How Bad Was 2020 - Our "Worst" Picks

 

Top Blogs of 2020:

5. Hijinks at Lexington School

4. Florence/UNA Walking Tours Sabotaged

3. Florence Pays Ransom to Hackers

2. Lynn Greer Steals Florence's Vote

1. Game Warden Jarrod Poole Murders Pet Deer

There were several other close runners-up. Feel free to make any additions; we'll publish all comments.

A Fox Visits the Muscle Shoals Hen House

 

A guest blog from Hen House Foxy. We hope to hear more from HHF as 2021 progresses. 

WWYD?

You are the head of the family. You have an income of $24,000.00 per year.

Your 3 children all get allowances although 1 (we will call him Ched) works and earns $32,000.00 per year including his allowance. 

Ched doesn't do a good job managing his finances. Ched loves to play and drives expensive vehicles while letting friends hang out on his expensive boats and in his RV. But payments on his toys are limiting his ability to borrow more money for additional toys and extravagant trips.

Ched demands more money from dad, after all, he is the first born and doesn't eat many meals at home since his credit card works well for dining out.

 

Ched's debt is piling up and getting in the way of fun, so he calls mommy, uncle and grandpa to gain allies in his quest for more money. They are not very understanding of finances and will surely help him out since he is the favorite of the children anyway. 

All was going as Ched planned till the other children heard his plan. What about their worn shoes, the medical bills for the surgery on the little one's ongoing health issues not to mention the home repairs that are critical to the safety of the family? Surely Dad won't give more money to Ched when he makes even more money than dad makes!!!

What will dad do? 

What Would You Do if you were dad?

Muscle Shoals Citizens - this is all about YOU and your City government.

Muscle Shoals City Budget is $24,000,000.00   -        YES - 24 MILLION

Muscle Shoals Schools Budget is $32,000,000.00  -  YES - 32 MILLION

Citizens voted overwhelmingly against additional taxes for the school system in 2018. Yet, the new mayor and some of the council members are now going around the backs of the citizens to do it anyway. The NEW MAYOR and some of the council members are working to give the schools an ADDITIONAL 8% TAX. The school system already gets 12 MILLION in local funding.

For those of you who voted these people into office - go on up to city hall and write a check since you are the ones responsible for the bloated budgets and these weak minded people that don't understand finances that are sitting on the council and in the mayor's seat.

And, by the way, you are about to get an INCREASE ON YOUR SANITATION BILL every month.

All the while, people are out of work, businesses are closing, schools are limping along, hospitals are full, and Muscle Shoals City Mayor and some council members are going to raise your fees and give more money to a school system that has a little over 2800 students and brings in 8 MILLION DOLLARS MORE than the City does that has almost 15,000 citizens and businesses to provide services to.

Muscle Shoals, if you put up with this, all I can say is I have to borrow Sam Elliott's statement "You're a special kind of stupid".

Let's drain Muscle Shoals Swamp.

Our 2020 Snidely Whiplash Award

 

Each year about this time, AL.com presents its Scumbag of the Year award. That's a pretty harsh title, and we have no desire to steal from our media friends to the south. Therefore, we present our inaugural Snidely Whiplash Award.

We trust most of our readers know Snidely:

Snidely has no friends, but a multitude of enemies. His evil deeds know no bounds. Who in the Shoals is most deserving of such an award?

Why, of course...it's the man who took such pleasure in killing an innocent mother of two, Colbert County's own Jarrod Poole!

Your Mail is Vacationing in Birmingham

 

Perhaps you've read that Alabama is the state most behind in mail delivery in the Southeast. Even if you haven't read that tidbit, it probably comes as no surprise to you. One of our bloggers has related that an expected package has been sitting in the Birmingham hub for six days. How nice - an all expenses paid week's vacation for your eagerly awaited merchandise.

It just gets worse. An informed source with a local post office has related that it received no packages for two days during the past week; mail transport from Birmingham usually runs seven days a week. Our informant didn't see it getting better anytime soon.

Just to put things in perspective, if this were 1820, we'd be waiting two months for that dress from the London modiste or boots from the Edinburgh souter. Now we have to wait three months to get that Baby Yoda from Shanghai.

