IHL controversy just reported on WDAM - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Aug 18, 2004

IHL controversy just reported on WDAM

Date: Aug 18, 2004

the clarion ledger had a more extensive story this morning.

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040818/NEWS01/408180363/1002

Date: Aug 18, 2004

Klumb said this???

"In the context of the budget .... it's an irrelevant amount of money," he said. "Anytime anyone wants to cut Roy Klumb loose with a free hand on any budget of any university, I can find millions of dollars of money that can be saved with a snap of a finger."

An "irrelevant amount of money"??? This is crazy.

Date: Aug 18, 2004

I'm not one to defend Roy Krumb, quite the opposite, but WDAM also reported that last year's retreat cost over $32,000 when it was held on the Gulf Coast.

My concern is that three years ago they spent close to $10,000. Isn't there someplace in Mississippi that could have hosted the IHL meeting for less than $18,000 so Mississippi tax money could have been spent here in the state of MS and NOT Alabama?????????

Date: Aug 18, 2004

quote:
Originally opined by Roy Klumb
""Anytime anyone wants to cut Roy Klumb loose with a free hand on any budget of any university, I can find millions of dollars of money that can be saved with a snap of a finger.""

But someone questioning his out-of-state spending is "petty, just petty."

I'm guessing Roy couldn't define 'irony.'

Date: Aug 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: educator
"Anytime anyone wants to cut Roy Klumb loose with a free hand on any budget of any university, I can find millions of dollars of money that can be saved with a snap of a finger."

Some of our nation's public schools tried to save money by cutting out their programs in art and music. The students deprived of those experiences are still suffering. During the Reagan era, in another attempt to save money, Ketchup was declared to count as a vegetable in public school cafeterias. Heinz and Hunts probably profited more than the students or the treasury. It would be interesting to know just what Mr. Klumb's fingersnapping money-savings plan would include. I can only imagine.

Date: Aug 18, 2004

It would not be football at MSU.

Date: Aug 18, 2004

One can never tell. Don't throw away your old abaccus or sundial.

Date: Aug 18, 2004

I heard Klumb was born in or around Copiah County, Mississipi, I heard he lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I didn't know he lived in Alabama as the news report said. That means he couldn't use my automobile bumper sticker which reads "Mississippian by Birth and by Choice."

Date: Aug 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Sonny
"One can never tell. Don't throw away your old abaccus or sundial. "

The really important things to note:

1. Klumb can question how other people spend state money -- but no one is allowed t question his judgment (can we say hypocrite?)

2. Roy is incredibly arrogant -- wonder how he'd feel if I said I could find a million dollers to cut at the snap of a finger in his lumber business?

3. Roy is a bully -- there is an implied threat in his words.

4. He is a PR nightmare -- it is simply stupid to say these things in public and so court the anger of those who work at universities. Every time things begin to quiet down just a bit Roy manages to put his foot in his mouth and draw attention to himself.

This guy is a loose cannon who should not be on the Board - he is incompetent, arrogant, and doesn't play well in the sandbox with others.

Maybe it is time for a movement to force Roy to step down: there is a lot of public evidence that he is abusing his position.

Roy -- I hope you are reading this: as I have said elsewhere, my office is easy to find.

Date: Aug 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Greem Hornet
" WDAM also reported that last year's retreat cost over $32,000 when it was held on the Gulf Coast. My concern is that three years ago they spent close to $10,000. Isn't there someplace in Mississippi that could have hosted the IHL meeting for less than $18,000 so Mississippi tax money could have been spent here in the state of MS and NOT Alabama????????? "

Good point GH. Klumb is engaged in diversionary tactics. He was criticized (at least in the context of the piece) for spending money out of state. His response was as if he was being criticized for spending too much money.

But to be diverted, of course he could save money at any institution in Mississippi. Any idot could. Ok, any other idot could, too. The trick is not to save money; it is to save money and maintain quality education.

But back to the point, what possible justification can the IHL board have for not meeting in central Mississippi? They are a Mississippi entity, governing Mississippi institutions, spending Mississippians' money. There can't be more than fifty of them, even with entourage. If they need more privacy than Jackson can afford, hire a conference room in the Gluckstadt Holiday Inn.

