Friday, August 15, 2025

Answering the Main Question about the Red Bay Murders

 

Red Bay Public Housing Authority


We've had several questions about the Red Bay double murder/suicide. While we have ideas on several aspects of the crime, we're going to comment solely on the one question that can be answered with official data.

How many women transitioning to male (presumably taking testosterone) commit murder? Note: We don't know if Derick Moody was taking testosterone, we're merely answering the above question.

The only statistic that we could find was 2% between 2016 and 2020. That is not a huge number and could be related to several emotional problems.

We'll add that in checking for that data we found that around 6% of trans men had committed violent crimes over the past 35 years.

Each year, 1 in 20,000 of the total U.S. population commits murder.

We know that some immediate family did not live with the three victims. Our sincerest sympathy to all those affected.




What's Really Happening with Social Security

 

Gemini


The Facebook posts about Social Security have taken on new life this month. What's really going on? Here's the skinny:

No, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is not about to change its name. 
Changes within the organization and in its business practices include:
  • Restructuring and organizational changes within the SSA's internal offices and operations.
  • A transition to fully electronic benefit payments. The SSA will no longer issue paper checks for most beneficiaries, starting September 30, 2025.
  • Changes to how individuals access online services. These changes require the use of Login.gov or ID.me accounts instead of traditional Social Security usernames and passwords, according to the SSA.
  • New rules regarding in-person services, potentially requiring appointments for visits to local SSA offices. 
Note that these changes do not involve the name "Social Security" or the agency's mission to provide social security benefits. 





Florence School Board Needs a House Cleaning

 



The Florence School Board has long been criticized as being unresponsive to the citizens. During its last meeting, with only two weeks to go before the election, it voted Dr. Jimmy Shaw a four year extension on his contract. In other words, the 2025-2029 board will have no say in matter. 

While we support Dr. Shaw, the board was totally out of line, perhaps realizing this would be the last snub in its current configuration? Voters have the chance to replace four of the six members on August 26th. Our choices are listed in bold.


Florence City School Board Candidates

District 1: Vicky Kirkman
District 2: Robert “Ry” Griffin, John Williams
District 3: Lynn Sparks, Jennifer Spry
District 4: MaLeah Chaney, Robin Thompson, Tom Wissert
District 5: Tammie Davis Haddock
District 6: Casey Wilburn, Rachel Winston

Thursday, August 14, 2025

This Explains the "Missing" 40K in Muscle Shoals...

 




...and you can thank Mike Lockhart for it.

A few months ago, a friend asked us if we could find out what happened to $40,000.00 in grant money to Muscle Shoals for a veterans' memorial. It seems Lockhart was denying knowledge of it, at least to her. Below are some interesting thoughts and ideas that explain the "missing" money among other things:


Hate elections and campaigns? You're not alone.

Think of the 4 year election cycle as:
1. The elected officials come out of their hiding places and run ads telling you what they "are going to do"
2. The elected officials may, or may not, start returning calls (the ones you placed the past 4 years that have not been acknowledged)
3. You may see some street paving and hear promises of great things to come - November 1st maybe?
4. There is a sudden flurry at city hall to share fabricated documents and other information

There are other tell-tell signs from incumbents.

In Muscle Shoals, the flurry of activity centers around the resurrection of projects that have been on hold for at least 5 years. One in particular is a Veterans Memorial. Before David Bradford retired from politics as our Mayor, the past city council approved an earmark of somewhere around $40,000.00 for a Veterans Memorial with the construction to be in 2020-2021. The money was reserved and was promised to the wonderful veterans of our great city. However, the current mayor (who voted to build the Veterans Memorial) in 2020 did nothing to fulfill that promise. Quite the contrary, Mr. Lockhart in the summer of 2025 has used "a"  Veterans Memorial as a campaign platform in hopes none of us remember the facts. How embarrassing that anyone would insult our veterans with the bait and switch for a political office. Our veterans deserve respect and honor, just as they sacrificed and fought for our freedoms - even Mike Lockhart's freedom to misrepresent this project for his own political posturing.

Interesting facts have emerged after Caitlyn Burns, who professes to be an authority on business and economic development, chastised candidates for not consulting with her and some guy named SEDA for their expert guidance. I'm not sure her "expertise" is what we need, but she could surprise me.

