The Race for Colbert Sheriff - Part I

 

The race for Colbert sheriff has so far not been pretty. Supporters of each candidate have slung some heavy mud. We won't address every accusation here, but will present a few of the most pertinent jabs.

First, some info from one of our Colbert County bloggers who supports Republican Eric Balentine:

There have been 1.8 MILLION DOLLARS in lawsuits settled against Colbert County since 2015

1.2 MILLION DOLLARS of the 1.8 million is FEDERAL LAWSUITS AGAINST SHERIFF FRANK WILLIAMSON and the office/employees under his supervision.

The pages that follow are taken from a 124 page federal lawsuit by multiple victims of excessive violence/abuse handed down in the last year. You will find the direct link for a full read of the lawsuits at the bottom of page 6.

The budget for the Sheriff's office and jail is 40% of the county's total budget - the settlements for lawsuit against Williamson are 67% of the total lawsuits against ALL county offices and departments.

1.2 MILLION DOLLARS and potentially more to come from pending lawsuits because of Mr. Williamson's inability to train officers, discipline abusive inmates and manage operations.

"No, Doc, Don't Save My Child; You've Been Married Six Times"

Four years ago, many individuals made sure we knew that candidate for Colbert County sheriff Frank Williamson had been married four times. No one ever disputed that number, at least to our blog. At that time we endorsed now sheriff Williamson as the better of the two candidates. At no time did Frank Williamson run on any platform of superlative moral behavior as did a Lauderdale candidate who had been married five times.

Now we have detractors who are saying Sheriff Williamson has been married six times. Let's make it plain that we do not know how many times Frank has been married. Let's also make it clear that we attempt to live a Christian life. Yet we have to ask what a person's pathetic marital status has to do with his/her job performance in law enforcement?

Would you say to a neurosurgeon, "No, don't operate on my child. You've been married six times, and I can't support you." We're guessing the answer is no. 

Sheriff Frank Williamson has brought his office into the 21st Century. He's had to innovate while still performing the day to day operations of the job. We doubt that anyone could have done better.

We support and endorse Frank Williamson for a second term as Colbert County sheriff.

Remaining in Colbert County, we endorse Kyle Brown for the office of circuit court judge. We believe him to be the much more honorable choice. Notice that we didn't call him perfect; we called him honorable. Colbert County needs all the honor and honesty that it can get.

We'll also return to the gubernatorial election. Again, neither candidate is perfect. If Kay Ivey is elected and becomes incapacitated in office, we will in all likelihood be stuck with sycophant Will Ainsworth. Vote your conscience, but we will be voting for Walt Maddox.

No Drug Arrests?

From a reader:

A Lawrence county man drives to Colbert County to trade stolen items for Crack Cocaine. Lawrence County law enforcement arrests the man IN Colbert County on Jarmon Lane and NO arrests are listed on those he was getting drugs from?

Now, would a junkie lie? Yep. Usually it is to get OUT of trouble, not to get in deeper. Would someone trade Cocaine for stolen merchandise? Yep. Is this a problem in Colbert County? Yep.

Obviously, "Sheriff" Williamson was just kidding when he campaigned that he was going to get rid of drugs in Colbert County. Wonder why he is ignoring them. (Many years past, bootlegging was the issue in Colbert County because the bootleggers just "greased" the right hands. Dejavu?)

While drugs are rampant in Colbert County, it ranks up there with the lack of animal control by the "Sheriff".

His campaign promises were obviously like all his marriage proposals - EMPTY LIES.

I believe Pinocchio Williamson has a problem telling the truth.

*****

We don't know the circumstances of the above arrest. The dealers could be included in a larger planned drug bust. We are happy to publish readers' comments--even when they damn a candidate we supported. We look forward to some official answers soon.

*****

Shoalanda

The Truth About the MS Industries Donation!

We once commented on local candidates who mention their stance on abortion and other issues over which they have absolutely no control. Such references are smokescreens to cover more relevant issues or simply pandering to a public which usually demonstrates knee jerk reactions to these issues.