Date: Aug 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Sonny
"One can never tell. Don't throw away your old abaccus or sundial. "

The really important things to note:

1. Klumb can question how other people spend state money -- but no one is allowed t question his judgment (can we say hypocrite?)

2. Roy is incredibly arrogant -- wonder how he'd feel if I said I could find a million dollers to cut at the snap of a finger in his lumber business?

3. Roy is a bully -- there is an implied threat in his words.

4. He is a PR nightmare -- it is simply stupid to say these things in public and so court the anger of those who work at universities. Every time things begin to quiet down just a bit Roy manages to put his foot in his mouth and draw attention to himself.

This guy is a loose cannon who should not be on the Board - he is incompetent, arrogant, and doesn't play well in the sandbox with others.

Maybe it is time for a movement to force Roy to step down: there is a lot of public evidence that he is abusing his position.

Roy -- I hope you are reading this: as I have said elsewhere, my office is easy to find.

Date: Aug 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: ram
what possible justification can the IHL board have for not meeting in central Mississippi? They are a Mississippi entity, governing Mississippi institutions, spending Mississippians' money.

If the IHL is concerned that the state taxes generated by money they spend in Mississippi would go to the Mississippi treasury, or the Jackson convention facilities do not suit them, they could hold their meeting at the Silver Star or Golden Moon casino hotels on the Native American reservation in Philadelphia, MS. Very good facilities for their meeting there. A very good location in central Mississippi.

Date: Aug 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Lamont Cranston
"I heard Klumb was born in or around Copiah County, Mississipi, I heard he lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I didn't know he lived in Alabama as the news report said. That means he couldn't use my automobile bumper sticker which reads "Mississippian by Birth and by Choice." "

If you Google for Klumb Lumber, you'll not see a single Mississippi address listed on the first page of results. Alabama offices all over the page. And if you go to this page & then search the page for Klumb Lumber, you'll find that there is a Klumb office in ... POINT CLEAR, ALABAMA.

As far as Klumb being from Copiah Co., I dunno. I do know that one of his dad's competitors, Warren Hood Sr. was from Hermanville, in Copiah Co.

Date: Aug 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Greem Hornet
"I'm not one to defend Roy Krumb, quite the opposite, but WDAM also reported that last year's retreat cost over $32,000 when it was held on the Gulf Coast."

Then don't hold the retreat in a frickin' resort area. If they are supposed to be working, they don't need to go to a vacation destination. They could get their work done just as well at Lake Tiak-o-Khata or a state park somewhere.

Date: Aug 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Invictus
" If you Google for Klumb Lumber, you'll not see a single Mississippi address listed on the first page of results. Alabama offices all over the page. And if you go to this page & then search the page for Klumb Lumber, you'll find that there is a Klumb office in ... POINT CLEAR, ALABAMA. As far as Klumb being from Copiah Co., I dunno. I do know that one of his dad's competitors, Warren Hood Sr. was from Hermanville, in Copiah Co."

Yes, the American article indicated that Klumb is originally from Point Clear.

Incidently, a nice little moment of public wrangling between Klumb and Robinson . . . .

Date: Aug 18, 2004

the clarion ledger story says that Klumb was raised around Point Clear. That's why he selected the place. gotta golf course? i heard a number of the male members of the board like to hit the links during these retreats--sometimes to the exclusion of work. Same problem at Old Waverly.

Date: Aug 18, 2004

Roy Klumb is an embarrassment to the state of MS AND the state of AL now. Let the letter-writing campaign begin! Get this guy off of the IHL board NOW! I demand a recall!

Date: Aug 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Invictus
" If you Google for Klumb Lumber, you'll not see a single Mississippi address listed on the first page of results. Alabama offices all over the page. And if you go to this page & then search the page for Klumb Lumber, you'll find that there is a Klumb office in ... POINT CLEAR, ALABAMA."

Where in Point Clear, Alabama are they meeting? Do the Klumbs own the conference hall (or whatever) in Point Clear? Why take the meeting to Alabama?

Spend less money holding the meeting, yes. But at the same time, spend the money in MISSISSIPPI!!!!!!!!

