Dewey Mitchell's Ethics Questioned

From a Republican press release:

Judge Dewey Mitchell’s decision to “retire from his elected position as Probate Judge and Chairman of the Lauderdale County Commission. Mitchell was elected to the position of Probate Judge, which also serves as Chairman of the Commission, in 2006 for a full six year term. He is currently the Democratic candidate for the newly created part time position of Commission Chairman and announced his “retirement” effective Wednesday, October 31.

“This decision is a perfect example of a politician making a decision based on what is best for them personally instead of what is best for the voters who elected them,” said Bill Armistead, Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. “Dewey Mitchell ran to serve a six year term and now is stepping aside two weeks early – and all while seeking election for the same job he is retiring from today. While this move will increase Dewey Mitchell’s retirement pay, it leaves voters without a Probate Judge going into a historic election that promises record turnouts. This raises real questions about Dewey Mitchell’s ethics and commitment to the people of Lauderdale County.”

Dewey Mitchell has served for 18 years as Probate Judge in Lauderdale County, a position that pays him about $117,001 per year and also requires him to preside as Chairman over the County Commission. In 2010 the Legislature separated those two jobs, creating a lower paid part time position for Chairman of the County Commission and a full time Probate Judge position.

“Lauderdale County voters need to go ahead and retire Dewey Mitchell for good,” said Armistead.  “Eighteen years is long enough and it is time for new, conservative Republican leadership that can bring new jobs, cut wasteful spending and finally stop the good old boy politics that puts money into Dewey’s pockets and gets voters nothing in return.”

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We hope everyone will be safe tonight. A Happy Celtic New Year to everyone!

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Shoalanda Says Boo!

Two Thoughts on Waterloo

Watershed Moment in Waterloo

A Guest Commentary By

Hank Thomas

Recently the Concerned Citizens of Paradise Drive wrote a letter to the Lauderdale County Commission and to the Chairman Dewey Mitchell regarding 5 major defects affecting the safety of the citizens on the road. Mr. Mitchell and has yet to address the letter. His subordinates the County Attorney and County Engineer also received a copy of the letter and they decided they would put signs in the Town of Waterloo alerting citizens to the fact that the road is curvy and steep. Neither took any action on the need for guardrails, loose and unstable road surface and warning signs at dangerous blind turns and hills on the road. They were also forewarned as well as Mr. Mitchell that inaction could lead to serious injury or loss of life.

Sadly on May 30, 2012 a young man from Killen was traveling on the road when the vehicle he was riding in exited the roadway on one of the blind curves and a very steep hill and plummeted some 75 feet to the bottom of a ravine. Unfortunately the young man lost his life. The accident may have been prevented if only Mr. Mitchell as Chairman of the commission and Mr. Irons and Mr. Thornton as commissioners had followed the lead of Ms. Fulmer and Mr. Parker who voted to amend a 1981 county resolution to allow improvements to the road and to address the obvious and noted defects on the road. For reasons known only to them Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Thornton and Mr. Irons voted NO to any changes and to leave the resolution in place.

Under the leadership of Mr. Mitchell who is up for reelection the commission continues to live in the past. Operating under a resolution that was adopted 31 years ago shows no vision on his part. 31 years ago this road was for fish camps, now there are people living and driving on the road full time. 31 years ago many things we now take for granted were not in use, such as cell phones, laptops, and many other tools we use today. Under his leadership we had to wait 4 years for a new emergency management plan. The one we were operating under was written in 1989. The commission paid $10,000 in 2008 and we just now have what they are calling a new plan. What plan takes 4 years and is paid for in advance. Answer: Lauderdale County Commission’s Emergency Management Plan.

Now the county commission Chairman Mitchell is saying we have to re bid the present Lauderdale EMS ambulance service contract because the City of Florence wishes to do so. When has anyone entered into a partnership where one partner tells the other what they must do. The contract should have made it clear that if either party wishes the contract to remain in effect then the contract stays valid until it expires. No complaints have been presented, nor breach of contract on the part of the ambulance service. With 2 years remaining on the contract what is the need. What if the contract comes back with bids that overall increase the cost to the county. Lack of leadership again raises these questions.

Please join me in calling your commissioner and requesting that the commission address all of these issues and to change the time of the regular commission meeting to 6 pm to allow working citizens to attend the meetings to see for themselves how ineffective this commission led by Chairman Dewey Mitchell has become. Two of the commissioners have voiced support for a change in the meeting time. I leave it to you to decide which 3 commissioners wish it to remain at the present inconvenient time for most of you.

