Friday, July 15, 2011

Pulling curtain on tort reform, appropriations chair controversy

REP. JOHN MAYO
By BETTER MISSISSIPPI REPORT

Gotta hand it to Rep. John Mayo, D-Clarksdale. The guy makes a special effort to keep his constitutents informed via regular, newsy e-mail posts. Occasionally, he'll say the unthinkable for a politician -- a truthful assessment of a sticky situation.

Today's post is another example of Mayo's propensity for, as they say, venturing in where angels fear to tread. He reveals the role legislative rhetoric played in dismantling the Mississippi civil justice system as he takes up for Republican Sen. Doug Davis, whose performance as Senate Appropriations chair is being challenged. 

Here is Rep. Mayo's revelation about what was going on behind the scenes during the great tort reform battles of 2002 and 2004: 
In the legislature there is rhetoric and then there is responsible discussion.  Case in point.  During the big tort reform debate, I wish I could tell you the number of Republican attorneys who came up to myself and other Democrats quietly telling us they hoped we had the votes to turn back reform.  All the while they were at the podium and in the papers telling the public just how much they supported tort reform.

Those who were fighting that fight for the civil justice system from the outside suspected such was the case.  Rep. Mayo has provided the proof.


In a crossing of partisan lines, here's what Rep. Mayo has to say about Davis's service:
Doug has been characterized by our House budget negotiating members as hard working, shows up on time, and comes prepared to have meaningful discussion with his facts ready.  This is a huge change from what we have faced in the past.
We wonder who would be opposed to that kind of responsible behavior by a committee chair.

Thank you John Mayo. Better Mississippi Report encourages others like you serving at the Capitol to be as open and courageous.

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