Given the expensive projects this mayor and city council are proposing, you would think Ms Burns would stress the importance to them to spend their money in Muscle Shoals and Colbert County to support local businesses and increase the tax base. NATTA. Councilman Willies Henry Thompson has spent all his campaign funds outside of Muscle Shoals AND Colbert County. Willies has spent thousands of dollars (including sales tax) to a company in Scottsboro, Alabama and another in Lawrenceburg Tennessee (but has a Florence, AL p.o. box). You need only check his finance campaign reports on the secretary of state website. Scottsboro city hall is probably laughing all the way to the bank with the sales tax from people like Willies Thompson. Mr. Lockhart has spent thousands on a young lady that works at the chamber that you and I help finance. Sorry Muscle Shoals & Colbert County, you lose again.

What's with the sudden activity of moving months and years old mounds of rat infested trees and debris? Maybe they will get to cleaning out culverts and drainage ditches in the next week and half while the heat is on them before the election. 

Don't expect any of your phone calls to the mayor or council members to be returned. That, I'm pretty sure is not gonna happen. You can expect more radical, far left liberals to continue to squeal and cry foul if anyone - candidates, you, me, the good Lord himself, dares to voice our opinions. Those who have taken to social media with the most irrational and threatening posts exhibit signs of psychotic paranoia with no chance of logic becoming rooted in their thought process. It's quite obvious people are scrambling to protect their playground and jobs with the status quo. God bless them, I am not sure my saying grace over them will come close to solving their hatred.  Us living rent free in their heads can't be good for their health. 

On a parting note. I believe the old timers say that Caitlyn Burns is the same person that was involved with a Brian Keith Robinson aka Dream Vision when she had a little law office in Sheffield.  Something about forging Mr Robinson's name (or one of the scammers) on legal documents before Robinson was sued by the Alabama Securities Commission around 2015 for a money scheme that cost a lot of business people in the Shoals big money? DREAM VISION. But that was shortly before she was hired as the Shoals Chamber director and became an authority on business and economic development. Of course, I'm sure her stance on this is one of being taken advantage of - does that sound a little familiar with what she is trying to do to us? The old "Trust me", I'm an expert and I wouldn't steer you wrong. Or like an agent that shows up at your door with a "Hi, I'm from the IRS, and I'm here to HELP YOU."  Run Forrest Run.

Lessons we learn from politics are that people who have a lot to lose squeal the loudest.and threaten innocent citizens that dare to ask questions. The people with the most to hide don't like to answer questions or produce documents. 

We the people see through the smoke and mirror politics.We are not fools.The emperor does not have any clothes on. Vote Muscle Shoals. 

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Buy a Beer for Sheffield High!

 

One Bull Dog, Two Kiwanians, & Three Sheffield Teachers - Gemini


Nothing says helping a high school like having a beer - right? At least the Kiwanis Club seems to think so. You read that right - it wasn't even the Jaycees.

BTW, how old do the models in this poster look? Hmmm. We think the general rule is:

In alcohol commercials, the standard practice is that all models and actors, whether they are promoting the product or appearing in the background, should be at least 25 years old and should reasonably appear to be 21 years of age or older. This is to ensure that the commercial does not target or appeal to individuals below the legal drinking age. While there may be some exceptions on a case-by-case basis, such as in specific programs where the audience is predominantly over 21, the general rule is a minimum age of 25. 


The Most Important Florence Election: Mayor

 



With seven candidates in the Florence mayoral race, a runoff is a given. Who will be the candidates?

Our prediction is Ron Tyler against either Steve Holt or Bill Griffin. Do we have a preference?

In the 2020 election, we supported Mayor Steve Holt. We were surprised that he lost to such an ineffectual candidate as Andy Betteron, even by 11 votes. We believe many Florence citizens learned their lesson during the past five stormy years.

If not for outside interference, we believe Mayor Holt would be well on his way to a third term. Do we believe he now should be given a second term?

That time may have passed. Is it time for another candidate to occupy the mayor's office? We posit that it is.

We encourage you to vote for Bill Griffin on August 26th. 




A Word About Our Daily Dogs/Cats

 

Stock Image


You'll notice that all dogs/cat we post says "mix." That's mainly because these animals don't have papers and the shelter does not have the funds to do a DNA test on them.

That does not mean that none of these animals is a pure bred ball of fluff. When you adopt, you can do your own DNA testing and be totally surprised that your little spaniel has some mastiff in it...or that you do indeed have a pure blooded kiddo.