Editor's Note: Dewey Mitchell is technically not up for re-election, but is seeking the new post of Commission Chair. Until this election, the Lauderdale Probate Judge acted as chair. Florence Councilman Sam Pendleton has called Mitchell the worst probate judge in county history. Thankfully, both Democratic and Republican candidates for this post are juris doctors. We would hope Alabama will some day amend this office description.

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If you purchased a Sunday TimesDaily, you may have read the regular Shoals Area insert featuring local communities. It seems one Lauderdale town was missing. Has Waterloo defected to Mississippi?



Shoalanda

Stevenson Worth 4K/Year More? Mitchell Worst Probate Judge Ever?

Phil Stevenson is the current Purchasing Agent for the city of Florence; as of last night he is also the new media czar, adding four thousand dollars to his annual salary. Are Stevenson's added duties worth 4K of the Florence taxpayers' dollars? As we understand it, Stevenson will speak with only media--that would include newspapers, television stations, and us humble bloggers. If an average Joe or Jane Citizen poses a question, it will still be routed through the appropriate department head. Well, perhaps Florence got a bargain--Stevenson at one time boasted his raise would be 10K/year.

As dramatic as the issue of media czar has been, perhaps the most startling revelation of last night's Florence City Council Meeting came from Sam Pendleton who pronounced Dewey Mitchell the worst Lauderdale Probate Judge in the history of Lauderdale County. Mitchell, who does not possess a juris doctorate has come under scrutiny for many of his past decisions, as well as his attempt to rid himself of his extra duties as Lauderdale Commission Chairman.

We want to hear our readers opinions on Dewey Mitchell. Have you had a personal experience with Judge Mitchell? How does he compare to former Judge Bill Hanbery, whom he replaced? Does Mitchell earn his salary? All opinions will be published anonymously and edited for language and libelous statements.


What's up with this: Sheffield Junior High teacher Amanda Watkins has officially been fired by the Sheffield School Board. She, like Jason Lyn Gasque, will continue to draw her salary until her legal problems are resolved. Just what will the Board do if Watkins should be found not guilty of rape and sodomy charges?

Shoalanda

Mel Grimes: The Dem to Beat for Commission Chair

If you live in the western end of Lauderdale County, you know the east gets the gravy. If you live in the eastern end, you know the west gets preferential treatment. Hmmmm, both statements can't be true. Actually, neither is true. If you think the long running feud between Lauderdale and Colbert Counties is the only one going, you haven't talked to those who reside in Waterloo or Rogersville.

Unlike other large counties, Lauderdale has only two districts, therefore a certain amount of polarity is inevitable. The eastern end of the county is also more populous, giving it the edge in voting. Sadly, it may come down to this mini-geographic divide to decide the new office of County Commission Chair.

Three Democrats are vying for this part-time job: Dewey Mitchell, Mel Grimes, and Candy Haddock. Haddock, judging from a previous local run, would seem to be the dark horse. A strong businesswoman, she has little political experience and would be a long shot to win the nomination. Obviously the Democrats are seeking a candidate that can beat Republican Quinton Hanson.

Dewey Mitchell may be seen as something of an incumbent since he is retiring as county probate judge. One Florence city council member has called Mitchell the worst probate judge in the history of the county. Others have taken issue with his less than tactful approach concerning day to day problems inherent in the office.Perhaps the most unsettling accusation concerning Mitchell is that he has chosen to run in order to secure a certain Lauderdale site as the location of the new hospital.

That leaves relative newcomer Mel Grimes; just what does he stand for? A member of the Waterloo town council, Grimes has proved popular with voters in the eastern end of the county. Even more importantly, he has stated he looks forward to improving the county using the intellectual support of individuals who actually have expertise in the areas currently affecting Lauderdale County.

Mel will be giving us a statement in the next few days. We happily endorse Mel Grimes for the Democratic nominee for Lauderdale County Commission Chair.

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We've had several questions lately concerning what can be done to stop convenience stores from selling tobacco products to underage youths. If you have seen such sales, first contact the manager/owner of the retail establishment. Note the time of the sale and the name of the offending clerk.

If the problem still continues, contact the ATF of Alabama at:

Huntsville Satellite Field Office

ATF NCETR

3750 Corporal Road

Redstone Arsenal, Alabama 35898 USA

Voice (256) 533-8880

Fax (256) 533-8881

The agents in charge will either put you in touch with local authorities or handle the matter themselves. Good luck.



