Elizabeth E. Romine/Get Yo' Money Back?

Several media have made note of the passing of Elizabeth Ernestine Romine, once a prominent critic of the Florence City Council. Here are links to two very revealing, yet very different, tributes to Miss Romine:

Happy Warrior Gone at 88

My Friend Ernestine Romine

*****

Which One Isn't a Cold-Blooded Killer?

A reader writes: Since Greg Scoggins has a high powered deer rifle in his squad car he must not be hurting too much for money. Maybe those who gave when his house burned could get their money back? Seriously you gotta wonder if it's first a half tame deer then the stray skateboarder or two. I wouldn't wanna be a jaywalker in Muscle Shoals with him around. I know Scoggins is entitled to a hearing, but if he keeps his job he bears watching.

Interesting thought, but we understand the 47 year-old Scoggins and his wife Billie have at least one child. The fire obviously affected them also. Let's hope most of the money went to things they needed. As for his future at the Muscle Shoals Police Department? Some people deserve second chances and some don't. No matter which way you feel, if you live in Muscle Shoals you're entitled to make your voice heard by the mayor and city council.

Shoalanda

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?


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