This week, the new commission met without Reeves. Reeves had opposed the Legislature’s removal of the 1894 state flag bearing the divisive Confederate emblem. He said that voters should have made the decision whether or not to remove it. Next week’s meeting will be the second. The commission plans to approve a new flag design by Sept. 2. The design will be presented to voters for an up-or down vote on Nov. 3. If the voters reject it, then the commission will create a new design that they will present to voters in 2021. Reeves had not provided any explanation for his absence over the past two weeks. He said that he was too busy with COVID-19 and other issues. Reeves had signed the flag commission legislation without raising any issues. However, he asked Wednesday if lawmakers have the constitutional authority to call a meeting or make appointments to such an entity. Reeves named the three members of the nine-member Mississippi Department of Archives and History (Mississippi Arts Commission, Mississippi Economic Council) that he had appointed. Reeves was dissatisfied that the Legislature had restricted his appointments to these groups, but did not place restrictions on Philip Gunn, House Speaker, or Lt. Governor. Delbert Hosemann was the one who selected the six other members. Reeves appointments are: Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Betsey Harris. Hamilton is a former teacher in public schools, real estate broker, and appraiser. Hamilton is a member of the Commission on the Future of Northeast Mississippi and serves on the Board of the Union County Heritage Museum. She was a founding member and past president of the Union County Historical Society’s b. She served as trustee for New Albany Public Schools District and was a member on the Advisory Council for New Albany Boys and Girls Club. Mississippi Economic Council: Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben. Ben is the fifth democratically elected Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. In 2019, he became the youngest chief in history. Ben is active in mentoring youth in his community and is a long-time resident of Neshoba county. He also lives in the Pearl River area. Mississippi Arts Commission: Frank Bordeaux. Bordeaux is vice president of property & casualty at BXS Insurance. Bordeaux is the vice president of property and casualty at BXS Insurance.