Just Tell the Truth, Mike Curtis & Tammy Irons

Apparently being a state legislator is comparable to owning an airplane--it's expensive. Our advice in either case: If you can't afford it, don't do it.

Mike Curtis of Greenhill, a former shoe salesman at Castner-Knott, previously served on the Lauderdale County Commission. In years past, the commission has been a mixed-bag, much in need of honest and industrious members, and from all reports Mr. Curtis served his district well while on the commission.

However, Curtis either felt he could better serve the citizens of Lauderdale as a state legislator or he sought the glory that is Montgomery. In either case, such campaigns cost money, as does the travel and lodging required to fill the role of state representative. Both Curtis and Rep. Tammy Irons recently lamented these expenses when commenting on their October 1, 2008, 3.5% cost-of-living raise.

We may infer that both attorney Irons and insurance salesman Curtis welcomed the raise, but both were also quick to mention that any excess is donated to charities and fundraisers. They were also eager to make certain other statements of a dubious nature.

From the Saturday, April 4, 2009, TimesDaily:

Curtis is a commission only insurance agent who said he's now a full-time legislator and part-time insurance agent. He said he voted no on the pay raise two years ago. Irons said she was unaware the automatic pay raise was part of the resolution two years ago. "I voted against the pay raise," she said.

Seemingly both Curtis and Irons hope the voters have short memories. According to the March 22, 2007, TimesDaily:

The Shoals' two newest legislators faced their first big test this week, and they failed it miserably. State Reps. Mike Curtis, D-Greenhill, and Tammy Irons, D-Florence, had the opportunity to tell voters whether they agreed or disagreed with a 62-percent pay hike for themselves and other legislators in a recorded vote Tuesday. What did they do? Nothing. They dodged the issue by abstaining.

That's right--both Mike Curtis and Tammy Irons abstained. Why are they now saying they voted against the 62% raise?

Obviously Curtis and Irons are either mistaken, delusional, or...what's that other word that comes to mind? When asked about the raise, Rep. Marcel Black stated he merited it. The merit of the raise is only Mr. Black's opinion, but at least it wasn't an outright lie. We suggest both Rep. Mike Curtis and Rep. Tammy Irons owe Shoals voters both an explanation and an apology for their blatant falsehood.