Well, Mr. Jackson, we have a small problem here...

Otis Jackson, currently on suspension from his job as General Sessions Court Clerk due to the fact that he was indicted back in July, has apparently decided that it would be an admission of guilt NOT to run for re-election to his position.  Toward that end, he has pulled and FILED a petition for re-election.

My question to Mr. Jackson would be this: Why are you not focusing on preparing for your defense in your trial?  In putting up a fight for re-election, are you not placing your liberty and the security of your family in jeopardy?  What on earth are you thinking?

Sir, you are entitled to the presumption of innocence until and unless you are proven guilty in a court of law. However, the perception that occurs when ANY office-holder is indicted renders moot their ability to perform their duties.  I am rooting for your acquittal, Mr. Jackson; if and when that day comes, you would then be welcomed back as a candidate.

Until that day comes, you should NOT be involved in any elective campaign; you need to think of your family, your workers in that office, and your obligation to the County of Shelby to remove that cloud which now hangs over you.  Then, and only then, should you consider seeking office again.

Toward that end, if you do not withdraw your petition prior to the end of the withdrawal deadline of December 15 at noon, I will then petition the Shelby County Democratic Party to decertify you as a candidate in the Democratic primary.  The potential that you could take the entire Democratic ticket down with you, should you be renominated in March, is too great.  You may not be thinking of your party, sir, but I am.

I do not take this action lightly; however, as a Shelby Countian, I am tired of the endless problems with office-holders, especially those who run under the Democratic banner.

Enough is enough, Mr. Jackson.  Put your liberty first, and withdraw your candidacy.

It's Official - Otis Jackson Has Been Indicted

So says Bill Dries at The Daily News.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, all are innocent until found guilty by a jury of their peers (No Casey Anthony jokes, please).  That said, it's time to get someone warmed up in the Democratic bullpen to run in his place.

Why?  Well, as you know if you are a regular reader of this fine blog, I have had my reservations about the former Tiger's abilities to hold this office for a while now, and while everyone should have a chance to mount a credible defense, they should not hold the Democratic Party hostage while doing so.  If indeed, he is acquitted, then another position could open up for him.  If not, well, then he is done.

Flame away if you must, we have to think about the future of the party.  People are TIRED of this crap, public office is not to reap spoils, it's to take care of the public interest, not profit from it, and we need to have officials who are above reproach.  The point, of course, is to not even be PUT in this position.

Don't hand me crap about how this has been done before, blah blah blah.  It is NEVER anyone's turn to reap the spoils of bad government, it is their turn to provide GOOD, CLEAN government, and yes, it IS possible.

Rant over.

Shelby County Democrats, Listen Up!

If you have yet to make up your mind for whom you will vote for County Mayor, Speak To Power has prepared 10 Questions for each of the candidates, and has published their responses, in their words.

Go there now to read each one!