Shoalanda

Christopher A. Smith, Attorney for Lauderdale County

Dewey Mitchell has not yet announced that he will retire at the end of his current term, yet many are already speculating on his replacement. Current Lauderdale County Commission Attorney Christopher A. Smith is a close friend of Mitchell and one of the names most often mentioned as his successor.

Smith was born in Florence on November 8, 1962, and graduated from the University of North Alabama in 1985. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Alabama in 1989 and returned to Florence where he began his practice with the law firm of O'Bannon and O'Bannon. Smith is currently affiliated with the firm of Self, Smith, & Burdine where he practices as a personal injury attorney.

The Lauderdale County Commission retained Smith in 1997, a short time after Dewey Mitchell became Probate Judge. In 1998, Smith led a lawsuit against the State of Alabama prison system that led to more stringent enforcement of existing laws concerning the housing of state prisoners by the county.

Martindale-Hubbell currently ranks Smith 26th in visibility out of 111 local attorneys, perhaps in part due to his reported plans to run for Probate Judge. If Smith does choose to run, he will be assured of competition on the Democratic front, and quite possibly from the Republican as well. This is an office that many have speculated will attract James E. Hall II, current municipal judge in Florence.

Assuming Chris Smith runs and loses, he would assuredly forfeit his position as County Attorney. Smith would do well to consider his formidable competition before declaring for this race.


What's up with this: T. Wayne Mitchell, former editor of the TimesDaily has been seen around town pressing the flesh--perhaps he also has political aspirations.

Lauderdale County Budget?/Lodging Tax

From a reader:

WHAT IS THE LAUDERDALE COUNTY COMMISSION THINKING?????

The following statments were taken from the September 27, 2016 and October 2, 2016 TimesDaily about the county's 2017 budget:


In an effort to increase starting salaries in all county departments, the Lauderdale County Commission on Monday approved an operating budget that included a $2,000 raise for all county employees.

We were in good enough financial shape that we could address some other needs,” Commissioner Roger Garner said following the meeting. “Every department had wants and needs, and we were able to address some of those.” so included in the budget was a 4 percent increase of employee health care benefits that totaled approximately $67,838.

“This is something that we have been talking about for two years. Thankfully, we were able to do it this year,” said Lauderdale County Commissioner Roger Garner.

Commission Chairman Dewey Mitchell, who is retiring at the end of October, said this is the biggest budget in the history of the county, and he warned commissioners to stop pulling from reserves before there would be no reserves left.

“We had to take two and three-quarters million dollars out of the reserves to balance this budget,” Mitchell said. “The county is very fortunate to have the reserves to balance the budget. It has not always been that way.”

The overall budget is $31,548,935, an increase of $2.1 million from the 2016 operating budget.

We just can’t keep depleting the reserves,” Mitchell said. “I hope in the future, the budgets will be balanced on incomes and not on reserves.”


It is stated above the Commission had to take two and three-quarters million dollars out of the reserves to balance this budget but the budget only increased $2.1 million from the 2016 budget. If I read that right the Commission had overspent their 2016 budget.

Did the Commission take into consideration the other things associated with that much of a salary increase. Taxes and retirement funds will increase plus the added expense of insurance. If they can’t balance a budget without getting funds from reserve there will be no reserves, then what will the Lauderdale County Commission do?

What will happen when Dewey Mitchell leaves office? He seems to be the only one that is worried about Lauderdale County?

What do you think?

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A pithy comment from L. Stone on an increase in Florence lodging tax:

You'd think that someone from Canada would know that people will go south of a border if they can get a better deal.

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Introducing "Dewey the Dip"

Our friend O.B. has written an excellent blog on the animal control situation in Lauderdale County and Florence. Read it here.

It hasn't been that long since County Commission Chair Dewey Mitchell had some interesting comments concerning the old shelter. From the May 6th TD:

Commission Chairman Dewey Mitchell said one of the first things that needs to be done is to learn the ownership structure of the current animal shelter. “If it’s 50-50, which I have always been told it was, we need to look at liquidating those assets and putting that toward the expense of a new facility,” Mitchell said.

So it's 80/20 when paying out, but 50/50 when taking in. Nice deal if you can get it...

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Speaking of nice deals, do you ever compare bail amounts for various crimes? Just as sentences seem to vary among the counties, so do bonds for serious crimes. Tomorrow we'll take a look at two cases of child abuse and let you the reader decide if something is wrong with the picture.



