Jones house again for auction
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| Jones |
By Cortney Langley
The home, 3908 St. Eric’s Turn, owned by Jones’s husband, Arch, has been on the block before. It was to be auctioned in 2010, but the sale was halted. The family was fighting the foreclosure.
The Daily Press ad announcing the auction, which is scheduled for noon on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at the Williamsburg-James City Circuit Court, notes that the sale is to satisfy a 2007 deed of trust originally amounting to $342,400.
James City property records show that the two-story, 3,300-square-foot home is assessed at $358,000. The Jones family bought it for $428,000 in October 2007.
Mary Jones did not respond to requests for new comment.
She did address the situation at length in an October 2010 letter to the Gazette’s editor however, decoupling it from her public office.
“I can assure each of you that it was not mismanagement, impropriety or any other kind of irresponsible behavior that brought my family to this point,” she said. “It was simply a failure to see the massive economic dis-location that was coming our way and respond to it in a timely fashion.”
She has said that her family’s financial situation has helped her understand what constituents are struggling with.
“In this regard, my family and I are like most Americans, as sadly, this saga is playing out over and over again, not only in our own back yard, but throughout our country,” she said. “As a result, there are many who are embarrassed and silently struggling. My family is obviously not immune, and we truly understand that people are dealing with many difficult issues.
“Because of my personal experiences, I believe that I am better equipped to both serve and relate to the needs of the people that I am privileged to serve in the Berkeley District and our community as a whole.”
Unrelenting critic Bob Richardson has tried to keep the issue alive, attending supervisor meetings to protest Jones’ power over county finances. Lately, he’s been less visible, as Jones has gaveled him from the podium, cut his time and recessed the meeting to silence his criticism, saying that his sentiments aren’t germane to the county’s work or his tone is unacceptable.
Jones’ defenders back her that the circumstances increase her compassion for constituents’ troubles. They also point to her performance in November’s election, when she prevailed over Carlton Stockton with 54.8% of the vote to his 44.9%.
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Reader Comments
It Is Time wrote on Jan 26, 2012 3:58 PM:
A nony mouse wrote on Jan 26, 2012 4:12 PM:
No one has shown how this impacts her ability to serve; elected officials go through all kinds of financial ups and downs, same as anyone else.
If you want to question her on issues of policy, or her voting records, go ahead. But this is her private life, which has zero to do with her public office. It's only a nuisance because you people keeping making it one. "
To A nony wrote on Jan 26, 2012 4:30 PM:
to the Mouse above wrote on Jan 26, 2012 4:31 PM:
What happens at home (or in the Oval Office) DOES have a bearing in public service. Like it or not!
Time to resign, Ms. Jones. "
GovernmentWatcher wrote on Jan 26, 2012 4:34 PM:
John McCain wrote on Jan 26, 2012 4:47 PM:
Live and Love Here wrote on Jan 26, 2012 5:01 PM:
Kris, can ye help?! "
hhlanexa wrote on Jan 26, 2012 5:15 PM:
No wimps allowed wrote on Jan 26, 2012 6:02 PM:
Bob R. wrote on Jan 26, 2012 6:39 PM:
It also came to light today that they have once again stiffed their HOA, as yet another warrent in debt has been filed against them.
Last time their $450 HOA debt cost them $650 after court fees and HOA lawyers fees. We know they can afford it, for it was garnished from wages. $200 wasted and for what. "
To No Wimps wrote on Jan 26, 2012 6:39 PM:
Too funny wrote on Jan 26, 2012 6:41 PM:
The superciliousness runs strong in this town. WOW!
I just have to laugh. "
Bob R wrote on Jan 26, 2012 7:07 PM:
It took a simple lawyer fee to file an injunction ~17 months ago that allowed them to remain in a house they could not afford for an additional 17 months!
Guesstimating $2000/month mortgage payments, that amounts to $34,000 free rent. We all should have it so good, but in fact what the rest of us that live by moral values and the rules face is tighter credit and higher costs for daily purchases due to the credit card debt that Mary Jones has run up and refused to pay.
Not a laughing matter at all, but a disgrace to this family and JCC as a whole who elected this individual and who refuses to resign in order to allow the county to move on and this family to get their act together.