What's Wrong at the Florence Historical Board?

 

A regular and savvy reader has sent us an insightful take on a Florence problem:

The Florence City Council has no choice but to remove Brian W. Murphy

Volunteer citizen advisory boards are an integral part of local government. Unfortunately, in some situations it can become very easy to encounter conflicts of interest. This is especially true for the chairperson.

According to Robert's Rules of Order the most important principle that all presiding officers must remember is that they represent all members, not just a select few with whom they agree. 

In the case of the Florence Historical Board senior age members with different view points were removed and replaced in favor of individuals that all shared a similar outlook.

The City of Florence is an area the size of 26.7 square miles. The entire historical board is currently made up of individuals that many would consider to be neighbors. So as far as city wide diversity and age discrimination goes the Florence Historical Board receives an F-. 

This dramatic change began three years ago after the installation of Brian Murphy as chairman. Murphy did not serve on the board prior to being made chairman.

Another important reminder, according to Robert's Rules of Order, is the ability to be impartial. Does any person actually believe that Murphy is capable of being impartial?

In a recent article on this blog site it was observed that Brian Murphy, curator of museums, demonstrating at city hall was in fact him protesting against his own employer. 

In July of 2020, the annual W.C. Handy Music Festival was scheduled to take place, but was canceled due to COVID-19. Project Say Something, with whom Brian Murphy is also a board member, began a campaign to coincide with the festival called "No Justice No Peace No Tourism." 

This PSS video that kicked of the "No Justice No Peace No Tourism" campaign can be found here: 

https://fb.watch/2F1X-qhza9/

I would like to know exactly how did our city museum curator and PSS think that tourism would come to a sudden halt, and how could that not be perceived as a direct threat? After all the W.C. Handy Music Festival draws people from far and wide during normal non-world-wide pandemics every year. 

Museum tourism has a powerful economic impact on the economy of our area as well as nationwide. Pope's Tavern for example welcomes tourists and school children on field trips every year. Brian Murphy is curator for Pope's Tavern in addition to the Indian Mound Museum. 

Another member of the Historical Board recently wrote that Pope's Tavern, "is no longer a pro-Confederate, 'Lost Cause' memorial." The young lady went on to explain how now, "I could take my kids to learn about the history of Florence."

A full tour of Pope's Tavern from 4 years ago (before Murphy) can be found here:

https://youtu.be/GjVmQRsOKms

If this young lady really felt that Pope's Tavern was an unsafe place before Murphy then she too is unfit to serve on the historical board. Just because you are a recent college graduate with a degree on a certain subject does not mean that you are qualified. 

When the city refuses to take responsibility for its own misjudgments it can only lead to speculation and imagination as to the reasons why. What are the motives of certain council members? Why are the bonds between certain council members and city workers so tight? In the case of Dick Jordan and his wife Libby Jordan it is obvious. 

Why would Jordan be willing to destroy his own legacy for Murphy? Enquiring minds really would like to know!

Remember, Alabama: You Voted for Tommy!

 

A popular expression in 2020 was "You can have alternative opinions, but not alternative facts." Yet we see many on our Facebook page who make outlandish statements (one said Doug Jones has done nothing during his tenure in the Senate). We get the fact that many don't want ANY Dems to be elected in this state; it seems Adolph Hitler could win in Alabama if he ran as a Republican. That's sad, and gives outsiders a startling view of the average IQ in the Yellowhammer state.

Now, our newest senator may be about to make himself infamous:

Costing Alabama Billions

That's okay. We're pretty sure Alabama didn't want those grapes anyway...

Perhaps We Can Recall Tommy & Big Daddy At The Same Time?

Christmas 2020

 

2020 may not have been the year we wanted, but it's the year we got! For the six remaining days of this abysmal end to a decade, let's pray fervently for 2021!

Shoalanda & Staff

A Letter to Steve Stanley

 

To Mayor Stanley:

Of the three new Shoals mayors, you're our favorite. We do admit that's simply because you haven't yet acted like a horse's patoot as have the other two.

We believe you could endear yourself to the citizens of Sheffield even more if you offered at least a monthly communication on the status of Inspiration Landing. By our calculations:

1. 2021 marks the seventh year the IL project has been extant. Is there any set timeline at all at this point?

