...the RSA money for Veterans park is history. That money will now be spent for redoing the convention center for a private for profit company. Meanwhile a new ag center is being built at a cost of 40 million dollars. Does this sound like a boondoggle to you?
Perhaps the salient question should be: When is any project in the Shoals not a boondoggle? As for Bronner demanding the two million back, he had previously stated in December 2015 that he wanted some action. At that time, he obviously still expected indoor tennis courts at a cost of around six million, not 31 outdoor courts at a cost of 13.5 million that no sane person would be apt to approve without knowing where the money was to come from.
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We've previously asked where Florence city accountant Dan Barger came up with some of his financial ideas concerning the tennis complex project. It occurs to us that since he's announced his retirement, we should be asking just who will replace him?
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Several readers contacted us to let us know Jonathan Mullins, featured in yesterday's blog on animal abuse, is currently awaiting trial for shooting into an occupied building, as well as some lesser charges, in Colbert County. It's a sad fact that the court system in both Franklin and Colbert Counties is backed up for at least a year if not longer. Those out on bail have no incentive to plead until their case comes to trial. Let's hope Mullins can get the mental help our readers have said he needs.
First, who are the highest paid employees of the State of Alabama? For your reading enjoyment:
1) David Bronner
Salary: $572,097.02
CEO, Retirement Systems of Alabama
2) Donald Yancey
Salary: $331,139.64
Deputy director, Retirement Systems of Alabama
3) R. Marc Green
Salary: $306,378.29
Director of investments, Retirement Systems of Alabama
4) M. Hunter Harrell
Salary: $276,069.17
Director of private placements, Retirement Systems of Alabama
5) Dr. Donald Williamson
Salary: $271,516.66
M.D., state health officer, Alabama Department of Public Health
6) Mark Heinrich
Salary: $271,400.00
Chancellor, Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education
7) Julie Barranco
Salary: $255,011.16
Director of fixed incomes, Retirement Systems of Alabama
8) Ronald Jones
Salary: $243,095.12
Chief examiner, Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts
9) Glen Pringle
Salary: $243,002.73
Development director, Retirement Systems of Alabama
10) William Ashmore
Salary: $233,902.05
CEO, Alabama State Employees’ Insurance Board
11) Thomas Bice
Salary: $229,416.60
State superintendent, Alabama Department of Education
12) Randall Hillman
Salary: $225,299.92
Executive director, Alabama Office of Prosecution Services
13) Diane Scott
Salary: $221,610.17
CFO, Retirement Systems of Alabama
14) William Kelley
Salary: $215,314.55
Director of benefits, Retirement Systems of Alabama
15) Dr. Thomas Miller
Salary: $213,216.10
Chief medical officer, Alabama Department of Public Health
16) Dr. Karen Landers
Salary: $207,192.80
Assistant state health officer, Alabama Department of Public Health
17) Dr. Nabajyoti Kakati
Salary: $206,784.90
Psychiatrist, Alabama Department of Mental Health
18) Dr. Sabin Sebastian
Salary: $206,684.90
Psychiatrist, Alabama Department of Mental Health
19) Dr. Marie Glenn
Salary: $206,192.80
Psychiatrist, Alabama Department of Mental Health
20) James McLain
Salary: $205,400.00
General counsel, Alabama State Bar
21) Keith Norman
Salary: $205,400.00
Executive director, Alabama State Bar
22) Dr. Mary McIntyre
Salary: $204,921.80
M.D., assistant state health officer, Alabama Department of Public Health
23) Leura Canary
Salary: $204,831.58
General counsel, Retirement Systems of Alabama
24) Gregory Fitch
Salary: $201,745.00
Executive director, Alabama Commission on Higher Education
25) Samuel Welch
Salary: $200,153.12
Presiding judge, Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals
It's been speculated over the past few years that David Bronner's star is falling within the state. The RSA has often been compared to a pyramid scheme. We're not accountants, nor are we going to offer an opinion on these charges at this time.
