From Sam Knowlton.

Mayor Laurence Leyens repeated Monday his contention that organizers intentionally misinformed people asked to sign a bond-issue petition, then joined Vicksburg’s two aldermen in directing the verification process to begin.

&#8220This has got to be, in my 5 1/2 years in government, one of the lowest moments as it relates to what I consider evil going on,” Leyens said.

The petition was submitted to the City Clerk on Friday. If 1,500 of the signatures are verified to be registered city voters, Leyens and the two aldermen will either have to drop their plans to borrow $16.9 million for road work, softball fields and a bridge – or set a referendum date for a public vote.

John Shorter, who ran for mayor 18 months ago and is identified on NAACP letterhead as vice president of the local chapter, tried to respond to Leyens’ comments and was escorted from the board room by a police officer. When he submitted it Friday, Shorter said the petition – possibly a first in local history – contained about 2,040 signatures.

Leyens, North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield and South Ward Alderman Sid Beauman have characterized the resolution to borrow money as routine and having no chance of causing higher taxes.

Leyens added Monday that, if verified, the petition would cost the city at least $50,000 to $65,000 to hold a special election.

The mayor also singled out former North Ward Alderman Gertrude Young, who was not at the meeting, for her participation. She served as alderman for 12 years before losing to Mayfield in 2005, had supported an $18.2 million bond issue with Leyens and Beauman in 2001 and tentatively favored the current proposal in discussions before her election loss.

Specifically, Leyens said opposition organizers misled residents of the Oak Street corridor area into thinking the city’s plan included forcing people from their homes.

While improved lighting and streets are planned for that area, there is no plan to use the city’s power to buy private property for resale to developers in the resolution passed a month ago.

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