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    A bill that could have meant 125 new jobs for Grenada died in the Mississippi House of Representatives today.
    Legislative sources said that Local and Private Committee Chairman Willie Perkins of Greenwood said he would not let the bill out of his committee until all members of the Grenada City Council agreed.
    City officials, lead by Councilman Lewis Johnson, have been opposed to the $50 million private investment project because under state law a city cannot collect city sales tax on property outside city limits. Johnson wanted a provision on the bill that would allow such tax collection.
    The original bill had previously sailed through the Senate in regular session, but Senators were apparently afraid the taxing clause added by the House of Representatives at Johnson’s request would cause legal repercussions on city and county taxing relationships across the state. The Senate let the revised legislation die.
    The Governor re-introduced the original Senate-passed legislation in the special session.
    It again sailed through the Senate, but died in the House Local and Private Committee.
    In addition to new payroll, the proposed project would have featured a resort hotel, marina, and restaurant facilities at Grenada Lake near The Dogwoods golf course.

Visitor Comments
 
Submitted By: Just Lookin Submitted: 7/9/2009
I was contemplating relocating to your town. The chamber of Comm. made me think, Wow, sounds like a great place to live....small town, (similar to where I live now),but with plenty of outdoor activity, (not much of that here...farming community), etc. After reading your comments, I am begining to think it's a bad idea. Can anyone tell me why I might want to come there? P.S. about that voting...my advice; Do not vote for any of the incumbants, maybe then they will get the message. Good luck!

Submitted By: G.D.Nail Submitted: 7/8/2009
Move the city limits, That would take care of the problem.

Submitted By: WMR Submitted: 7/8/2009
Once again...more jobs for us Grenadians and these high and mightys BLOW it 4 us all.I say no votes for anyone come next election...then maybe someone will get a freaking clue...

Submitted By: concerned Submitted: 7/5/2009
I work at one of the large companys in the grenada area,I,like alot,need my job,but I'm not happy with the way things operate in grenada but feel powerless to force change.It will have to be forced,I was told point blank that all the companies in this area have a monthly meeting to ensure no one company has better benifits or pay than the other,I was told this by the personel manager himself.I have worked in several of the big companies and found this to be true through conversation,investigation and experience.This county is controlled by several very very strong monopolies of both companies and individals.Things in they're current state is the way they want it and will fight tooth and nail to keep it this way.None of us have the resorces to fight these guys toe to toe,they are quiet simply to well bankrolled.There are small clues that they are feeling some pinch from somewhere,at least the merchants anyway,for instance,the"buy grenada" radio ads.These people need to learn that are not their little slaves and are not going to stand for this bull they're handing us.Their pocketbooks are the softest place to hit them.I recently tried to buy a tire here for my vehicle,EVERYONE in grenada wanted 50 buck a tire,walmart had one for 45,but I was able to buy the same quailty tire near memphis for 32 a tire.The price of fuel in greenwood is currently 2.32 to 2.34 and has been for 2 weeks and anyone who buys fuel knows what it is here.Now if a merchant in grenada makes a good effort and sells their products at'competive to internet or at least reasonable'prices,I'll go out of my way to deal with them to help them out.Taking your money and fighting your battles with it is the only way I think to send these people a message.The employers in this area are a different story,its hard to force change from someone who would just simply fire you and anyone who even walked close to ya at the time.There are small ways to cause them disconfort,epa or osha but those complaints have to legimate,proveable and be willing to loose your job and I'm betting'blacklisted'and the way these people do business,they would do that to ya in a heartbeat.Whats funny is these people can't figure out why their production has dropped,destoyed morale,broken faith in the company and feeling like your some useless peice of junk to be thrown around or thrown out at the slightest wim,they don't figure that these apply to those profit sheets they stare at all day.BUT if someone prints something in the paper thats even close to them,they freak out and demand corrections and start throwing copied bosses appologies around like crazy,but be sure that none of those paper could acutally be touched or copied.This stuff gets me so angry to look at grenada and see so much room for growth,growth that would help the people of grenada county so much,but the people who hold the reins of power make a point of keeping this place down and the people down.something needs to happen SOON!but I know better,been here to long.