Date: Aug 18, 2004

give the recall notion a rest. the board is a constitutionally recognized (don't know if that's the appropriate expression) board. it takes a lot to get someone removed. i don't know if in MS you can even do that. better--inquire more from those running for the governorship about their plans for the IHL.

Date: Aug 18, 2004

where is point clear?--i suspect it is in the redneck riviera (sp?). the southern part of AL.

Date: Aug 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: stinky cheese man
"give the recall notion a rest. the board is a constitutionally recognized (don't know if that's the appropriate expression) board. it takes a lot to get someone removed. i don't know if in MS you can even do that. better--inquire more from those running for the governorship about their plans for the IHL. "

Well, THAT will be a 3 and 1/2 year wait. Hopefully when Virginia Newton takes over next year, she'll run things different.............

Date: Aug 18, 2004

virginia will run it much differently. i can almost guarantee that. she'll be a relief from klumb.

Date: Aug 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: stinky cheese man
"where is point clear?--i suspect it is in the redneck riviera (sp?). the southern part of AL. "

Yes, it is on the Eastern Shore in L.A. (Lower Alabama)...

Question: Are the IHL folks meeting at the Florabama at this very moment?

Date: Aug 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Invictus
" Question: Are the IHL folks meeting at the Florabama at this very moment?"

Well, if I thought I was king of the world, I'd be meeting here:

http://marriott.com/property/propertyPage/PTLAL

Date: Aug 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: ram
"... of course he could save money at any institution in Mississippi. Any idot could. Ok, any other idot could, too. .."

Ram, I laughed out loud at the "idot" part of your quote. That's become a permanent part of our language here on the board - kind of the way families have little words and sayings of their own. I appreciate very much all the serious discourse that goes on here and the tremendous amount of thoughtful posting about important issues, but I have to say that the fellowship and camaraderie that has happened here among us - and is demonstrated by the fact that we have our own special language - is often just as meaningful and important to me. We are family! No quarter!

Jo

Date: Aug 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: stinky cheese man
"give the recall notion a rest. the board is a constitutionally recognized (don't know if that's the appropriate expression) board. it takes a lot to get someone removed. i don't know if in MS you can even do that. better--inquire more from those running for the governorship about their plans for the IHL. "

SCM

You are right on the "recall" isue. But Klumb's public comportment can certainly be called into question. Unlike many members of the board Klumb has been far more than an advocate for a set of general principals which fall clearly within the purview of the board. He has also taken advantage of his Board position to use the media to inject his personal views into issues the Board should have been discussing in camera. He has certainly tried to use the media to affect the designed to affect the Board itself. He has slandered people in public (never forget that he pretty much accused F&G of criminal acts). His interference in the Athletic Dirctor's position at state in which he used his position as a Board member to generate enough public pressure to affect the Board's vote went way over the top. It might not have been illegal (who knows what rules and guidelines the Board member's go by?) but it was clearly unethical.

The guy cannot separate himself and his private views from his role as member of the Board. His ability to be objective on critical issues is absolutely open to question. Klumb is a lot like some public figures these days: he has come to some conclusions about things he believes and he gathers evidence not to find out if his beliefs valid but to convince others his belief is correct.

In other words, he uses his appointed position to 1. promote personal agendas 2. influence choices more properly made by university officials.

How is it possible to believe that someone who could become so inflamed and public about the State AD job would be able to objectively make judgements about issues that might benefit other athletic departments -- esepcially if that meant State lost something? And I'll wager that at some level that crosses over into his beliefs about the roles of the various universities -- as we are about to go through a round of looking at "duplicate" programs. Don't bet that Roy's "beliefs" about and loyalty to his alma mater don't affect his judgement. If Roy, for instance, were as well invested in the arts as he is in football I have no doubt he'd be a lot more active in trying to use his position to strengthen the arts at State -- and he'd do it at the expense of the other universties. The only safe areas are the ones Roy doesn't care about -- oh, no -- that is obviously wrong. If he doesn't care about them, then they must not be important at all and thus probably need to be axed . . . after all, Roy seems to have a key to wisdom the rest of us lack.