2. Sheffield has now been paying interest on a five million dollar USDA loan for two years. How is the town being affected by this loss of revenue?

3. Assuming the worst happens, does the city have any alternate plans to finance these loan repayments?

4. Even though no work has been done on Stage I as promised, Stage II was at least started. How is that going? Progress update?

Thank you for your attention to this,

Remembering Greg Burdine

 

Gregory Keith Burdine (May 1, 1959 – December 13, 2020) was an American politician who served as a Democratic member of the Alabama House of Representatives, representing the 1st District from 2010 to 2014. He was elected on November 2, 2010, and served one term.

Burdine earned his BS in Finance from the University of North Alabama in 1982. He went on to receive his JD from Cumberland School of Law in 1988. Burdine was a Finance Officer from 1982 to 1985. He is a partner in the law firm of Suttle, Mitchell, & Burdine since 1989.

He died on December 13, 2020, in Florence, Alabama at age 61.

The above short bio of Greg Burdine was taken from Wikipedia. Yet Greg was so much more. During his four years in Montgomery, he fought for this area, all of it, all of its people. He was one of few who actually stood up to the Huntsville/Keller machine to demand Florence's new hospital be approved.

Yet Greg was a Democrat who lost to a much less qualified candidate due to straight ticket voting. Certainly, it was the people's loss. Now we've lost Greg forever, and there are few who can come close to replacing him.

Alabama motto: We dare elect the most imbecilic among us!

The Explosion Has Rocked Your...

 

...house. Sitting in your cozy den isn't so cozy anymore as the rafters fall around you, flames dancing from the floorboards. What's your next move?

We recommend a thoughtful survey of your surroundings. What caused the explosion? Natural gas? Dynamite from the new highway a block away? Or...shudder...your insane business competitor who's threatened to see you gone one way or the other? Yes, simply sit there until you can determine the origins of this cataclysm. Don't let anything life throws at you cause you to alter your plans. You're better than that. This is your life...continue to enjoy reading your newspaper safely assured the fire brigade will arrive before the flames reach you or that the burns will be superficial at worst.

Did that scenario seem intelligent to you? Yet if the "flames" from life's current explosion are taking weeks instead of minutes to reach you, you're willing to risk your life by behaving as if nothing is happening out there?

No, we don't know where this plague came from. Scientists can figure that out in the months and years to come as they have basically done with AIDS. Yes, restrictions are unnatural to us, but if we know enough to leave a burning building, why don't we know enough to take every precaution to avoid the Russian roulette of COVID no matter where it came from originally? 

STAY HOME CHRISTMAS!

Who Vandalized the Do Right Man Barbershop?

WARNING: Strong Opinions Ahead!

So...Sheffield. It's a trashy looking little town, and when someone comes along who will actually clean up some commercial property and attempt to bring business into the downtown, vandals think these decent people are easy targets.

We've heard all sorts of rumors about who could have done this. If they're ever caught we'll have plenty to say about these yahoos. 

Now we know that no one currently wants to move to Florence either. (We're trying to get rid of Big Daddy as soon as possible!) We suggest Kevin and Sarah take a serious look at Athens. Lovely town, and if you have the money, go for it. 

Then while Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are living a rewarding life in a picturesque city, where will the vandals be? In a sewage filled dump no one in their right mind even wants to pass through...

Problem with Florence City Boards...in Its Own Words

 

Florence has a new slogan: Want to make a difference? Come be a board member and be the bane of Martha Murphy's existence!

It seems there's been a royal mix-up about new city board appointments this year. The final word as we understand it now is that these appointments will be announced in February.

However, the cause of the problem seems to have been, at least in part, just general apathy. From the desk of the city administrator Martha Jo Murphy:

“Yes, you can submit applications any time. They are available on line or I can email you a form. However, the Council usually reappoints someone if they want to be reappointed rather than replacing someone who wants to be reappointed. If there is a vacancy and no applications are on file, sometimes they reappoint even if they have already served two terms.
You are correct about openings should be posted 90 days, however, I was out of town the first meeting in October when they should have been posted, and my fill-in did not know to post them. I did not realize they were not posted, so it was my mistake that they did not get posted until the second meeting in November. That is why we are leaving the posting up until the last meeting in February. We have so many different boards with varying term limits, years of the term, and expiration dates, it is confusing (I call the boards the bane of my existence). Not trying to make an excuse for my negligence, just trying to explain the way it is. Usually, we have so little interest in the boards, I guess we have gotten into the habit of not making sure the guidelines are followed."

