Speaking of Mike Curtis...

If you're a regular reader, you know how we here feel about him. He's...well, at best pathetic and at worst dishonest when it suits him. From an older blog:

Tell the Truth, Mike Curtis

Now, we have a reader who asked us to look into this little stunt:

Story is and we should ask candidate Mike Curtis, while holding public office, how he and his pals within local education groups managed to have Curtis' son transferred from Rogers High to Florence High without the obligatory one year wait to play football so he would have higher exposure to college scouts.  

Have we checked this? No, we doubt we would get more than around 20 transfers if we called, and still no answer. We look forward to readers who know more of this to send us their takes. Do we believe it happened simply based on this reader's comment. You betcha!

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Shoalanda

Raby & Windom or Is Honest Politician an Oxymoron?

"You're known by the company you keep," is an old adage. It being election year, we've taken at least some of what we've heard about Steve Raby with the proverbial grain of salt. We don't expect any pol to agree with us on every subject, nor do we expect them to be free from mistakes in their public pronouncements. We do expect them to tell the truth and to correct any errors they might have accidentally disseminated.

Raby has certainly committed his share of misspeaks in the US House election; now it's come to light that he's in political bed with Steve Windom. You may remember Windom from his jug days as Lt. Governor of this state. Yes, he actually urinated in a jug, thankfully placed under a table, in order to retain control of proceedings he was attempting to block.

Is the above incident Windom's main claim to infamy? Hardly. While running for the above office, he preached a get tough on crime stance. Very good stance, but unfortunately his version contained some...what's the word...oh, yes, lies. According to Windom, the State of Alabama provided air conditioning to all its prisons. When the Birmingham News confronted Windom with his egregious lie, what did he do? If you guess he never corrected his statement, but called the state's largest newspaper an instrument of liberalism with a socialist agenda, you'll win today's prize.

Inept, we can make excuses for. Liars, we will not abide. Like Mo Brooks or not, you cannot point to any lies in his campaign. If you think you can, please send your info to us and we'll publish it.

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While on the subject of misspeaking, or misquoting, we see a local forum poster has asked if Mike Curtis and Tammy Irons could have been misquoted by the TimesDaily when both stated they voted no on the infamous 62% pay raise of some years ago. While anything is possible, what politician doesn't Google his name each morning or at least read articles in which he knows he will be quoted?

Since we have never seen any effort by either Curtis or Irons to correct that statement, at best they didn't have the character to do so. At worst, they told a lie thinking no one would remember after two years. A vote for Lynn Greer and Gerald Freeman seems most in order here.

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In the "Isn't it Amazing What People Will Do?" department, we'll address a question a few readers have had. If you know someone is either practicing psychology without a license or claiming a doctorate they do not have, the fastest way to correct the situation is to contact the Alabama Board of Psychologists. They will do a quick check for credentials and file charges with the appropriate district attorney's office.

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Want to see a real haunted house? Look no further. Enjoy:




Shoalanda

Follow the Money with Curtis and Greer

Follow the Money is a national website enumeratinng campaign contributions across the country. Before voting, everyone should look at these contributions carefully; are they a true reflection of the candidate? Many times they are. As mentioned earlier, Doc's Political Parlor calls the Alabama District 2 House race a toss-up at this point. Perhaps Follow the Money will sway some otherwise undecided voters.

Here's the report for the Democratic incumbent Mike Curtis: Contributions

Here's the report for the Republican challenger Lynn Greer: Contributions

Who had out of state contributions? That would be Curtis. Who had tobacco lobby contributions? That would also be Curtis? Who had beer and wine lobby contributions? That would again be Curtis. Beginning to see a picture here?

We are pleased to endorse Republican Lynn Greer for House District 2. You may visit Lynn's website here: Link

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Republican congressional nominee Mo Brooks has received the endorsement of the Alabama State Fraternal Order of Police. In a letter to Brooks informing him of the endorsement, FOP President Bill Davis said the "endorsement was made after careful consideration and qualifications and experience of all of the candidates." Davis told Brooks, "the membership felt that you are the best person to serve in the office." The Alabama FOP has approximately 8,600 members.