It should come as no shock to anyone that a local sheriff has no input on “Second Amendment Rights,” yet that was the name of a recent debate...a debate which was partially published on YouTube and linked by our blog yesterday. The interesting thing about this debate was that the second amendment rights of U.S. and Alabama citizens were hardly mentioned during this little stunt, a stunt we understand was orchestrated entirely by the Republican Party.

Who has input on Second Amendment rights? The federal and state court system and to a lesser degree the office of the state attorney general. No county sheriff is going to make policy concerning gun rights—he will, if honest, follow the laws that have been legislated and later interpreted by the courts.

The election of a new Colbert County Sheriff is undoubtedly the most important race in that county. Elections typically bring out the “crazies” and almost always the haters of certain candidates. We’ve received many derogatory comments about Democratic candidate Frank Williamson in the past few months...mostly from the same person. We believe the name used to send these comments is fictitious; however, that in itself would not make these allegations suspect.

The most damning of these allegations concerns Mr. Williamson taking a $500.00 contribution from MS Industries, the company that proposes to engage in tar sands mining in Colbert and Lawrence Counties. The somewhat dubious enterprise donated the same amount to both candidates; the salient question is did either candidate keep the money while stating he had returned the contribution.

We’ll inject here that MS Industries has not yet been proved to be detrimental to the environment or the economy. We believe at some point it will. The salient point is that if one or both of the candidates had kept the contribution...and correctly reported it...what was the harm? No candidate is in anyone’s pocket as long as contributions are made correctly.

Both candidates say they returned the contribution for whatever reason. Political enemies of Frank Williamson are claiming that he didn’t. That would make Williamson both a liar and a dishonest pol since he has not reported the contribution on his official state form. So is this allegation true?

A COPY OF WILLIAMSON'S LETTER:

A COPY OF CASHIER'S CHECK TO MS INDUSTIRES:

It would appear  Mr. Williamson has indeed done what he said he did. We reiterate that we would have had no problem with his taking the contribution, but we would have had a problem is he had indeed lied. It would seem Mr. Williamson is not the one who lied. Does Phil Andrews support these lies? We don't know...we still haven't heard from him.

*****

Regular readers know our policy about past crimes, etc. When one enters the public fray, they are fair game. In the past we've refused to discuss an old drug arrest for one candidate since we believed it didn't relate to the person he is today. Now we're faced with a similar dilemma.

Again, we're not going to publish this arrest. We feel others will publish the details. Having seen the arrest documents, we're only too sadly aware that many will cheer for what the person did. It's a sad world.

*****

Shoalanda

A Reader on Frank Williamson

From a Facebook reader: Really? Are you as crooked as Frank Williamson? Obviously! You don't want to post that his backers are known felons. You don't want to post that he accepts money from MS Industries and doesn't report it (and also lies about it - check out you tube video from night at Champy's). You don't want to post that he doesn't report how much money he has spent and where. Gee Shoalanda Speaks guess you are in his pocket too. Anyone can blow smoke up your a$$ about what they are going to do or have planned but when it's smoke honey... there's fire.

*****

We're happy to post all opinions here...this one came close to be censored because of one word. We invite all counter opinions.

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Just for the record, we've never met Mr. Williamson and have certainly never received any money from him. Perhaps if Mr. Andrews had wanted more endorsements, he would have publicized his platform? Especially on animal welfare?

*****

Shoalanda

Colbert County Sheriff Endorsement

We at first contemplated not making an endorsement for this office; however, one candidate has been very forthcoming with excellent plans for the department, while the other has not. It should be noted that one can do only so much with the funds at hand. After all, if Shoalanda had a Maserati instead of a Ford Taurus, she might be able to drive faster. So it is with all government offices--one can do only so much, so look for the one who seems most aware and most able.We are endorsing Frank Williamson, albeit a Democrat, for the position of Sheriff of Colbert County.

While on the subject of this office, we want to commend the current administration. Unlike Lauderdale where we receive numerous reports of malfeasance, sexual dalliances, lawsuits, and FBI investigations, the Colbert sheriff seems to have run a reasonably efficient office.

Let's hope whoever should win the November election will continue to move Colbert County forward.

