Vote Out the Solar Farms!

 

Stock

From a Colbert County reader:

With all the millions being paid tthrough the buddy system in Muscle Shoals, Sheffield and Tuscumbia, the national news outlets and commentators are revealing the truth. 

President Trump has the backbone to put these idiots on notice. Heaven forbid we lose federal funds over solar farms and the millions our local mayors and Sheffield Utilities' Steve Hargrove are giving their friends for land to do this.

VOTE!!!

Gunner Ford: Another Better Alternative

 

Ford Family

Gunner Ford, Candidate for Florence City Council, Pledges Transparency and Accountability

Florence small business owner and community servant, Gunner Ford, is running for Florence City Council, District 2. Ford, who lives downtown with his wife, and three young children, says his campaign will focus on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and bringing jobs to the city.

For more than a decade, Ford has operated a local mortuary, where he says he learned the values of listening, compassion, and integrity. “In this work, you learn quickly how to serve people in their darkest hours,” Ford said. “I want to bring that same spirit of service and accountability to City Hall.”

Ford’s platform centers on several priorities he believes the city has neglected:

Transparency and Accountability: Ford has pledged to make budgets, contracts, and voting records easily accessible to the public. “The people of Florence shouldn’t have to dig or guess to find out where their tax dollars are going or who they’re benefiting,” he said.

Fiscal Responsibility: With Florence’s sales tax rate among the highest in the state, Ford says he will fight to cut unnecessary spending and gradually reduce the rate by at least 1%. He has also voiced opposition to the proposed $48 million new City Hall, calling instead for more cost-effective alternatives.

Economic Development: Ford argues the city must take a proactive role in attracting industries that align with Florence’s workforce while also looking ahead to new opportunities. “We can’t afford to sit back and hope jobs find us. We need to be aggressive and strategic about recruiting industries that fit Florence and give our young people a reason to stay,” he said. Ford believes Florence is well-positioned to attract STEM-based industries, provided the city partners with local colleges and universities to develop specialized departments and training programs. “If we can build pipelines between education and industry, we’re not only creating jobs—we’re creating long-term careers and giving students a reason to build their future here,” Ford added.

Community Priorities: Ford has highlighted animal welfare and homelessness as areas often overlooked in city discussions. He has proposed exploring self-funded micro dog parks and a Student-Led Homeless Engagement Initiative in partnership with local universities, giving students hands-on career experience while connecting unhoused individuals with resources and recovery options.

Ford also emphasizes support for small businesses, promising to cut red tape and end favoritism that he says currently benefits special interests over local entrepreneurs.

“I’ll be present, accessible, and honest, whether it’s easy or not,” Ford said. “We may not always agree, but you’ll always know where I stand. I’m not a polished politician. I’m a husband, father, and small business owner who loves Florence and its people—and I want to make sure our city commits to us, the people, as much as we’ve all committed to it.”

Another Take on Tuscumbia City Council

 

A long-time reader and contributor has another take on the Tuscumbia council elections:

In Tuscumbia, I want to tell you about two people who are running for city council unopposed. They are Len Gregory and Krista Stanley. I know both of them personally and they aren’t going to be playing around. The clique among the current mayor and city council is going to end. Len and Krista have been talking about some major plans that they are working on as well as having an audit done to find out where all of Tuscumbia’s money has been going to. 

They have said that these people who are constantly wanting something from the mayor and city council can keep their hands in their pockets because those people are not going to be getting any more money, or grants for things that only benefit a handful of people. I’m not sure what some of the other people who are running for city council have in mind but I am certain that Len and Krista are going to be a strong arm for things that benefit everyone in Tuscumbia and not just a select group of people. 

Something else for you to think about, Katie Logan is married to Tony Logan who is the chief of police in Tuscumbia and he is always at the city council meetings. I have heard some people say that this is, and would be a conflict of interest if Katie wins the mayor election.

The LEOs Who Have Left Sheffield

 

Gemini

A reader with inside info has some interesting takes on the Sheffield Police Department and Mayor Steve Stanley:

The mayor choose to pave Pickwick which did not need it but He choose to stop at Edgewood Drive  WHY  because he lives on Edgewood and wants his drive to work smooth.

If you keep going down Pickwick past Edgewood you come to the worse part of Pickwick but he doesn't care because he doesn't drive that way to work.

Police Department.

Officers that have left in the past 6 months:

4 officers to Florence PD

1 to Lauderdale Co.

2 to Town Creek

1 to Moulton

1 to Cherokee.

1 to pardons & parole 

Maybe the new mayor "Penny Freeman" will get the police department back in top shape where it used to be.