Well, God forbid the boards be the bane of the city admin's existence. It seems if you wish to point out the malfeasance or erratic behavior of any board member, you have until February.

Local Hero of the Year: Anthony Wilbanks

Pictured: Santa with a fawn Animal Control Officer Anthony Wilbanks Shipped to the North Pole to Protect from Killer Colbert Game Warden

From Sheffield Police: Meet Anthony Wilbanks, our sole animal control officer, in the field for the entire county, getting down and dirty. Anthony placed himself in a (well) with a possible aggressive dog to save this dog's life... in sewage and under the ground, to rescue this animal. He did this without hesitation. He is an asset to this community and county and should be recognized. Thank you, Anthony, for your devoted service to this county and the humane treatment to our animals in the area. This dog is now safe at the shelter thanks to his hard work! His work often seems to go unnoticed, so here is a glimpse of day to day operations of this man. Thank you for helping Sheffield and the entire Colbert County area.

Meanwhile the Grinch (sometimes spelled Poole) was heard cursing in the distance...

 

About that Russellville Police Chase

 

We recently discussed the advisability of police chases; our verified law enforcement feedback still stands at 80% opposing such actions. Yet on Thursday, there was a chase through northwest Alabama that reached 125 miles per hour and covered four Alabama counties and one in Mississippi.

We've noticed that if a driver lives through the chase, he goes to prison. There's no probation for him or her. Of the ones in the past five or so years that we can recall, one killed himself before sentencing, one is serving three years in Tennessee, and one is serving life in Alabama. 

Joshua Thomas Henson, at 30, already has 16 separate arrests plus outstanding warrants in at least Florence. We predict he'll be sent South this time. His girlfriend? We're sure she'll plead kidnapping/mental defect/misunderstanding and be given a slap on the wrist. 

Since no one died or was injured in this crash, was it worth it? At least we can be sure Josh Henson is no longer lurking out there scoping out his next victim.

Pope's Tavern: Not All Florentines Are Created Equal?

 

Live in Florence? Pay taxes in Florence? Make your utilities payments to Florence? Even if you answered yes to these questions, you may not be allowed to have an opinion on certain aspects of the city. Specifically, those who visit Pope's Tavern Museum may no longer comment on their experiences; the review button has been removed from the museum's Facebook page.

While we don't always agree with the highly critical site Roger Badger, here's some food for thought from a recent post:

THE UNETHICAL PRACTICES OF CITY EMPLOYEE and BLM/PSS Brian Murphy continues. We have just been informed and have checked for ourselves that as of the morning of 12/17/20 (when we investigated) the reviews button for the Popes Tavern Museum in Florence AL has been completely removed and prior to its complete removal, many reviews from this past weekend have also been removed!

Libby Jordan, who is Brian's boss, continues using the tax payers money to fund this UNETHICAL INDIVIDUAL! Seems as if BLM Brian doesn't like "good trouble" or his teachings of "acting up" when it is directed towards him! White fragility at its finest!

In prior posts below we have shared how BLM/PSS dramatize and edit their videos, "storylines" etc. to fit their narrative. BLM Brian is following the same BLM MO by controlling and editing the Popes Tavern reviews! He has removed the Constitutional Right for the citizens of Florence and surrounding areas to have their voices heard! Our City leadership and citizens should be VERY CONCERNED!

As representative of our city, we the citizens feel it is Libby Jordan's job to make the right decision to remove such an unethical person as BLM Brian from the city payroll. If she refuses and is unwilling to remove him then maybe the citizens need to consider the fact that: ONE UNETHICAL PERSON BEGETS ANOTHER!

1) Someone who condones and is involved in attacks to the very citizens that pay his salary (which should be enough evidence to remove him), 2) Someone who knowingly dresses to falsely misrepresent and/or impersonate another persons identity, and 3) Someone who tries to shove his BLM narrative into our city under the guise of "Shoals black history".