Upon learning of the endorsement, Brooks said, "I am deeply honored to have the endorsement of such a well-respected organization of law enforcement professionals. Public safety is one the core functions of our government, and I stand second to no one in my strong support of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our families and our homes. I look forward to working closely with the FOP in the years ahead to provide them the support they need to accomplish their mission as effectively as possible."

Brooks, a Madison County Commissioner and former Alabama State Legislator, is the Republican nominee for Congress in Alabama's 5th Congressional District. The election is November 2nd.

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We wholeheartedly agree with the Alabama Fraternal Order of Police and endorse Mo Brooks for Alabama's 5th Congressional seat.

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September 17th was the 223rd anniversary of our constitution. If you like the sentiments on this silk handkerchief/banner, you can purchase it on eBay: Link

Shoalanda

Connecting in ten, nine, eight...

Kidnapping & Foot Abuse

Rickey Alan Hale of Killen briefly kidnapped his wife Ranate (pictured) early Thursday. All ended well for Renate who was released, but not so well for Lauderdale Deputy Tracy Vanderford.

Hale had made it to Center Star before he was pulled over by two deputies; however, in an attempt to avoid arrest, Hale ran over Vanderford's foot. Sheriff Ronnie Willis said all ended well, but we doubt if Vanderford feels the same. There was no immediate word on the condition of the deputy's foot, but Rickey Hale is being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center.

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We're still receiving e-mail concerning Henry J. Searcy, the Leighton Police Chief who was gunned down in 1957. Retired Judge Pride Tompkins tells us that he and his father were friends of Searcy and remembered that the chief was shot in the back.

One would think that Searcy's killer would have received the death sentence for such a crime, but a list of those executed after that date fails to enumerate any from Colbert County. The State of Alabama provides a log of inmates executed since 1927; it can be viewed at this link: Alabama Inmates Executed.

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Doc's Political Parlor is listing the Alabama House District 2 race between Lynn Greer (R) and Mike Curtis (D) as a toss-up. Curtis has previously complained that he loses money by serving in the state legislature. Perhaps he will no longer have to worry about that come 2011.

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Collect milk bottle caps? It seems many do--this example from the Waco Dairy outside Russellville currently has five bids: Link

Shoalanda

Connecting in ten, nine, eight...

Mike Curtis "Fighting" for Memphis-Atlanta Highway

There's nothing like a well-informed politician. Yes, we mean nothing, since whoever heard of a truly well-informed politician in the Shoals? Mike Curtis just proved that he is not breaking that mold.

The Memphis to Atlanta Highway has been in talking stages for around twenty years. About three weeks after the initial route through Huntsville and the Redstone Arsenal was approved, along came a little thing called 9/11. That would have been almost nine years ago, and the army base soon reneged on its promise of access due to security reasons.

According to Alabama Department of Transportation officials, the project was shelved nearly a year ago. Yet, Rep. Mike Curtis of Greenhill stated last week that this was the first he's heard of it (TimesDaily 7/18). Nevertheless, he's going to keep fighting for it.

Do you think we should tell him that Huntsville has already initiated plans for its own new Southern Bypass that eliminates the old Redstone route? There might just be a little duplication there, Mike, but with your keen sense of timing, we're sure Washington is just waiting for your input to get back on track with the project.

Or maybe, just maybe, the voters are wondering why you didn't know the project had been shelved almost a year ago. You might want to look into that...

If you missed it the first time: Link

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While on the subject of hypocrisy, Sunday's TimesDaily also editorialized on the lack of formal history in the Shoals. Hmmm, didn't there used to be a weekly historical column in the TD until the new editor took over some months ago?

If it's only in print, is the foot still planted firmly in the mouth?