Remember, a pedigreed dog is entirely different, and barring a catastrophe*, you won't be able to register your animal. You'll love it just the same.


*During World War II in England, exceptions were made in pedigree requirements since many animals were killed and many others were moved into remote areas. You know the joke about the free puppies: Their mother is a pure blooded Cocker Spaniel and their father comes from a good neighborhood.




Tuesday, August 12, 2025

The Chamber is Now a Political Authority and Polling Agency

 



From a Muscle Shoals watcher:

Political races bring new faces and opportunities for positive change, but also brings out the crazies, "authorities on everything," and a host of others who weigh in with their thoughts, which would include me as the latter.

I research and form independent opinions with insight to past performance (or lack of) of current elected officials. The devil is always in the details. There seems to be a few people who are especially worried and involved in the Muscle Shoals politics this year which causes much more research and time to understand the "why" and "what there is to gain" behind these folks.

In this address to Shoalanda, let's look at Caitlyn Burns:


CAITLYN BURNS, Shoals Chamber of Commerce Executive Director
Facebook Posting Monday, 8-11-2025 @ 9:09 am.

I made this post originally on August 14, 2020. It felt important to reiterate many of these points today (on the final day to register to VOTE in the upcoming municipal election):
1) The Shoals is an incredible place with incredible potential. The resources are present for growth of all kinds. Please consider voting for positive, aspirational, forward-thinking leaders. You deserve that. We all do.
2) The Mayor that you elect in two weeks will be the face and voice of your City to Congressmen, international business leaders, potential investors, and countless others. Be certain that the first impression they give is one that garners immediate respect.
3) Campaign finance reports are public record. Who is putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to supporting a particular candidate? What do you know about these donors?
4) Mayors and Council Members do NOT run as Republicans or Democrats. Instead of asking them pointedly about a party affiliation, ask them about their platform.
5) If you live in Muscle Shoals, you must vote for all five "Places" on the City Council. They serve "at large."
6) If you live in Florence, Sheffield, or Tuscumbia, you will only be voting for the City Council person that will serve your District. If you need to know which District you live in, contact me and I'll find out for you!
Finally, almost every candidate for any office is running on jobs and recruitment of business and industry. I think you would be stunned to know that only a handful of them have consulted with me at the Shoals Chamber of Commerce and/or the team at the Shoals Economic Development Authority. I question their sincerity if they are not approaching those of us who focus on those very things day in and day out.
Voting on August 26th is imperative. Each candidate for Mayor and Council has trudged miles in the heat and invested their time, energy, and money into earning your trust. Regardless of whether you intend to vote for them, thank them for their effort. This has not been easy.

My response:

Many Long time residents of Muscle Shoals and the Shoals are very aware of the Shoals Chamber and its' landlord SEDA.
In spite of the social issues inside the building that houses their activities and the parties laden with booze, we also see Chamber board member(s) provocative dancing on the street corner of the event/party venue and are bold enough to post their rather questionable behavior on their social media sites.

While the Chamber touts their funding from "members", let's be clear - the City of Muscle Shoals is a member of the chamber through the tax dollars that you and I pay as well as the Muscle Shoals Water & Sewer Board, Electric Board and the North Alabama Gas Department where Caitlyn Burn's father is the director. Therefore, citizens and rate payers of the aforesaid entities have a huge investment in the Chamber, its activities, and lack of professionalism.

The Chamber's federal 990 non profit organization report for the last 2 years shows ---EXPENSES OVER REVENUE OF $209,716.00. THAT IS SPENDING TWO HUNDRED NINE THOUSAND, SEVEN HUNDRED SIXTEEN DOLLARS MORE THAN BUDGETED That mandated federal 990 report is available at: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/630943956

It is also noteworthy that executive director Burns is paid 11% of the total budget and spends more than the Board of Directors budget and is still employed. That doesn't speak well of the Chamber Board of Directors.

There will be more to report as time allows, but we have to ask these questions:
1.) Why would candidates ask Caitlyn Burns or her staff for advice given her poor business, financial, and social issues at the Chamber?

2.) is it prudent (or legal) for an employee at the Chamber that works full time on yours, mine, businesses, and donors money as a "CONSULTANT/POLLING" contractor for Mayor Lockhart. His campaign finances show 2 payments ($2000.00 & $1000.00) to Alyssa Crow (full time chamber employee). Is this legal? Is this ethical? Is this the norm at the Chamber? https://fcpa.alabamavotes.gov/PublicSite/Reports/ReportWriter.aspx https://fcpa.alabamavotes.gov/PublicSite/Reports/ReportWriter.aspx

3.) What does Caitlyn Burns have at stake in the Muscle Shoals elections? Could it be the creation of a new position in City Hall for a "girl Friday" as another layer of employees and wasteful spending that she has interviewed and was given the job - after the election?

