One thing about Johnson — he’s obsessive about keeping his budget in line. He’s never gone over, and that’s a positive.

More about the budget in the DJ on Tuesday.

Dan Franklin, owner of Franklin Collections, was to have taken the city and the county to federal court today, but the case settled late Friday. Will track down the whys and hows of the situation and give you as much as I can in Tuesday’s DJ. However, settlements generally don’t get talked about by either party. Click above to see the judge’s order.

The Mississippi Police Benevolent Association (PBA) has endorsed the candidacy of John Helmert for the House of Representatives in District 13.  The PBA is comprised of state and federal law enforcement officers from municipalities, counties, and state-wide and federal agencies. 

The PBA will ask its members to cast a vote for Helmert in the general election on Nov. 6.

Helmert, from Abbeville, is running unopposed for the Republican nomination.  Jack Gadd, the incumbent, is the only other candidate in the field.  Gadd (D, Hickory Flat) was first elected to the Legislature in 1987.  House District 13 comprises portions of Benton, Lafayette, Marshall, and Union counties.

Check the 9 to 5 blog Monday morning for breaking news.

The slide show will follow this post because it’s too much for one sitting. I’m putting here what candidates who showed up said. Another blog will deal with those who sent representatives.

Here’s what folks said:

Sen. Alan Nunnelee: He appreciated the last 13 years of voters’ confidence. He heard what his supporters told him: they need jobs. That’s why he and others rolled up their sleeves to take care of the two greatest obstacles to getting industry in Mississippi: the budget deficit and the need for tort reform. Both of those things are accomplished.

Lawrence Deas, candidate for District 18 House seat: This Democrat has a hopeful outlook for the future. He thinks too little has been spent on education and wants to fully fund education in the state. It’s too hard for small businesses to afford health care – another great issue among most voters in Northeast Mississippi – so he wants to find ways to bring down the costs. He’ll be beholden to no political boss.

Jerry Turner, incumbent, District 18 House seat: Turner recalled his connection with the community. He spoke of education spending, which during the last four years totaled “$500 million, the highest in the state.” He said the average teacher salary is $43,000. “Education is the best investment we can make,” he said. He wants no tax increase. He stands for marriage being between a man and a woman. He is pro life.

Edwin D. Coleman, candidate, District 19 House seat: A former sheriff, he would like to see county sheriff department’s be able to use radar to catch speeders. He wants to see full funding of education every year “instead of every election year.”

Mark Duvall, candidate, District 19 House seat: Recalled his connection with the rural community. He wants to see continued funding of volunteer fire departments statewide. He has an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association because of his support for the 2nd amendment.

Brandon Cherry, candidate, District 19 House seat: Son of teachers. Would like to see small businesses be able to buy into the state’s insurance plan to provide health insurance at a reasonable rate for their employees. Wants college tuition to be tax deductible.

Scotty Farris, candidate, District 19 House seat: A businessman who got into the race because he didn’t want to see plans like NAFTA “bringing this country down.” Concerned about the shrinking middle class.

Randy Boyd, candidate, District 19 House seat: Wants to see stable jobs in the area. Praised incubment Jerry Turner by name as having done a good job in Jackson. Wants to go down there and lend his support.

Trent Kelly, candidate for D.A.: Everyone needs to work together. He’s concerned about drugs in the region. He supports a drug court to help people get the assistance they need because not every user needs to go to jail. On the other hand, he wants to put drug dealers in jail “just as long as we can.”

Larry McCoy, candidate for District 1 supervisor: Will make District 1 No. 1 in Lee County if he’s elected.

Phil Morgan, incumbent, District 1 supervisor: Continued service to the people as they have received the last 7 1/2 years he’s been in office. Some of the service includes more paved roads, 12 bridges replaced and helped bring Toyota to the region.

Steve Gann, candidate for tax assessor: Has the qualifications to serve, including a law degree from Mississippi College School of Law. Will do what he can to ensure that the tax incentives granted large industries are offered also to the local small businesses. Serving taxpayers will be his priority.

Mark “Winky” Weathers, incumbent, tax assessor: He has set goals and carried them out. He has used technology to benefit the taxpayers of the county. “The job has to be done right because we fund all the county offices.” Wants to “Keep Lee County moving forward.”

Danny Mitchell, candidate for tax collector: Dad was former tax collector who began the mail-in procedure. This candidate believes in treating everyone with dignity and respect who comes into the office. Will have an open-door policy.

Leroy Belk Jr., incumbent tax collector: Recalled he has 12 years of service to the people. Has used the Internet to allow people to renew tags, see property taxes. Redesigned office to cut down on time spent in line to average of less than 10 minutes.

Pat Carr, incumbent justice court judge: He’s there 24/7. Vote for him. Call him at any time.

“Buddy” Bell, candidate for constable: He’s state certified. Has had time in court. Told a joke.

Bobby Joiner, incumbent constable: Said he would let his daughter speak for him because she came from out of town. She said he has dedicated his life to beyond the job — watching people’s houses at night and providing traffic control for charity events.

Carolyn Gillentine, incumbent coroner: Has conducted 2,500 death investigations since she took office nearly 4 years ago. The only candidate certified in death investigations. Wants to meet every need of the family of the victim.

Brian Neely, candidate for county attorney: Spend a year as a prosecuting attorney for the county. Will stay until the job is done. Will support law enforcement officers 100 percent. Cares about the youth.

James D. Moore, incumbent, county attorney: Thanked crowd for last four years. Wants four more. Is pro law enforcement, which is “very important to keep communities safe and where you would want to live and work in.” He claims a 90 percent conviction rate through pleas or a verdict of guilty.

Marty Rock, candidate for sheriff: Drugs are leading cause of crime. He wants to lead the attack against drugs in the community and wants to work together with judges, prosecutors to achieve that goal.

Sam Piraino, candidate for sheriff: Wants to initiate programs for youth, such as car clubs. Will not tolerate abuse of children or women. Seeks to establish a senior support group. Will try to obtain radar in Lee County for his officers.

David Hill, candidate for sheriff: Felt at home. Thanked people for the opportunity to be at the rally. Asked for their support.

Jim Johnson, incumbent, candidate for sheriff: Recalled his upbringing and his career since he was 19. Nobody mistreated in the jail, although it is crowded and likely will be crowded because he’ll put people in jail when they break the law. Children in the juvenile detention facility keep up with school work while they’re there. In summertime, the children get Vacation Bible School. Has cyber crime lab in the state, thanks to Mississippi State University.

What a surprise we had when we looked at Rep. Jerry Turner’s recent financial filing with the secretary of state’s office. Click on this document to see that Larry Hancock, the opponent’s uncle, contributed $5000 to Turner’s campaign.

What does this say about monolithic family support?