Action News 5 - Memphis, TennesseeSouthaven mayor scandal stirs social media frenzy

Southaven mayor scandal stirs social media frenzy

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By Kontji Anthony - bio | email

SOUTHAVEN, MS (WMC-TV) - If the social media buzz is any indication, Southaven citizens are gearing up for a Super Bowl of their own.

Tuesday's alderman meeting is supposed to be so packed that the city is considering a larger venue.

"I believe everybody in Southaven is pretty interested in this," observed Southaven resident Ricky Howell.

Tuesday is Mayor Greg Davis' first alderman meeting, since a three and half week medical leave.

The break came after a Mississippi state audit revealed Davis used his city credit card on what appeared to be a two-year, $170,000 bender, including gay sex shop purchases in Canada, vacations in Arizona, and high liquor tabs at swanky Mid-South restaurants.

"I think a lot of people are concerned about just the sheer number of dollars spent that may not be legal or authorized," Southaven resident Reginald Thomas surmised.

Weeks after aldermen asked for Davis' resignation, Davis returned to announce he had, "no intentions of resigning."

Last week, a Greg Davis: Resign from the Mayor's Office petition hit the Internet.

Now, Facebook has two pages dedicated to the embattled mayor Resign Mayor Davis and Resign! Mayor Greg Davis.

One Facebook user took a Ground Hog Day jab at Davis, posting "If Mayor Greg Davis sees his shadow...it means six more weeks of ___________." Dozens of people filled in the blank.

Twitter has a NoGregDavis page run by www.GLBTcentral.com. The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender website administrators showed no mercy for Davis.

The Twitter profile description says, "I am NOT the mayor of Southaven, MS who is under investigation for spending taxpayers' dollars like my own personal slush fund."

Some Southaven residents say there is no rush to judgment.

"Until something is proven that is not ethical or he broke the law, let him stay in office and let the investigation take its course," sympathized Thomas.

Others say Davis did a great job, but it's time to go.

"I think he probably needs to just bow out gracefully, pay the dues and just step out," said Howell.

The ball is now in Davis' court because no law is on the books to recall a Southaven mayor.

The FBI is investigating Davis' case, but no charges have been filed.

Davis still owes the city roughly $62,000.  He is covered by an assurity bond until his term expires in a year and a half.  If Davis doesn't pay, the bond company will.

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