WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: MDOT chief questioned at hearing

MDOT chief questioned at hearing

By Jon Kalahar - bio | email

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - Butch Brown has been executive director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation since 2001. He was expected to serve another four years in the post until an opinion for Attorney General Jim Hood said he must be re-confirmed by the state senate.

Senators took that opportunity to grill Brown on everything from funding to contract lobbyists.

"I would remind you that I only implement the policies and plans of the Mississippi Transportation Commission," said Butch Brown, MDOT Executive Director.

MDOT Executive Director Butch Brown and senate transportation committee members volley questions and answers back an forth for four hours. Senators asked about Brown's travel...

"The total travel for 2006 was thirteen thousand dollars," said Brown.

two letters written for paroled murderer Douglas Hodgkin...

"A paroled Mississippi killer having a couple of letters of support from you," said Senator Lee Yancy (R-Brandon).

"I'm a little taken aback by you asking me that question. (I'm taken aback by you writing the letters.)"

and a legislative committee report that outlined how MDOT had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on lobbyists. Brown deflected them all.

"The peer committee and staff are no different than the people I have working for me, except mine are 100 percent better," said Brown.

Still, Brown had has supporters as well.

"I saw a leader in action on behalf of our state that day as we spent that whole day there. We've come a long way in transportation in Mississippi," said Rep. Warner McBride, (D) Courtland.

Senator Tommy Gollot says he only needs to remember what happened to the Gulf Coast in Hurricane Katrina and what is there now to re-confirm Brown.

"That's two of the best bridges I've ever seen the one over Bay St. Louis, the one over Biloxi and over to Ocean Springs, it's great," said Gollot.

The senate transportation committee will make a recommendation to the state senate when the return from recess Wednesday.

The full senate is expected to vote on that recommendation Thursday.