*****

We've had several questions about our Sheffield club comments. It's not difficult to see that clubs/bars in Sheffield have an inordinately high number of violent acts...some ending in death.

We understand that one can get more bang for his/her buck in Sheffield rent wise, but we also have to ask if Sheffield is much more lenient in its issuance of licenses for such establishments. We welcome comments.

*****

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Shoalanda

The Colbert County Sheriff's Race

From J. Redmond:

WHAT race?  The ONLY candidate for Colbert County Sheriff that I have seen doing ANY campaigning is Williamson.  His t-shirts are EVERYWHERE. His signs are EVERYWHERE.  His campaign workers are EVERYWHERE.  Where's Andrews??????

Our thoughts? There's still plenty of time left. Will Colbert again go for a straight Democratic ticket? Is Frank Williamson running scared? Does Phil Andrews have an October Surprise for Colbert County voters? Does anyone care anymore?

News flash: You should care!

*****

Muscle Shoals City Council

Pictured L to R: Joe Pampinto, Neal Willis, Jim Holland, Mike Lockhart, Allen Noles, Mayor David Bradford

Place Number 1
Joe E. Pampinto
Joe is a lifelong resident of Muscle Shoals and attended Muscle Shoals High School.  He is a graduate of the University of North Alabama.  Joe has two children, Payton and Parker.  He has served as member and Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Board from 1992 until 2000.  He has served  on the Alabama Association of School Board's Board of Directors and as Chairman of the  Alabama Risk Management for Schools.  Joe was elected to the Colbert County Board of Education in 1994 and was reelected in 2000.  He served as chairman of the board until resigning to assume his City Council seat in 2004.    Joe was re-elected to the City Council in 2008 and ran unopposed in 2012. Joe was appointed by the city council to represent the citizens of Muscle Shoals as a member of the Solid Waste Authority and is employed at Wise Alloys serving as Plant Manager.  He has attained "Advanced Certifed Municipal Official" status with the Alabama League of Municipalities.  He  considers it "an honor to serve the citizens of Muscle Shoals".

Place Number 2
Neal Willis
Neal was born in Russellville, Al in 1951 and moved to Muscle Shoals in 1964.  He graduated from Muscle Shoals High School in 1969 and served in the United States Army.  Neal has been employed with BellSouth for forty years and is the owner and operator of Neal Willis Chimney Service.  He and his wife Lessa have three children Sarah, Jeffrey, and Nicholas.  The Willis' attend Highland Park Baptist Church.  Neal will begin his fourth term on the City Council in November 2012.  When asked about his vision for the City, he stated "the City is taking big steps forward.  With God's help, we can all make this an even greater place to live, work and raise a family.  I am proud to serve the people"

Place Number 3
Mike Lockhart
Mike and his family moved to Muscle Shoals in 1993. He has been employeed at Helen Keller Hospital for 19 years. His wife, Cheryl, is a teacher in the Muscle Shoals City School System. Mike and Cheryl have two children, both graduates of Muscle Shoals High School. Mike has been active in the city serving as a volunteer coach, and is a past member of both the Park and Recreation Board and the Civil Service Board. He and his family attend Highland Park Baptist Church. Mike is serving his first term as a council member and looks forward to serving the citizens of Muscle Shoals.

Place Number 4
James "Jim" Holland
Jim is currently serving his sixth term on the City Council, serving currently as President of the Council.  Jim has two children and one grandchild.  He is retired from Reynolds Metals Company. Jim currently operates a local accounting/tax service.

Place Number 5
Allen Noles

Allen is currently serving his fifth term on the City Council.  He is a graduate of Muscle Shoals High School and has been employed by the Muscle Shoals Electric Board for the past thirty six years.  His wife Teena, is a retired high school science and chemistry teacher.  They have two children, Matthew and Jenny Strickland. Jenny is married to Hayden Strickland and they have two children, Abby and Samantha.  Matthew is married to the former Jamie Lockland and they have a daughter Mackensie.

If you're tired of your tax money going to high school football, do something/call someone: (256) 383-5675

*****

Just when you thought we presented every "Sleepy Hollow" known to mankind two years ago:

Shoalanda

Once a Playah?

