Ryan Clayton, Candidate for Alabama Senate Place 1

A word from Ryan Clayton, Democratic candidate for Alabama Senate Place 1. Clayton will face Tammy Irons in the primary in a bid to succeed retiring Sen. Bobby Denton (D).

I am running to be the Democratic Party’s candidate for Alabama State Senate, District One. I consider myself a Christian Conservative Democrat and in that order. My campaign has been grassroots at its foundation, but make no mistake that it has been a very powerful and wide-reaching effort. I see this campaign as an opportunity to bring new ideas and leadership to Montgomery.

If elected, I will work on bringing more of our tax dollars home for improvements to our infrastructure, schools, fire/rescue departments and local law enforcement. I will support state economic development efforts that create good-paying jobs for as many Alabamians as possible. I will work to place an emphasis and focus on our state education plan to update our schools and invest in good teachers. I will also use the experiences I have gained from my medical sales career to provide leadership to seek out innovative programs to solve Alabama's health care issues.

More importantly I think that it's critical that we change the direction of state government and begin forging a new path. I believe that an elected leader should first and foremost be a servant. Unfortunately, too many elected officials use their public office for personal and financial gain. We too often read news stories about their lack of integrity, fiscal irresponsibility, and unethical behavior. This is a chance for me to serve the community that has blessed me with opportunity and success. The people of the Shoals deserve legislators who will put the public trust ahead of personal ambitions. I want to work for the people of our district and have a positive impact on our community.


What's up with this: We had planned to take some photos of the new Florence fountain located just outside Legends Steakhouse; however, construction on the new Mobile Plaza paving project has already begun. In other words, it's not too attractive at the moment with all the loose concrete, saw horses, and other construction paraphernalia. We hope to bring you some pics of Andy Brown's masterpiece in the near future.

Shoalanda

Quinton Hanson Stands For...?

Republican Quinton Hanson ran for the State Senate against Bobby Denton in 2002. Now he's seeking the Republican nomination for Alabama House Seat 1. So...just what will Quinton Hanson do if he should win this seat?

Let's look first at his Facebook page. Mr. Hanson certainly likes quotes; quotes by famous individuals are usually either humorous, informative, or thought-provoking, but they don't tell us very much about Mr. Hanson.

What information this social networking site does provide is more than slightly disturbing. Does Hanson actually question Obama's nationality? If so, he has a poor grasp of laws relating to the presidency or an even worse grasp of the English language. Let's go to his blog. Hmmm, not many entries there, and of those only one concerns the State of Alabama.

After reading these sites, we now know much more about Mr. Hanson as a person, and he certainly seems like someone who has charted the course of his life in a very efficient and worthwhile manner. We just don't know what Mr. Hanson plans to do as a state representative.

Quinton Hanson is a pilot. We doubt that he falls into the "fly by the seat of his pants" category. It's a shame that he seems to take that attitude toward the office he's seeking.


Fabulous Finds: The semi-annual Fabulous Finds sale starts tomorrow. This will be their second sale at their new location on South Seminary Street. If you've never been to one, you're in for an economical treat--just get there early!

Shoalanda

ASCAP's John Briggs & Turn-Around-Time

We once knew a man who was convinced the end of the world was near. Why? According to him, turn-around-time was becoming shorter and shorter.

What's turn-around-time? Some call it karma; others deem it reaping what one sews. We doubt that turn-around-time in general is getting any shorter, or that the end of the world is imminent; but if reports are true, turn-around-time for John Briggs was exceedingly short.

Two separate, albeit unverified, sources reported yesterday that the Chairman of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame Board has been dumped from his position as Vice President of ASCAP in Nashville. The end of the former Killen resident's position with the music association ostensibly resulted from shenanigans related to the defeat of Sen. Bobby Denton's bill to replace the board, as well as the e-mail sacking of long-time Hall of Fame Executive Director David Johnson.

Of course, it was hardly true karma if ASCAP conveyed Briggs' pink slip in person rather than via cyberspace. Who knows, perhaps Briggs will now apply for Johnson's former position. The irony would be sweet, but we doubt that bi-faciality is a requirement of the job.