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Quote of the week from Steve Wiggins: Let's all keep trying, and pull The Shoals into the 20th Century whether it likes it or not. And that was NOT a typo.


What's up with this: A whole day has passed and not a peep out of Cherokee. Don't worry, we'll have more tomorrow.

Shoalanda

Mike Curtis Has No Democratic Opposition (Unfortunately)

Mike Curtis, a 1977 graduate of the University of North Alabama, started out his career as a shoe salesman at Castner-Knott Department Store in Regency Square Mall. From there he entered into the field of insurance sales and ran for a seat on the Lauderdale County Commission, serving for ten years.

When Curtis decided to run for the State House of Representatives, we're sure many had high hopes for the Greenhill native. For many of us, those hopes were soon bashed against a stonewall of deceit concerning the 62% raise the Alabama Legislature voted themselves in 2007.

If Curtis had voted "yes" to the bill, that would have been his prerogative. Instead he abstained, which was also his prerogative, but then two years later felt the need to claim he had voted "no."

Mr. Curtis has a degree from UNA; we're sure he knows the difference between abstaining and voting "no." We're also sure he thinks his constituency has a short memory.

Lest anyone doubt Mr. Curtis' deceitfulness in this matter, here are the facts:

From the Saturday, April 4, 2009, TimesDaily:

"Curtis is a commission only insurance agent who said he's now a full-time legislator and part-time insurance agent. He said he voted no on the pay raise two years ago. Irons said she was unaware the automatic pay raise was part of the resolution two years ago. 'I voted against the pay raise,' she said."

Seemingly both Curtis and Irons hope the voters have short memories. According to the March 22, 2007, TimesDaily:

"The Shoals' two newest legislators faced their first big test this week, and they failed it miserably. State Reps. Mike Curtis, D-Greenhill, and Tammy Irons, D-Florence, had the opportunity to tell voters whether they agreed or disagreed with a 62-percent pay hike for themselves and other legislators in a recorded vote Tuesday. What did they do? Nothing. They dodged the issue by abstaining."

Let's hope Mr. Curtis will at least have Republican opposition who can discern the truth from a lie.


Shoalanda

City of Florence Owes England Auto Salvage an Apology

Last night the Florence City Council voted to purchase a 157 acre tract west of Florence. The land is currently in use as a country club and 18 hole golf course; if the council has its way, in six or seven years at least part of this land will become the new landfill.

Councilman Barry Morris, who previously voted against tearing down a dilapidated trailer park in order to erect patio homes, recused himself from the vote. Had his father-in-law not owned part of the Florence Golf and Country Club property, he would have voted in favor of the purchase.

All this from a mayor and city council who cannot make enough derogatory comments about the two England brothers salvage businesses that lie outside the city limits. Now we will have an expanded landfill, razed golf course, and polluted Cypress Creek, all adjacent to a major state highway (part of it just christened the Stewart Cink Parkway), because the Florence City Council wants an easy way out to dispose of future garbage? Or is that the only reason?

We hear other rumors, but at present they are just that--rumors. Like Mike Curtis' and Tammy Irons' votes/non-votes on a substantial raise in the Alabama Legislature, we won't forget what happened last night. All of North Alabama will be watching.


Finding humor where you may: One wag in the TimesDaily Forum this morning suggested Florence rename the Stewart Cink Parkway to the "Stinkway." It does have a nice ring to it.

Shoalanda

An Occupational Tax in the Shoals' Future?

With unemployment at almost 11% in the Florence metropolitan area, all forms of tax revenue are destined to decrease in the near future. Logically, Shoals towns will either have to decrease services or find new sources of tax revenue. Could an occupational tax be in our future?

Beleaguered and basically bankrupt Birmingham is proposing a .45% occupational tax for their city, at least until 2012. While such a tax on an annual income of $50,000.00 would amount to only $225.00, most of those taxed would reside outside the city and even Jefferson County itself.