Shoalanda

Did Dewey Park Parker?

From a reader:

Fay Parker (is) most senior commissioner, but Dewey (Mitchell) decided they would now vote after 20 years doing it by Seniority. Chairman, a Democrat, voted for a Republican, Roger Garner, still in his first term. Looks like Fay is not voting how Dewey wants him too.

 

The Lauderdale County Commission has followed the appointment method for years. This precedent predates the service of Judge Mitchell and all of the current County Commissioners. When Judge Mitchell took office in 1995, Commissioner Bobby McCormick by seniority, and appointment, was the "vice chair". After Mr McCormick was defeated, the Commission authorized the Chairman to appoint the "vice chair". At that time, D.C. Thornton was the commissioner with the most seniority and was appointed "vice chair" which continued the precedent.

 

As you will read, the statute in question does not require a new appointment or election every two years following an election cycle. Neither does our rule of procedure. Therefore, the previous appointment of Mr Thornton remains in full force and effect until he retires from the Commission, is defeated at election or a change is made by proper official action of the full county commission.

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Is the above guest blog presenting anything really new about Dewey's ethics? No. Read on...

Dewey the Dip

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Who needs fire lanes? From a reader:

Why don't the Florence and Muscle Shoals police departments enforce ordinances prohibiting 'parking in fire lanes'?  This is a HUGE problem in Florence's Kmart Plaza and at the various Walmarts in the area.

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This video has 22 views. Voters were really interested in the election, weren't they?

Shoalanda

Lauderdale Ambulance Wars--Today!

From Hank Thomas:

Shoals Ambulance

The County Commission under the leadership of Dewey Mitchell, Chairman, has decided to rebid the Ambulance contract for Lauderdale County. Mr. Mitchell stated that the city of Florence representative advised him orally that the city wished to rebid the contract. Mr. Mitchell indicated there is no formal written notification to him or the commission from the city regarding the Ambulance bid. Based on this oral notification the commission decided to allow a rebid of the ambulance contract.

The present ambulance contract is for 3 years and allows for a rebid each year in September without cause. The present Vendor has had a contract with the city and county for 4 years of 2, 3 year contracts without having to rebid in any year. The EMA Director stated that in the 4 years of the contracts the vendor has had only one complaint and the complaint was resolved to the satisfaction of all parties to the contract.

Mr. Mitchell advised the other reason for a rebid of the existing contract was to see if there is possibly an improved contract with a rebid, which he hoped would benefit the citizens of Lauderdale County. Mr. Mitchell was asked what would occur if in fact the bids came back higher and costs the citizens of Lauderdale County more money for the ambulance service. No response has been forthcoming on that question from the Chairman. Two of the commissioners Fay Parker and Rhea Fulmer questioned the need for the rebid and were advised by Mr. Mitchell that with the city wishing to precede with a rebid the city had forced the hand of the county, since the contract was a joint venture of both governments. No vote was taken on this matter and according to Mr. Mitchell a vote was not required to move forward with the rebid. This information was discussed in a work session of the county commission.

The bids were then prepared and were sent to any interested party that met the requirements of the written bid package. The bids were closed on August 2, 2012 and 2 ambulance companies submitted a bid. Both services gave a business address in Colbert County. After the bids were closed and nothing could be changed I requested to see the bids. I was advised that I could not see the bids until after they had been voted on. This did not appear to follow the rules of the Freedom of Information Act and I then contacted the Attorney General’s office in Montgomery and found I was correct and should be allowed to view the bids. I wrote a request with the information from the AG to the county commission and I was then allowed to view the bids.

After reviewing the bids I, found, in my opinion, that all but one of the sections and requirements of the contract were met by both ambulance services. The only exception was in the various charges that each ambulance service proposed in the bid. Below are the bid prices each service submitted.


Service                             Lauderdale EMS           Shoals Ambulance


ALS Non-emergency             $290.00                                 $490.00

ALS Emergency                     $450.00                                 $595.00

BLS Non-emergency              $240.00                                 $400.00

BLS Emergency                      $320.12                                 $425.00


Your commissioners will be discussing the ambulance bids in the next work session which is on September 4th. This is an important decision as it affects all citizens in the city of Florence and the county of Lauderdale. Please contact your commissioner with your thoughts on this matter.

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Apologies to Mr. Thomas and our readers for not publishing this earlier. The work session is today, but you can still contact your commissioner during the next two weeks. It's not a given that the bid will be awarded at the next regular meeting, especially since this will be a joint city-county effort, but the earlier you provide your input, the better for your voice to be heard.



