When I Consider My Decision to Move

When ever I consider my decision to move to Mississippi, I only have to look at a copy of the Commerical Appeal to make me feel all warm and fuzzy about it. Let's take today's edition for example...

"This is not the end of Roscoe Dixon"...and here's the sad part, he's probably right. Although he faces up to 90 years in jail, as a first time offender, a politcal figure, he'll probably get 5 years at some minimum security prison camp. With good behavior he'll be out in 3, and back in time for the next general election. Then, just like Ricky Peete, Marion Barry....he'll spew some "I'm born again"...and run for mayor, and win.

My predictions for the other Tennessee Waltz folks....Bowen will plea deal, Hooks will go to trial and lose, and Ford will go to trial and win.

For three years, we've heard local govt brag about the FedEx Forum, and "this is how a sports arena should be built", because it came in on time, and under budget. But then the lawsuits came from contractors that didn't get paid. Now, the State Govt is asking for about $7m back from the city, because we left (1) floor off the top of the garage, and didn't build in a bus station. You have to think the Fed Govt wont be too far behind asking for their money back. So in a short time, Memphis could be on the hook for $20m...and guess where it's coming from.

The School Board decided to tear down Crump Stadium, and applied from $1m in federal money to help, and the new year's school budget was built assuming that money would come. So when they actually started tearing it down this week, you would assume we got the money...right??? WRONG! Crump Stadium had been declared a national landmark (at the request of the City, by the way) and as such, and money to destroy it requires extra review. The City decided it couldn't wait, and started on the destruction, and the $1m that Memphis wont be getting will just have to "come from the capital budget".

If this all works out, Mayor Dixon will be able to negotiate a settlement when he gets back from prison!

And lastly, Pam and I sold our old house 11 months ago. The buyer passed away, and his wife sold it last month. In 10 months, the sale price went down $25k. Now I know in a family tragedy, sometimes they take a lower than usual price, but a 21% drop in home value? Thanks King Willie!!