What we will offer is that a very respected source has told us Phillip Pettus, R-Greenhill, is among a group seeking Dr. Bronner's ouster. We await more on this....
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Our governor? He refuses his salary. Is that just PR or is that true dedication? How many of the above referenced 25 would be willing to forgo his/her salary for a year? How about a month? Two weeks? Didn't think so.
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Want more money? Marry it? Work at a chicken plant? Apply to the RSA?
Like Dr. David Bronner or not, it's obvious a resolution passed by the RSA board will severely limit his ability to invest RSA funds. Bronner just may become the Internet Explorer of Alabama investing:
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International Paper has donated 10K to Lawrence County schools. That should go a long way once IP officially leaves the building. Any of our readers done much sight-seeing in Lawrence County recently? Moulton is its richest city. Think about it...
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Ever notice when Florence/Lauderdale law enforcement discuss a serious crime, they usually state it began at a club in Sheffield. Hmmmm...
Long-time Lauderdale County administrator Jenoice Bevis will be retiring at the end of December, if not earlier. The search for a successor began some weeks ago when the county commission posted the future job opening. By the end of the application deadline, six individuals had applied for the plum job. Among those reported to have applied were Bill Lovelace of the Juvenile Court and the secretary to Judge Dewey Mitchell; the names or positions of the other four applicants have not been reported to us.
After reviewing the six applications, the commission decided that none of those who expressed interest in the job was qualified. Just what are the qualifications for the position of county administrator? The new county administrator must possess a degree in either business or accounting and have experience in fund accounting. We understand that even Mrs. Bevis does not meet these criteria.
The job has not been reposted, and Mrs. Bevis will be leaving in ten weeks--at the most.
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Would David Bronner ever leave the RSA? A reader has mentioned the possibility to us. Certainly now that the National Alabama debacle is more or less in the past, Bronner is riding high again. Now would be the perfect time to head to the proverbial greener pastures where his job would not be dependent on the whims of a state legislature. Keep your eyes and ears open.
The title of today's blog is a question sent to us by a faithful reader. What did Dr. David Bronner do to recruit Navistar to the Barton rail car plant? We cannot answer that question, but obviously much is owed to Forrest Wright. We can comment on the timeline.
On August 21st of last year, the TimesDaily announced that National Rail Car Ltd. in Colbert County had been purchased by RSA and renamed National Alabama. That would make the purchase just over 13 months ago. Now we're told that Bronner, etal., had been working on the Navistar deal for "more than a year." Obviously the intent of purchasing the ivory pachyderm was to enable a sale to a company of RSA's choice.
We understand the need for secrecy, but wouldn't a "no comment" have been more honest than the smokescreen of supposed accomplishments propagated by our local rag? That being said, we now have a second rumor running amok at National Alabama.
We've received several reports that despite assurances by Navistar execs, most employees can expect to receive their walking papers in the near future--presumably after Navistar hires a skeleton crew to maintain the plant. This rumor is extremely hard to assess since the Huntsville engine manufacturer has not yet commented on what it will be producing...if it even knows what it will be producing.
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We've confirmed that Jeremy Shane Hall, the former Russellville police sergeant, was indicted by the most recent Franklin County grand jury on seven counts of sexual abuse. This is in addition to the civil suits brought against Hall and the city for the alleged crimes
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Tomorrow: .Those who "have taken a stand for what is right" lose a round, but the fight continues.
While it may be great news (we sincerely hope) that there will be new jobs coming to the Shoals when Navistar takes over the Barton facility on January 1st, what of the 120 or so employees who now toil in the vineyard of rail car manufacture? What of others who specifically trained as welders in order to qualify for a job that will not be forthcoming?
Apparently when TimesDaily reporter Trevor Stokes let the cat out of the bag months ago, the powers that be were indeed looking for a new company to take over the mile long plant. Why the smokescreen? Or should should we call it something more sinister?
Now, about those law suits... We assume a company that manufactures automotive engines will not be taking over the debt and legal responsibilities of National Alabama. Looks like our state retirees are out of luck.