So without a mortgage to pay and two income earners, one with two jobs, just where is the money going. Seems like telltale signs of addiction - gambling would be my wager.
Not a laughing matter at all, but instead a disgrace. "
So let me get this Laughable Lunacy straight wrote on Jan 26, 2012 7:35 PM:
So let me get this current Laughable Lunacy straight:
Kennedy was just re-elected in an uncontested race, got it!
Similarly, was Ms. Jones…well she had a “challenger” at least on the ballot, and with full public scrutiny of these political attacks and smear campaigns full of corruption, We the People re-elected her by one of the largest victories in JCC history (largest turn-out of a local race + that “narrow’ 10% margin(
So know Jim, John, Dave, Deb et al (is that stockie too?) start posting before this article is even published (how does one do that?) how she needs to resign or at least turn over the Chair to Dr dry-mouth.
Ok, I am beginning to see this sordid story, but isn’t he the one who just abandon his electorate, creating this appointment debacle that Iceman refuses to cooperate with, and the supposed validation of this is that he was over-whelmingly elected by 27 votes!? Majority that is NOT, plurality contestable
Maybe it’s time that these greedy tyrants stop obstructing and politicizing every move they make and cooperate with the truth and US!
Sick and twisted does not begin to describe yall’s cabal…We will continue to pray for your souls…and your yippy lil show dog too! "
hhlanexa wrote on Jan 26, 2012 7:42 PM:
JAMESTOWN HUNDRED HOMEOWNERS ASSOC INC has been Plaintiff in SIX different cases against Jones over the last few years. SIX.
It's a good thing that HOA never came before the board. Maybe the needed to, but were afraid.
This is exactly why this can't go on. She has to resign.
If there is this much in the public record, how much is hidden?
Who can be assured that her influence isn't/wasn't for sale? "
Hey Mr. Jimmy wrote on Jan 26, 2012 7:45 PM:
Years ago one was legally insane for doing more than 4 hits of acid! I guess you get granfathered in. How is that organic farm venture in Waverly going? "
Bob R. wrote on Jan 26, 2012 7:47 PM:
So from above "...ridiculousness above isn't even worthy of reading let alone responding to" and the same individual launches into a long response based on conjecture and lies. Maybe they read it maybe not.
Can you say HYPOCRITE, kinda like Mary Jones insisting that one has to give their address before speaking when she has refused to do so herself for years and years now. "
Bob R. wrote on Jan 26, 2012 7:52 PM:
Can't afford to heat our house, but able to keep one or two rooms warm. But at least I can say I pay my bills. "
Concerned Citizen wrote on Jan 26, 2012 10:30 PM:
Shame on you all for judging.
You are an embarrassment to this community. "
EEEEJITS wrote on Jan 26, 2012 10:31 PM:
My politics are mostly diametrically opposed to her's, but she has concern for all of us. For all you that cast stones because of her misfortune I hope for your sake people don't turn on you if bad times befall you. "
Hey Bob wrote on Jan 26, 2012 10:44 PM:
Several of us are appreciative of your efforts, but this issue is baloney. Keep on track. You make important issues on behalf of us all.
I'm friends with a few of those you have made issue with. In general I'm a fan of what you present, but when you get silly I dismiss you as 'a nut' and disengage from the issue. Often you are your own worst enemy
Rethink your tactics. You have much to offer. Just sayin'. "
Too Fuuny 2 wrote on Jan 27, 2012 12:18 AM:
I say to all of those who wish to spend more money than what you have go right ahead. You want to talk negative,You want to look better than the rest. Fit in with the up crowd. Have at it.
When ignorance gets started it knows no bounds. "
responsiblerenter wrote on Jan 27, 2012 2:37 AM:
Totally Off Topic wrote on Jan 27, 2012 8:13 AM:
Patriot wrote on Jan 27, 2012 8:43 AM:
As sorry as I am for Ms. Jones and others affected by this recession, the de-regulated predatory mortgage practices encouraged by the Bush administration in its laissez-faire days started this entire disaster (assisted by two very expensive and unnecessary wars), and none of us are the better for it.
