Fay Parker Strikes Again

The Lauderdale County Commission has just appointed one of its own, Fay Parker, to the 911 Board. After learning of this appointment, a local political influencer whom we respect and admire made the comment that surely of 93K Lauderdale County residents, the commission could have found some new blood. She was promptly criticized for using the entire population as a literal pool for applicants.

Let’s take a very conservative look at how many were qualified:

~ Let’s use 90K as the actual population.

~ Let’s say 50% are children, leaving 45K.

~ Let’s assume 5K are automatically disqualified due to previous crimes of true moral turpitude, leaving 40K.

~ Of the remainder, how many would be competent and willing applicants? One out of four? One out of eight? Let’s say the latter, leaving 5K.

So out of 5,000 qualified individuals, Commissioner Fay Parker was selected? Even if the opening was not widely advertised, this has to raise quite a few questions.

Our political pundit friend specifically questioned why so few women and racial minorities are on local boards. We won’t even go that far. We simply want to know why anyone thought Commissioner Parker was the best candidate for this job.

The Shoals Gains Three New Republicans?

Lauderdale County district attorney Chris Connolly, commissioner Fay Parker, and circuit court clerk Missy Hibbett are changing parties. Bippity, boppity, boo--they're now Republicans.

We have no problem with that...if they really mean it. Parker says he has problems with the Democratic positions on abortion and gun control. First we're pretty sure the Lauderdale County Commission will never be called upon to vote on either. Second we have to wonder if Parker wants more babies to grow up to be either shooters or shot at?

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And what of that infamous Dem Roger Bedford? You rarely saw an ad for Bedford that didn't focus on guns, hunting, etc. Should we expect him to join the Republican ranks in order to again "serve the people?" How about Billy Underwood? He's going to feel lonely.

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Have you ever looked at candidate comparison charts? These usually ask candidates their views on ten or so hot button issues. It usually boils down to the individual voter being unable to find the perfect candidate who agrees with him/her completely. The voter is then forced to decide which issues are really important.

The wise voter votes for the candidate--not the party.

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A new head of Florence-Lauderdale tourism by Thursday? We eagerly await the name...and the salary.



Shoalanda

Sam Pendleton is Right on the Money

A Guest Editorial by John Q. Health-Care-Consumer

The people of Lauderdale County and Florence deserve better than what they are being fed, and they have no idea of the workings behind the scenes by the two opposing hospitals to keep RegionalCare from building a new facility. One only has to ask themselves what HH and HKH have to fear from RegionalCare replacing their aging outdated structure which they currently occupy. Sam Pendleton is right that the battle has been one sided. After the new Shoals Ambulance Service in Muscle Shoals was essentially, but temporarily, shut down by strong arm tactics from the HKH administration, and behind the scenes wrangling by HH (the puppet master), people began to see how things were going to play out.

As HH pours more and more money into HKH there is no way for them to recoup their losses except by eventually acquiring that hospital and its employees. Currently HH owns or operates every hospital in north Alabama with exception of Moulton, Russellville, and the former ECM. They have already made a play for Moulton, essentially sealing the corridor across north Alabama. Having seen this type of widespread acquisition before, I can tell you the next step. These outlying hospitals become feeder units for the big HQ in Huntsville. You start to lose essential services and they maintain a few beds and an ER. It requires transport of the more critically ill patients a long distance, and in an emergent situation time is precious.

I for one do not want to see the Shoals lose its access to good quality care. There is only one hospital on the north side of the river serving Lauderdale county and portions of the southern Tennessee counties. Pendleton is right, unless the city and the county stand up to these bullies we stand to lose a great deal, which not only includes access to medical care but the economic stability the presence of this hospital brings to the area. Business leaders should make sure that they consider what is at stake.

As I understand it, the certificate of need board (CON) meeting is scheduled to be held in November here in the Shoals. Strategic placement of one of the board members has already been accomplished by the forces opposing the new hospital and it will be an uphill battle. However, the only logical decision  by this board will be to allow the construction since it is a replacement, not a new facility, and it includes surrendering a number of beds to the CON.

