Accountability for MLGW CEO!!

Council Members say MLGW not authorized to charge customers in advance for gas Last Modified 05/01/2007 07:32:00 PM
process and it makes us questio other things THE MLGW MESS JUST GETS MESSIER WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF CITY COUNCIL THE UTILITY CHARGED CUSTOMERS TO STORE GAS THAT WAS NOT USED THIS WINTER. THE CHARGES WERE ON YOUR GAS BILL FROM SEPTEMBER 2006 TO JUS LAST MONTH. THE MONEY NOT ONLY WENT TO STORE THE.

Reaction to Lee's legal bills Last Modified 05/01/2007 09:09:00 PM paying for Joseph Lee s attorney s bill? Action News Five s Ben Watson continues our team coverage wit the answer. Well Donna an article about the payments appeared in the Commercial Appeal this morning. And you guessed it -- the MLGW customers we talked to are NOT happy. Outside the downtown MLGW...

Ratepayers react to Lee's lawyer fees Last Modified 05/01/2007 05:20:51 PM Many MLGW customers are not happy about reports that the utility paid more than $60k to an attorney to represent President Joseph Lee before a federal grand jury. Outside the downtown MLGW bill payment center, customers complained about their bills and the report that MLGW CEO Joseph Lee is...

MLGW releases list of Joseph Lee's legal bills May 2, 2007 10:07 PM CDT

After days of refusing to comply with media requests, MLGW has released an itemized list of fees accrued by Joseph Lee in his effort to defend himself before a federal grand jury. http://www.wmcstations.com/Global/story.asp?S=6461581

MLGW Head Joseph Lee's Lawyer Bills http://www.wreg.com/global/story.asp?s=6462626

"Tonight, a late announcement from Mayor Herenton, he's having a news conference tomorrow on the growing MLGW mess...But another big issue in all of this is how the utility arranged to pay Spence. The city council approves bills over $25,000. Joseph Lee's legal bills came in increments of $24,999. "

Herenton: Lee and Horton out at MLGW May 3, 2007 12:17 PM CDT Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton calmly announced the resignations of MLGW's President and General Counsel, Joseph Lee and Odell Horton, Jr. respectively, in a news conference at City Hall this morning.

Raw Video: Mayor Herenton announces MLGW resignations (05/03/07) At a press conference Thursday, Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton announced he had accepted the resignation of MLGW's President and CEO Joseph Lee, and General Counsel Odell Horton. This is raw video of the press conference.

Cumulative Effect of Lack

The euphoria following benevolence of The BLVD Church was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of the April MLGW bill for $326.36! This must be an error or perhaps one of two March payments hasn't posted. After reading the statement, $1,312 payments received toward the $1,312 previous balance, I had to face the reality that the Amount Due was accurate and up to date.

The consumption rate of $10.84 per day seems rather high considering a week without any usage and not much need for AC or heat this past billing cycle. The primary factor for the balance is the security deposit of $100 in addition to the $43 reconnection fee. $141 in current charges plus $42 toward deferred billing totaling to $326. This is what I meant about the “cumulative effect of lack”.

Those not having “enough” end up acquiring even more costs in the long run. For each time you missed one step, you get put back two steps. Now you have three steps to catch up. If you don’t catch up the three steps in time, be ready for two more steps back. This explains the fundamental law of the cumulative effect of lack.

Inadequate income means incurring more costs than someone with sufficient income. It means what little income they have doesn’t get used efficiently. Additional fees incurred from the inability to pay a bill displace funds for food, clothes or other bills. The cumulative effect of lack means the poor get even poorer despite their efforts.

Zep 3:12 I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.

Zec 11:11 And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it [was] the word of the LORD.

Mat 5:3 Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Jam 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Faith in Works

The BLVD Church arrived Saturday morning to exemplify their Christian faith through their works.I thank April Thompson (WREG reporter), for referring me to the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church's Helping Hands & Hearts Community Service Program. She rolled up her sleeves with fellow members to paint my bedroom and installed a new ceiling fan to make it cool enough to sleep in my bedroom on warm days.