Obviously you win some and you lose some. The Shoals lost here, and Dr. David Bronner will write it off and rest on his other investment laurels. Our main problem is the lack of truth that has been forthcoming from both the company and the local press. Our local rag didn't have to report on all the successes of National Alabama--mythical achievements--yet it did. What does that tell us?
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If you're like us you love new blogs. A reader recently sent us a link to one written by "coach422002." My, my, we can certainly see how some bloggers do give others a bad name. More to follow...
“I believe the Shoals area is a diamond in the rough that has not been discovered,” ... “An important part of our success will be to help the economic builders, the industries, find the Shoals." Doug Arnold, new CEO for Helen Keller Hospital
Doug Arnold, all smiles in his common-man polo shirt, has pronounced the Shoals a diamond in the rough. We're not sure if Mr. Arnold felt he was the first to utter these words or not. For the record, he wasn't.
Florence and the Shoals hadn't been found when its history was printed in the late 19th Century. Nor had it been found when Henry Ford visited. It was still hiding from national view when FDR came to call. JFK? Same song. Yellow Creek? We could stop there before you become any more depressed with this topic, but we feel obligated to mention Dr. David Bronner.
He was going to make it happen. We (You and I and Leo and Una and everyone else) believed him. We still have a chance with National Alabama, don't we? All we here at Shoalanda can do is give an opinion, but miracles do happen. We're just not sure they're going to happen in Barton, Alabama, in the 21st Century.
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From the Shoals Democratic Club:
Labor Day
is just around the corner
Join Democrats and Shoals area Labor Organizations
on Labor Day to mark the holiday that recognizes the
importance of the American worker!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Parade in Downtown Tuscumbia, 10:00 a.m.
Festivities in Spring Park, 11:00 a.m.
Did you that Democratic U.S. President Grover Cleveland signed the legislation making the first Monday in September Labor Day?
Labor Day constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.
Has Dr. David Bronner called those who question the National Alabama rail car plant in Barton idiots? We'll let you judge; here's his quote from the August RSA newsletter:
While a few Alabama investments have been criticized by some individuals that have difficulty understanding the bigger picture, our investment horizons are much longer. With the resources that Alabama has to offer, there is no reason not to believe that in the long term we will equal or exceed the returns of anywhere in the world.
Obviously Bronner's take on current finances covers the entire system and not solely the Barton facility. It's a bit like the TimesDaily announcing the entire of city of Muscle Shoals was destroyed in the earthquake, but all other Shoals areas were unscathed. That's great...except for those who lived in Muscle Shoals. So, yes, those who had seen National Alabama as the Shoals' economic savior are somewhat critical of it.
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The Florence Police Department is nearing the conclusion of a 2.5 year effort to achieve accreditation with CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies). Part of the accreditation process allows for members of the general public to either call in and speak to an on-site assessor, or to actually come and speak to the assessors in person in reference to the quality of police services being offered by the Florence Police Department. The information concerning the public forums is attached.
In the coming weeks, as we draw closer to August 20th, I would be glad to discuss the accreditation process with you. This process has included a comprehensive review and revision of our policies and procedures. If we are fortunate enough to achieve this accreditation, it will be one of the greatest achievements in our police department’s history. Accreditation by CALEA, would signify that the Florence Police Department’s policies, procedures, and practices are consistent with the highest standards of policing in the nation. The community will not just be required to take our word for it, but in fact, a team of outside assessors are coming in for four days to conduct an actual in-depth audit of our policies, procedures, and practices to ensure we are meeting these standards. The goal, or end-game of the accreditation process, is for our community to get just what they expect of their local police department: Police service of the highest level, that follows the letter and spirit of the law, assurance that we hold ourselves accountable for our conduct and actions, and, a police department that is accountable to our community to provide the very best in police service.
I look forward to talking with you in the near future.
"National Alabama, it's my problem; it's not your problem,” Bronner said of the quiet railcar plant that in March got a contract to assist in producing automobile transportation railcars. “We will go forward, as long as I'm alive; we're going to make this thing work.”