Submitted By: Submitted: 7/3/2009
That's right! And Johnson wants our city to pay for a building for all the ones who don't work...so they will have a place to "hang out" while we are all out working!!!!! Why do we NEED this?

Submitted By: working joe Submitted: 7/3/2009
Jobs? who cares about jobs? Certainly not the people who elected Johnson! THEY DO NOT WORK! Why do they care if Grenada gets more jobs? They are collecting a CHECK for doing NOTHING. Johnson is collecting a check for keeping business competition out of Grenada from the local business owners. WAKE UP GRENADA! That is why we can't get any franchises here...they all go to the surrounding cities!

Submitted By: Former Resident Submitted: 7/3/2009
Lewis johnson is a Racist. He wants to run all white people out of town. So either get him out of office or Move like I did.I'm so much happier since I moved. Just calling a spade a spade! Also should print these comments in the paper at least once a week! Yes I do know Lewis Johnson So I can call him a racist.

Submitted By: Submitted: 7/2/2009
Who in the *$#@ elected these people in? As usual, Grenada was let down by the people that are suppose to represent Grenada, not a surprise though.

Submitted By: Just saying... Submitted: 7/2/2009
How many jobs were promised before CVS and Walgreen came to town? How many people actually were hired? Some people's jobs were saved, but the new jobs forecasted didn't pan out. Not the 50 each that was promised. Don't buy the hype about the 135 new jobs. Don't blame Lewis, blame the local republicans who want to continue to treat black people as if they are subservient. The commemnters here need to do more research.'Ol Joe isn't going to tell yall the truth. Bondurant is a poor representative. He needs to eat humble pie, he's dealing with competent legislatures, not field hands.

Submitted By: ex-Grenadian Submitted: 7/2/2009
I am so glad I got out of this town!

Submitted By: Bill Submitted: 7/2/2009
I think what to the truth will set you free was trying to do is sound and express his opinions like it would sound if Lewis would sound. Isn't that called ebonics? And yes Lewis you and any others on the city council who think like you need to retire and take up fishing. That does not require much thinking..

Submitted By: to the truth will set you free Submitted: 7/2/2009
Please, you need to go back and recomplete the second and third grades, your spelling and grammer is laughable. However, I will agree with you Johnson is obviously as educated as you are.

Submitted By: Submitted: 7/2/2009
TO MR JOHNSON WE HAVE A SENIOR CITIZEN CLUB ON PEARL STREET,IT IS CALLED THE JOLLY BOYS CLUB.JOIN IT.

Submitted By: Beverly Submitted: 7/1/2009
I find it hard to understand why anyone who has the best interest of the citizens of Grenada would not want this bill to have passed. I once was proud to say I am a Grenadian...now I am embarrassed to say that I live in a community that is run by such stupid people! Anybody with any "business sense" would know that this would benefit Grenada!

Submitted By: The Truth Will Set You Free Submitted: 7/1/2009
Crounciman Jonson is just representig all the peoples. He know what his doing. We dont need no jobs at low pay. We is educrated good her in Gernader. He will git us high pain jobs soon. He is a genus. Willie Perkins represent his peoples too. Someday we can be lik Greenwoot.

Submitted By: hopeless for grenada Submitted: 7/1/2009
once again, our leaders let us down!

Submitted By: UPSET Submitted: 7/1/2009
I know not to many want to hear this, but, Johnson is voted in because of his race. The African Americans of this city could care less what he does, he's black and they ain't going back!!!

Submitted By: neighbor Submitted: 7/1/2009
To the guy that made the comment. First of all I am not Lewis nor would I defend his ignorant self. You should tell by the proper english in this post I am not Lewis. Second of all a House member on his way home stopped by and had lunch with me and he is the one that said he heard Willie was going to kill the Dollywood bill because Bondurant switched parties. Call him in Greenwood and ask him. I really would love for Grenada to have its own Dollywood, but the language was illegal I dont care who it was. Lewis wants his darn senior citizen building that will have graffiti painted on it by the opening day.

