Saturday August 13th marks the 25th annual Sweetwater Reunion. This year's honored guest is Larry Fisher, political pundit and raconteur. The event will be held at the Florence Colosseum from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
If you haven't yet met Larry, here's his fan site: Link
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And he's an attorney...
Shoalanda
In May 1975, Rep. Lynn Greer of Rogersville announced he would submit a bill in the next legislative session that would restrict voting on the Lauderdale County Superintendent of Education to voters residing outside the city limits of Florence. At that time, Osbie Linville of Florence was superintendent. That bill was effectively scuttled by a group led by then Rep. Bob Hill of Florence. Over three decades later, Greer has again introduced a bill that would limit voting on the superintendent's race.
Obviously Greer feels strongly about the issue, but why? We've received several e-mails requesting information concerning Greer's mindset, but none that offers any insight into unannounced motives. Considering Greer's long-standing opinion on the matter, there may be no motive other than a strong personal opinion--an opinion with which we disagree. In days to come, we'll provide updates on the issue; however, there doesn't seem to be the proverbial snowball's chance that Greer will have more luck now than in August 1975 when the bill was defeated the first time.
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Across the river in Tuscumbia, the board of education's Mark McIlwain seemed either confused or in desperate need of grammar lessons. He indicated the board never discussed issues with more than two present, but had discussed it among themselves. We predict the termination of Joe Walters will continue to garner headlines, and not the good kind.
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We're not sure which wag at The Connection is responsible for this quote concerning Cherokee, but it's certainly worth sharing: Water has been pouring into City Hall this morning so now the mayor can actually walk around on the inside (of) the building.Shoalanda
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.
Alabama has long been a bastion of dirty tricks. Such machinations reached their apogee during the administrations of George Wallace; while we realize 100% honesty and accountability will never be present in any government, we have come to expect more in the years since Wallace left office.
Yes, things have changed...but perhaps not for everyone. Bob Hill Jr. served as District I representative from 1967 to 1979. Hill's successor, Nelson Starkey, served honorably for 24 years until his death. At that time, Lauderdale County voters elected Tammy Irons, Hill's law partner. Now after one term in the House, Irons has elected to run for the Senate seat being vacated by Bobby Denton.
As we mentioned yesterday, there's not a dearth of likely candidates to replace Irons. Among those who have uttered their possible intentions is Hill. Calling himself "an old race horse" in a May 25th TimesDaily article, Hill broached the possibility of a fourth term in the State House. When asked his current qualifications, Bob Hill responded, "I also know where all the bodies are buried."
Perhaps the 77 year-old Hill knew where the bodies were buried when he left office in 1979. If he should know where any are buried today, we hope he will not choose to exhume them. This is 2009, and Alabama has suffered enough quid pro quo politics to know that such antics will only negate any progress this state has achieved during the Riley administration.
Tomorrow: With apologies to Matt Osborne, who is Bob Hill?
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