He later said that he was looking at multiple possible companies to land in the plant.
From a state retiree:
I beg to differ re 'the problem that is NAC'. My wife and myself, as well as several of my neighbors, have their retirements tied up in RSA...and THAT $$$ is funding the idle NAC facility. There are 120+ employees that are being paid simply to show up each day, massive utility bills each month, plus the executive (CEO. HR, Health & Safety, etc) positions that pay $75,000 - $250,000/year. With NO production taking place, and a small contract to make 'parts' of railcars, why are 'we' supporting them? This FACT does indeed make it OUR 'problem'. Not billionaire Bonner's.
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Yesterday we discussed two long time employees retiring from the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department. A source close to the office has informed us that Linda Richey is also retiring this spring. Richey is over property seizures. Good luck to Ms. Richey and to Sheriff Ronnie Willis as he sifts through what could be a large field of applicants to fill these vacancies with the most qualified individuals.
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Shoals eyesores: While not a true eyesore, a reader has asked us why the parking lot adjacent to the Lauderdale Abstract Company on Court Street still bears the description "Parking for Magnolia Church of Christ only." Surely an employee of the title company has time to remove the sign...we're thinking five minutes should cover it.
We all know Murphy--he's that unlovable Irishman who makes sure "if it can go wrong, it will." Apparently Murphy has been working overtime at National Alabama, aka the Barton Rail Car Plant. Yesterday we presented three hypothetical murders; today we'll present a hypothetical fire...at the Shoals' largest hypothetical employer. Doesn't the phrase "hypothetical employer" really suit National Alabama?
After a fire at the Barton facility in August 2009, you know the manufacturing plant is on its toes to prevent any major recurrence...or at least it should be. We would think unannounced fire drills would be standard at National Alabama, the fallen star in the RSA's crown, so let's take a look at one.
The alarm sounds; employees scramble. Is is a drill or is it real? The smell of smoke wafts through the mile-long plant--it's real. Trained workers reach for the more than 50 fire hoses fitted strategically around the plant, but something's wrong. The hoses aren't there. Even worse, it's rumored they were tossed into a dumpster in one of the plant's routine renovations...this in a plant that could be considered unused...feel free to smile at that one.
That's right. Apparently over the two-week Christmas break all the fire hoses were removed from the building. Did someone think they weren't needed? After all, what in the mammoth plant would be highly inflammable? According to our source, plenty.
Among the highly combustible materials at National Alabama are paint, solvents, and cutting oils (all by the barrel full). Since welding is involved in rail car manufacture, there are also various compressed gases...and if the hypothetical fire should reach the ceiling? The roof is made of plywood and rubber.
Ah, but you, gentle reader, are saying, "Have no fear. The fire department will save the day." Really? Just which fire department has jurisdiction over Barton. If you guessed Chuck Lansdell's volunteer brigade from Cherokee you are indeed astute at geography.
The Cherokee Volunteer Fire Department, the same fire department that has just had it's fuel allocation slashed, the same fire department that is selling at least one of its trucks. Yes, that same Cherokee Fire Department will be the one to attempt to save National Alabama. Notice the adroit placement of the word "attempt" in the previous sentence.
We have to wonder what Dr. David Bronner would say if his beloved National Alabama burned to the ground. If the fire produces no injuries and the facility is properly insured, he just might breathe a sigh of relief.
A reader recently called the February Advisor to our attention. For those not a member of the Retirement System of Alabama, the Advisor is a newsletter from the Montgomery based organization. The February installment boasts an article written by head honcho David Bronner himself entitled Investing in Our State.
While the RSA holds stock in many Alabama companies, in fact owning some outright, there are two local companies that are noticeably absent from Dr. Bronner's article. If you guessed Wise Alloys and National Alabama (Barton Rain Car Plant), you are indeed able to add two and two.
No, we don't expect every RSA investment to prosper. Neither are we overlooking the success of the Robert Trent Jones golf courses in this area. Wise has always been a dicey proposition, and losses there are not unanticipated. It's our beloved rail car plant, the would-be jewel in our local crown, that seems to hurt the most. Our Federal government tells us the economy is now on an upswing...any rail car orders yet?