I continue to support President Obama in his work to undo the economic, political, social, environmental, and international relations' damage of Bush, Cheney, and the rest of us. "
Bob R. wrote on Jan 27, 2012 8:52 AM:
Contact me at jccegov.org if you like. "
Bob R. wrote on Jan 27, 2012 9:04 AM:
I struggle with this often for the persona you see here and in the more distant past at public comment is not consistent with my faith, but driven by how I have been treated by elected and appointed county officials and higher level staff.
I believe if you knew what I have endured for the past 4 years, you might be more sympathetic. When bullies resort to fabricating lies to try to discredit their critic(s) and use their bully pulpit (the dias) or hide behind anonymous screen names to deliver their load of mud, I have a choice, walk away and let the unethical behavior I criticize go unchallenged of stand up proud and fight. My choice is clear.
Please take the time to review my 3 minute public comment about having to give your address made at the 1/10/12 BOS meeting. You see giving your address is not part of the rules and I gave many reasons (5) why it should not be required. Here is a link to just that segment:
http://tinyclip.tv/321f9a9e "
Go Away wrote on Jan 27, 2012 11:37 AM:
how can we trust "chairwoman" jones to effectively consider county budget matters when she can't manage her own at home? a no-brainer. RESIGN NOW. "
Go Away wrote on Jan 27, 2012 11:50 AM:
hhlanexa wrote on Jan 27, 2012 11:57 AM:
Was probably MaryK. She has posted under that name before, and loves that word, "delusional", uses it on almost every post. Ironic.
The only one that leaked the story was PROFESSIONAL FORECLOSURE CORPORATION OF VIRGINIA, Substitute Trustees, C/O Shapiro & Burson, when they took out the ad in the D. Press, 3 day ago.
As to the other "lies", they are all listed at: http://www.courts.state.va.us/caseinfo/home.html
Better take it up with the court reporters, if something is in error. "
Wat to go CENSOROR wrote on Jan 27, 2012 12:00 PM:
Go Away wrote on Jan 27, 2012 12:02 PM:
reflection wrote on Jan 27, 2012 12:09 PM:
You have confirmed, from your earlier post referencing the slight upon you and your character four years ago, that this business and you actions are simply about you. You have proven that you will get your “pound of flesh” at any cost to yourself, the citizens and any person that you choose target. This is not about the greater good, free speech or any other intangible principle but merely about your ego, self serving delusions and your self centered ideology that you can not be “treated this way.”
What exactly will remedy your cause? The public humiliation of all those who you perceive treated you in an unacceptable fashion? The laying down of slanderous and libelous accusations? The resignation of elected officials that you do not approve of? The endless waste of time and resources to the taxpayers and citizens that wish to be served? I do not think this will satisfy you. The higher ground is far behind you but you would not have taken it any way.
You have proven yourself to be serving of no one but yourself in this endeavor. This speaks volumes towards your narcissistic and petty vendetta. You have done many a disservice yet you simply do not care. In the process you have become a sideshow or source of cheap entertainment for some, a puppet for those that wish to gain and maintain power in the local venue and a way of increasing the revenue of newspapers and news sites. This will not matter to you, however, as you have proven yourself to be an individual who believes that they can not or will not suffer an affront by anyone. In this regard you have become a fanatic with no credibility. Your claims are now baseless and without merit.
Let it go. If you have any inkling of Karma, retribution or justice, you will understand the moral and spiritual dilemma here. Otherwise you are simply a part of the self serving community on both sides that has no real interest in furthering the common good. This whole affair is akin to an inquisition and pseaks volumes about the savagery and blood thirst many in this community so dutifully enjoy. "
Saul Alinsky wrote on Jan 27, 2012 12:19 PM:
Go Away wrote on Jan 27, 2012 1:51 PM:
Mary (the marionnette) Jones needs to RESIGN now. If she can't handle her own finances, how can she speak to those of James City County?? "
Veteran wrote on Jan 27, 2012 3:44 PM:
Get a Life wrote on Jan 27, 2012 6:02 PM:
The voters re-elected Ms. Jones by a wide margin despite her families personal financail troubles which were well-documented and widely publicized by this and other media outlets. Everyone realizes that local dems still cannot believe that Carlton Stockton, empty suit and all, got trounched again by such a perceived light-weight. McGlennon should thank Monsignor and Greg Davis otherwise he would have met a similiar fate.