This organized team of volunteers of every age used just a couple of hours and a couple of hundred dollars to make a significant difference in the quality of my life. There was prayer but no proselytizing or promises for a “healing.” Beyond their Christian charity I was so impressed with their operation. A member came on a Saturday to assess and prioritize my needs. The following Saturday a team arrived all on schedule not only with people …but with a plan. With both efficiency and warmth they went about their charitable tasks.

They were ordinary people, but they were extraordinary Christians. Note: They were not ordinary Christians. They were exceptions to so many ministers and church members that have generously given their prayers, anointed us in oil, lay on their hands, and sent many compilations of the healing scriptures. Make no mistake these benevolent acts were sincere and greatly appreciated. Every one of these demonstrations is important to our Christian faith. These declarations of faith are not enough though. In the New Testament James says,

If a brother or sister is naked, or is destitute of daily food, And you say to them, [Oh] Depart in peace, be warmed and filled; but yet you don't give them any clothes or any food; what good are your words (2:15-16)?

They can't make him warm. They can't fill his stomach.

Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, if you try to stand alone. Yes, a man may say, You have faith, and I have works: but you show me your faith without your works, I will show you my faith by my works (2:17-18).

True faith will be manifested by the works. Verbal affirmation isn't enough and it won't do it. The works being the proof of the faith.

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also (2:25-26).

Father, help us not just affirm our Christianity but may we demonstrate Christianity by the attitudes and actions of our lives. May we show faith in the works that we do

In Jesus' name. Amen.

REPLY TO ANONYMOUS DONOR

We Americans are citizens of the greatest democratic republic on earth. Many Christians, including our President view our young nation as Chosen by God. As the world’s greatest super power even the secular claim responsibility on a global scale. The well and the able and the prosperous often assume that our great nation’s assortment of programs, bureaus, agencies, charities and Social Security take care of all Good people that may face hardship. We assume most social problems are made by the poor choices made by uneducated people leading dysfunctional or destructive lives. My intention is to erase this misconception. This assumption within our subconscious allows us to feel less responsibility for the ills within our community. As my life unfolds I have to face my own false preconceptions.

 We all want to believe in "The American Dream" that anyone who goes to college and makes 'A's' and works hard will attain security and prosperity. The reality is there are some unfortunate cases of good people placed in bad circumstances beyond their control. Occasionally tragic events place them back so far behind they cannot get ahead of their problems. Despite all the efforts and resources available to them, they can’t get back to ground zero, now matter how hard they try.

It is very easy to disconnect from any feelings of obligation to help the less fortunate. Many believe most impoverished people will probably squander any of the resources provided for them. On the other hand many good people in bad situations are frustrated by futile attempts to get ahead often giving up hope on their future. They can never escape the cumulative effect of their lack.

I know I have been treading hard to keep my head above water for so long and with all my will power. The fatigue was so great I felt doomed to drown until someone was willing to jump in and rescue me! I just want you to know about me and to realize the value of the life you saved. There just aren’t enough life guards, for the drowning. Hopefully your altruism will inspire others to at least cast a lifeline to someone else barely treading water.

 Thanks you. May God continue to Bless you. May my Blessing through you lead to Blessings to others through my testimony.

Thank God, nieghbors, friends, and family!

Today I could find comfort from the promise of an anonymous donor, whom I had the chance to thank on film. I also thank and may God Bless those nieghbors, friends, and family who might not have been able to make large cash donations, but who gave what they were able including such necessities as nonperishible food, ice, a cooler, oil lamp, candles, batteries, and toilet paper. Thanks for enough paper towels and bleach to clean the leaking defrosted fridge. Thanks for the charcoal, foil to grill up the salvagable meat.

A special thanks to my next door nieghbor who has always assisted me whenever I asked. She knew I had grown too weary of seeking and begging for resources and she was willing to put herself out as an advocate for my circumstances. She was willing to use her strong voice to express my needs. I am forever grateful for the blessing of her true Christian faith shown through her good works.

Lights On! Air back!

MLGW reconnects my electricity!

Channel 3 News Interview: Stranger pays bill!