For once I can agree with Mr. Pendleton, it is time to take a stand and make the facts known.

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It's also been pointed out that many of the TimesDaily articles enumerating hospital activities don't feature events at ECM. Their recent article on volunteers at HKH is a prime example. According to a very knowledgeable source, ECM has basically the same program and a much larger volunteer staff. This source feels the TD's bias has become very transparent.

We have to agree and we have to ask why? Why is Shelton Publishing so intent upon featuring HKH to the exclusion of ECM/RegionalCare? Why does the Colbert County Commission seek to exclude Shoals Ambulance? Why do Rhea Fulmer and Fay Parker seek to prevent a bid on ambulance service for Lauderdale? The answers, if we ever get any, should be most interesting.

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The Connection has begun a new series on the ambulance situation in Colbert County. We hope their investigative staff can come up with some rationale for the 911 board and commission's recent actions.

Ambulancegate - Part I

Shoalanda

More Charges in Dylan Milam Murder?

Dylan Milam

Sources close to the investigation into 13 year-old Dylan Wayne Milam's murder say more charges are possible. A family member of the 13 year-old shooter reportedly gave information on the youth's behalf that has been proved false. If Colbert County does charge the family member, it will likely be for hindering prosecution, but a former Colbert law enforcement official has stated the family member could also be charged as an accessory after the fact. The case will likely be presented to the next Colbert County grand jury.

The shooter reportedly lived with his mother and her boyfriend on the outskirts of Leighton. He was a student at Colbert County High School and would have entered the 8th grade next autumn. As reported earlier, this young man was no stranger to law enforcement in Colbert County. Do you remember what you were doing at the age of 13, gentle readers? We're going to guess it wasn't plotting or covering up a murder while being abetted by an adult.

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Shoals Ambulance is again in the news. The company is looking into bidding on the Lauderdale County contract, assuming it's put up for bids for the new fiscal year starting September 1st. Commissioners Rhea Fulmer and Fay Parker have publicly stated they see no need for a bid in the first year of a new three-year contract period for Lauderdale EMS, a subsidiary of Keller EMS. Really? How interesting...

We had been told an attorney general's opinion on Shoals Ambulance's initial foray into local service was possible by the start of this week; however, owner Bryan Gibson has yet to hear. We're betting on such an opinion being favorable to Gibson and the City of Muscle Shoals.



Shoalanda

April 24th: Important or Not?/Keith Collier Jr.

Keith Collier Jr.

Our friend Dino has pointed out the exceptionally low turnout in the two Lauderdale County Commission races. All right, you guys in Lauderdale, do you not care who sits on the commission? Were you watching any of the commission's antics recently?

Lauderdale has only two districts and a total of four commissioners. That makes it extremely important that these candidates can walk and chew Double Bubble at the same time. We endorsed accountant Keith Collier Jr in the primary and we are happy to endorse him again in the April 24th runoff.

Why do we need Keith as a commissioner? The word accountant should stand out to all of us. If any county ever needed an accountant on its commission it's certainly Lauderdale--a county known to write checks for .02 between accounts. Apparently the concept of a journal entry is unknown to the present commission.

You say that's a minor issue? Yes, it is; but if our commission can't figure out how to transfer two cents between county bank accounts without writing a check, do you think it's doing any better with major issues? Fay Parker promises to fight to keep the hospital in Lauderdale. Does he think any Lauderdale elected official is going to fight to build it in Colbert?

We need intelligence and accountability. We need Keith Collier Jr. as Lauderdale County Commissioner for District 2.

Related post: Your Two Cents

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Additional data on the two candidates:

 

Click to Enlarge

 

Tomorrow we'll feature the race for District 1.