Now State Rep. Randy Hinshaw of Meridianville (pictured) wants to ensure such forms of taxation never reach Madison County. Rep. Hinshaw, who works for a community college in Opelika, states he's determined to get this essential piece of legislation passed before the end of the special session. Obviously, there's little chance of Hinshaw's bill being enacted during this abbreviated session and even less chance of it dealing with an actual threat to Madison County residents. We believe the word is "grandstanding."

We're just surprised members of the Shoals delegation didn't think of it first. Of course, when questioned about it two years down the road, we're sure at least one or two of them will claim they did, ala Mike Curtis and Tammy Irons asserting they voted against their 62% pay raise.


What's up with this: Pizza Marina is moving from its Colbert County location to the former Smack building in Killen. We predict a weight surge for the Eastern Lauderdale town.

Shoalanda

Who Will Replace Bobby Denton?

Bobby Denton, the current Alabama State Senator who serves all of Lauderdale and part of Colbert Counties, has announced his retirement. Called the "Dean of the Senate," Denton has accumulated both friends and influence in his ten terms and will be hard to replace.

Despite the size of the shoes they seek to fill, candidates seem to be coming out of the woodwork. Not only do we face a plethora of candidates, we may also face a fruit basket turnover of sorts, depending on who does replace Denton.

Both State Rep. Tammy Irons and Rep. Mike Curtis have indicated an interest in this seat; however, Curtis has also announced he will not run if Irons does seek the post. This fact is interesting at various levels and bespeaks the cronyism that is rampant among our state lawmakers.

Should Irons seek the position and win, her law partner Bob Hill has announced his interest in replacing her in the House of Representatives--nothing like keeping it in the same law firm. Hill has served in the House before and is currently considered a top behind-the-scenes mover and shaker. Logically, we assume Hill's interest is not in winning the seat himself, but in preventing someone else from winning.

Former Lauderdale Circuit Judge Mike Suttle, who only four months ago announced his retirement in order to enjoy a private law practice, has also announced his interest in the seat. Should it come to a Democratic showdown between Irons and Suttle, we predict Tammy Irons will prevail. Not only is her personality more bouncy, so is her hair.

On the Republican front, former State Representative and Public Service Commissioner Lynn Greer of Rogersville has announced his intention to run. Greer is known as a man of probity and strong moral fiber, something sorely lacking in many of our current state pols. We predict he will make a tough opponent for Irons.

While the above thoughts are just speculations and predictions, we can aver one thing. Sen. Bobby Denton was always a man of his word and a credit to those he represented. We will do well if his successor is only half the person he is.


What's up with this: New speculation on the demise of the Sheffield resort project has been making the rounds. Mayor Sanford, if it's at all possible, you need to quell these rumors now and make public the project's current status.

Curtis Parts Ways with Black & Irons

On Thursday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill deregulating land line phone service in the state. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Marcel Black of Tuscumbia and faced stiff opposition from groups who claimed such deregulation would dramatically increase phone rates in rural parts of the state.

Rep. Tammy Irons of Florence joined Black in supporting this bill, while Rep. Mike Curtis of Greenhill voted against it. Opponents of the bill have stated it will take as long as three years for the full effects of the deregulation to come to fruition.

The bill was also opposed by certain groups claiming to represent older citizens. These advocacy groups theorize such individuals are more likely to use land lines for their principal means of long distance communication.

Many observers feel such deregulation will lead to the demise of the Alabama Public Service Commission. It certainly led to a rare disjointure of ranks between Tammy Irons and Mike Curtis.


What's up with this: It seems Florence attorney Ralph Holt is now telling the University of Alabama how it should operate. We suggest he seek an appointment to the Board.

Tammy (Irons), Tell Us True

We recently published a column on the discrepancy in Mike Curtis' and Tammy Irons' recent statements concerning their 2006 vote on the 62% legislative pay raise. At that time we asked both Curtis and Irons to comment, as well as to do a guest column on any subject they felt important to Shoals area voters.