Since we referred to the bilious Briggs yesterday as "jaded," we thought this only appropriate... (Yes, that's Gary P. Nunn on the keyboard.)




Shoalanda

Bobby Denton & the Alabama Music Hall of Fame

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame, officially opened on July 26, 1990, was visualized as one of the stars in the crown of Shoals tourism. Instead, it became an underfunded and under attended drain on state tax dollars. Even the welcoming signage is forced to display advertising as a means of financing its illumination.

State Senator Bobby Denton intends to change that--a fact that highly irks current board members. If Denton's bill passes the House and is signed into law by Gov. Bob Riley, the Hall of Fame will have a new board of directors composed of appointees by the governor, the Alabama Tourist Association, and the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (more on this great organization later). Detractors of the bill stress that such appointees would not have the background in music that is the hallmark of the current board.

That may be true, but a career in music or music education does not a marketer make. At this point the Alabama Music Hall of Fame needs some strong state, regional, and national marketing in order to survive. Who realized that the "Singing Senator" had such vision?

*****

Are you offended?: We at Shoalanda feel that we can easily put a point across, as well as put a ne'er-do-well in his place, without taking the name of God, Jesus Christ, Paul Bryant, or Atticus Finch in vain. With the exception of our satirical "guest commentary" by Bubba Leroy Smuckpucker II, we don't recall a single instance in which even mildly offensive language has been included in our blog. We also realize that other bloggers do use such language in an attempt at humor, satire, or to express great perturbation.

Even though we are of a conservative/moderate political bent, we have great admiration for fellow Shoals blogger Matt Osborne, author of Osborne Ink and frequently featured columnist in the Huffington Post. Last week we added a link to King Cockfight's eponymous blog. King is a brilliant satirist from that alien region slightly to the south of the Shoals, otherwise known as the home turf of Roger Bedford.

We have received complaints about Matt's blog in the past, choosing simply not to address them publicly. Now, we have received some similar complaints concerning the content of King Cockfight. Censorship is a slippery slope--first words, then ideas. Therefore, in an attempt to strike a happy medium, we are placing an "Adult Content" label by the link to each.

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Need a good read?: Visit the Spring Sale at K's Cove in Elgin. Hundreds of paperbacks have been reduced to only twenty-five cents. K has also marked downs dozens of NOW vitamins to $1.00 a bottle. Tanning beds available Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00-6:00. See you at the Cross Roads!


Shoalanda

Is Gambling the New "Segregation?"

Memorable pols are known for their distinct war cries; George Wallace won his place of shame in Alabama history by his constant harping on one point--segregation. Fifty years later the political landscape remains eerily similar, with the Democratic nomination possibly hanging on one issue--gambling.

The poor Baptist Boy from a fatherless home, now divorced himself, with only an Associates Degree from a community college, seeks to face off with the happily married Lutheran, the possessor of a Juris Doctorate from Harvard. Only in 2010, the latter is the black candidate, while the former is white.

Why is legalized gambling in Alabama so important to Ron Sparks? Sparks frequently mentions that an education lottery is part of his master plan, yet he even more frequently denounces Davis' education. Could Sparks see gambling as his only ticket to the governor's mansion in Montgomery?

Ron Sparks almost makes Roy Moore look good. Almost...

*****

Lame ducks do some amazing things. We've certainly been surprised by state Sen. Bobby Denton's recent stances on various locally hot issues. It's taken 30 years, but the "Singing Senator" seems to have an itch for a more dramatic legacy, judging by his current take-action positions. More on the Alabama Music Hall of Fame bill tomorrow.

*****

North Florence Apartments, a Hensley-Thompson property, is located at 1414 Chisholm Road, adjacent to a once quiet residential area. Last week, someone standing with a small group of individuals in the parking lot of this complex attacked Jake, a friendly family dog who had managed to escape the safety of its home.