Woman cut off of MLGW receives a gift of comfort

Text Version

Posted by April Thompson Gift of Comfort Helps Memphis Woman Pay Her MLGW Bill
http://www.wreg.com/Global/story.asp?s=6294642

---

Channel 3 News Interviews Me Tuesday

MLGW cuts off woman's power without notice

Paid $200, but power cut off again.

Awoke feeling well enough to make phone calls on my own; Made appointment for Urologist. Called TLC for transportation sevice. Opened email inbox. Checked new mail. No messages found from Ms. W., MLGW president's secretary. No record of any calls from MLGW from Caller ID either. As I began to open and read new mail...the electricity went out!!! First thoughts..."Don't panic, they confirmed my $200 online payment. Its probably a due to lack of communication at main office."

I call Ms. L. She's aware my power has been disconnected again. I ask whether Ms W. ever called or if she had ever even discussed any arrangeements for me with her. I was told that Ms. W would not hold any discussions with me without a promise date for the payment of the new balance of $900. I remind her that I just paid $200 less than a week ago, expecting contact from Ms. W to discuss my circumstance. Like last Wednesday, I repeated the only thing I could promise; "I can pay another $200 when my Social Security deposits in one week and I will continue to seek resources for the balance."  As with previous conversations, Ms. L repeatedly accused me of not understanding the limitations of their payment arrangement policies. I was chastised by, "You just need to pay your bill in full and on time", " if you pump $20 gas out for your car, you're expexcted to pay for it."  If I had that capacity I would not have subjected myself to the humiliating condescention I had been dealt through my phone calls begging for some alternatives to doing without power. I could respect that as a representative of this company she has to work within the policies and guidelines of her employer. I could respect concluding the call with an acknowledgement that she had done all that was within her authority. It was the disrespectful tone that really disturbed me. The suggestion that I had been negligent because I was having difficulty affording a $200-300 bill, 20-30% of my fixed monthly income. When I said I've been budgeting $200 out of $1,000 a month for MLGW bill. Her response was "what are you doing with the rest of your money?" ...well  how about $800 for my mortgage, phonebill and groceries...Such compassion from the head of a community program...

Before ending my last call I made sure there was no other course of action or arrangement within my power that I could make with MLGW. I asked whether the fact that I had history of regular monthly payments of $100-$300 was taken into consideration. I repeated that I could promise at least $200 as soon as my Social Security cleared in 6 days. I was assured that the only option left was a promise date of full $900 to consider reconnecting my electricity.

Call MLGW: Renig payment arrangements!

ms lockett call 3/26 11:27am; she returning my call from last wed;told her arrangements made w/ ms lloyd wed
Ms Lloyd call back ; she ask for promise date for $900; does not recall saying 'she'  and ms wash wuld call me back to arrange spread balance w ontrack again if i paid my $200 online once power back on wed, and that i was to call ms washington with date for full amount

she will ask ms wash to call me; i try expain communication disorder; to feel secure i request that ms wash email for most relable way of contact; i think she mentioned another name  i was to call or might recieve call from, but it left my mind before i could note it

Email To: Channel 3 on my side!

I was very pleased with your news report. I am as skeptical of the local sensational media as I am the corrupt officials. My first real viewing of the MLGW " preferred customers" scandal was on Channel 3 noon news in my physicians waiting room, minutes before arriving home to find my own utilities cutoff. Until today, after searching previous MLGW news stories I had no idea just how great this issue had become, even covered by the New York Times. I had never before ever considered calling a news channel. My anger watching the news turned to desperation once I was home and I spontaneously called Channel 3 in tears. Please, thank Nicole for taking the time to listen to my story. Already in great physical pain for days, I was at the end of my rope for sure. Even if you never called back, the few minutes she took to "listen" may have made all the difference in my sanity yesterday. I now realize just how many people have been calling all local news stations, and I can appreciate even more your choice to allow my voice to be heard.  The theme of your report conveyed the broader message I felt was really needed. I would just like to commend Channel 3 for being on my side!

Good luck in your future endeavors. From now own, I will be watching...

Thank you,

MLGW VIP list! Why am I not preferred customers? (email)

Subject: Angie has sent you a video - MLGW Papers

My first real viewing of the MLGW " preferred customers" scandal was on Wednesday's Channel 3 noon news in my physicians waiting room, minutes before arriving home to find my own utilities cut off. My anger watching the news turned to desperation once I was home and I spontaneously called Channel 3 in tears. Until today, after searching previous MLGW news stories I had no idea just how great this issue had become, even covered by the New York Times.

