Transportation commissioner and MDOT director clash over grants, Horn Lake traffic light
Northern District Transportation Commissioner John Caldwell and Mississippi Department of Transportation Executive Director Brad White traded heated remarks during a commission meeting Tuesday over federal grant details and the installation of a traffic signal in Horn Lake, according to statements made at the meeting and a presentation by White.
The dispute stems from an Aug. 25 meeting in which Caldwell asked for detailed information about federal grants and where the funds “will go,” Caldwell said. White told the commission he did not have the information at that moment but promised to send it after the meeting. White said Caldwell’s comment that MDOT staff did not know answers was “not a fair statement,” and added that grant packages are brought before the commission with detailed project information, according to White.
White presented the requested grant information and said his review of MDOT records and staff conversations showed that an initial Horn Lake traffic study placed a proposed signal within the approval “bubble,” but a follow-up review by MDOT’s chief engineer identified issues with the first study. White said MDOT nonetheless committed to installing the light “on MDOT’s dime” after Caldwell indicated he intended to have the signal installed. White said Horn Lake officials wanted a more decorative “mast arm” pole and that MDOT told the city it would provide standard signal equipment while the city could pay the additional cost for the upgraded poles.
White said his review included talks with the police chief and that he felt the city needed to be on board before MDOT moved forward. White told the commission, “But I do feel like it’s important that the city be on board before we move forward with putting something there in the city.” After White asked for questions, Caldwell, who joined by phone, interrupted and objected to being portrayed as a liar. Caldwell repeatedly told White to “shut up” and said he was trying to speed installation of the signal, calling MDOT’s typical timeframe of seven to 10 years for projects too slow.
Commissioners Willie Simmons and Charles Busby told Caldwell the account he gave at the Aug. 25 meeting conflicted with White’s presentation. Caldwell called the rebuke “bullshit” and accused fellow commissioners of insulting his integrity. Simmons reminded Caldwell that meetings are recorded and urged professionalism, and the commission later went into executive session to discuss workers’ compensation matters and pending litigation, according to the meeting record.
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