The attack cost Jake his left eye and fueled the animosity of neighbors toward residents of the Hensley-Thompson facility. Currently, Capt. Ron Tyler of the Florence Police Department is heading the investigation into the attack. Capt. Tyler may be reached at 760-6500. Perhaps a call to Hensley-Thompson at 764-3033 would also be in order.

We understand several individuals and organizations are considering a reward for information concerning this crime. If anyone provides info that leads to an arrest and conviction of this God-forsaken piece of filth, we at Shoalanda will add $100.00 to the reward. Someone knows something. It's free money for doing the right thing...think about it.


Shoalanda

The West Colbert Mafia?

The West Colbert Mafia? It seems that A. N. Weaver’s mordant name for Cherokee Mayor Chuck Lansdell and his supporters has stuck. We see no actual physical resemblance to Ben Gazarra in Road House, but are there more subtle ones? We’ll save that question for further contemplation.

However, it’s hard not to notice that Lansdell is always pictured in his black Fire Chief’s uniform. If Lansdell supporters openly admit the lack of official business in the mayor’s office from 9 to 5, we have to wonder how many emergencies the fire department is called to each day--or each week for that matter.

Psychologists have long realized that uniforms are used not only for identification but also for intimidation…

*****

It seems former Muscle Shoals police officer Charles Richard Michael has dropped his employment appeal. According to Tom Smith in Monday’s TimesDaily, the city is currently carrying on an "international" investigation into Michael’s conduct while on duty. We’re not sure if Police Chief Robert Evans actually said international or internal, but our reports of the infraction indicate the offense was definitely internal.

*****

After our special report on Woodmont Baptist Church associate minister Steve Thompson, a reader referred us to an urban dictionary. It seems that “Panty Waste” does not refer to feces, but to a combination of bodily fluids found in women’s underwear after sexual intercourse. Hmmm, quite an insult from a conservative Southern Baptist, wasn’t it?

In fairness to Thompson, he has apologized to Senator Denton for the language used in his scathing e-mail. We hope Denton is cleared of all wrong-doing just as quickly.


Shoalanda

Special Report: Who is Steve Thompson?

Before we address the topic of our special report, we wish to make two things perfectly clear:

1. It's our personal belief that gambling is a blot on society; in other words, gambling does more harm than good to a nation, state, family, or individual.

2. It's our personal preference that Alabama State Senator Bobby Denton had not voted to hold a special election on the bingo issue.

Those things being said, neither of them casts any shadow on Senator Denton's probity. One man who has attempted to paint Denton as a blackguard, twice referring to him or his oratory as feces, is Steve Thompson, Associate Minister of Woodmont Baptist Church in Florence.

Here, from Woodmont's own website is Thompson's bio:

Steve Thompson Associate Pastor in Education / Administration Steve Thompson- Steve has been at Woodmont since 1993. He holds a Religious Education degree from Samford University and a Theology degree from Southwestern Seminary. He is married to Cinda and they have a son, Seth, and two daughters, Rebekah and Hannah. sthompson@woodmontbaptist.org

For Thompson, a man who has no scruples about wearing the title "Reverend," to call Denton slimy and dishonest, is beneath contempt. Thompson in no way exemplifies Christianity in any shape or form. Yes, we can understand that Thompson was disappointed in Denton's decision to change his vote. We were also. We did manage to handle the situation without using gross vulgarities and dishonoring the names of God, Woodmont Baptist Church, or any other church.

If Senator Bobby Denton should be guilty of what Steve Thompson and others have accused him, we hope Denton will receive the harshest penalties. If he is innocent, as we believe him to be, we hope Steve Thompson will be held accountable, along with others who have attempted to set up this North Alabama icon.


By request: Don't forget the regular monthly Cherokee town council meeting tonight. Important issues are to be discussed and voted on--don't let a select few tell the majority how to run the town.

Shoalanda

Who Set Up Sen. Bobby Denton?

Even if you play bingo or slots, poker or the ponies, we assume you are still adamantly opposed to the crime of political bribery. To accuse anyone of monetary gain or even receipt of a token George Jones memento for voting in a specific manner is no light allegation. To accuse Alabama State Senator Bobby Denton of such a crime is ludicrous--ludicrous to us, but apparently not to certain FBI agents who have interviewed Denton twice in the past four days.

