Traffic Cones & Police Cars

In the fall of 2010, a Lauderdale County commissioner filed ethics complaints against the EMA director. His ethical crime? Lending traffic cones for an instructor to use in a class which taught local EMA workers. The commissioner's view was that these traffic cones benefited those from outside the county and that the instructor received a small fee.

The complaint was taken seriously by the ethics commission, but the final ruling was that the director had benefited no way financially; ergo, he was not charged for any wrongdoing and kept his position. Now we have a somewhat similar case in Colbert County.

The difference? Phil Andrews is involved in an election and, if he should win, will benefit greatly financially. The biggest difference may be that this complaint involves a federal charge since it concerns an election. If Mr. Andrews wins the election, he will face not only state ethics charges, but federal as well. That's of course if any choose to pursue it that far, and we believe those involved would do so.

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From a reader:

The beauty of blog spots are that they are open forums to any kind of antics, not like media outlets that have an obligation to verify a source's story. Much like the rumors and lies about animal cruelty charges against Andrews in Colorado.

I would think the attorney that Andrews hired to make sure things were done right when he found out there was an issue over a guided hunt should be a little worried over his violation of attorney/client privilege for "leaking" such false information to anyone. But that is for another day and time for that to be brought out against the man that is now an elected official and good friend of Frank Williamson.

What I am writing to you about is this bandwagon you jumped on without checking things out.

Superior Print Solution was one of the 4 sponsors of the First Responders Fun Fest on Saturday along with Phil & Tracy Andrews, Isbell Pumpkin Farms, and Monty Allen / Patriot Realty.

ALL First Responders in Colbert County were invited and committed to having someone from their departments there. 

Those who did not have conflicts or were short handed and able to attend that I saw and spoke with while I was there:

M.S. Canine Officer/drug dog (stopped by)

Air Evac Emergency Air Ambulance

Sheffield Fire Department 

Colbert County Sheriff Deputies (stopped by)

Spring Valley Volunteer Fire Department

Colbert Heights Volunteer Fire Department.

There could have been others, but I was not at the event the whole time.

Ethics Violation? I would be highly surprised if that's the case considering the full story.

Sad that anyone would chastise a man like Phil Andrews that has led a clean life and took time away from his campaign trail to help with such a good community event with some of the businesses in Colbert County.

In time, I think your endorsement of Williamson will prove to rank up there with the endorsement you gave Anthony Olivis.

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Our answer is simply this:

1) We felt the Facebook page and photographs of participants verified that the event happened. You are also saying it happened. How much more verification do we need?

2) Mr. Andrews used the event to campaign. His signs were everywhere. As for four sponsors? Whose name was the largest?

3) The event used equipment paid for by taxpayers. Do you think all taxpayers in Muscle Shoals or Sheffield support Mr. Andrews? How were the taxpayers who support Frank Williamson represented? Did Mayor Bradford call up Mr. Williamson and ask if he could give equal support to Williamson with these taxpayer dollars?

4) Would a man "like Phil Andrews" have sponsored the fun fest if he hadn't been running for an office?

4) In the end, if Andrews wins, he will be costing Colbert County mucho bucks in lost time, etc., as well as forking over his own blunt to defend himself.

5) We don't know who leaked the Colorado charges against Andrews, but they were sent to us under what we believe to be a fictitious name. When posted to our Facebook page, we removed the information. 

6) Speaking colloquially, do you think Frank Williamson could ever measure up to Anthony Olivis' jerkness?


Shoalanda

Phil Andrews Shoots His Campaign in Foot

Phil Andrews, Republican candidate for Colbert County sheriff, shot himself and his party in the foot Saturday. He may have also taken Muscle Shoals mayor David Bradford with him.

Andrews’ Fun Fest

The end result depends on who wins Tuesday’s election. If Democratic candidate Frank Williamson wins…and no one reports the Republican candidate to the state ethics commission, Andrews may have dodged at least part of the fatal bullets. If Andrews wins, Williamson and obviously several others will then contest the election. Illegal is illegal no matter who does it.

We have to ask why Mayor David Bradford allowed Andrews to use City of Muscle Shoals equipment in his weekend political event, aka fun fest. Until now, we have been impressed by the way Andrews had handled himself, at least for the most part. Now we have only one question. As that old song says:

Who do you think you’re foolin’?



Shoalanda

Thoughts on Andrews, Bedford, & More

First, we apologize to Phil Andrews for a "page" that was posted to our Facebook page. It was posted by a "Pete Wells" who has no other entries using this name. This is identical to one of Andrews' supporters using a fictitious name to post comments about Williamson. We do not believe either Andrews or Williamson condone these tactics.

Wells posted what simply amounted to a misdemeanor ticket in another state. We had copies of this, and if we had wished to publish it, we would have. We don't agree with canned hunts, but that's basically all this was. We'll go out on a limb here and speculate that most men in law enforcement would probably see nothing wrong with such hunts. We consider these hunts cruel, but there is nothing intrinsically illegal about them.

