Seven Minus One

Philip R. Klein comments on the retirement of Miriam Johnson as Jefferson County Tax Assessor-Collector:

The Gang of Seven loses one of their own this morning that has many in the political world shaking their heads - but not us.

Philip stole the notion of the "Gang of Seven" from Michael Aguilar, who first coined the term years ago to describe the Board of Trustees for the Port Arthur Independent School District. Klein has, at one time or another, identified these people as being one of his seven: 

1. Bo Alfred
2. Eddie Arnold
3. Jeff Brannick
4. Mark Domingue
5. Caroline Guidry
6. Miriam Johnson
7. Waymond Hallmark
8. Lolita Ramos
9. Michael Sinegal
10. Patrick Swain
11. Ron Walker
12. Mitch Woods

Johnson's pending retirement has been no secret in recent weeks, except perhaps to PRK. After 26 years in the tax office,  I suspect the simple truth is that Miriam is ready to retire. The rumors have circulated for months, as KFDM Channel 6 noted:

Johnson told KFDM News she'd been planning to retire from the position for the past year and a half and made sure her employees were prepared.

I couldn't find any mention of Miriam Johnson's retirement on the KBTV Channel 4 website. Perhaps they're still waiting for Miriam to enter the race for Jefferson County Judge, based on Philip's previous claims.

In Philip's manufactured account, he speculated on her personal life and hints at another tired investigation (I've edited his crude language):

Miriam Johnson walks off the job this morning - sorry - she retires this morning post the public electing her to office for a few full terms. She quits in the middle of her term and her number two takes over. Now the first question on everyone's mind is why? She is the most powerful women in the courthouse and she walks away?

Ah yes - is there more? Will we know? Family issues? Public issues? Catches wind that there may be on ongoing ..... 

Well we don't know and we do not want to speculate - so lets move on to the next wave of March Madness in Jefferson County. That is - who will come to the party.

The black community we have been told is pushing very very hard for a black name or two. It has not been released - but d** it - they want someone with black skin. Never mind the qualifications. They want a black man or women. Watch for the executive committee fight to begin.

Philip's racism is showing again. Likewise, Klein's imagery in this posting speaks volumes about his obsessions and insecurities:

Slowly - one by one - the gang of seven is becoming neutered.

And that grunting you are hearing from the 1st floor bathroom at the courthouse...

And he looks like Jaba [sic] the Hut on a good day.

It has not been released - but d** it - they want someone with black skin.

They want a black man or women.

Black women?