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In our February 3rd column, a reader commented that Sweetwater Mansion had not paid property taxes for 2010 and was several months late. This reader has again contacted us with an update. Susan Leigh Smithson did indeed pay her taxes on February 1st and payment was posted to the county website on Februray 2nd. There was a late charge of almost $33.00.
We would also like to note for our reader and others who may not be aware, while property taxes are due and payable on Octobter 1st each year, they are not delinquent until after December 31st; therefore, the Sweetwater taxes were only 32 days delinquent.
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A video recently sent to us by our friend Mark Davis (For those of us of faith, it's truly inspiring):
The past several months have been filled with rumors concerning the Barton rail car plant--now officially named National Alabama. Most of what we have heard--multiple times--we have not been able to substantiate.
However, the ShoalsInsider has just published an excellent article by Mary Ann Riley. We urge everyone to read this account of the current state of National Alabama:
Riley's article not only confirms much of what we've been told, but delves into areas of which we were not aware. The article is so compelling that we now believe the rumor of David Bronner's anxious attempts to sell National Alabama is true.
Unfortunately, Riley is not able to elucidate us on the ABI's numerous visits to the plant; we can say changes in leadership at the plant have been documented. As for those who believe Federal charges will soon be levied against ex-executives with National Steel Car, they may very well be correct, but we have heard of no Federal agencies involved in the investigation.
Unfortunately, Shoals leaders and business recruiters have reversed the thought in this particular version of the old Robert Johnson blues standard. They will shrug at the loss of a Ford plant, but call a press conference concerning a new paper clip business locating in an abandoned store front.
From the August 22nd TimesDaily:
Folks at the National Alabama railcar plant in western Colbert County are talking to two or more companies unrelated to the railcar industry about a business partnership that would lead to the 2.2 million-square-foot facility reaching production mode. National Alabama officials are mum about the rumors, though. One project appears to be further along than the others. Yes, that said 2.2 million square feet. Hmmm, a lot of flea market booths.
So, one of our frequent questions from readers is who exactly is in charge at National Alabama. Is it David Bronner or John Stein, plant manager? We would doubt that Dr. Bronner would have any interest in micromanaging the plant, if the word micro could apply to such a behemoth. As for actual legal owners and responsible individuals, this is the latest published data from the Alabama Secretary of State:
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The almost 70K square foot former Sears building on East Tennessee Street in downtown Florence is almost history. We predict a new medical office building coming soon.
The building housed Sears department store for approximately 41 years. After a fire and lying vacant for several years, the building was home to the central office of Martin Industries for approximately 20 years until the manufacturer went bankrupt in 2003.
Oddly, Sears seems to have provided many fond memories for Shoals residents, while Martin memories are less than pleasant--perhaps why the home heating honchos went bankrupt?
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Be sure to catch Trader's new blog on some Shoals menu staples: Link
Where else in the world could we have Government Motors in Detroit and Alabama Railcars right down the road from Cherokee? That almost seems like poetic justice. There is no doubt the rest of the world, with maybe Venezuela as an exception, is envious.
Think about it folks with only a pittance of just one billion (1,000,000,000,000) we are now in the same category as Barry Obama. Imagine the excitement of the taxpayers and retirees to find out they are now the proud owners of the largest white elephant in the world. A mile long building where nothing happens. Obama I am sure is salivating that we have the audacity to play in the same league as the federal government.
Where is the speech from Governor Riley? After all, he sold us this bill of goods, or was it that swampland in Arizona we bought. Where are our leaders now? They are probably out buying another country club to turn into a dump. When are we going to wise up and quit listening to these snake oil salespeople? There is an old adage that goes, “When do you know a politician is lying to you? When his lips are moving."