Now the city leaders have put off reappointing Brian Murphy to the Historical Board! Is it because Brian Murphy and the others did not follow protocol or proper guidelines and submit their "reappointment intent" paper work 30 days prior? Did City Council Prez Dick Jordan use the 'good ole boy" phone call without a review of the City Council? Ask questions Shoals!

#8 Guidelines for Florence Board appointments: An incumbent seeking reappointment must file with the CIty Council's Office a statement of intent to seek reappointment, in lieu of a full application, at least at 30 days prior to the expiration date of his/her term.

Florence Mayor/"community activist" and Florence Council Members, your tactics to hide from the obvious will only embarrass you as leaders of our community if it is allowed to continue. #removeblmbrian

PS(s): The Indian Mound Museum review button is still available but understand, BLM Brian isn't interested in the Indian Heritage of our community, he is only interested in "changing" and teaching our community to "act up" for the BLM narrative and our fair city leaders have allowed this to happen right under our noses!

Another Take on the Bobo Project

 

First a word of clarification on the Bobo project: Some (and we might as well say it - those who can't read with comprehension) felt that we opposed this ambitious bit of construction. Far from it. What we do oppose is the city buying into any "public-private" endeavor in such times as these.

Now a word from Bobo Family Group:

To clarify, NO public funds would be spent on this project until the project received certificates of occupancies (CO's) for all proposed structures. We do NOT believe in making meaningless investments, and therefore have asked that the City keep their funds until we've fulfilled our end of the deal.

Finally, a regular reader has another insight into this project:

Florence Historical Board Member Proposes New Low Income Housing on Walnut Street

According to a petition on www.CHANGE.org, James W. Bobo, II - CEO, Bobo Family Group writes;

"We recently met with our Mayor, City Council President, and the City’s bonding agent. They have the capacity and ability to borrow more than enough capital for both their new City Hall project (estimated cost range of $48 million to $52 million), and our public infrastructure (estimated cost range of $12.5 million to $13.5 million).  We believe that our development can offer the community so much more."

This is in reference to a new mixed-use development proposed by Bobo to be built on the lot of North Wood Avenue, East Mobile Street, North Walnut Street, and East Tennessee Street. It has been reported that there is ongoing interest from Publix as a grocery tenant as well as new apartment dwellings.

Florence Historical Board member and Muscle Shoals Heritage Area, Historic Preservation Consultant, Katie Randall released in an online statement;

"I also think it would be really cool if they did some sort of rent control or something to keep the housing affordable. We have a real shortage of decent affordable housing here, and I really think it would help grow the downtown area. I'm sure there are many different ways to go about it.

"Rent control is typically implemented by the city, but if our concern is affordable housing, I think it is important to remember that our government can do something about it when it comes to costs of living."

The Florence Historical Board is responsible for oversight of residential and commercial projects in the Florence Historic Districts.

What Goes on at Central High School?

 

A reader has sent us his take on a current situation at Central High School. If you're a Central parent or guardian and you're concerned over these events, you should contact the Lauderdale County School Board: Contact

It is common knowledge in the Central community that the principal of the high school allows his adult children to use the school athletic facilities and attend athletic practices held on campus. The adult children are not students and appear to be using the facilities for personal gain. 

It seems that this is not only an ethical concern of using taxpayer funded equipment for personal use -- but also a COVID-19 safety breach. These adults do not have a legitimate need to be on campus and present a health risk to the ones who are required to be on campus. 

It also seems hypocritical to allow these visitors when the community is discouraged and/or not allowed to come to campus due to the COVID-19 health situation. Many family members and friends in this community are currently not allowed the opportunity to attend athletic events of students at Central due to the health risks of COVID-19. 

How is this reasonable, ethical, fair, or safe?

That Degree: Honorific or Earned?

 

We get that Tucker Carlson and a great many others despise Joe Biden. We're not a big fan of him ourselves. Yet how petty is it to take out your dislike on the man's wife whose biggest mistake in life may have been her marital choice?

If you missed it, a writer for the Wall Street Journal, who has been chastised in the past for using the word n****r, has told Dr. Jill Biden that she isn't a "real doctor." Then Carlson jumped in and called her doctorate akin to Dr. Pepper's. Yes, he really said that.