Shoalanda

New Lauderdale Probate Judge?

Since 1996, Dewey Mitchell has served as Lauderdale County's Probate Judge. According to local records, "Originally the duties of the Probate Judge were administrative duties and responsibilities relating to the control of roads, ferries, bridges, and the management of public buildings. The Probate Judge was also responsible for custody of land records and protected chattels by registration of brands." Obviously these duties have changed over the passing decades.

Mr. Mitchell was elected by a small majority, defeating the incumbent Bill Hanbery, a former Florence attorney. Due to a schism in courthouse personnel, Mitchell did not assume the office of Probate Judge under the best of circumstances and has done an admirable job in learning the ins and outs of the office, an office that also entails leadership of the County Commission.

Yet, Mr. Mitchell is lacking in one important area--he is not a juris doctor. Yes, in the great state of Alabama, one does not have to be an attorney in order to be elected probate judge. The legislature has attempted to remedy this situation at various times, but such bills have always been relegated to the back burner.

Sources close to Mitchell have indicated he is eager to leave his office at the end of this term. We wish Mr. Mitchell well. We also wish the current voting population of Lauderdale County will choose wisely when they mark their ballots. Glad-handing is never a proper substitute for education, but all too often Alabama voters have not recognized the need for such. Perhaps this time they will...


What's up with this: Sources say the current County Attorney may be the fair-haired candidate for Probate Judge, just not for any critical pending lawsuits?

Hank Thomas Critiques the Lauderdale County Commission

Dewey Mitchell

"The Lauderdale County Commission lives in the past," according to Waterloo resident Hank Thomas. Thomas further links Commissioners Larry Irons and D. C. Thornton with Dewey Mitchell, who will be seeking his first term in the new position of County Commission Chair. According to this most persistent critic, these two commissioners "take their lead" from Mitchell and vote as he wishes them to.

Thomas presents at least two interesting issues. It seems the county's emergency plan was last updated in 1998. Since then, the commission paid 10K for a new plan in 2008, but has yet to review it--a necessary step before it can be implemented. At this rate, the "new" plan will be out of date before it's inaugurated.

Thomas' second issue with the commission is the 9:00 a.m. meeting times. Obviously, most working individuals are not able to be present at these semi-monthly events. Thomas states there was once a suggestion to move the meetings to a later hour, but no vote was ever taken on the issue, nor was it ever broached by any commission member after the initial introduction by a county citizen.

Hank Thomas wants all Lauderdale County citizens to become involved in its government. We here at Shoalanda Speaks lobby for the same end. Our commission members need new leadership, not the same good ol' boy politics they have experienced since 1994.

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We hope the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department has enough furnishings and supplies to fill its new offices. It seems one retailer refused to sell any merchandise to the department when its credit card was rejected. Did someone forget to pay the bill?



Shoalanda

And the Readers Say...

On Tom Smith leaving the TD:

I was told Tom Smith is now manager of the Lauderdale County solid waste Department. Hope he is better at managing garbage than putting it out. Puppet for Dewey Mitchell and may be how he got the county position. I noticed too at the commission meeting that George Grayban is still Emergency Management manager. I asked George on numerous occasions about the emergency management plan for the county. An outside agency was writing the plan for him and he had no details. No commissioner knows what they are to do if we have a major disaster. Sorry, we have an inept crew running the county.


On Paradise Drive:

Danny Pettus came down and he is going to have the road department take off some of the dirt on a couple of blind corners. If the band aid approach works then they will do some more corners and possibly take off some dirt on the blind hills. Danny is the only one to show an interest in trying something. Fay Parker lives in Waterloo and has done nothing. It took 10 years to get the 1981 resolution removed that prevented the county engineer from doing anything but passable maintenance to the road. (Removed last year). Joe Hackworth always defers to Fay, saying “ I will vote with Fay or support Fay” but again does nothing on his own. Danny Pettus taking some action is the best we gotten from the county.  I do not know if you remember, but the county stopped Rodney Walker from widening the road in 2009. It took them 2 weeks to even know he was working on the road. The county filed a cease and desist order against him. That is the only reason the road is 2 lane in areas is because of Rodney. The reporters that came out from the Times Daily were amazed the county had a road in this bad condition. Tom Smith had covered the road previously and Dewey Mitchell told him what to do, 


On the Ag Center/Drug Testing:

I’d rather they drug test the state legislators and lobbyists along with the members of the state executive branch. It might make a real change in Montgomery. I wonder how many people who attended the Lieutenant Governor’s party could have passed a drug test the next day? Also wondering how the Ag Center can be west of Faith Church and east of Shoal Creek?