A Resident on the State of Sheffield

 

Some interesting and vetted information from a Sheffield citizen:

Since Christopher Tate has assumed the role as Chief of Police at Sheffield Police Department. Not only have there been a significant loss in the number of manpower but as well as the amount of patrols being done. As it sits now there are from top to bottom, there are only 11 employees at Sheffield Police Department. There are only 2 officers on patrol at all times in the City of Sheffield. At this point, being a concerned citizen of the shoals area, I believe that Colbert County Sheriff’s Department should absorb the City of Sheffield. 

Furthermore, Sheffield Police Department on May 26th, 2025 (Memorial Day). Sheffield Police Department held a Memorial Day/ Community Cookout at Riverfront Park. I have it on very good accounts and were able to confirm on multiple sources that Chief Christopher Tate as well as other officers consumed alcohol at this event. So much so that it was to the extent that Chief Christopher Tate was unable to drive his vehicle home and had to have a fellow employee drive him home. It is important to know that it was advertised on Sheffield Police Department’s Facebook page on May 20th, 2025. Sheffield Police Department gave thanks to multiple companies and individual people for donating food and money to the event that resulted in Chief Christopher Tate and other officers getting drunk. The Facebook post from Sheffield Police Department mentions thanking Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart (Florence), Wal-Mart (Muscle Shoals), Foodland (Sheffield), Dollar General (Sheffield), and Pastor Stephen Gill for their donations. It is to the best of my knowledge that Pastor Stephen Gill is a current Civil Service Member over Sheffield Police Department. Not only do I believe this to be absurd and an extreme breach of trust and professionalism. It also showcases the current state that the Sheffield Police Department is in. They have posted all the time about recruiting “Looking for community minded people willing to serve and protect the City on the Bluff”. If hosting a Memorial Day/ Community Cookout and having the Chief of Police get drunk is their idea of serving and protecting their community, no wonder there are so many lawsuits against the police department. I was also made aware that a homeless member of the shoals, he as well requested to remain anonymous. He protested that he was arrested by Sheffield Police Department and charged for trespassing and possessing a bottle of liquor at Avalon Park. He stated that he was simply sleeping at the park because it was raining and he was homeless and didn’t want to sleep in the rain. He further disclosed that when he asked the officer what his charges were, he was told criminal trespassing and violation of Sheffield City Ordinance 3.7.. He further stated that he was never given any paperwork stating that he was trespassed from a public park. He further stated that when he asked what city ordinance 3.7 was he was told that it is an ordinance that prohibits the consumption, possession, sale, trade or purchase of alcohol at any public park in the City of Sheffield. I then asked the homeless citizen about what time he was arrested. He stated that it was around Memorial Day, but could not give an exact date.  After being told this, I confirmed that Riverfront Park is a public park within the City of Sheffield. If one of our community members is going to be charged from the violation of that city ordinance. Shouldn’t the Chief of Police be charged as well? I mean they are supposed to be held to a higher standard, aren’t they? Why should Sheffield Police officers and their Chief of Police be able to get away with breaking the laws that they are sworn to protect but everyone else has to pay the cost and pay their fines to go to the City of Sheffield. Say what you want about Former Chief Ricky Terry but I never heard of him breaking laws. 

I have also learned that Chief Christopher Tate not only is being picky about hiring officers to replace the ones that have left or got charges/lawsuits filed against them but he also hires his friends and promotes them quickly. I have seen this officer come back to Sheffield Police Department and then shortly after be promoted to Lieutenant. That officer being Regina Cantrell. I was told by citizens of Sheffield that Regina Cantrell left Sheffield Police Department as a Lieutenant shortly after Former Chief Ricky Terry took office. I also have it on good sources that Regina Cantrell after she departed from Sheffield Police Department went to work for a neighboring county as a School Resource Officer and stayed in this role for over 4 years. I was also told that Regina Cantrell and Chief Christopher Tate and his wife Dionna Tate stayed in close contact and even attended get togethers at Chief Christopher Tate’s home in Sheffield. Once Christopher Tate took on the role as Chief of Police, Regina Cantrell came back to Sheffield Police Department after a 5 year hiatus from working as a patrol officer. She was then promoted back to Lieutenant within 60 days after coming back. So my takeaway from this is that if you are good friends with Christopher Tate then you will move up quickly in the ranks. Here I thought Former Chief Ricky Terry was bad but good grief Chief Christopher Tate is making a strong case.

