When, I saw the Bye-Bye Steve Cohen commercial I did not know what to think. Then, I thought of all the times the media reported negative articles on many officials about trips and said nothing at all about this.
I want fairness from this media. They attempt to determine who we should like and who we should ignore with bias reporting. And don't tell me all the trips were not with public money, because lobbyists providing this level of spending concerns me more. I don't want my Congressman owned by special interests groups. I want our votes to mean more than their money.
If I felt new jobs were created because of those trips, I would feel better. But, we don't have "one jobs bill" that has been passed by the House and Senate since the stimulus. And since the near depression, although people have returned to work, the pay scale for working class people has flat-lined and Shelby has the highest unemployment level in the state.
I am also so disappointed that Congressman Steve Cohen does not seem to respect the people he serves. I don't say that lightly. He has always shown me courtesy and respect, but I have stories from others without my resume.
Once he made a comment that he took it as a compliment that someone said he was black like his constituents because he had a paternity test and a 1986 Cadillac. I was troubled by that stereotypical description of his constituents and told him so.
I did not support him because I thought he was Black. I knew he was Jewish and though I am Christian, it did not matter. (http://www.buzzfeed.com/
I voted for him because I thought he understood the issues of this community and could represent and respect the people that elected him.
I found out otherwise when he worked to have the Old Bridge receive a federal transportation grant with more vigor than he did Elvis Presley Blvd. The DOT made it clear they would only fund one proposal and guess which one he torn into shreds and the other he pumped up? You guessed it.
Memphis gets $14.9M grant to help build pathway across Harahan Bridge
June 19th, 2012
Memphians could be bicycling and strolling across a specially designed boardwalk over the Mississippi River within about two years, now that federal officials have approved a critical piece of funding for the project.
The city has been awarded a $14.94 million Transportation Improvement Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen announced.http://www.charlesmcvean.com/news/memphis-gets-149m-grant-to-help-build-pathway-across-harahan-bridge/
I am told he also has a bicycle company. I found this verification on a website:
Pedal to the motor: Electric bike combines human, electric power for smooth ride
August 2nd, 2011
The Aerobic Cruiser, billed as the world's most sophisticated electric bicycle, blends human pedal power with motor assistance, allowing the rider to use all human power, all motor power, or any combination. It was developed by Memphis businessman Charles McVean, principal in Aerobic Cruiser Hybrid Cycle LLC, and is assembled in Memphis. http://www.charlesmcvean.com/news/pedal-to-the-motor-electric-bike-combines-human-electric-power-for-smooth-ride/
I am not attacking Mr. McVean, because he is a good man. But, McVean's one vote should not out rank the District 9 voters in setting priorities. Part of that is our fault, we give these people jobs with no agenda. They never ask about our priorities; so they move on their own agenda.
Well, vote today, not on our yesterday's mistakes, but our tomorrow's promises. Because, now that I know better, I will demand better. I voted for Ricky Wilkins, and hope you will, too. But whoever wins, you will hear my roar.
I am yours, very truly,
TaJuan Stout Mitchell
P.S.This may also be the driving factor around the new bicycle lanes all over the city. Check disclosures.
P.S.This may also be the driving factor around the new bicycle lanes all over the city. Check disclosures.