On the Salvation Army Church (Salvationists):

Keep at them. More than one has written the FRRF about giving money to this church. And this isn't the first time the city has given money to the SA. Yet the bastards are tax exempt. We sure aren't, are we? When can we Presbyterians expect our forty thou?

Black History at the TD/Dewey Mitchell

February is Black History Month, and the TimesDaily celebrated by removing Jump Start, the only comic strip it carried to feature predominantly black characters (We’ll miss you, Pop). Also missing is Beetle Bailey. 

The replacements? Lio and Non Sequitur, the latter has always been a winner in our department, but may not have that wide appeal. The former? Lio is pretty hit or miss, but obviously appeals to those who can’t read—the TD’s main audience. Why the change out? We’re guessing money was the bottom line. The TD also replaced Ask Amy with Dear Abby Warmed Over.

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It seems that the Shoals Chamber of Commerce will now be looking for a new prexy. Perhaps this position can be filled by one from north of the Mexican border and south of the Canadian border?

So how about the now one month old vacancy in Lauderdale Circuit Court Place One? We don’t expect to see any action on that position until after the March 1st primary. William Smith faces Ben Graves in a hotly contested race for what’s commonly referred to as family court judge. We will begin making endorsements next week.

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Note to Lauderdale County Commission Chair Dewey Mitchell concerning the new Florence-Lauderdale Animal Shelter: Perhaps when the county ponies up as much funding as the city, the county may expect equal input into its planning. We’re sure that Florence officials greatly appreciated your telling them where to stick the shelter; now they may feel much more free to tell you where to stick it…

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Has John Pilati moved away from Franklin County; he is no longer showing up on the county's sex offender registry.

Franklin County Sex Offenders

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We are always happy to publish views opposing those we have advocated here. The only exception to that policy involves articles supporting violence and rape, especially those acts aimed at women and children.



Shoalanda

Did The Autistic Muscle Shoals Child Have Rights?

We've certainly had some interesting comments on yesterday's blog and we believe this is the proper venue to answer them rather than on Facebook:

1. Please remember, any comments with vulgarities will be deleted. We've tried several ways to counter this tendency in certain posters and have failed miserably. No more warnings. Your comment will be deleted. Feel free to scream. If you can't comment without using "dirty words," what is your comment worth?

2. We've had a private comment about Dr. Conner's job title. After looking at it again, we agree with our reader that the title is nebulous. We at first thought it simply lacked an Oxford comma, but that would still not make the title any less nebulous.

3. For those who mentioned it's not unusual that a wife and husband work in the same system, we agree--we've stated so before. Dr. Dennis Conner is more than husband to an elementary school teacher; he's also the brother-in-law to Supt. Brian Lindsey.

4. One reader said we should ask the Muscle Shoals board to answer our questions, but in almost the same breath stated they were above such questions. Nevertheless, we're preparing some questions. The board may answer or not--it's up to them.

5. For those who say we shouldn't have reported on the case of the autistic student being forced from the only school she had ever known, we ask what if it had been your child? What if you had tried everything; wouldn't you seek an advocate anywhere you could find one, especially one that reaches thousands each day?

6. Does the mother of the autistic child have any legal recourse against the Muscle Shoals school system? We're not attorneys here. It may well be that she has none. We are fairly sure that any attorney would argue the board waited two years into the new policy to force the child out. What if a court says the board was still within its rights to do so? So be it, but remember, just because you can do something, it doesn't mean you should.

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Now, turning to Lauderdale County, we're always amazed at how some perceive "the county." A recent comment in the TimesDaily remarked that Dewey Mitchell needed to be unseated. We agree totally--he should never have been elected in the first place, but the voters spoke, very ill informed voters.

This Lauderdale citizen continued that he/she wanted someone from "the county" in the position and was glad that Danny Pettus is running. We are too, but he isn't from the county anymore than Dewey Mitchell is. According to records, Mr. Pettus lives in Killen. Killen is a town just like Rogersville, Florence, etc. What the commenter obviously meant was that he/she wanted someone who didn't live in Florence.

What we want is someone who will do the job honestly and fairly, no matter where they live in Lauderdale County. This is what every concerned citizen should want.