Submitted By: You have got to be kidding me! Submitted: 7/1/2009
STUPID! STUPID! STUPID! STUPID! thats all... STUPID!!!!! makes me sick to my stomach

Submitted By: to: neighbor Submitted: 7/1/2009
lewis is that YOU????....trying to slither out of this mess you made by creating some conspiracy involving Perkins and Bondurant? :)ha! get REAL.

Submitted By: Jack Daniels Submitted: 7/1/2009
To Wrong Blame: You need to take reading comprehension 101. After completing the course read the article again. To the people who voted for Lewis Johnson I hope you are happy. You need to vote him out because he does not have your best interests in mind. I would think after this big mistake you would see this but I doubt it.

Submitted By: speechless Submitted: 7/1/2009
all the comments about grenada is right on track. since i have been in grenada the city has not grown not in comparison to others like batesville. as long as the city council is greedy and wants the city to remain the same then there is no other direction but downhill. why do u think that families go out of town to shop, eat and even medicial reasons. grenada is on a downward spiral and unless the ideas of change come into play it will not stop.

Submitted By: Johnsonville Submitted: 7/1/2009
Seems like the saying is true... Mr. Johnson gets what he wants and has no concern for ANY of the CITIZENS that put him in office. Mr. Johnson, you want to collect taxes, well, then let other businesses come to Grenada. As President Obama said during the election, ALL citizens of Grenada is ready for a change. We need more jobs, businesses and better living. Be a leader and help US....

Submitted By: concerned Submitted: 7/1/2009
Lewis Johnson if you don't like Grenada MOVE. I will help you pack.

Submitted By: neighbor Submitted: 7/1/2009
I dont have a horse in the race because I live in a neighboring county. 2 House members stated that Willie said he killed it because of Dr. Bondurant. He cant stand him.

Submitted By: To: Wrong blame Submitted: 7/1/2009
I knew someone would defend Lewis Johnson before it was over. The bill was defeated because it is against state law for the city to collect taxes outside the CITY. What if you lived in the county and the city decided to bill you for property taxes?..that wouldn't go over too well would it?..it's the same thing. The article plainly states that the tax provision was put in at Johnson's request. It is ILLEGAL. No state legislature in this country would pass it. LEWIS TANKED THIS BILL.

Submitted By: Submitted: 7/1/2009
Mr. Johnson, I see that it has been requested that you move across twon. I would like to expand on that a little bit. Please move across the COUNTRY. And take a couple of your council members with you.

Submitted By: to johnson Submitted: 7/1/2009
Find a another job!!! Your sure not doing good at this one. Letting something pass up like this...Your pretty stupid. Grenada would have received alot more revenue from all the tourist it would have brought! Way to go!

Submitted By: Submitted: 7/1/2009
GIVE MR JOHNSON A RAISE. PAY HIS WAY TO THE MOON ONE WAY TRIP.

Submitted By: Submitted: 7/1/2009
TO WRONG BLAME: Why would Willie Perkins be interested in getting tax dollars from Grenada? You are wrong! He did it for his buddy Lewis.

Submitted By: Submitted: 7/1/2009
PLEASE GIVE THE PEOPLE OF GRENADA A BIG RAISE THEY NEED IT FOR PUTTING THEASE DEAD HEADS IN OFFICE OVER AND OVER.SO LETS BLAME THE PEOPLE OF GRENADA WE ARE THE ONES THAT ARE STUPIED.

Submitted By: TO WRONG BLAME Submitted: 7/1/2009
Johnson is an elected official for Grenada he is getting a check to protect the interest of Grenada (getting a check NOT deserving a check) Perkins is not!

Submitted By: Submitted: 7/1/2009
Yep!! Lewis Johnson has once again has shown his true self. it does not take a rocket scientist to realize that before Johnson first became elected the city was doing pretty good. Since he has been elected to office things just sort of slowed down in the progression category. Watch the council meetings and actually LISTEN to what he says and you will see why. But one has to understand that Johnson answers to a higher authority within the community which accounts for some of his actions and decisions. His higher authority owns several businesses and does not like to have competition around.

Submitted By: Wrong Blame Submitted: 7/1/2009
Rep. Willie Perkins of Greenwood single-handedly killed this bill.