Shoalanda

It's the Alabamans' Fault/Metro Properties LLC

It looks like Rick Santorum has won the largest part of the state's Republican delegates. Is this surprising? Yes, for some strange reason it is...just as it's surprising to us that Fay Parker currently has the lead over Keith Collier Jr. for Lauderdale County Commissioner. At least in the latter race there will be a runoff. Some races are always iffy, but why that particular one should be is beyond our ken.

Oddly enough, we've only recently discovered that some of our state's citizens refer to themselves as Alabamans. Weren't they taught in grammar school that it's Alabamian? If they weren't, we're sure we could dig up some former teachers who could elucidate them...or perhaps not. Sadly we might have to literally dig some of them up.

Now let's get prepared for the runoffs. Aren't they fun?

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Several readers have asked the names of  the owners of Metro Properties LLC of Colbert County and Game On LLC of Florence. Metro Properties is owned by Kenneth Crump, but we can find no Florence listing for Game On. Both entities lost heavily in the Christmas 2010 fire at Sidelines II in Muscle Shoals.

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From D.K. on child rapist Jeffrey Noel Rickard:

The State of Alabama Pardon and Parole Board turned down Jeffrey Rickard's Parole, 5 years  for next Hearing. He has a total of 21 marks against him, with 5 of them within this Year, one for contraband, and he has an Indictment for that in Elmore County when he serves his time.

Shoalanda

Keith Collier Jr, A Name to Remember

Yesterday we looked at current Lauderdale County Commissioner Fay Parker and former commissioner Ronnie Brown. Both individuals obviously sought the office in order to help the county (we hope), since the salary involved is minimal. County offices have always had a different dynamic from most city positions. Voters have often wanted one of "their own" rather than someone who would be a more efficient leader. We hope that in the 21st Century this lowest common denominator type thinking is passe'. We sincerely hope all the voters in Lauderdale County want the person with the most expertise to get the job done. Here is Keith Collier's vision for his county:

Today, County Commissioners are much more than the ‘Road Commissioners’ of the past. While we still have the important responsibility of providing safe roads and bridges, sanitary waste management, and top emergency protection, we also have to make decisions today that will stimulate our local economy and provide stability for years to come. We have to focus on bringing new industries into our area and supporting the ones that are here to help them succeed which in turn provides jobs and tax revenue to keep the economy growing. I am excited about the overwhelming support of the new commission structure by our residents. With the Commission Chairman free from the Probate Judge’s responsibilities, the Commission will have an invaluable tool in economic development for our area. I look forward to having the opportunity to promote Lauderdale County to the world, as well as work with our existing businesses to make them stronger. 


I believe that serving as an elected official is one of the greatest ways to give back to a community that means so much to me and my family. As a public servant, we should be held accountable to the citizens who put us in office. Communication is a key element of accountability. I am a strong believer in transparent government and know many residents cannot come to Commission meetings at 9 AM on Monday mornings. I will hold community meetings at convenient times throughout my district, as well as use social media and other means to communicate with our residents. Our residents deserve to know the issues and should play a big part in how we deal with them.


I will apply my Accounting skills to ensure our Citizens get the highest level of services at the lowest possible costs. My accounting background gives me a skill unique to the candidates in this race. I have an Accounting degree from UNA and over 20 years’ experience with multiple business and their needs to be successful. Lauderdale County has a budget with almost $28 million in expenses which are over $2 million higher than budgeted revenues. To ensure a strong financial future during these tough economic times, Lauderdale County needs a commissioner with financial experience.


To ensure the bright future of Lauderdale County, we must invest today in the important matters of the county. I have always believed in giving back to the community that has blessed my family and I so much. I currently serve as a deacon in my church where I work in several ministries. I also volunteer as my daughter’s elementary school PTO treasurer and Help Center Bookkeeper as well as several years’ service in youth sports and other community projects. I have served on the boards at the UNA Sportsman’s Club and Florence Lauderdale Port Authority. I am also a 1994 graduate of Leadership Shoals. I will invest my time and energy to ensure that our young people can find jobs that pay a good wage to allow them to invest themselves in our community. We cannot afford to keep losing our bright young residents to other communities where they can find better careers.


