Josh Willingham Endorses Billy Jackson/Cherokee Moving Toward Bedlam

Josh Willingham, Florence native and Washington Nationals baseball player, has endorsed Billy Jackson for Lauderdale County Circuit Court Judge Place 1. In Josh's own words:

I would like to encourage all voters to vote for Billy on July 13th. He will lead by example, experience and integrity as your Circuit Court Judge. A family man for your Family Court Judge. I don't believe you could make a better choice!"

We couldn't have said it better--he will lead by example--a family man for your Family Court Judge. If you're tired of "do as I say, not as I do" politicians, if you're sick of politicians using your tax dollars to give their friends a job, vote for Billy Jackson on Tuesday, July 13th.

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Two days ago we published a guest commentary by C. R. concerning the Leighton Police Department. We will be publishing some interesting feedback concerning that column tomorrow, but today we again publish a commentary from C. R. who was present at the Cherokee Town Council Meeting last night.

The Burger King Four Ride Again

After the resignation of the Cherokee district four councilman, the balance of power shifted and the power the former Mayor Mignon “Mullet” Willis held was diminished. Glover, Malone, and Franks were in the back pocket of Mignon Willis. The citizens of Cherokee held out hope that the newly appointed councilwomen would bring a balance to the council, where both sides would have to talk and compromise. Those hopes and dreams were crushed Tuesday night. The new District Four Councilwomen Mason voted lock step with the burger king three. Now with a new member, the burger king four ride again and have the power to pass anything that the puppet master wants.

During the meeting Councilman Steve Glover stated we already have made a decision and Councilwomen Mason stated we have already called the Alabama League of Municipalities. This call did not happen during the meeting and how can the council already discuss an issue before it was discussed. A meeting before a meeting...hope the Alabama Sunshine Law was not broken. Councilwomen Lambert made a motion to pay the city's bills and no one seconded the motion, it died. If the city owes you money, well you are not getting it.

Last week the city clerk moved her desk so it would not be in front of the video camera. Councilwomen Lambert made a motion to move the desk back and take some blinds down in the clerk's office and no one seconded the motion, it died. After several citizens reported that the city clerk was at a ballgame last week while still clocked in at work, Councilwomen Lambert made a motion to set the work hours at 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. with a lunch break between Noon - 1:00 p.m. No one would second the motion and Councilman Steve Glover made a motion to table the decision on the matter. Councilwomen Mason stated the clerk is on salary and she should be allowed to take lunch when she wants to. Attention Cherokee Citizens, if you have city business, make sure to read your crystal ball before going to city hall, the city clerk might be there or might not.

During a discussion of city employees, Councilman Steve Glover stated Mayor Lansdell could not create another job position. Mayor Lansdell informed Glover a position was not created, an open part time city clerk position was filled. Glover stated the position was not open because Miss Watkins was filling the position of part time city clerk. Mayor Lansdell informed Steve Glover that his mother-in-law Miss Watkins hurt herself at city hall, has filed suit against the city and no longer works here. The Mayor told Glover, to make sure you understand, your mother-in-law is fired and Marsha Allen is hired. The crowd at city hall started to clap and cheer. The crowd was behind Mayor Lansdell and Councilwomen Lambert all night.

To show your support or displeasure with the council please call them and let them know how you feel.

District 1 - J.O. Franks (256) 359-4696

District 2 - Daniel S. Glover, Jr. (256) 359-4364

District 3 - Michael Q. Malone (256) 359-6413

District 4 - Patricia W. Mason (256) 359-4220

District 5 - Thelma Lambert (256) 359-4921

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What's up with this: Do UNA football players and the children of UNA employees get a free pass to break the law on campus? Stay tuned...

Shoalanda

Another Florence Police Chase & Jon Willingham is Dead

Jon Willingham had an infectious smile, a bright future, and a brother Josh who plays for the Washington Nationals baseball team. Now Jon Willingham is dead, killed early Saturday morning during a police chase.

Jon graduated from Mars Hill Bible School in 2000 and attended his brother's alma mater, the University of North Alabama, for two years. Nothing in his background would have suggested his life would be anything but successful, much less end in this manner.

The chase began when Florence police officers attempted to stop Jon for a noise violation; according to authorities, the pursuit never topped 50 miles an hour. Yet, Jon failed to make an acute turn and lost control of his car. In less than 10 minutes, 27 years of life was snuffed out, and we do have to ask why.

This is not the first Florence police chase in recent memory in which an individual lost his life. We've read both the pros and cons of such pursuits. Certainly no one is going to change his or her mind concerning the necessity of such chases because of what's written in one blog.

Alabama State Troopers will be investigating the death, since Florence Police are involved. The names of the two officers who instigated the chase have not been released.

Our sincerest sympathy to the Willingham Family. The family has requested that memorials be made to Mars Hill Bible School in Florence.