Don't you just love Bob Eubanks? He's such a class act!

Wonder if Anyone Chose Augie?

BTW, if you lie on your marriage license application, you may be fined up to one thousand dollars. Tut, tut.

-()-

It seems some are saying Colbert County candidate for sheriff Frank Williamson was once served a protection from abuse order by an ex-wife. There's NO record of this. Why lie? Just move to Lauderdale where almost anything goes...

-()-

Someone has spray painted the new UNA science building. Shades of Blackberries!

Bailey

Separating the Crazies/Big Colbert Announcment

1. First, this blog has not endorsed in the Colbert Sheriff's race. It has published letters from both sides.

2. As far as we know, if Frank Williamson has been married 27 times, he is still not campaigning on family values as is the five time married Augie Hendershot.

3. Shoalanda does endorse. PNS does not, but will be happy to interview any candidates.

4. SS and PNS are connected only via an advertising compact. For instance, Mr. Williamson wanted to advertise on PNS, but not SS. If he had chosen both, he would have been given a discount.

5. The crazies? A bi-polar woman, to put it nicely, highly criticized us for using the term "Lexington" in a title of a blog by "Charger Dodge." Mr. Dodge may not represent everyone, but he definitely represents many.

6. Mr. Dodge is working on a blog about the missing Lexington Water Department funds. This blog should offer facts never before published.

7. The bi-polar woman who criticized Mr. Dodge? Well, you know how it is...so many criticize anyone from drug dealers to those who abandon their handicapped children. We prefer to overlook them.

-()-

That big surprise from Colbert County? Here it is:

Williamson Receives Surprise Endorsement!

-()- 

Look for another huge surprise out of Lauderdale County coming soon!

Bailey

Comparing Augie Hendershot to Frank Williamson?

Editor's Note:

Mr. Williamson has purchased advertising at PNS. Neither he nor Hendershot have purchased advertising at SS.

From a reader:

Advertising dollars that Frank Williamson’s outlaw friend is donating to his campaign is important for your blog to survive, but there ought to be some contrast and similarities between Lauderdale and Colbert County sheriff races pointed out.

Exposing the Lauderdale County sheriff candidate Augie Hendershot for his multiple marriages, should also be shown as the same blaring issues that surround Frank Williamson and his many marriages (and those who know him will tell about a protection from abuse order served on him by one of those ex wives.)

The article on the debate between Singleton and Hendershot easily describes the Colbert County Sheriff candidates too:

IMAGINE A DEBATE between COLBERT COUNTY SHERIFF CANDIDATES.

It could certainly be billed as a comedy show and charge admission. 

Frank Williamson will tap dance. Frank will laugh and guffaw. Frank will mention all his training...none in the form of any real degrees.

Phil Andrews, who is no grandstander, will calmly present his plans for Colbert County. Phil will most certainly also mention how many employees have been under his leadership at one time. Frank will try to sidetrack that question, but the answer is yes, but he was “released” or as he would say “quit” his last job before Colbert County Sheriff Ronnie May gave him a break and hired him as a deputy.

I’ll take a guess no one will ask about the number of wives each man has had, but the answer for Phil is only one. Frank doesn’t publicize his,  while the correct answer is four, no matter, unless he ventures into the territory of “family values,” which we hope he does.

Want a liar and a hypocrite for your next sheriff? Then vote for Frank. Otherwise, a vote for Phil Andrews will bring honesty and respect to the Colbert County Sheriff’s Department.

Posted by Bailey

An Interesting Contribution for Frank Williamson?

Artwork by Reader

From a reader:

Since Frank Williamson isn't running as being a family man but as a Sheriff who is going to fight drugs and crime.... here is his latest contribution list. It has listed a large amount of money from White Oak Farms and one finally says White Oak Farms/William T. Gargis, Sr. Now see the link below that shows an indictment again Tony Gargis, Sr. & Tony Gargis, Jr. This should give proof beyond a doubt that Frank Williamson is taking money from those who are on the opposite side of the law. His pockets are getting VERY greased.