Submitted By: Submitted: 7/1/2009
Councilman Johnson, Grenada would have gained a great deal more in city revenue if you counted the jobs people would have had, improvements to their homes, rising home values, more job security, fewer crimes and a better reputation for our city. Will it indeed become a ghost town? Who will turn out the lights when the last person moves away? It will be tough for you to govern if you are the only one left here.

Submitted By: vykenmax Submitted: 7/1/2009
LOL! I'm laughing at the stupidity of the city wanting to collect city sales tax on property outside city limits. Any intelligent person would know that in order to collect city sales tax on property outside city limits, you would first have to expand the city limits to the areas you would be looking to collect city sales tax on. Triple Duh! LOL! You can't collect city sales tax on property that is not within the city limits. All the city officials that were involved in trying to get this idea passed, needs to seriously resign and save Grenada from any further embarrassment. I bet the House of Representatives had a really good laugh.

Submitted By: Looking for intelligent life Submitted: 7/1/2009
This is just par for the course. What a sad lot of affairs we have in our fair city. Greedy city councilmen who want only to pad their pockets. If they were going to get a cut, it would have passed with flying colors. Just another stupid act by a stupid bunch of councilmen.

Submitted By: this is insane Submitted: 6/30/2009
There must not have been any all expense paied week long conferences in Florida involved with this deal for johnson.

Submitted By: No wonder Submitted: 6/30/2009
As Bad as our economy is right now with lots of folks being laid off you'd think the City officials that the citizens elected would do a better job of looking out for the people of the community and the ones that elected them. We sure need an election soon.

Submitted By: Submitted: 6/30/2009
Lewis Johnson is not ignorant; he is stupid. As the saying goes;"You can fix ignorant, but you can't fix STUPID!!!!!

Submitted By: RM Submitted: 6/30/2009
Mr. Johnson, you and the other members of the council have let your ignorance and greed come in the way of the best interests of the citizens of the City and Grenada County. When will you wake up and realize that the majority of your decisions HURT GRENADA???? The developments are proposed to be in the county so stay out of it. I moved into the county because I was too ashamed to say I lived in the city. You don't enforce the ordinances you adopt (let alone read and comprehend any of them), you change the ordinances when it creates a hardship for a certain few (which I will not name but everyone knows who they are), and you and the council have no plan for the future growth and development of the city. Wake up and take lead from Batesville, Southaven, Madison, and the others that are growing. Enforce your codes and work to better the city!

Submitted By: fed up also Submitted: 6/30/2009
Batesville and Oxford have thriving communities and are attracting new businesses, while Grenada is dying, thanks to our inept city government, who are only concerned with getting their "piece of the pie".

Submitted By: City resident Submitted: 6/30/2009
This makes everyone understand why the youth of Grenada leave after getting an education becasue there is NO jobs here!!!!!!!!!!!!! with this city council Grenada will never grow. It is going to die out!!!!!!!!!!! WAKE UP jOHNSON AND THE OTHERS!!!!! Help Grenada Grow!!!!!!!!!

Submitted By: St. Louis Submitted: 6/30/2009
So what if the city can profit off those taxes. Do you know the money the local business would have made from the vistor. I know the local business pays taxes. Therefore you still would receive more in taxes from the business you already have in place. Oh, by the way increase jobs, which inturn mean more spending, and yeah you guessed it more taxes paid. Only in my home town.

Submitted By: same old stuff Submitted: 6/30/2009
Everyone needs to remember this at election time.... if we don't we have no one to blame but ourselves.

Submitted By: ? ? ? Submitted: 6/30/2009
DOES NOT EVEN NEED TO BE COMMENTED AS LONG AS PEOPLE VOTE LIKE THEY DO . WHAT ELSE HAS TO HAPPEN TO OPEN PEOPLES EYES? grenada is like a sinking ship .it is going down for the last time.

