Public Money Part 1

The state of Alaska is working on a project that I applaud them for. I heard on NPR [story link] that they have set up a website that allows people to pull up where and how the state's money is being spent. Any expense at or over $1,000 is listed, although I think there are allowances for certain types of confidential which may, in my opinion, cause problems for such a project. It's referred to as Alaska's checkbook online, similar to how people can check their bank accounts online. 10 other states have similar websites. From what I can tell, Mississippi is not one of those 10 and it is something I feel strongly enough about that I may write a formal letter to our state treasurer, Tate Reeves, asking he consider this concept.

On a local level, the city's yearly budget is always available both in city hall and on our website. Here is a pdf [link] of the 141 page city budget. Matt Cox, budget committee chairman, does a powerpoint presentation that gives a good brief overview. If I can find a copy of it I'll post that too in a follow up.

Souper Bowl

Meant to post on this earlier. We (Starkville Young Professionals) had a very successful event to help raise funds for the United Way. Special props go to Jeremiah Dumas, who introduced the idea and nurtured it through to the very end. I was able to serve on the committee that worked on the program and had a great time.

Over $2,600 was raised for the United Way. Likely this will become an annual event. There were 4 prizes awarded:

1st Place: Bin 612
2nd Place: Harvey's
3rd Place: Ole Venice
Best of Show: Dave's Darkhorse Tavern

As a point of pride, I'd like to point out that 3 of the 4 awards went to restaurants in Ward 4.

Here is an incomplete list of the soups available:

Bin 612
Roasted Sweet Potato Soup with Goat Cheese Mousse Topped w/ Fried Jalapenos

City Bagel
White Bean Chicken Chili

Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern
The Taverner

Front Door (Columbus, MS)
Tortilla Soup

Green Olive (Columbus, MS)
Italian Meat Trio Soup

Harveys
Crawfish Chowder

Oby’s
Turnip Green Soup

Old Venice
Spinach, Feta, Bacon, and Artichoke Soup

Sweet Peppers Deli
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Rock Bottom Bar and Grill
Venison and Wild Duck Gumbo Topped with Fried Okra

Shaherazad’s
Red Lentil Soup

Veranda
Purple Peruvian Potato and Pancetta

Wasson’s
Brunswick Stew