SRHS Retirees Not Happy About Judge Harris’ Recusal

The Mississippi Supreme Court has ruled that Judge Neil Harris will no longer preside over the Singing River Health System (S.R.H.S.) v. Cynthia N. Almond case. Almond is one of many retirees outraged over her troubled pension plan.

The health system asked for Harris’ recusal, believing he could appear to be biased. For retirees like Irby Tillman, Thursday was just another frustrating delay in getting much needed answers that could impact the rest of their lives. Tillman says, "We’re just old people and here we find ourselves on the picket line, picketing for our survival."

To their disappointment, retirees learned Thursday S.R.H.S.’s motion to remove Judge Harris from presiding over the Almond case was granted. Kelly Sessoms, attorney for S.R.H.S., says, "A reasonable person would question Judge Harris’ impartiality over the pension fund cases, so we are again pleased with that decision."

Harris’ ability to remain unbiased over the case is in question due to his current involvement with a lawsuit against the state, Jackson County, and the City of Ocean Springs. He has also openly expressed his support for S.R.H.S. retirees.

While representatives of S.R.H.S. feel that the Supreme Court made the right decision, retirees say they just want a trial. Earl Denham, attorney representing the retirees, says, "I feel just like a thoroughbred at the gate. I feel all juiced up and ready to run. I’ve got all my ducks in line, I’ve got everything filed I need to file. I’ve requested over 100 sets of documents. I’ve got depositions waiting to take. I just need a good judge that will let me go. Just open that gate and let’s go get it."

S.R.H.S.’s embattled pension plan has been ongoing since December 5th of 2014. Both the health system and retirees say they’re ready to get the legal battle over.

For Tillman, he believes it does not matter who judges the case, the truth will come out no matter what. He closes, "The truth will eventually come out. It may not come out in my life time, but it’s going to come out in somebody’s life time. Somebody will get to the bottom of this and when they do get to the bottom of it, it’s going to be a relief. We won’t have to stand out here in the street and holler and whoop and have our little signs."

There has been no word yet as to when a new judge will be appointed.