Let's face it local dems - you represenet a shrinking minority in JCC and your days in power are coming to an end. When your leader and standard barer of 12 years can only win by 27 votes there is a problem. JCC electorate have grown weary of your games and eliteism. You spend our money recklessly and honestly believe we do not pay enough already for the priviledge of living in JCC.
You also use hapless sorogates like BOBR to do your bidding and to distract citizens from the real issues of self-governance and to hide your collective dreadful performance and record. "
BANKRUPT wrote on Jan 27, 2012 6:14 PM:
Amazing Hypocracy wrote on Jan 28, 2012 8:27 AM:
Even if any of this is true, didn’t bobr’s scripted performance just scold the BOS for having no representation for the homeless?
Where is all the “compassion” for the “victims of the economy” by those who obviously just want to OCCUPY her seat? "
Bob R. wrote on Jan 28, 2012 10:04 AM:
They could have 1) taken on a renter. 2) Sold their house and cut their losses. 3) Returned the house to the bank years ago and/or 4) moved in with family and friends, perhaps in Kingsmill "
Bob R. wrote on Jan 28, 2012 10:13 AM:
2) That and your insinuation that Mary Jones will become "homeless".
3) That and the fact that you seem to ignore this and all her other failings and unethical decisions and actions.
and
4) your comment about "even if any of this is true" - can you not see facts for what they are, it is called substantiation. I see no substantiation in your comments.
But I guess as long as you hide behind screen names all this is ok with you. "
Bad Example wrote on Jan 28, 2012 1:06 PM:
Great example wrote on Jan 28, 2012 2:15 PM:
Did President Obama show up or did he just waste the time and tax monies of that court? Did the Judge find him in contempt of court?
I remember reading how his defense was something about he’s too busy playing president and that the case (an absolution violation of the US Constitution) should be summarily dismissed because it really didn’t matter now because he was already elected (by a very thin margin, much less than 10%). Funny how this was to be the first court to ever hear evidence of his lacking the qualification to even hold the office in the first place. "
Who Are YOU to judge wrote on Jan 28, 2012 6:22 PM:
Bob R. wrote on Jan 28, 2012 11:06 PM:
We all should expect more from our elected officials and leaders. We should demand more. She should resign. She should never have been elected in the first place . We (she) can thank Chris Henderson and JCCRC for misleading the voters and financing her election in 2007. "
tiffanee wrote on Jan 29, 2012 5:45 PM:
Even eye understand dat! "
The Oracle wrote on Jan 30, 2012 8:04 AM:
Absolute dishonesty wrote on Jan 30, 2012 8:42 AM:
EVERY current Board member participates in JCC health insurance...only difference is Ms Jones doesn NOT ALSO demand coverage from the State and Feds like the others DO!
How do we know this? thoses dirty wrastly wrepubliCANS Hid this secret info on the front page of the "newspaper" just like they did with those "hidden" redistricting maps
OCCUPY some honesty for a Change...thats HOPE we can believe in "
The TRUTH you wont allow the TRUTH wrote on Jan 30, 2012 9:29 AM:
PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW THIS IS HONEST or PROTECTING/HONORING THE 1st Amendment "
WOW Sorry for the galring typo error wrote on Jan 30, 2012 9:45 AM:
meant to say that certain defamation is ALLOWED and eevn promoted, while the TRUTH and actual facts are immediately censored "
The Truth wrote on Jan 30, 2012 10:51 AM:
Do the right thing. Resign now. "
Bob R. wrote on Jan 30, 2012 5:08 PM:
I have asked that these posts be removed and that this post also be removed after cleanup since it no longer will make sense.
Hard to reason with people that will make up their own "truth" / facts. "
Bob R. wrote on Jan 31, 2012 12:56 PM:



Berkeley Resident wrote on Jan 26, 2012 3:25 PM:
We appreciate her service and urge her resignation. "