4.) How does the part 4 plus years of this Mayor and Council neglecting the city and our citizens be whitewashed by the handful of irrational and liberal tax and spend (more than you bring in) radical left? The ones who have the most to lose are squealing the loudest.

BTW - there are only 4 places on the ballot Ms. Burns.

I think these simple questions are enough to digest at this time.

For obvious reasons Ms. Burns (or is it Jackson?) has not divulged all the details. As I said earlier, the devil is in the details (and closets), but the citizens of Muscle Shoals have long memories. We love and value our neighbors and schools but don't like what is happening to our beautiful city.

For me and mine, we don't need a failing chamber's director talking down to us.

The old sayings "Those who live in glass houses, should not throw stones" and "birds of a feather" apply too well.


Is SEDA a Failure?

 

Applying for New Chicken Plucker Position



From an observant reader:


Why consult the Shoals Chamber of Commerce and/or the team at the Shoals Economic Development Authority (a Jivin' Jackie Hendrix pet project) when they have had decades to provide meaningful jobs for the area? They have failed miserably. They have stood by on the sidelines and collected huge allotments from the different city councils of taxpayer dollars and in return built "spec" buildings in industrial areas that were occupied like they had revolving doors. 

Florence has a 20% poverty level. The Shoals Chamber of Commerce eats tea cakes while taxpayers eat Spam. Most of who were able to get because of having EBT cards. It doesn't take much talent for a "job recruitment" organization to get low wage service and fast food jobs to come to an area. 

Yes the contributions of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce and SEDA can be summed up with two examples. You can apply at WHATABURGER or SLIM CHICKENS in Florence. It speaks well of a candidate with vision that they would want to see all allotments to both SEDA and the Shoals Chamber be discontinued and taxpayers money be spent in a more productive manner to bring the area out of poverty.






Monday, August 11, 2025

Rogersville Man Threatens to Kill Child

 



People say a lot of things they don't mean. We get it. Still, we remember a judge from another state who threatened to kill his girlfriend's daughter. He served time in prison.

This is Alabama, where domestic violence is taken all too lightly. The recent case of a Rogersville man proves that.

Silas Cain Hamm is 28 years-old - old enough to know better (some credit report records give his age as 25). He had been dating a Hartselle woman who was the parent of a young daughter. After an incident at a "social gathering" on June 28th, Hamm attacked his girlfriend and then threatened to kill her, her daughter, and himself. 

The local dirt track racer was then arrested in Morgan County on charges of First and Second Degree Domestic Violence and Second Degree Burglary. When Hamm's arrest was announced, several other women came forward to tell similar stories.

Is Hamm still in the Morgan County jail? No, he posted the relatively small bond of $50,000.00 and will remain free until his trial. 

Alabama needs to start taking domestic violence more seriously.





A Word from Stephanie Harvey

 



Seen by Shoalanda Speaks at Jul 10, 2025, 5:09 PM

My name is Stephanie Harvey, and I am asking for your vote for Florence City Council District 1. I am running to bring a new voice, real results, and lasting change to the community I’ve proudly called home for over 40 years. As a lifelong resident of District 1, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles, the neglect, and the forgotten potential — and I am stepping up to fight for a future where every street, every senior, every child, and every hardworking family is seen, heard, and respected.

I was raised right here in Florence, attended city schools, and learned from my elders the values of honesty, hard work, and standing up for what’s right — even when it’s not easy. For years, I’ve been attending council meetings, speaking up about the conditions of our neighborhoods, and organizing cleanups and community efforts — not because I wanted recognition, but because I believe our district deserves better. My heart has always been in this work.

I’m not a career politician — I’m a neighbor, a listener, and a voice for the people who’ve been ignored for too long. For the past eight years, District 1 has been left off key city plans and agendas. Our concerns about abandoned properties, youth programs, business development, and senior services have been overlooked. I’m running to change that.

If elected, I will fight to get District 1 back on the map — starting with a cleanup initiative that removes blight, enforces property codes fairly, and restores pride in our streets. I will work to launch youth programs and mentorships that empower our young people and offer alternatives to violence and crime. I will prioritize safety with a strong neighborhood watch network, improved lighting, and pressure for better police responsiveness.