From Mr. Andrews:

I went to Colorado on an Elk hunt in October 1997 (17 years ago). Once there, we hired an Outfitter so that it would be completely organized and safe. While there, I shot an elk. When I got to the elk, it had dropped less than twenty feet across a boundary line. I immediately called to ask our paid guide what I should do, and he told me that he knew the landowner personally, and there would be no problem with me taking the elk.  I returned home with the elk, and a month later I received a ticket in the mail. I paid the ticket, and was allowed to keep the elk. That’s it. That’s what happened, and I would gladly sign anything you would like that would allow you to perform a complete background check on me, as I have nothing to hide. As far as animals, you have an open invitation to come to my house anytime and visit with my pet goats, pet cows, pet 20 year old horse that I bring into my garage during winter so he doesn’t get cold, and my pet dogs (three of which are rescue dogs). It should go without saying how much I love animals (just take a look at our family photos with all of our dogs!); they are part of our family. Please come and visit all of us! And as I have stated in my prior letter, a Sheriff cannot take over Animal Control or the Animal Shelter, but I will do everything in my power to work with and help any needs they may have. Shoalanda, I am a Christian family man and husband, not the kind of person that will tell people what they want to hear and make dozens of empty promises just to be elected. I cannot do that and sleep at night. But I will make you and every citizen of Colbert County one heartfelt promise- I promise that I will work every day to the best of my ability to make Colbert County a safe place for every citizen to live, work, and play. Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to speak with you.

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We've had several comments about what it would take to have the Colbert County animal shelter placed under the jurisdiction of the sheriff's department. Many feel that it cannot be done without a statewide vote--due to Alabama having no home rule laws. That does not mean that it can't be done.

No matter who becomes the next sheriff in Colbert, Lauderdale, or Franklin Counties, we hope basic laws against animal cruelty are enforced. Apologies to Sheriff Oliver since it's hardly his fault, but we don't see them being enforced in Russellville, much less all of Franklin County.

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We have previously stated that we would not make a recommendation in the Bedford-Stutts state senate race. We are sorely tempted to change our minds after seeing Bedford's ad in the Courier-Journal. There were two in the photo, and since both had their tongues hanging out, it was hard to tell which was which.
 
No, candidates, having your photo made while holding a $500.00 rifle that could take our half of the Shoals if we only had a clock tower high enough just doesn't appeal to all voters. We feel that somewhere even Charles Whitman is laughing at you.

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All Rick Baker...no CGI:





Shoalanda

Phil Andrews' Policy Statement/Shannon Oliver

We received this from Mr. Phil Andrews, Republican candidate for Colbert County Sheriff:

I understand you might have questions about my platform. For over 2 years I have talked to my friends, family, supporters, and anyone that is interested in the future of our great county.  We have been door to door and at every possible event passing out 20,000 cards with my experience and platform. I purpose to live my life with integrity, honesty, and commitment to my family. My wife of over 27 years, Tracy, and I have 2 children, and I am a lifelong resident of Colbert County

I have first hand knowledge of writing and managing budgets as a small business owner/operator of Alabama Metal Duplications. In addition to having financial experience, my time as a small business owner has given me the opportunity to manage nearly 100 employees that have worked for my business over the course of 29 years. Through this overseeing of employees, I have learned the importance of working alongside others to find out what their needs are, so that they are better able and motivated to do their job. I believe each deputy and employee deserves the respect and opportunity to advance their careers. In order to boost morale in the department, I will implement shift schedule changes to enable deputies to have more weekends off, additional education time to better train employees, and family time.

As Sheriff, my qualifications will benefit this County. I have qualified and been certified in: Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center, NRA Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor, Sniper Marksmanship, Regional Counterdrug Training Academy,  Tactical Operator, MSPD TACT Team, Police Motorcycle Course/MSPD Motor Unit. I’m especially proud of my NRA Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor status, as I am a staunch supporter of our 2nd Amendment Rights. 

As Sheriff, I will work with commissioners to write a budget for the Sheriff’s office to provide adequate training and equipment for the employees. If there are grants available, I will work to find the matching money to get those grants. Any good Sheriff would do that.

As Sheriff, I also plan to attend every County Commissioner meeting; however, I will only have one voice in these meetings to make changes. As such, the Sheriff does not have the authority to take over any agency such as Animal Control or the Drug Task Force. However, as Sheriff I will work closely with Animal Control and the Drug Task Force to ensure they have the training, facilities, and equipment they need in order to provide safe and humane treatment for animals, as well as keep our schools and communities safe and drug free.

I respect the citizens of Colbert County in that I will not mislead them with ads or claims of experience that I do not have. I will not make false promises of Grants that may not be available. Churches will not be a campaign stomping ground for me, nor my family. I believe in the sanctity of worship, free of politics. For each and every agency to operate at its fullest potential, requires mutual respect between all governing bodies. There will be the highest level of support for all agencies from me. Every agency is important. It’s vitally important to have a Sheriff that has a broad knowledge base, experience, and qualifications in multi-tasking and teamwork, which I have.