One of the most interesting things to come out of this is that a great many people, even in high places, don't understand the difference in an earned degree and an honorific title. Dr. Biden earned her degree through hard work. Now think of the University of North Alabama bestowing an honorific doctorate on George Lindsey. See the difference.

We'll also address some well-meaning criticism of the op-ed piece. Not all physicians are Medical Doctors (allopaths); many are Doctors of Osteopathy (osteopaths). Above all, the majority of doctors practice outside the medical field...including those confounded juris ones...

Should Florence Give 12.5 Million to Bobo Family Group?

 

In December 2019, the Bobo Family Group (the current incarnation of Bobo Realty) appealed to the Florence mayor and council for funding to assist in plans for a 48 to 52 million town center to be built on the site of the former Sears/Martin Ind. location. James W. Bobo Jr. specifically requested 12.5 to 13.5 million for infrastructure, stating the project would produce immeasurable gain for the area. 

Now a year later, a petition has been started to encourage the council to take this giant leap. One large draw of the project is the possibility of a Publix on the ground floor. Would it come? Publix has built such stores in towns like Birmingham and Tampa. It's never before located in the downtown area of a city as small as Florence.

Proponents for the project have also mentioned the trend of public/private partnerships to create tourist draws, etc. How does that work out? Anyone else thinking of Sheffield and John Elkington's Inspiration Landing?

Our vote? A short and sweet "No."

A COVID Comparison for Alabama

Let's compare these two scenarios…


Scenario One:

Alabama Citizen - Attached are my medical records. Please pre-approve my gallbladder removal. Thank you.

BCBS - Unfortunately, after looking at your records, our head medical clerk feels you can keep your gallbladder for up to five years with proper diet and meds.

Alabama Citizen - Your clerk's opinion is worth more than my surgeon's?

BCBS - Yes. We'll place Betty Lou Thelma Liz's opinion over that of any physician any day of the week. Surely you understand our logic. Now take care, ya heah!


Scenario Two:

Alabama's Chief Medical Officer - All citizens need to wear masks, and restaurants are not safe to dine in.

Alabama Legislature - Our opinion is that it should all be up to the individual. Let's support the economy.

Alabama's Chief Medical Officer - Could you tell us the basis of that so very unscientific opinion?

Alabama Legislature - Sure. We're elected and you're not. We have plenty of experience in raising cattle and selling carpets wholesale and a whole lotta other things you don't. Makes us much more qualified!

Doesn't it make you wonder why Alabama even has physicians when all it needs are legislators?

All Roads Lead to UNA

 

An extremely pithy guest editorial:

Former students of UNA may still recall professors lamenting over the toil and troubles of restoring one of the many nearby Victorian era homes. How many times has it been said that unless you live near downtown you are not considered to be a resident of Florence. Neighborhoods in the area will soon share another distinction by also being included onto the campus of the University of North Alabama. 

This raises many questions concerning police jurisdiction, increased property taxes, as-well-as the future of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library and city owned museums. Will the board of trustees at UNA be able to render judgments on issues pertaining inside the newly outlined area? The Sannoner Historic District for example lies between downtown Florence and the University of North Alabama. It is named for Ferdinand Sannoner, who surveyed the new town in 1818. Included in this district are Pope's Tavern, the Kennedy-Douglas Art Center, and the home of Councilman Dick Jordan. 

According to the UNA Master Plan, "UNA should be clearly identifiable as a university neighborhood within Florence’s 'city of neighborhoods' concept." The new Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Plan: 2020-2025, directly aligns with the University’s new five-year “2019-2024 Roaring with Excellence” University Strategic Plan. According to a press release this is the next logical step in the institutional transformation of the university.  

UNA is an equal opportunity institution that does not discriminate in the admission policy on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, age, or national origin. In 2021 the university will begin waiving requirements of standardized testing which were previously required for admissions. UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts added, "enrollment at the University of North Alabama for the Fall 2020 broke previous records on campus, with nearly 8,400 students enrolled, with the largest growth coming in online graduate programs." The vice president for academic affairs said that UNA experienced notable growth this fall with commensurate expansion of the "North Alabama brand." 

