Stokes insists he will consult lawyer over reports
Fuming over a series of articles probing his out-of-town trips, Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes said Tuesday he would press on with plans to hire an attorney to investigate The Clarion-Ledger.
The City Council, by a vote of 5-2, turned down Stokes’ request to spend up to $25,000 in taxpayer money to hire lawyer Alvin Chambliss to build a case against the newspaper. Stokes was joined by Ward 2 Councilman Chokwe Lumumba in supporting the idea.
Following the vote, Stokes told reporters he is undeterred.
“We are going to bring the lawyer in,” he said. “We’ll talk to (city) legal and see what they say, but the lawyer is coming in.”
After failing to get support from the council, Stokes argued with the city’s legal staff.
Anticipating the start of Game 6 of the NBA finals, Council President Frank Bluntson called an end to the discussion.
“I’m trying to be nice,” he said. “But the ball game is going to be on in 15 minutes.”
Clarion Ledger
June 16, 2010
Magnolia Tribune
