Idiots, Ignorance and Injunctions

Yesterday, I informed you about Hobson's plan to bring on the rejects, but I was off on the proposed date of hire. I thought they would wait until the next regularly scheduled board meeting, but the board hired four new police officers last night: two full-time and two part-time officers. Since it was a special called meeting, I thought their names and rate of pay was supposed to be posted on the agenda, but they board made the decision to hire these officers during executive session. At last night's special called meeting, the board hired Robert Jones to clean the nasty floors at city hall for $1,200. Kudos to Robert, but how did this get on the agenda. Bobby Gibson recused himself at other meetings because of a $15.00 water bill adjustment for a family member, but stayed for the order to pay his brother-in-law $1,200 to clean the floors and carpeting at city hall. The board went over the budget and personnel policy, but the best part of the meeting was when the board emerged from executive session.
Bobby Gibson instructed the city clerk, Stephanie Mullings, to inform the public about what actions were taken during executive session. Stephanie had a grin on both of her chins when she read that the board has instructed city attorney, Lindsey Carter, to file an injunction against the Lumberton Informer. The last time I saw Stephanie that happy was when the board fired Cassandra Fortenberry and she was smiling and saying "We finally did it." Now we get down to the real reason why they called this meeting; Stephanie has convinced them of the need to file an injunction against the Lumberton Informer. I wish I could say that I was blind-sided, but I'm not. I can't believe that Crider, Johnson and Hale are so ignorant of the law; or prehaps they're just ignorant. For those of you that are not familiar with what's going on I will fill you in. On July 17, 2011 5:02 PM, Stephanie Mullings broke her silence and decided to post a comment on the Lumberton Informer. Although the comment was replete with half-truths, it was her opinion and she is entitled to her opinion. Then on July 18, 2011 3:41 PM another comment was posted by Stephanie C. Mullings. When I first saw the comment, I really didn't think it was posted by Stephanie because that just wasn't her style. She's more of a throw her rocks and hide her hands kind of girl. But then I stated to make some phone calls and verified some of the statements contained in the comment. Afterwards, I found out that Stephanie has included letters in the aldermen packets, apologizing for not completing her work in a timely fashion; I also found out that she often leaves the office to attend various events, and I also found out that she has adjusted the budget to give herself a raise. I can not say with certitude that the comment was posted by Stephanie Mullings, but it certainly was posted by someone that is fully aware of her day to day activities. So, in order to distance herself from the comments that were posted, she convinced the board to get the city attorney to take legal action on her behalf since the comments were posted under her name. I guess at some point, Stephanie realized that the Internet is written in ink and not in pencil. And to be honest, I really don't think it took much to convince Kent Crider, Rebecca Hale and Timothy Johnson to assist Stephanie with getting the city attorney to draft an injunction. For the record, Injunctive relief is generally considered a legal remedy of last resort, so when you file a lawsuit you must show that you need the injunction because no other remedies are adequate for your situation. At this moment, Lindsey Carter is either on vacation or a business trip, but I can't wait to see if he responds to this order, but I will keep you post; better yet, I will blog about it. In the meantime, I am in talks with the American Civil Liberties Union, and they informed me that nothing can be done until I receive an actual notice. So, if and when I receive the injunction, you will be the first to know. Stay tuned.