Klumb is an issue. He's made himself an issue. People who write letters targeting Klumb directly could put quite a bit of pressure on the rest of the Board. It looks to me as though he may be wearing out his welcome with a few Board members.

Klumb may have a degree -- but he is a Snopes at heart.

Date: Aug 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: stephen judd
" SCM You are right on the "recall" isue. But Klumb's public comportment can certainly be called into question. Unlike many members of the board Klumb has been far more than an advocate for a set of general principals which fall clearly within the purview of the board. He has also taken advantage of his Board position to use the media to inject his personal views into issues the Board should have been discussing in camera. He has certainly tried to use the media to affect the designed to affect the Board itself. He has slandered people in public (never forget that he pretty much accused F&G of criminal acts). His interference in the Athletic Dirctor's position at state in which he used his position as a Board member to generate enough public pressure to affect the Board's vote went way over the top. It might not have been illegal (who knows what rules and guidelines the Board member's go by?) but it was clearly unethical. The guy cannot separate himself and his private views from his role as member of the Board. His ability to be objective on critical issues is absolutely open to question. Klumb is a lot like some public figures these days: he has come to some conclusions about things he believes and he gathers evidence not to find out if his beliefs valid but to convince others his belief is correct. In other words, he uses his appointed position to 1. promote personal agendas 2. influence choices more properly made by university officials. How is it possible to believe that someone who could become so inflamed and public about the State AD job would be able to objectively make judgements about issues that might benefit other athletic departments -- esepcially if that meant State lost something? And I'll wager that at some level that crosses over into his beliefs about the roles of the various universities -- as we are about to go through a round of looking at "duplicate" programs. Don't bet that Roy's "beliefs" about and loyalty to his alma mater don't affect his judgement. If Roy, for instance, were as well invested in the arts as he is in football I have no doubt he'd be a lot more active in trying to use his position to strengthen the arts at State -- and he'd do it at the expense of the other universties. The only safe areas are the ones Roy doesn't care about -- oh, no -- that is obviously wrong. If he doesn't care about them, then they must not be important at all and thus probably need to be axed . . . after all, Roy seems to have a key to wisdom the rest of us lack. Klumb is an issue. He's made himself an issue. People who write letters targeting Klumb directly could put quite a bit of pressure on the rest of the Board. It looks to me as though he may be wearing out his welcome with a few Board members. Klumb may have a degree -- but he is a Snopes at heart. "

Stephen Judd, you are a constant (and consistent!) source of wisdom on this board. I agree about the letter writing campaign. It would have more force coming from MS taxpayers who are *not* faculty members, I believe. Any takers?

Date: Aug 18, 2004

You know, I'm just livid about this. Explain to me, Roy Klumb, how you can DENY universities enough of an increase to properly fund vital faculty and staff raises, yet spend *loads* of money on a retreat (that other state IHL/Regent boards do not find necessary) so that you can "reflect" on work that you do on a *part-time* basis??? Seems to me we have a lazy, unproductive IHL board member here who doesn't want to do "a day's work for a day's pay" or some such. What's an inconsequential amount for you, Roy Klumb, could make some hard-working USM Physical Plant employee mighty happy.

Then you, Roy Klumb, say that you have some magic wand that you would be willing to wave over the budgets of all MS state universities that would save them MILLIONS of dollars??? If this is true, then WHY HAVEN'T YOU DONE THIS ALREADY??? Why don't you bottle your snake oil...er...mass produce your "magic wand" and make some real economic development happen for MS??? NO, you, Roy Klumb, say that we *don't need* to patronize MS businesses...we have moved past those days. Is this the same sort of inside-out logic that Shelboo uses when praising the "exports" of USM's "world-class" faculty and administrators to other universities??? What kind of wacky rabbit hole has MS fallen into????

PS--Anyone who refers to themselves in the third person (i.e. Roy Klumb) really needs to have Roy Klumb's head examined.

Date: Aug 18, 2004

stephen and truth--i agree with your assessment of klumb. but a letter-writing campaign?! to whom? the press? the board? the board knows klumb--i suspect some like him and others don't. put pressure on a governing board that ignored a vote of no confidence? controlling klumb is like trying to reign in a road lizard. the public--he speaks some of their populist thinking about the university system.