Congress is now at eleven percent approval, what about our state leaders when do we hold them accountable? Is there any possibility that something good can come out of that one billion (1,000,000,000,000) hole in the ground. Let’s look at the possibilities, how about the largest car or tank wash in the world or maybe an indoor exercise spa for a herd of white elephants? Don’t like these suggestions? Why don’t we have a contest, name the building, and pick the best use for the facility. The winner will win an all expenses paid trip to the golf course in Ford city that we pay two cents a gallon for every day until the Good Lord comes back.
Yes, it is disheartening to see those sixteen hundred jobs go bye bye. Now we must know how the citizens of Iuka feel. Remember that debacle? How come the phones are not ringing off the wall in our leaders offices? How much longer do we let them drain our life’s blood from this area with their nonsense? Remember the definition of a politician? Poli meaning many and tics meaning blood sucking insects. That is what we have today--many bloodsucker politicians. Stand up for Alabama. Hold them accountable. Vote in November. Send them a message they will understand. Pink slips to all, and to all a good night.
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J. J.'s commentary is right on the mark. We would suggest that every retiree covered by the Retirement System of Alabama (RSA) contact David Bronner and inquire about the status of this project. No squeaky wheels indicate satisfaction. Anyone out there satisfied with National Alabama so far?
We would also suggest those affected by this mile-long albino pachyderm contact local news media to inquire why the lack of coverage on this royal mess. We no longer expect the TimesDaily to offer any honest input, but surely the Huntsville television stations would be interested in doing an investigative piece on this massive malfeasance.
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Maisie the Beagle has become something of a local celebrity. She's also the namesake of a new charitable cause. Read about it here: Maisie's Fund.
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Are you following the adventures of the Naked Baby? Why not suggest new destinations for Naked Baby? We're pretty sure it doesn't need a passport, so how about: Naked Baby Joins the Canadian Royal Mounted Police or Naked Baby Infiltrates a Mexican Drug Cartel?
The possibilities are endless. If you haven't been following, you can catch up here. Link
Leighton police officer Steve Guthrie has been cleared of all charges involving an incident at his Sheffield apartment. Why? Guthrie's prescribing physician informed the Sheffield Municipal Court and Leighton Town Council that any problems Guthrie suffered at the time of his arrest were the results of legally prescribed medication. While we're sure B. T. Gardner aggressively defended Guthrie, we have no doubt the doctor's statement provided the impetus to lift Guthrie's suspension.
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Assistant Leighton Police Chief Bobby Inman has requested a week to recuperate from injuries received in a Sheffield automobile accident Saturday afternoon. Inman has assisted in collecting funds for injured Beagle Maisie, and we wish him a speedy recovery.
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Sick of the rail car plant? Just imagine how David Bronner and retired state employees feel. A reader pointed out to us that the RSA has now invested the better part of a billion dollars in the so far failed endeavor.
If 120 employees seem like small potatoes, just think of the payroll required to keep that many on staff. Assuming an average salary of $10.00 per hour (and we're sure it's much more), the yearly payroll exceeds 2.5 million. That's not counting utilities for the mile long structure.
The RSA's 2009 annual report listed assets of over 27 billion; so just how important is National Alabama in the RSA's grand investment scheme? Let's just say if Dr. Bronner could find a buyer, we predict he would sell.
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We've all heard of the Grant Hotel, but the Sheffield Hotel? This image is from 1930 and available on eBay: Link
The Bible says it's better to work for less than one's worth than not to work at all. Apparently that bit of scripture is unknown to union bigwigs at Wise Metals in Colbert County.
Employees of Ford Motor Company in Detroit have agreed to a new contract that includes a pay cut for union workers, but union officials at Wise apparently don't consider this an option. After all, it's easier to blame Joe Pampinto than themselves. Barring that, perhaps they can foist some of the blame on David Bronner for choosing not to supplement the 125 million of RSA funds already invested in the struggling company.
No one wants to take a pay cut, but neither does anyone want to see Wise abandon its local operations. If these are the only choices, the pay cut looks good.
What's up with this: Sources say Franklin County pol Jack Harris has three days to remove his campaign signs or be cited for littering. Promises, promises...
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