Florence: Making Muscle Shoals Look Good

 

For years, readers have accused this blog of vilifying the City of Muscle Shoals while whitewashing Florence. In reality, over the years we've had very few complaints about the Lauderdale county seat. Dissatisfaction did increase during the term of Mayor Mickey Haddock, but returned to a much lower level with Mayor Steve Holt. Now, it's rapidly picking back up.

We're sure there is a at least a modicum of corruption in all departments in all towns, with Florence being no exception. Sometimes, as with the photos of the woman above, it's simply how one looks at it. Let's just say a great many Florentines are now dispensing with their rose colored glasses.

One recently terminated city employee is causing a stir with her accusations against Andy Betterton and Dick Jordan. We'll have a little more on that later, but first is an ultimatum just published by watchdog group Our Voice:

MESSAGE TO CITY COUNCIL

The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, February 2, 2021. We expect to see an agenda posted on your website no later than Monday, February 1st at noon. In the future we’d like two days for review.

** Posting the agenda two hours before the meeting, like the last two meetings, will never be acceptable **

We’d like to remind all City Council members that: (1) We did not elect you to keep us in the dark and rubber-stamp every resolution presented (2) We expect discussions and debate. Please represent our interest (3) We are watching the live stream and we want better audio and video. You know they are subpar (4) We want the meeting opened up to the public and the 5 minute rule reinstated. Post a CareHere! (the City of Florence’s employee clinic) nurse at the door to take temperatures and screen prior to admitting us if necessary. (5) Please do better! We’re feeling neglected and taken for granted. Let’s work on our relationship!

Do we think these efforts will make a difference? Even a once over with a dirty mop can make a slight difference to a filthy floor, so yes we think these efforts to bring more transparency will be fruitful.