A More Inclusive Era at UNA Project is an ongoing partnership between UNA, the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, and the Florence Historical Board. The focus of the MSNHA is American Indian themes, music and the Tennessee River. The MSNHA has from the beginning been connected with the University of North Alabama. The Florence Historical Board is responsible for fostering public knowledge of and respect for important events, individuals, and structures in the historical development of Florence. One of the purposes of the historical board is the oversight of residential and commercial projects in the Florence Historic Districts. 

Brian Murphy works as curator for museums, serves as the chairman of the Florence Historical Board, and has worked with the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area. Since 2017, the Florence Historical Board has placed two signs at UNA and helped secure the addition of McFarland Heights onto the list of National Register of Historic Places. (MSNHA and NRHP are both under the guidance of the National Park Service.) It is in this neighborhood where Murphy and his family reside. Seemingly all of the current Florence Historical Board membership live within the area of downtown. 

On December 1, 2020, the City of Florence Council agenda listed Murphy with two other historical board members whose terms will expire on the 17th of this month. A resolution adopted on February, 15, 2011 states that all board vacancies will be announced at a City Council meeting 90 days in advance of the termination date of the previous appointment. Anyone desiring to serve on a city board must complete an application to be completed and on file 30 days prior to the expiration of the incumbent member's term. Public comments at future City of Florence council meetings are no longer allowed. Is the reason because they are tired of hearing comments concerning the Confederate Monument? 

According to the article "Florence’s Lost Cause" June 19, 2016, Garden Spice Magazine, Brian Murphy stated that it is "unlikely that the current statue will come down. But perhaps the statue’s removal is not the best solution, either." In a speech founder of Project Say Something's Camille Bennett stated that the monument may not be moved, but how racism in the area has been exposed. Another high profile member of PSS was asked if he thought the monument would be moved and he said, sure, in a very sarcastic way. He was immediately followed-up with a question about the writing in caulk, which had taken place on the monument. The PSS member could not face his friend by telling the truth instead opting to fib and say that it was children who used the chalk.

The Old Kilby School and math building are set to be demolished. Renovations are set for LaGrange Hall. Guillot University Commons, Rivers Hall and much, much more.  If you live or work near downtown Florence should all concerns of city affairs be made directly to the office of Dr. Kitts?  Judging from the past don't be surprised if all you receive back in response is a form letter.

Andy's Missing Again...

 

Did you hear about the Alabama town that managed to give a Christmas parade despite all odds? Those who went said it was breathtaking. 

Those in attendance also said the mayor wasn't in the parade - at least not that they saw. So just where was Big Daddy Betterton? At this point, do you care?

COVID in the Cafeteria

 

In a school system far, far away (or perhaps just next door) there was a cafeteria that served 1,300 students twice a day. Many workers toiled in the large cafeteria; then one was struck down with COVID-19.

The infected worker was sent home. The remaining workers were told to toil on. After all, if the cafeteria didn't dish out those meals, federal funding would be lost. Never mind the elementary and middle-school students who might become infected.

And the white cotton fields of corruption continue to grow...

Controversy Grows over Historical Board Appointments

 

On December 15th, the Florence City Council will make three appointments to the historical board. One of the current board members has provoked quite a bit of controversy, with many contacting our blog or publishing their thoughts on Facebook.

Pictured below is Brian W. Murphy, a local historian, but more importantly a City of Florence employee:

You will note that the 35 year-old Murphy, a PSS board member and protester, is dressed identically to a counter-protester at the far right. This obviously took some planning. We've been told that Murphy was using performance art in order to shame this counter-protester. Our first thought is that neither side should have used public protest as a means to achieve its goals. Our second thought is that, no matter how inane anyone may have found the counter-protester, a city employee shouldn't have publicly ridiculed a citizen who helps pay his salary.

In early November, Project Say Something's demonstrators moved from the courthouse to Florence City Hall. At this point, Murphy was actively protesting his employer. How many of you would feel secure in doing that?

We have no idea if the city council will reappoint Murphy as chair of the historical board or not. We can definitely say that after the events of the past few months, Brian Murphy is carrying a great deal of political baggage. Do you think he is representative of the city?