Curtis Parts Ways with Black & Irons

On Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill deregulating land line phone service in the state. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Marcel Black of Tuscumbia and faced stiff opposition from groups who claimed such deregulation would dramatically increase phone rates in rural parts of the state.

Rep. Tammy Irons of Florence joined Black in supporting this bill, while Rep. Mike Curtis of Greenhill voted against it. Opponents of the bill have stated it will take as long as three years for the full effects of the deregulation to come to fruition.

The bill was also opposed by certain groups claiming to represent older citizens. These advocacy groups theorize such individuals are more likely to use land lines for their principal means of long distance communication.

Many observers feel such deregulation will lead to the demise of the Alabama Public Service Commission. It certainly led to a rare disjointure of ranks between Tammy Irons and Mike Curtis.


What's up with this: It seems Florence attorney Ralph Holt is now telling the University of Alabama how it should operate. We suggest he seek an appointment to the Board.