Since that time we have not heard from either representative; however, one of our associates reports that Rep. Irons has again been speaking from both sides of her mouth. Irons is one of 23 co-sponsors of HB714, a bill that proposes to offer parole to certain felons convicted of Capital Murder and currently serving a sentence of Life Without Parole.

For those who are unfamiliar with Alabama legal jargon, Capital Murder in Alabama is the equivalent of First Degree Murder in most other states. Those convicted of Capital Murder are sentenced to either Life Without or Death. The jury and judge have spoken, and unless new evidence is introduced, the sentence should stand.

Apparently some elected officials in Montgomery feel that "warehousing" these individuals is costing the state a great deal of money. That may be, but Alabama being only one of seven states that sentence white collar criminals to prison is also costing the state a tidy sum and should certainly be addressed before the sentences of those convicted of murder.

Yes, the bill has 24 sponsors in all, including Sue Schmitz who was recently stripped of her office after a felony conviction. If we simply disagreed with Rep. Irons on this subject, it would be one thing, but according to at least one TimesDaily forum member, Rep. Irons has personally written to him stating she opposes HB714.

We doubt that Irons actually opposes a bill she helped introduce. We don't doubt that Tammy Irons is a politician and will say whatever she thinks her constituency wishes to hear.

http://www.statesurge.com/bills/401931-hb714-alabama


What's up with this: Lynn Greer has privately stated he may run for Bobby Denton's State Senate Seat should Denton retire. Sen. Denton would serve his constituency best by announcing his intentions one way or the other.

Just Tell the Truth, Mike Curtis & Tammy Irons

Apparently being a state legislator is comparable to owning an airplane--it's expensive. Our advice in either case: If you can't afford it, don't do it.

Mike Curtis of Greenhill, a former shoe salesman at Castner-Knott, previously served on the Lauderdale County Commission. In years past, the commission has been a mixed-bag, much in need of honest and industrious members, and from all reports Mr. Curtis served his district well while on the commission.

However, Curtis either felt he could better serve the citizens of Lauderdale as a state legislator or he sought the glory that is Montgomery. In either case, such campaigns cost money, as does the travel and lodging required to fill the role of state representative. Both Curtis and Rep. Tammy Irons recently lamented these expenses when commenting on their October 1, 2008, 3.5% cost-of-living raise.

We may infer that both attorney Irons and insurance salesman Curtis welcomed the raise, but both were also quick to mention that any excess is donated to charities and fundraisers. They were also eager to make certain other statements of a dubious nature.

From the Saturday, April 4, 2009, TimesDaily:

Curtis is a commission only insurance agent who said he's now a full-time legislator and part-time insurance agent. He said he voted no on the pay raise two years ago. Irons said she was unaware the automatic pay raise was part of the resolution two years ago. "I voted against the pay raise," she said.

Seemingly both Curtis and Irons hope the voters have short memories. According to the March 22, 2007, TimesDaily:

The Shoals' two newest legislators faced their first big test this week, and they failed it miserably. State Reps. Mike Curtis, D-Greenhill, and Tammy Irons, D-Florence, had the opportunity to tell voters whether they agreed or disagreed with a 62-percent pay hike for themselves and other legislators in a recorded vote Tuesday. What did they do? Nothing. They dodged the issue by abstaining.

That's right--both Mike Curtis and Tammy Irons abstained. Why are they now saying they voted against the 62% raise?

Obviously Curtis and Irons are either mistaken, delusional, or...what's that other word that comes to mind? When asked about the raise, Rep. Marcel Black stated he merited it. The merit of the raise is only Mr. Black's opinion, but at least it wasn't an outright lie. We suggest both Rep. Mike Curtis and Rep. Tammy Irons owe Shoals voters both an explanation and an apology for their blatant falsehood.