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Of course, in the Shoals, if those who had never run afoul of the law were the only ones to contribute, few candidates would receive any contributions. We'll have more on this later.



Shoalanda

Hendershot, Williamson, & Underwood?

We’ve had at least one reader question why the seeming lack of coverage of Colbert County Democratic nominee for sheriff, Frank Williamson. Our reader feels that our friendship with Billy Underwood has influenced us in some way, since Mr. Underwood is chairman of the Colbert County Democratic Party. The reader was also quick to point out that we have given Lauderdale Democratic candidate Augie Hendershot much negative press over some of the “same issues.”

First, Lexington Chief Hendershot was in a runoff for his party’s nomination; Mr. Williamson was not. Readers may rest assured that we will have quite a bit of coverage of Mr. Williamson at a later date.

Second, the proved problems with Hendershot and the alleged problems with Williamson are of a totally different nature. While Mr. Williamson has, according to the reader in question, been married four times, he has not used “family values” as a plank in his platform as has five times married Hendershot. In other words, while he may...or may not...be a hypocrite, he’s not been hypocritical over his family life.

Many of the allegations against Williamson are of an ethical or criminal nature. In other words, we here at Shoalanda are in no position to comment on them without more information (read: proof). Most of the negative comments we have made concerning Hendershot have been known to all of us here for years and 100% of them have been vetted. None of them concerns anything in the least illegal.

We will be discussing some of the issues our reader has with Williamson in the next few days; however, as we have advised the reader...and do advise any others with such information...criminal complaints should be taken to the appropriate state agency.

We’re going to touch on another difference between Hendershot and Williamson. Mr. Williamson has recently brought forth a platform enumerating his intentions if elected. We have not seen Hendershot even come close to that. If Chief Hendershot wants to send us any detailed plans for the sheriff’s office, we will be happy to publish them. In fact, as always, we will be happy to publish any press release he may send us.

Frank Williamson's Policy

Hmmmm, so Shoalanda is going easy on the Colbert County Democratic Party because she’s friends with Billy Underwood? She’s also friends with O.B., a rabid supporter of Augie Hendershot. You haven’t seen her go easy on H. Hollow Hendershot because of that fact, have you?

Shoalanda

Election Errors, Recalls, and Just Plain Dumbth

For the purposes of this blog, we’re going to divide the Shoals area into three groups.

Group One--these individuals, from all walks of life, try to live moral, law-abiding lives. They may fail from time to time, but they mean well.

Group Two - These individuals don’t march to the ubiquitous drummer; they don’t give a tinker’s dam what anyone thinks of them and don’t expect any adulation or need to play by the rules…much less election to local office.

Three - These individuals also fail to live by common more’s, but would like for you to believe that they do. If questioned about what most would consider a lapse in either moral or ethical norms, they always have a good reason for their behavior. There is never any admission of wrong doing as one would find in Group One.

We’ll confess what could be a weakness: We usually expect people to fall into Group Number One. In short, if someone says they make 100K a year, we don’t immediately ask if their income is derived from only legal endeavors. If they mention their wife, we assume it’s probably number one, or at most number two. Four or five? That just usually doesn’t occur to us. If they mention having had two husbands, we assume they mean their own, not other women’s.

Yes, we’re helplessly middle class, religious, and just plain naïve at times. So now we have to address a mistake that we have made by being so.

In the recent Colbert County Sheriff’s race, we endorsed a candidate simply because he was the lesser of two evils (involving competency)…or so we thought. Now it seems that while the Democratic victor Frank Williamson doesn’t match Augie Hendershot’s record, he is now married to his fourth wife.

The election is over. Remember that once elected, any public official is just that--public. If you think the morals of an office holder are lacking and thereby affecting his/her performance, you can still make a difference. Just ask those who are now calling for Colbert County School Superintendent Tony Olivis to resign.

*****

Who marries a man with three ex-wives? Apparently Amanda pictured above with dear ol' Frank. Yes, we have a pic of the Lauderdale Candidate's wife number five waiting in the wings in case he wins the runoff.



Shoalanda