Our View

Our View

Scrutiny of LR Jackson Girls Club long overdue

Anyone who has experienced the goings-on among the two boys clubs and two girls clubs in West Memphis, their relationship with the West Memphis City Council and funds from Southland Park Gaming & Racing money earmarked for them knows that governmental oversight or sincere concern has been an absolute farce. We’re talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars over decades with little or no accountability whatsoever, and as sadly, there has been little to no realistic oversight as to the day-to-day operations of these clubs, the children they are suppose to serve or the programs they offer. Then there is the issue related to the lack of knowledge on the part of governmental leaders as to who is actually operating these clubs, their backgrounds as well as who are their boards of directors.

Enough is enough of these shenanigans, so says freshman Councilman Wayne Croom, who comes to the table as a former plant manager. Joining him is veteran Councilman Tracy Catt, known for his leadership ability and his commitment to accountability. Also with them is Councilwoman Helen Harris who came out and made the motion to delay distribution of $72,000 until there is a clearer picture as to how these clubs operate and what they are doing with the money they receive.

Hooray for them, and it is expected that their actions in this long-running issue speak louder than their words.

Sadly, in the last two years a similar proposal to improve accountability and financial reporting from these clubs to the city has been proposed with no action or follow-up, a situation that has created a serious lack of trust.

To illustrate just how complacent this council has been regarding this issue, there was one club oversight proposal drafted by City Attorney David Peeples in 2015 that simply never generated public discussion or formal action.

There are exceptions, such as one club, the Crittenden County Boys and Girls Club, which files reports that exceed proposed regulations at the insistence of its board and bylaws.

On the other hand, there have been instances with another club, the L.R. Jackson Girls Club, that has a habit of failing to pay for utilities and, by law, can’t be given for free, creating the question as to what was done with the funds it receives.

Because of the current reporting is so vague its difficult for West Memphis officials to know who the key holders are and who actually works at the club.

What city officials do know is the L.R. Jackson director Chancey Rainey was arrested June 9 on felony drug charges for allegedly falsifying prescriptions for Xanax and Lortab.

Sadly to say, Rainey remains as club director pending a scheduled March 24 court appearance and a subsequent trial date beginning April 17.

Croom, new to the council, is now demanding answers to where the money is going and exactly how it is being spent, which is something that should have been done long ago.

Croom is also ruffling some feathers regarding how his fellow elected officials are handling other issues, expenditures, bidding practices and policies.

For instance, during a March 16 meeting council meeting Croom was instrumental in stopping the approval of a competitive bid waiver for water tower art that will cost $241,800 until some serious questions are answered.

We commend Croom and those council members who are following his lead in re-establishing public trust in the day-to-day operation of this county’s largest municipality.