By GEOFF PENDER and PATRICK PETERSON
THE SUN HERALD
The below article shows how a politician can explain how no wrong doing was done.
"I have nothing to hide."
Benefield lived in Trailwood Village Apartments in Gulfport without paying rent for more than three years. The complex is owned by an estate managed by Kathy Day, a longtime friend of Benefield's.
Benefield failed to report the value of the apartment rent to the Ethics Commission, something that is required by law.
Benefield and Kathy Day have said he performed security services for the complex, and that the apartment is payment for that work.
In Supervisor Benefield's case he even thinks the public believes he has done nothing wrong, and that is scary.
GULFPORT -Harrison County Supervisor Larry Benefield has recently faced questions about whether he has used his political office for personal benefit.
Of course he did, but he as a politician believes that what ever he tell the voters and taxpayers of Mississippi they will believe him.
Late last year, a citizens' group filed a complaint with the state Ethics Commission after reports that Benefield lived rent-free in an apartment managed by someone who received a county contract.
http://www.ethics.state.ms.us
click here
Here is where the plot thickens, I have dealt with the Ethics Commission, and I can tell you they are not the most honest commission in Mississippi.
The complaint was filed by Seeking A New Direction, a Harrison County citizens' group. After the complaint was filed, Benefield said, "I have nothing to hide." He said the complaint was political retaliation for his support of a Long Beach industrial plant opposed by neighbors who belong to SAND.
Passing the buck is another tactic by politician's, blame anyone but myself, get the public's mind off of the issue at hand.
Ron Crowe, director of the Ethics Commission, said that by law he, Benefield and members of SAND are not allowed to discuss the complaint or the status of any ethics investigation.
http://www.ethics.state.ms.us
click here
By using "CONFIDENTIALLY" you never know if a investigation has been done. You can never see the records proving an investigation was completed or not.
Benefield lived in Trailwood Village Apartments in Gulfport without paying rent for more than three years. The complex is owned by an estate managed by Kathy Day, a longtime friend of Benefield's.
Who in there right mind would believe an elected official would except over three (3) years of free rent without returning the favor.
During the time he lived rent-free, Benefield voted along with other supervisors for the county to accept a court order that allowed Day and her husband to take over Riverline Hills Water and Sewer District, a small utility that is now in the path of Gulfport's growth. Benefield said he did not help broker the sale of the utility, although others say differently.
Did I mention, "returning the favor."
Benefield also voted with other supervisors for the county to hire Riverbend Utilities Inc., which is owned by the Days, for a county contract to install fire hydrants.
This had become more than, "returning the favor," it has now become criminal.
But as I have said, if you are an elected official you are above the law.
MONEY, POWER, & PERK'S + FRAUD, WASTE, & ABUSE = CORRUPTION
Benefield failed to report the value of the apartment rent to the Ethics Commission, something that is required by law.
He forgot too report the value of the apartment rent to the Ethics Commission.
I bet the Ethics Commission did nothing to punish Benefield either. I will email the Ethics Commission and ask what action was taken.
You as taxpayers and voters can ask also!
http://www.ethics.state.ms.us
click here
Benefield said he has recently moved from the apartment to a new home. He said his failure to report the rent was an oversight. Benefield and Kathy Day have said he performed security services for the complex, and that the apartment is payment for that work. Day said that Benefield deterred crime in the complex by parking his marked county-owned sport utility vehicle outside.
Why is it every time an elected official is caught in wrong doing it's always an oversight.
And speaking of county-owned sport utility vehicle:
STEVEN A. McCALEB
COMMENTARY