Shoalanda

Dewey Doesn't...

Rules are made to be broken? We won't go as far as that; however, in life one has to be flexible. Apparently Lauderdale Commission Chair Dewey Mitchell isn't, at least when it comes to the budget.

The fiscal year is over half over. So far there have been no surprise expenses for the county. Doesn't having the opportunity to save the county thousands of dollars in vehicle maintenance sound like a good deal?

Dewey says no. Dewey says why have a budget? That sounds good, but we bet if his office had an expensive leak directly over his desk he wouldn't be thinking about the budget when he ordered it fixed even if it caused an excess in yearly maintenance spending.

Yesterday, we suggested robbing to Peter to pay Paul is never a good idea. We stand by that, but in the case of new vehicles for the sheriff's department, that won't be necessary. Wisdom would say “go
for it.”

Now, who's running against Dewey in the next election?



Shoalanda

Dewey the Dip Dumbs it Down

Lauderdale County Commision Chariman Dewey Mitchell, who wants to dip into the proceeds from the sale of the old Florence-Lauderdale Animal Shelter to the tune of 50% while not paying 50% of the upkeep, now says it's premature to think about the eventual fate of the old ECM Hospital building.Does he know something we don't know?

He specifically mentioned the Keller Hospital lawsuit seeking to bar any new construction by RegionalCare. Does he think there will be no new hospital?

Perhaps he thinks it's premature to consider uses for the ECM building when it will not be available for three to four years. We have it on pretty good authority that it's always good to plan that far ahead even in private life, much less public.

Or perhaps Dewey is waiting for someone to tell him what to think?



Shoalanda

John Milton Littrell To Go Free?

Sources close to John Milton Littrell have informed us his assault victim failed to appear in court to testify against him. Littrell is reportedly being held on other outstanding warrants at this time. We understand it's embarrassing to testify in front of strangers; however, his latest victim's testimony could have conceivably saved other women from the same ordeal.

Related post: John Milton Littrell

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A reader has asked if Dewey Mitchell will have an incumbent's advantage in his quest to become the first Lauderdale County Commission Chair. While technically no, the current probate judge is the de facto incumbent for this postion, so we will have to answer yes.

The new part-time position will be hotly contested both in the primary and the general election. Republican Quinton Hanson has the funds and the experience to match Mitchell...or any other nominee...

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Tuscumbia City Council members want to make sure the office of mayor remains the highest paid position in their city. That sounds good on the surface since the mayor is obviously the most important person in municipal workings. After all, wouldn't everyone call Mayor Shoemaker first in the event of a natural gas leak...

Shoalanda

Comments welcome. No profanity, vulgarity, or libelous statements...

Howard Keeton's Word?/Ambiguous Bill?

County Commissioner Troy Woodis said it appears the board has given away control to Huntsville - Sunday's TimesDaily.


Appearances aren't always what they seem, but if they were, it took all of 15 minutes for the Helen Keller Board to "give away control" of Colbert County's only not-for-profit hospital. You, gentle reader, know that it was a done deal long before the board met that fateful morning. Now, not just Woodis, but the entire Colbert County Commission is up in arms over the pact with Huntsville Hospital.

Was the board wrong? Certain HKH members have now stated that more public discussion should have gone into the preliminaries, but we doubt the board expected the backlash, especially from the Colbert County Commission. Why?

As recently as six weeks ago, Colbert County Commission Chairman Howard Keeton said he would leave such decisions up to the HKH Board (TimesDaily August 19th). Can we blame the hospital board for taking him at his word?

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New Lauderdale Bill ambiguous? There was some discussion in local forums as to the authorship of a local bill that, if passed, would establish a separate County Commission Chairman, a position how held by the Probate Judge. Looking back at records in the TimesDaily, County attorney Chris Smith and Administrator Jenoice Bevis were the authors of the bill. We're sure the bill has been tweaked several times since its inception; voters should remember that passage of the bill will cost taxpayers at least 30K per year.

We say at least since, while there has been much talk of Dewey Mitchell's retirement, there has been no official announcement of such. Should he continue in his role as Lauderdale Probate Judge, the extra cost to taxpayers would be much more--the additional 30K reflects an entry level salary for both positions.

Speaking of Chris Smith, he's rumored to be running for the probate judgeship should Mitchell retire. If elected, he would have to give up his current law practice, but there would be no conflict of interest should he act as an independent consultant in issues not concerning the county. In other words, the passage of such a bill would be beneficial to Christopher Smith should he be the next probate judge.

