Readers Write on Mayor/Tourism/Colbert Ethics

Readers regularly write us on various topics. First, a letter of praise for Mayor Holt:

Dear Sholanda,

At a recent Florence City Council meeting, several citizens voiced concern about the Animal Shelter. Some of the remarks were critical of Mayor Holt. That criticism is misdirected. Mayor Holt is working very hard on behalf of improvements at the current shelter, including being a volunteer. He has also been a staunch supporter of the new shelter. He is committed to the best possible care for the shelter animals. He inherited a director from the previous administration and is aware that changes need to occur. Let’s give him some time to do so. Thanks, 

Dog lover 

Next a letter asking if there is a "Canadian Conspiracy" afoot concerning the Handy Fest:

Is the City of Florence and The Shoals Tourism Board keeping it a secret this year? Q107 never mentioned the traditional kick-off with the Midnighters at Wilson Park once all week. Schedules and locations of performers are impossible to find. Mention of the festival in the TD has been minimal as well. What's up?

Finally, a letter concerning law enforcement ethics violation in Colbert County:

I voted for Phil Andrews for Colbert County sheriff four years ago and am unsure of how I will vote this year. I've been trying to keep up with various claims and Mr. Andrews mentions it's an ethics violation for deputies to receive free fountain drinks from Love's but he's going to give out free pistol permits to veterans. What's the difference?

*****

We'll attempt to answer our reader's question concerning ethics violations. The difference would be that the military veterans are not (supposedly) county officials and would not have any influence on Officer Andrews' career, so there is no inference of attempting to receive special treatment.

However, the soft drinks in question cost mere pennies. A gift has to be valued at a certain amount to be considered unethical; therefore, we don't think a soft drink costing Love's around two cents qualifies in the unethical gift category. 

We will also ask if Muscle Shoals police officers partake of free and half price meals at eateries within that city's police jurisdiction? Comments most welcome!