In summary, let me just say I love this area and I believe I have fresh ideas and the energy it takes to lead Lauderdale County into the next generation. As an added incentive, I have a wife of over 20 years and 3 daughters who depend on me for their future in the Shoals area and I am not going to let them down.


We are extremely happy to endorse someone of Mr. Collier's intelligence and leadership abilities for the Place 2 Democratic nomination.

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The Shoals Republican Club will host Republican Lauderdale County Commission District #1 candidates William Roger Garner and B.J. Tully on Tuesday, March 6th at 7:00 p.m. at Ryan’s Family Steakhouse Restaurant on Cox Creek Parkway in Florence. A social hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. for those who would like to purchase dinner.

Each candidate will be given time to introduce themselves and speak about the important issues facing Lauderdale County and the Lauderdale County Commission. Lauderdale County Commission District #1 encompasses half of Florence and the eastern portion of Lauderdale County. The Republican Primary for Lauderdale County Commission District #1 is Tuesday, March 13th.

All meetings of the Shoals Republican Club are open to the public. For more information, contact Shoals Republican Club President William Smith at (256) 767-4529, or ShoalsRepublicanClub@gmail.com.



Shoalanda

How Home Rule Beat Ronnie Brown Four Years Ago

Fay Parker is currently the Lauderdale County Commissioner for District II. He won the office four years ago, defeating long time incumbent Ronnie Brown. Most local political pundits chalked Parker's win up to his stance against Home Rule. Both men are now in a race with Keith Collier Jr for the 2012 Democratic nomination.

What is Home Rule? Simply stated it means a county doesn't have to go to Montgomery every time it wants to place limits on a waste industry or animal control. Why Home Rule has been such a hot button for so long is beyond our ken. Many say they wish to live in the county simply because they may let their animals roam freely, but then object when a plant turning human waste into fertilizer wants to build next to them. You just can't have it both ways.

Tomorrow we'll look at newcomer Keith Collier Jr. and offer our endorsement for Place 2.

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Head shots and humility: There have been some posts in a new blog that mention several people who should watch out for a bullet in the head. Interesting concept if one has no morals, we suppose. Our train of thought quickly turned to the question of death and had we ever wished it on anyone or anything.

We'll be honest that we've strongly considered Brian David Mitchell, Elizabeth Smart's kidnapper/rapist, a good choice for the 22 behind the ear award, but could we do it? No, as a Christian and one who respects the laws we could not. What about other lower species?

While talking with a police detective about such things, we mentioned fleas. We would like to kill as many as we could, the ecosystem be danged. The train of thought soon zoomed on down the tracks to a long ago conversation with a close friend who was a vet tech. She asked the doctor for whom she worked why God created fleas. His reply? "Humility, my dear. They're so hard to kill they make us humble."

In striving to be humble, we hope none of us forgets our self worth or the worth of others. No one deserves to be beaten, raped, robbed, or tortured. When we allow such things to happen because we're "judging," we not only allow the victims no chance to regain their self worth, but lose any small amount of that quality we may have ourselves possessed.



Shoalanda

Calling Commissioner D. C. Thornton

Lauderdale County Commissioner D. C. Thornton has just announced that he has heard no opposition to the creation of the position of a part-time commission chairman--a job that pays $40,000.00 a year. We're not sure of the good commissioner's auditory acuity; we are sure that of the hand full of e-mails we have received, no one has been in favor of such a new position.

If any of our readers feel the 40K annual salary for a part-time position seems fair, please let us know. For those who feel otherwise, please contact:

D.C. Thornton - District 1
13100 Highway 72
Rogersville, AL 35652
256-247-5533

Rhea Tays Fulmer - District 1
170 Fox Den Road
Killen, AL 35645
256-757-4107

Larry Irons - District 2
699 Longshore Drive
Florence, AL 35634
256-757-4780

Fay Parker - District 2
P.O. Box
Waterloo, AL 35677
256-767-0989

Do We Need Two Deweys?


Shoalanda