I’m also passionate about restoring economic opportunity in District 1. That means advocating for small business support, job training programs, and attracting new developments that serve our residents — not push us out. We’ve been shut out of progress for too long. I believe the people of District 1 deserve investment, not just promises.

I’ve already taken steps to build long-term support for our community by forming a nonprofit called The Foundation for Community Growth, which will focus on cleanup efforts, youth development, safety initiatives, and business support — all things District 1 urgently needs. Whether elected or not, I will continue working for the people of this district — because I believe in service that’s rooted in action.

I believe in honesty, transparency, and accountability. I believe that if you’re elected to serve, you need to show up — not just during campaign season, but every week, every month, every time your community calls. That’s the kind of leader I will be. Someone who walks the blocks, listens to the people, and takes action.

If you want real change, vote Stephanie Harvey on August 26th. You can follow my journey, reach out, or get involved through my Facebook page: Stephanie Harvey for Florence City Council District 1.

Let’s rise together.


Sunday, August 10, 2025

Does Andy Have Dementia? Cataracts?

 



There's a new sculpture on Florence's River Heritage Trail. Mayor Andy Betterton was so enamored of it that he made a special post on the artwork that was designed in collaboration with Tuscaloosa artist Craig Wedderspoon - look, see his name on line six of the identifying sign. 

Then two posts from the top of his entry, Andy says:




That's right, the good mayor ever so formally calls Mr. Wedderspoon "The Singing River Sculpture guy." After all, it's not like he could simply consult the top of his own post to retrieve the name if it slipped his mind.

That's our Andy...leaving the building soon.





Does APR Have It in for Andrew Sorrell?

 




The Alabama Political Reporter is a middle-of-the-road online news entity. Any articles to the left of center are always balanced by news reports leaning toward the right. Yet, we've noticed something strange about several recent articles concerning state auditor Andrew Sorrell, a right-leaning politician from Muscle Shoals.

Mr. Sorrell, a former state representative, has announced his candidacy for Alabama Secretary of State. While it's still extremely early in the game, he had been unopposed for months. Then Caroleene Dobson entered the race.

That's when news broke on a Georgia Ponzi scheme to which many Republicans had fallen victim, among them Sorrell and some of his friends. APR op-ed writer Josh Moon has openly asked if Andrew has done anything illegal. No, Moon didn't accuse him, but asked the reader to decide.

Then the APR reported on an organization called Associated Builders and Contractors endorsing Dobson. Remember, it's still early in the race, and any number of candidates could yet declare.

If the Alabama Political Reporter isn't deliberately attempting to tank Andrew Sorrell's campaign, it's making no effort not to. Do your own research.





Tuscumbia? Katie Logan!

 



We've previously endorsed mayoral candidates Billy Hudson in Muscle Shoals and Penny Freeman in Sheffield. That leaves Tuscumbia in Colbert County; who is the best candidate among the three seeking office?

Little is known of T. W. Billings, and he's failed to utilize many of the standard campaign avenues to make himself available to the public. That leaves appointed mayor William Foster and Katie Logan.

If Foster hasn't proved himself ineffectual with the Singing River statue debacle, he's certainly done so with his handling of the recent major storm damage in his city. In contrast, Katie Logan has made herself available to the public.

It's easy to say "transparent," but Logan has actually put herself out there to serve the public. Katie Logan for the win!




Saturday, August 9, 2025

How Long, Mayor Stanley?




How long are Sheffield residents going to be subjected to the horrible conditions found on Hatch Blvd? The City's attempt to 'improve' Hatch Blvd., along with West Montgomery Ave., have been an absolute disaster. What is widely believed to be a 'last ditch effort' by Mayor Stanley to bolster his popularity, has been an enormous failure.

The stripping of decades of old pavement has exposed multiple sections of roadbed to the elements, compounding existing issues. Dangerously exposed manholes protruding excessively, pose significant hazards to motorists and their vehicles.

So, Mayor Stanley: HOW LONG are you going to continue to subject the citizens of Sheffield to your 'uniquely qualified' incompetence?

As always,









When Ron Tyler Ran the Shelter

 



From a reader:


Many don’t know years ago when Ron Tyler police chief was over Florence Animal Shelter he let it run into the ground, and Steve Holt had to take it back under his direction. The dog pound director at the time was let go due to horrible conditions and bad management. He ran off volunteers and told them to never come back. 

