expect it.

Forthright

A Changing Era

Anonymous said...

Different subject, but has anybody seen a worse paper than the DDT. Everything is straight off the associated press, or editorials and articles from McComb, Greenwood, or Vicksburg. How about some human interest stories. Maybe we should just have a Wednesday and Sunday DDT..Things to ponder...

Anonymous said...

Give the new editor a chance. He's already made some noticeable improvements. And his editorials have been EXCELLENT. Eleanor Barkhorn and Laura Smith have been recent additions that have performed well, also. Laura seems to be making an effort to work with schools and community organizations to get their news in. Be patient.

Pick up the phone or send an email to the DDT. Give them your kind and considered suggestions. Ask appropriate and reasonable questions, and you might find that they are very responsive when they are not being unfairly (and anonymously) criticized.

No, I don't work for the DDT and never have, but I do recognize the need for a community-based newspaper that represents our interests while giving us access to news from the rest of the planet. I've learned that making an enemy of the editorial staff never helps. Play nice.

Much has changed in Greenville since the days of Hodding Carter. In the early 1950's, there was a sense of pride about living in Greenville. It was noted for outstanding literary figures, artists and its excellent local newspaper, the Delta Democrat Times.

Believe it or not, Greenville Public Schools was rated 12th in the nation for "best quality in public education." It was a simpler time, but there were many good things about Greenville. The DDT brought us much notoriety as a leader in innovative journalism and exemplary writing. Teachers actually used the DDT as a teaching tool as to the correct use of grammar and literary style (and they didn't have "spell check").

Greenville was a growing community and there was much to report in terms of the arts, culture and social change. The DDT was the primary source of news in the Delta and the quality and accuracy of its articles were well respected.

Today, Greenville has changed and so has the DDT. The Carters saw the end of an era coming and sold the newspaper to a syndicated conglomerate. Since then, the newspaper has changed hands several times and is no longer regarded as a source of journalist excellence. The DDT now competes with local television media that broadcasts four to five times a day. Most of what can be considered "news" is old news by the time we read it in the DDT.

However, as the above contributor noted, there have been some noted improvements in the quality of editorials and commentaries presented in the DDT, to which credit must be given. Personally, I would hate to see the DDT fail or be reduced to a biweekly publication. A newspaper can be more than simply "news", but it must stay in tune with its readership.

Forthright

Edent Brent: A Jewel in our Crown!

Okay, some news is worth "stealing". Thanks to the Delta Democrat Times and Logan Mosby for this great article on one of the Delta's most incredible treasures! If you haven't heard Eden Brent play and sign... you haven't been treated to one of the greatest talents in the South. Thanks Eden for proving you don't have to be black... to sing the blues!

You can purchase Eden's DVD at several locations around town or at http://www.amazon.com/. You can even download it right onto your computer!

‘Mississippi No. 1' earns Brent blues nods By LOGAN MOSBY loganmosby@ddtonline.com
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 1:32 PM CST

Greenville blue artist Eden Brent has been nominated for four of the Blues Foundation's Blues Music Awards, including one for her new album, “Mississippi Number 1.” The ceremony will be in May in Memphis.

A Port City blues artist is making her way in the world and is picking up nominations left and right along the way.Most folks around these parts already had a head's up on Greenville native Eden Brent's talent, and now, with the release of her latest CD, “Mississippi Number One,” the rest of the world has been let in on the secret.

And it looks like the world, as well as the music industry, is standing up and taking notice. Tuesday, the Blues Foundation announced the nominees for the 2009 Blues Music Awards, and Brent has been tapped in four categories - Acoustic Album of the Year, Acoustic Artist of the Year, Best New Artist Debut and Pinetop Perkins Piano Player. “I feel so honored,”

Brent said Wednesday after learning of the nominations. “I've looked at the list of other nominees and to be recognized with the likes of B.B. King, it's just amazing.

“It is so nice to be mentioned among so many of my friends, as well as stellar artists that I have looked up to for so long. It was a wonderful surprise.”

Brent's love of music began at home with her family, and continued through high school, where she played flute in the marching band, all the way to the University of North Texas, where she earned a bachelor's degree in music.

But it wasn't until she began studying under the late, great Greenville bluesman Boogaloo Ames that Brent really found her musical footing. Brent spent 16 years learning the art form from Ames, earning the nickname, “Little Boogaloo.”

Since launching her solo career, she was named a 2004 inductee into the Greenville Blues Walk, the 2006 winner of the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge, and has headlined venues across the world, including the Kennedy Center, the British Embassy, and tours in South Africa and Norway. Brent has taken her success in stride, and this week's nominations have only reaffirmed her dedication to the blues and the Delta.

“I'm happy that I've been recognized with this album, ‘Mississippi Number One,' because it really is a tribute to Mississippi, and in particular, this area,” Brent said. “The Delta can really share in this recognition, because were it not for the people here, and the experiences I've had here, I wouldn't have anything to write about.”

Brent says that no matter where her career and success may lead her, Greenville and the Delta will always be her home.“I'm a Mississippi Delta gal, and I always will be,” she said. “I belong here, this place belongs to me.” The Blues Music Awards will be held May 7, 2009, at Cook Convention Center, in Memphis.

Get Eden's DVD... you won't be disappointed!

Forthright