Also questioned were Jim Preuitt of Talladega and Larry Means of Gadsden, two state senators who also changed their stance on placing the bingo issue on a state-wide ballot. Denton has related to his constituents that he prayed over the matter, as well as seeking advice from his wife and minister. If Denton’s minister was jake with the Northwest Alabama legislator’s vote, not all occupants of local pulpits agreed. One Shoals religious leader wrote:

“What a load of BS. Thank God your sorry butt will be leaving office soon. Good luck explaining this to all your Church of Christ brethren. I hope you get the treatment you deserve from them.”

The TimesDaily refused to identify the name of the foul-mouthed e-mail author; however, if Senator Denton will send us his name, we will gladly publish it. His congregation needs to know what kind of bellowing Cretin stands before them each Sunday morning.

Whether one feels that Denton’s career has been illustrious or not, until now his motives and subsequent actions have never been questioned, begging the question of who is behind the FBI investigation into possible vote buying. Both Gov. Bob Riley and Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks have been mentioned as possible instigators in the matter. Detractors accuse Riley of becoming vindictive in the waning days of his term, while Sparks desperately needs a high profile issue to distract the public as he attempts to rebuild his flagging campaign. The same could be said for TK the AG, subject of his own FBI probe.

Even for Goat Hill shenanigans, the FBI’s questioning of Senator Denton ranks among the most bizarre. Sell his vote for a guitar? From George Jones? We wonder what these agents would have insinuated had Denton been female--perhaps the gift of silk stockings and a candy bar?



Weather or not? After we introduced our new comics widget, readers requested a similar one for weather. Apparently, they haven’t been scrolling to the bottom of the blog. Several weeks ago, we introduced a weather widget providing temperature and other info, while a click of the mouse will take you to a more detailed forecast from the Muscle Shoals Airport. Stay informed and stay safe.

Shoalanda

The TimesDaily has just identified the minister responsible for the rude and vulgar e-mail as Steve Thompson, currently associated with Woodmont Baptist Church. Currently, but perhaps not for long.

Brad Holmes - A Name You Should Remember

A few weeks ago, Brad Holmes contacted us concerning his possible candidacy for the Alabama House of Representatives District I. This seat is currently held by Tammy Irons, who is seeking the State Senate seat being vacated by Bobby Denton. We were very pleased with Brad's take on campaigning and are extremely glad he has chosen to pursue this office. The following is Brad Holmes' official press release:

HOLMES ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR ALABAMA STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 1

Shoals businessman Brad Holmes announces his candidacy for House seat in 2010 in order to provide “serious, consistent, and proactive representation” for all citizens of District 1.

Florence, AL (June 22, 2009) – Former Florence Police Sergeant turned businessman, Brad Holmes, has officially announced his candidacy for the Alabama House of Representatives, District 1, in the Republican primary scheduled for June 2010. Current Representative Tammy Irons has announced her intention to seek the State Senate seat which is being vacated by retiring long-time Senator Bobby Denton.

“I have decided to run because District 1 deserves serious, consistent, and proactive representation at the State level,” stated Holmes, a Florence native. “With many critical issues facing our community, I am concerned about the future of its citizens. I am committed to listening and understanding the needs of our citizens in order to provide the new and progressive leadership that will lead our community forward.”

While Holmes admits that many issues of the 2010 election cycle are still evolving, he has committed to addressing each issue “head-on and with the best interest of the community in mind.” Holmes stated that the core of his campaign will focus on education, economic development, and ethics reform. He added, “Regardless of what happens in our state and community over the next year, these issues will remain constant and must be at the root of all decisions.”

Holmes currently serves on the Shoals Economic Development Authority Board of Directors, Big Brothers Big Sisters Board of Directors, and as Vice-President of the University of North Alabama National Alumni Association. Holmes is also a member of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Florence Business Association (DFU), Association of General Contractors-Shoals Chapter, and UNA Sportsman’s Club.