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Local Heroes: The past few weeks we've been recognizing individuals who are true local heroes. One reader recently commented that so far we have honored only the male of the species; therefore, today we wish to honor Ninon Parker, a true asset to Tuscumbia and the Shoals area.

Ninon has worked tirelessly in many projects over the years, but most recently in creating a retail cooperative in downtown Tuscumbia--a business incubator that has already proved invaluable. Thank you, Ninon, for all you do.

We'll even add a second local hero this week--Dick Jordan. Mr. Jordan is the Florence City Councilman for many of us and was most recently responsible for ensuring the fountain in Wilson Park was properly restored. His many works in historical preservation in our beautiful city are often overlooked due to the contentious nature of politics.

For both Ninon and Dick we offer a poem that one sees quoted all too infrequently, but which personifies the work they do in both preserving the past and building for the future:

The Bridge Builder

By Will Allen Drumgoole

An old man, going a lone highway,
Came, at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm, vast, and deep, and wide,
Through which was flowing a sullen tide.

The old man crossed in the twilight dim;
The sullen stream had no fear for him;
But he turned, when safe on the other side,
And built a bridge to span the tide.

"Old man," said a fellow pilgrim, near,
"You are wasting strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day;
You never again will pass this way;
You've crossed the chasm, deep and wide-
Why build you this bridge at the evening tide?"

The builder lifted his old gray head:
"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,
"There followeth after me today,
A youth, whose feet must pass this way.

This chasm, that has been naught to me,
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him."

Shoalanda



Connecting October 7th. This time we mean it!

Paradise Drive Doesn't LIve Up To Name

Since a fatal accident on Paradise Drive in Waterloo, discussion of what repairs are needed to make this road safe have increased. From a reader:

The death that occurred in Waterloo is on the same road the county commission has refused to make safe. The county commission voted 3-2 to leave the road as a 1981 resolution had said with minimal maintenance only. Fay Parker and Rhea Fulmer voted to eliminate or change the resolution, but D.C. Thornton and Larry Irons voted to leave the 1981 resolution in place and the tie was broken by Dewey Mitchell voted to leave it in place.

I also sent the commission and the road engineer a Notice of Defects on February 10th 2012, and they have taken no action to correct. One of the defects is lack of adequate signage and guard rails. Both may have prevented this accident from occurring.

We realize the commission cannot turn all Lauderdale County roads into a California freeway; however, one needless death is one too many. Kudos to Fulmer and Parker for at least attempting to rectify the problem and sour lemons to the Thornton, Irons, and Mitchell.

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On Monday, our friend Amy Collins wrote her last regular blog. We will leave the link in our sidebar for those who would like to look back over her profound and humorous observations.

In the mean time, she will continue with Brave Mable on Fridays. The Brave Mable line is available at several outlets in the Shoals. As Mable would say, "Buy Local!"

Note to Amy: We just wish we had thought of your "wordless" catch phrase before you did...

Shoalanda

Bribes? Where's the Proof?

We received this comment concerning the newly selected ambulance service in Florence and Lauderdale:

So what's the difference in this than what went on in Florence and the County? The bid was lower for Keller to do the ambulance service than Shoals. But Shoals won. The bid was lower for the county service but Shoals won. What about those who pushed for Shoals service in Florence? The new homes in Turtle Point and the new Mercedes that have been bought since then by those pushing for it? More underhanded crap going on over there like normal.

Interesting comment, and we wish its author would contact us via our e-mail with any info to back this up. As for the Florence City Council, none of them could live in Turtle Point Village since it's in Killen. As for the Lauderdale County Commission, we don't know the actual addresses of the four commissioners or Dewey Mitchell, the chair. We believe one commissioner lives in Rogersville while another lives in Waterloo.

No ambulance company will be, or can be, perfect; however, like Northstar before them, Keller failed to keep the promised EMTs on duty. In fact, it failed to keep the promised number of ambulances in Lauderdale County. Period.

If anyone has any proof that Shoals Ambulance bribed anyone, it should be turned over to the Attorney General. 

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Others have commented on the number of RegionalCare employees who live in Colbert County. We wonder if the Colbert Commission even considered them. RegionalCare doesn't want a hospital that can't make money. No new hospital, and RC will desert the ship for greener dollar signs. Will Keller then give all the ECM employees jobs? No? So they will probably leave the area to find work. Nice thinking, Commissioners...



Shoalanda