Newspaper, Clerk Battle Over Names
By David Johnson
The CNL
An employee for the City of Ruleville refused requests to release simple public information to The Cleveland News Leader on four occasions last week.
Ruleville city clerk Edna Beverly refused to release names of candidates to the paper who have filed qualifying papers to run in the town's upcoming municipal election scheduled for May 5. Beverly cited her unhappiness with stories and opinion columns that have appeared in The CNL that she thought portrayed her in an unfavorable light.
"I'm not giving y'all anything, and I don't have to," Beverly told the newspaper on Friday. "I've checked with the state, and I don't have to tell anybody nothing."
Of course, lists maintained by city clerks of candidates who have filed qualifying papers for public office is very much open for public inspection.
The CNL published a story written by reporter Natalie Pierre in its Jan. 18 edition which contained quotes from citizens critical of Beverly made during the town's regular monthly board meeting. Citizens questioned why the town paid Beverly as its clerk, when she did not perform the duty of recording the municipality's minutes at board meetings. One citizen, the story stated, questioned if Beverly was capable of performing the duties of a city clerk.
Ruleville mayor Shirley Edwards also raised questions as to why Beverly was working after hours at city hall in the Jan. 18 story.
“Most of the time I’m here after hours because I cannot perform my duty in a normal work day, because I have constant interruptions while I’m working; and it’s hard for me to concentrate," Beverly responded to the mayor. "When you have to keep certain information in your head, numbers or keeping everything in tact, it is hard to concentrate on that job while you have constant interruptions all day."
“So after 5p.m. when I close, it is easier for me to get things done. So if I am not supposed to be here, no one has told me that. No one has told me that I am not supposed to be here.”
Pierre called Beverly Thursday afternoon to ask if anyone had filed qualifying papers.
"I have had some lies spread about me lately, so no comment," Beverly told Pierre. Beverly then hung up the telephone.
Pierre then called city hall again.
"Beverly answered the phone and without identifying herself, told me she was not there," Pierre said. "I then asked to speak to the mayor, and she told me the mayor was not available. She hung up again."
On Friday, Pierre again contacted Beverly via telephone.
"Without identifying myself, I asked if there had been any candidates to qualify," Pierre said. "She asked who I was. I told her my name and that I was calling from The Cleveland News Leader. She told me she was not going to give The CNL any information. Then she hung up."
When told of the situation Friday afternoon, Ruleville alderman James Johnson pledged to rectify Beverly's stance on the release of the information.
Other Ruleville officials came forth with the requested information on Saturday.
In Wards 1 and 2, there were no qualifiers as of the close of business on Friday.
In Ward 3, Bobby Bounds is the only qualifier.
Incumbent Butch Jenkins, Johnny Hill and Diane Coleman have qualified in Ward 4.
Incumbent Johnny Hill and Billy Marlow have qualified for the at-large aldermanic seat.
Hattie Jordan has qualified to run for mayor. Incumbent mayor Shirley Edwards said she plans to file her qualifying papers Monday.
