Who's Bob Hill?

Several Months ago, liberal blogger Matt Osborne of Florence asked, "Who's Bob Hill?" Certainly Mr. Osborne had his own ideas as to who Mr. Hill is and to his place in the local political pantheon. While we don't doubt that Osborne and others who replied to his question are correct in many of their statements, we prefer to publish here only what can be documented:

* 1956 graduate of the University of Alabama
* Practicing Florence attorney, specializing in "divorce, civil, and business law"
* Law partner of current District I representative Tammy Irons
* Divorced father of one adult daughter
* Author of Sunday sales referendum for Colbert County
* Lobbyist for University of North Alabama, Northwest-Shoals Community College, and SEDA
* Brother of Fitz Hill, partner in Hill and Janguard, Florence architects

It's the two latter relationships that have provoked the most speculation and criticism of Hill. Many feel that Hill's position of Government Relations Consultant for UNA, as well as his position at NWSCC, both state institutions, should preclude him from serving again as a state legislator.

Further, during the current administration of Florence Mayor Bobby Irons, a cousin to Hill's law partner, the firm of Hill and Janguard has received lucrative contracts from the city. According to former Florence Recreation Department Head Regina Gresham, these contracts are considered professional services and are not subject to state bid laws.

In other words, should Bob Hill Jr. be elected to succeed his law partner Tammy Irons, he would enter the legislature some 30 years after he left it, this time carrying considerably much more baggage. We believe the Shoals area can do better.


Notice: Florence attorney and Muscle Shoals resident Tina Parker has announced her candidacy for Colbert County District Judge. She will be facing some stiff competition from candidates with old money. We suggest you give her a good look.