They say history repeats itself!?! Steve Holt saved the shelter and worked hard to make it what it is today. Do we want Ron running our city or Steve Holt? There is a big difference and some how, some way that animal shelter has affected your life. Animal Army, it’s time to get to work and get behind who you know will never let those days return.

Do we want an animal shelter like it is or one that has a HIGH EUTHANASIA RATE?







Friday, August 8, 2025

Are You Ready for Some Fall Spirit (Halloween)?

 




One weather news story recently reported that this is the hottest Alabama summer since 1980. We don't know how you're coping, but we've personally been performing refrigerant spells over our car air conditioner.

So, are you ready for Halloween? We know you are! (Hi up there in Maine.)

The good news this week is that by October 1st, Spirit Halloween will be opening on Seville Street in the former Big Lots location. The bad news? Temu keeps showing us all those beautiful Halloween themed sweaters that absolutely no one in Alabama could wear until around December 15th.








The Most Important Florence Council Seat? - Part 2

 



In part one of our take on District 2, we established why Jackie Hendrix's lack of caring, out for himself attitude, and total "bow down to the machine" mentality make him the one choice no intelligent voter would support. That leaves us with Gunner Ford and River Zurinsky.

Both Ford and Zurinsky have run for local offices before and been defeated. We feel it was just the wrong time for their campaigns, as both men have much to offer the citizens. So, is one preferable to the other for this position?

Yes, one is more dedicated to and adept for serving city citizens. That one person is River Zurinsky.

River knows his district better than any and, we firmly believe, cares more than 90% of those on the ballot. While we've never heard from Mr. Ford, River has been communicating with us for almost six years, keeping us abreast of his plans and activities. In short, he elicits feedback from the public.

River Zurinsky is someone who makes the city, not his billfold, a better place. We hope you'll support his candidacy on August 26th.




Walmart Raising Prices on These

 



Most of us are pretty savvy shoppers, meaning that we do a great deal of our purchasing at Wally World. That's not to mention the store's home delivery that grabs still more of the buying public. What will Walmart raise prices on due to new tariffs?

According to a store spokesperson, prices will begin to increase at some point around November. Increases of at least 2.5% can be expected on:

Baby gear

Kitchenware

Toys

Uh oh! Toys?!!! Merry Christmas!





Thursday, August 7, 2025

Enjoying the Fire Ants This Summer?

 



How did those pesky fire ants get up here in Northwest Alabama? Here's a short American bio for those ubiquitous pests:

Fire ants were introduced to the United States through the port of Mobile, Alabama, on multiple occasions in the early 20th century. While the exact name of the vessel that first carried them remains unrecorded, it is widely accepted that they arrived as stowaways in the soil used for ballast on cargo ships originating from South America.

Two primary species of imported fire ants established themselves in the U.S. The black imported fire ant is believed to have arrived around 1918. Subsequently, the more aggressive red imported fire ant was introduced in the late 1930s.

These ships, likely tramp freighters, would take on soil as ballast in their home ports to maintain stability during their voyages. Upon reaching Mobile, this soil was offloaded to make room for cargo, inadvertently releasing the fire ant colonies into a new environment where they thrived and spread throughout the southern United States.

So if you encounter a nest, call out Que les bons moments roulent and they should quickly disperse. Mobile is welcome to them.



The Most Important Florence Council Seat? - Part 1

 




For years, Dick Jordan ran the Florence City Council...into to the ground. Whatever his ol' high school buddy Joel Anderson Sr. wanted, he got. The same was true for his other pals.

When he saw that he had to give up his District 2 place on the council when he became terminally ill, he single-handedly picked his successor - Jackie Hendrix. So far, Hendrix has been good at crunching numbers and voting for whatever multi-million project is on the table. Jackie likes to show the public snaps of East Florence homes where his relatives live or lived, all the while living in McFarland Heights.

He touts "civic" memberships, but refused to help a local veterans organization (his opponent Gunner Ford stepped right in). He proudly mentions being on the Selective Service Board, but doesn't mention the draft was suspended in 1973. Just what does he do there?

Finally, in verifying Hendrix's address, we see that he has a second location for his Party Pros shop. Is 344 Beverly Avenue zoned for this business? Whether it is or not, this shows that Jackie Hendrix is no struggling East Florence common man...and he's no choice for District 2 representative.