As I ask the people for their support and vote, they can trust me to deliver HONEST LEADERSHIP.

I will respect separation of government offices and responsibilities of each of those offices. 

The Sheriff has a huge job to do. Not to run the county, but to work with each and every agency to protect and serve. I have been in law enforcement for 13 years (10 years as a certified officer, 3 years as a reserve officer), and it is not just a job to me; it is my passion.

I have one agenda, and that is to work for a safer community with every resource available.

Lastly, I will not hide behind phantom ghost writers in social media smear campaigns. I believe in honest and straight forward means of communications and do not condone negative publications.

We're happy to publish this and have another topic on which Mr. Andrews will comment later, when we can ascertain his permission to post.

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Mr. Andrews poses an interesting question; he says the sheriff cannot take over the governing of the animal control department. We realize he may have meant this as a general statement, as in referring to a coup type situation, but the Florence-Lauderdale animal control department resides under the jurisdiction of the Florence Police Department. We are aware of several cities in Alabama which have such an arrangement. Let's put some teeth in animal control!

Why? How about this if you haven't already seen it:

Muscle Shoals Man Starves Mother Dog & Puppies

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We haven't said much about the race for sheriff in Franklin County. Four years ago, we endorsed Shannon Oliver's opponent. During his four years in office, Mr. Oliver has done what we consider to be an excellent job. Considering the e-mail we receive about Lauderdale, and to a substantially lesser extent Colbert, we feel this shows that Shannon has been all he promised to be. Let's not get rid of a good thing.

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Shoalanda

Readers' Views/Update on Investigation

From a reader on Sheffield Police/City reaction to storm:

It has been reported to me that on October 13, 2014, when the tornado hit Tuscumbia, shoppers in the manager of the Dollar General store located on 6th St. in Sheffield, closed the store and FORCED shoppers OUT of the store when the tornado sirens went off.

Monday afternoon, when the storms were entering The Shoals, I saw that several Sheffield traffic lights were out.  I notified Sheffield PD of this.  I was informed by the officer taking my call that 'all of the power was out'.  I told him that he was in error, as the street lights were all still working.  This same officer informed me that 'those lights are on a generator.'  Really.......??????   

From a reader on Phil Andrews:

I've never e-mailed you before but please take a few moments to look at the Phil Andrews for Sheriff facebook page and pay special attention to the latest pictures involving his animals. The first election photo he ever took (I believe over a year ago) was of his family and 4 inside dogs which he cares for meticulously. He also has an inside cat who is not pictured. He has a pet goat that he has pictures of standing on his back and looking over his shoulder, he loves this goat as well as the 20 year old horse he keeps in his garage at night in the winter just so he doesn't get cold. There is not any more of an animal lover than Phil, the proof is in the pictures, and some of these pictures were taken several years ago. He's a very good and very honest man, you will simply not find a better person with a bigger heart. Thanks very much for taking the time to read this and look at the Phil Andrews for Sheriff facebook page.

I know that he has attended many public forums where he has addressed his plans and he's very open about them when he's asked directly, he really does care very much about the welfare of the county. I'm not a relative of his (nor am I Phil!!), I'm a police officer of over 24 years in colbert county and I'm very concerned about the wellbeing of the people in the county after this election. I know he is a well qualified man of high morals and character and I'm proud to call him a friend. Thank you for the reply and because I know you're very busy, I appreciate the time you've taken with me very much.

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We've had several questions on a recent death that Florence Police were looking into. Our source has been mum...as in "I have nothing new to report."

What does this mean? It could mean the investigation is closed and the death was ruled something other than homicide. We feel it means the investigation is ongoing. If it were over, why not say so?

As soon as we have any further comment, we will report it here.

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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!

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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

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

Shoalanda

Who Endorses Phil Andrews?/Comments

Click to Enlarge

Above is a screen shot from a political site supporting Phil Andrews for Colbert County Sheriff. The problem seems to be that one of the mayors listed may not have endorsed Mr. Andrews. We've been told that this particular mayor doesn't read our blog. Oh, the shame and sadness!

Not to worry. We also hear that others are investigating these endorsements. We're political bloggers here and even we hate election season.

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Comments? As you know we take them. We do ask for some kind of name just to clarify who is saying what. Recently when several of us were away, a comment was posted with a mild "dirty word." Our team member decided to post the comment, but to remark on the language.

Now it seems the original poster is only 13. We encourage early political awareness by the public, but we do not encourage teenagers that young using their real names here or anywhere else. We may not be William Buckley, but we do have some readers who come back with hard hitting comments of their own. It takes a thick skin. Most 13 year-olds don't have that.

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Shoalanda