I had a candidate call me at 7 a.m. on Election Day this week and whine there were other candidates within 150 feet of the front door of a polling place
I had a voter tell me he walked past a group of supporters holding up signs for a candidate on election day and they were smoking marijuana.
I had a man walk in my office this week and tell me someone burned down his rental property after he went before the Mayor and Board of Commissioners and asked for some time to fix it.
I had a man on a bench outside my office give me a “one finger salute” when I told him I had no problem with him sitting out there, but please, keep the place clean.
We have more than two dozen unsolved homicides and I have two mothers who repeatedly call me wanting something done and justice served.
Yes, some of these situations are more serious than others.
But my point is when people have not gotten the satisfaction they feel they deserve from city and county government they come to me and want me to do something.
I explain that one news story rarely solves a problem. I tell them newspapers have to hit problems over and over and over again before the power-that-be get the message and do something.
The sad part is there are laws, ordinances and rules and regulations that are designed to address all these concerns.
I live by the rules. You live by the rules. Why aren’t people punished when they don’t live by the rules around here?
Rules and regulations
Sara and I raised four boys and there were rules and regulations at or house:
• No one yells at Momma (and that included Daddy!)
• Homework must be done before you watch TV or click on the PlayStation.
• Dirty clothes go in the hamper.
• Funding for anything must be approved in advance and meet your budget.
• No hitting.
• Clean up your mess.
• Don’t eat up everything.
• The lid goes up before use and must be inspected (and cleaned if necessary) after use.
• Please remember others live around here and act accordingly.
Simple rules
I have two major rules in my business:
• Tell the truth.
• Meet deadlines.
Those were given to me by a wise old newspaper editor who had seen more days at the news desk than I probably have on me today.
They are simple. They need no explanation. It is understood that if you break them there is a price to pay both for the company and you professionally.
I sometimes like to add you must say good morning when you walk in the door, don’t smile at people you don’t like and remember that even murders and political crooks have mothers, wives, children and relatives who will read your paper.
I like rules. They work at home and the office by setting the boundaries and keeping me out of trouble.
Clarksdale rules
So what are the rules in Clarksdale and do you “really” have to follow them.
The city has ordinances for the following violations.
• Littering.
• Lease law for dogs.
• Loud automobile mufflers.
• Loud music.
• Panhandling.
• Rental property up-keep.
• Improper parking.
• Un-kept yards.
• Juvenile curfew.
The state has laws on the books for the following crimes
• Vandalism.
• Truancy.
• Drug use.
• Fighting.
• Domestic abuse.
• No vehicle insurance.
• Speeding.
• Reckless driving.
• Panhandling in a public place.
I have been told we have city officials who gladly “fix” a ticket.
I have seen where you get a ticket for no driver’s license and they make you write a book report.
Do the rules only apply to certain people with either the political connections of the money that allows them to break the rules.
I have been told by police officers they will not write certain tickets or arrest certain people if it will only be thrown out in court.
Why has so much changed in our world and culture? It’s because people don’t follow the rules.
Floyd Ingram is Editor of your Clarksdale Press Register. What are your rules? Call him at 662-627-2201 if you see rules not being enforced. I’ll do what I can.