Submitted By: Greed Submitted: 6/30/2009
I guess that the councilman did not get "his cut" out of the deal. Greed appears to have overcome common sense. At the expense of all Grenadians; He played. We lost. Go figure :-(

Submitted By: Amazed Submitted: 6/30/2009
If councilman Johnson would spend as much energy creating jobs for the people of Grenada and County as a whole as he does trying to build something to give away to the NONE TAX PAYERS we would be in a heck-of-a-lot-better-shape!!!

Submitted By: Submitted: 6/30/2009
It is issues like this that discourage me from moving back to Grenada to my family and friends. I have temporarily moved from Grenada but plan on moving back "toward" my "homeland" in the next few years. But what's the point? I have got to look out for myself as for as the economy and job situation is, and Grenada is slowingly becoming a ghost town...watch out for the tumbleweeds!

Submitted By: Bill Submitted: 6/30/2009
I need to add more comment. You guys are sending Grenada in the wrong direction. Please answer the question that's on all the voters minds. Why do you have to be so greedy? You run businesses off, you allow price gougeing of gas, and if you aren't making more money than you deserve, you aren't interested in anything that helps Grenada. It's amazing that you haven't run Luvata off completly! Mr. Mayor, city councilmen, DO YOUR JOBS OR GET OUT OF THOSE POSITIONS. We're tired of the position you've placed us voters in!!!!!!!

Submitted By: Employment Needed to Survive Submitted: 6/30/2009
Look people what Grenada has to offer in the paper for Employment! Lewis post what your best intensions are for Grenada. Can't do it can you. Lot of talk and you are acually nothing! Move across town and see how long you last. OH BUT NO cause if you do you know you do not have a prayer. Prey on the people who do not know any better. Employment EXPERIENCED MEAT cutter with Food Giant Supermarket. 870-866-4082 The Daily Star 6/30/2009 Serving the Grenada area HELP WANTED: Outside sales position in Calhoun County and surrounding areas. Mail resume to: SALES, PO Box 629, Houston, MS 38851 The Daily Star 6/30/2009 Serving the Grenada area MANAGER NEEDED 35 hrs M-F for HUD Apartment complex in Calhoun City. Must have exceptional Office & Computer skills. Send resume to JD-SPM 1103 R. Arrington Jr. Blvd S. Birmingham AL 35205. The Daily Star 6/30/2009 Serving the Grenada area

Submitted By: Bill Submitted: 6/30/2009
I see our city councilmen are hard at it again. Let's see, how many times now have they blocked getting new jobs here in the area? OK guys, the idea here is to get jobs here, not run them off. It's not that hard to understand, either help Grenada grow, or it will die..

Submitted By: Ann Submitted: 6/30/2009
Only in Grenada would the city council let a project of this magnitude die because of pure GREED. Sickening.

Submitted By: Sick of City Council Submitted: 6/30/2009
Councilman Johnson, How much would the city have benefited from indirectly from this development? PS - You would fit right in with the clowns that run Luvata.

Submitted By: THANKS Submitted: 6/30/2009
I cannot believe as bad as this economy is that we would turn away any business; Pretty soon we will be just like greenwood, I guess Johnson can be our Perkins

Submitted By: fed up Submitted: 6/30/2009
THANKS Lewis Johnson!!!!!!

Submitted By: johnson, disappointed Submitted: 6/30/2009
way to go lewis, and council of grenada. greed has once again kept you from seeing the forest for the trees. tell me, why couldnt yall just see that having more attractions here in grenada(which equals more tourism) would make up for the "taxes" you might would get. i say might, because of how expensive you would have made it for tourists. and what would have kept yall from asking for more in the years to come, once you saw there wasnt enough taxes being made off of it. you could have at least let the bill pass to get grenada going the "right" direction, and them sought alternative revenue scams. maybe i am missing something, if i am let me know.

Submitted By: you've got to be kidding Submitted: 6/30/2009
So the city councilman blew the deal by trying to be greedy, thus costing the county as well. Doesn't he realize the city would have gained too in the long run? And the lake would have been nicer, and JOBS WOULD HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE for people in and around the city!

Submitted By: Councilman Submitted: 6/30/2009
What are your reasons for hurting us all in Grenada?

Submitted By: me again Submitted: 6/30/2009
GO FIGURE !!!!!!!!



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