A 1997 graduate of Coffee High School, Holmes continued his education at the University of North Alabama where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. He has been married to his wife, Sara Nicholas Holmes, for five years. The Holmeses attend Highland Baptist Church in Florence.

Bob Hill Jr. Knows Where the Bodies Are Buried

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?

Et Tu, Steve Pierce?

As soon as we published yesterday, we began receiving e-mails concerning Steven F. Pierce. Yes, Pierce may, or may not, run for Sen. Bobby Denton's seat. The Florence State Farm Insurance agent states that he has not made up his mind concerning running, or party affiliation should he run. The latter should not be hard for Pierce, since he has been a frequent contributor to Democratic causes for over a decade.

Pierce is no stranger to Shoals elections, having served as President of the Florence City Council under Mayor Eddie Frost and having run an unsuccessful campaign against the late State Rep. Nelson Starkey. Pierce is also known for his Board of Directors membership at the University of North Alabama and providing color commentary for many of their sporting events.

Perhaps Pierce is most remembered for his ongoing battle with Florence City Council critic Elizabeth Ernestine Romine. In 1999, Romine was 75 years old and a constant thorn in the side of Pierce due to her negative comments concerning Florence City government. During an April 6th, 1999, council meeting, Romine refused to vacate the floor after two requests from Pierce. Visibly angry, Pierce instructed Florence Police Chief Rick Singleton to arrest the septuagenarian and place her in custody.

Many Florence residents were outraged by Pierce's actions; but Municipal Judge James E. Hall II found Romine guilty of disturbing the peace, fining her $150.00. Romine appealed the verdict to Lauderdale Circuit Court, hiring Florence attorney Marshall Gardner to represent her. Gardner, along with an attorney from the ACLU, won the case for Romine, who has frequently flaunted her victory over Pierce.

It's been estimated the campaign for Denton's state senate seat could cost each candidate up to $180,000.00. Certainly Pierce has the funds to run, but does he have the fans?


Note: Thanks to Blogophilia for naming this column the best state newcomer in 2008, and thanks to all our readers who support us.

Who Will Replace Bobby Denton?

Bobby Denton, the current Alabama State Senator who serves all of Lauderdale and part of Colbert Counties, has announced his retirement. Called the "Dean of the Senate," Denton has accumulated both friends and influence in his ten terms and will be hard to replace.

Despite the size of the shoes they seek to fill, candidates seem to be coming out of the woodwork. Not only do we face a plethora of candidates, we may also face a fruit basket turnover of sorts, depending on who does replace Denton.

Both State Rep. Tammy Irons and Rep. Mike Curtis have indicated an interest in this seat; however, Curtis has also announced he will not run if Irons does seek the post. This fact is interesting at various levels and bespeaks the cronyism that is rampant among our state lawmakers.

Should Irons seek the position and win, her law partner Bob Hill has announced his interest in replacing her in the House of Representatives--nothing like keeping it in the same law firm. Hill has served in the House before and is currently considered a top behind-the-scenes mover and shaker. Logically, we assume Hill's interest is not in winning the seat himself, but in preventing someone else from winning.

Former Lauderdale Circuit Judge Mike Suttle, who only four months ago announced his retirement in order to enjoy a private law practice, has also announced his interest in the seat. Should it come to a Democratic showdown between Irons and Suttle, we predict Tammy Irons will prevail. Not only is her personality more bouncy, so is her hair.

On the Republican front, former State Representative and Public Service Commissioner Lynn Greer of Rogersville has announced his intention to run. Greer is known as a man of probity and strong moral fiber, something sorely lacking in many of our current state pols. We predict he will make a tough opponent for Irons.

While the above thoughts are just speculations and predictions, we can aver one thing. Sen. Bobby Denton was always a man of his word and a credit to those he represented. We will do well if his successor is only half the person he is.


What's up with this: New speculation on the demise of the Sheffield resort project has been making the rounds. Mayor Sanford, if it's at all possible, you need to quell these rumors now and make public the project's current status.