I was accused of being negligent in fufilling my financial obligations to MLGW; I have not been negligent I have been unable to fufill my obligation despite using all of my resources, seeking assistance as well as continuously communicating my status to them.

Why am I not a "notable" person?
I do not have the burden of maintaining a heated pool. But do I not deserve the security of warmth when I am cold, relief when I'm too hot, light when its dark, fresh food for my nutrition, even power for basic communication?

Read about the list that sent me over the edge! Watch my response on Channel 3...

Joseph Lee responds to MLGW's VIP list (list included in article)
http://wreg.com/Global/story.asp?s=6152608

MLGW Papers You'll need a version of Windows Media Player 7 or higher to view the video. If you need to download it, go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/mediaplayer/en/default.asptarget=_blank The video player is supported by Microsoft IE 5.0 and above.

1:15pm My electricity off! Calls to MLGW & News

Arrived home about 1:15 pm to find my electricity off.  Having just viewed the noon news minutes prior my first reaction was to phoned Channel 3! The main call center gave me no option other than $1,100 payment in full. I continued to seek assistance through a series of calls with the MLGW On Track supervisor, Ms. L. In my initial call I explained that I was not disputing my bill or my termination from the program; I was desparately seeking any options toward getting my power on. Her first reaction was that she had no authority to assist me. She instructed me to call on MIFA, CSA, and Catholic Charities, the same 3 that MLGW always refers. I had not neglected to contact these and others through "211" , as well as internet search of government agencies the past months. I made her aware that most of the known charities were without funds. She admitted that  it was near impossible to get call through MLGW's CSA phone number. She made some inquiries with Ms. W. of Presidents office. I emphasized I had  my regular budgeted $200 payment but I didn't want to make an unmerited promise for the balance. Although it was tempting to just give a date and amount just to get my lights on, I would not jeopardize the credibility of my word. My $200 was rejected and I was told my only option was to find some way of raising the balance. After I suggested that it was becuase I'd sought out many resources and lacked close friends or family capable of assisting this much that I resorted to calling her, and that maybe I would have to resort to going on TV to raise funds. Ms. L ended the call again quickly. Eventually, just before the arrival of the reporter I had managed to get my services connected if I promised to make my $200 payment online before next day. If my payment could not be verified the next day, then she would send someone right back over to disconnect. I was to expect contact from Ms. W. in regards to possibilities of arranging the balance. I made a positive report of service reconnection to Channel 3.

12pm News: Councilman gets 4 year break on utility bill!

The news reports that I saw in doctor's waiting room about 15 minutes before coming home to find my electricity had been cut off!!!

MLGW admits giving City Councilman Ford special treatment

MLGW report findings puts Joseph Lee in the hot seat
http://www.wreg.com/Global/story.asp?s=6254291

Email to MLGW: request assistance...outatanding balance

This is my second email today. I responded earlier to Voicemail message received Thursday, 6:51pm. I checked my account online, and I was unaware of huge outatanding balance. In viewing past TruePay payments for which I trusted my confirmations, I found that some past months had been returned.

As mentioned in some previous correspondance with your customer service, I have multiple disabilities. Neurological deficits make it particularly difficult to track things. I have managed by automating my fixed bills and keeping to strict $200 MLGW online monthly payments. I cannot figure out the current status of my account. I asked for a stop payment months ago to remedy an error I made in my method of payment, but I never intended for any of the following payment cancellations.

Unable to resolve with bank today, I will attempt next business day. I went ahead and made $100 online payment to show good faith.

Right now I am just overwhelmed by the magnitude of my illness and cosequent disabilities, increased utility costs. I am using space heater currntly. I cannot afford the repair needed to my central heat and air, nor do I trust using the fireplace which has never been inspected or cleanned. I also had water damge from leak of unknown source. I had to cut off downstairs water. This weeks sudden freeze spell has me quite frighten. I appreciate any special assistance MLGW can provide or other resources you can refer.