I have also learned that the Mayor of Sheffield (Steve Stanley) was made aware of the events at Riverfront Park and Regina Cantrell. I was told that a meeting was held with Sheffield’s Civil Service Board about Riverfront Park and Regina Cantrell. It is apparent that they are more concerned about repaving Hatch Boulevard than what’s going on under their own roof. I can name a dozen more roads in Sheffield that need to be repaved before Hatch Boulevard. Maybe Mayor Stanley is thinking if he repaves a main road in Sheffield that it will win him votes in the election and will outshine his failing choice in Police Chiefs and his failed community.

Accused Child Predator Denied Youthful Offender

 

He's a rosy cheeked blond who looks like he could star in a "good genes" commercial. You might call Caden Robert Miles an all-American boy. The Lauderdale County District Attorney's office calls the 21 year-old Caden something else.

Young Mr. Miles lives in the Oak Hills subdivision of Florence and, until now, has seemed to lead a very charmed and lucky life. He's never been a throwaway kid as so many who are accused of sex crimes against children. He graduated from Florence High School in 2022 where he was a an all-star baseball player and ran track. After finishing high school, Caden attended UNA, but dropped out after one semester.

If you Google Caden, you'll see that he calls himself a "designer" and has a shop on Etsy. That's in addition to the plum job of inspector with the Alabama Department of Transportation. Unfortunately, he is accused of also accumulating quite a collection of child pornography. 

After detectives finished their investigation, Caden was indicted on 151 charges of porn possession. His attorneys quickly sought youthful offender status, but, not surprisingly, a judge has denied the request.

Now Caden Robert Miles will face a trial the week of October 6th. If convicted of the charges related to Child Abuse Material, he faces the possibility of one to 10 years on each possession count. We wouldn't want his attorney bills.

Helping Battered Women Stay Safe

 

Gemini

Are you afraid to register to vote...afraid your batterer will find your address on the voter rolls? You don't have to be. Sheffield mayoral candidate Penny Freeman has provided some extremely interesting information to us:

I just learned something that I wish I’d known — and I bet I’m not the only one. If you’re a victim of domestic violence, fleeing an abusive situation, OR living in a household with someone who is, you can fill out a simple form with the Alabama Secretary of State’s office to have your residential and mailing address removed from the public voter list. That means you don’t have to give up your right to vote out of fear for your safety. Unfortunately, I only just found out about this, so it may not apply in time for the upcoming election, but it’s too important not to share. Everyone deserves to have their voice heard without risking their safety. Here’s the form: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/voter-pdfs/Domestic_Violence_Affidavit.pdf Please share — someone you know might need this.

Cavapoochons? Really?

 

You may have seen this ad in the TimesDaily. Did you think: What in the world is a Cavapoochon? We clicked on the ad to see if our suspicions were correct - and they were.

A Cavapoochon is part Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, part Poodle, and part Bichon Frise. In other words, as cute as they are, they're still a Mutt.

Our local shelter is full of Mutts who're looking for a furever home. We promise you'll love your shelter rescue just as much as you would this Frankenstein concoction of canine genes.

Check them out at 3240 Roberson Boulevard just off Chisholm Road in Florence.

Sheffield & Tuscumbia City Councils?

 

We've previously offered endorsements in Sheffield for mayor (Penny Freeman) as well as Tuscumbia (Katie Logan); however, we have not spoken about city council positions. We've looked at the candidates and feel that we don't know enough about their platforms to offer an opinion. 

In Sheffield, there is no dramatic issue, other than attempting to retrieve the Inspiration Landing property from John Elkington. Unfortunately, none of the Sheffield candidates has offered any positive input on that issue. 

In Tuscumbia, our readers are asking for new leadership in the mayor's office, but have no opinions on the council. Yes, a new mayor should be able to lead the city in a positive direction.

Next, we'll look at the Muscle Shoals Council. Comments are always welcome.

FLAS Needs a Benefactor

 

Recently, a philanthropist paid to have the Shoals Theatre sign totally refurbished. A wealthy entrepreneur who graduated from Brooks High built the school a new press box. Kudos to both individuals!

We're asking someone to step up and purchase Florence Animal Services a new transport van. Pictured above is the van mayor Andy Betterton donated to the department. It's out of service more than it is in. The heating and cooling don't work - not surprising since it was the oldest the City owned.

If you can help, call Cheryl Jones at 256-760-6676.

The Benches Went Walkabout and Never Returned

 

Gemini

Most benches installed in public areas today have an armrest in the middle to deter stray citizens from making like a cat. That apparently wasn't a problem when the last Court Street renovation was planned since none of the benches featured that hardware. By June 2021, when the alley behind Ricatoni's filled up, many of the city's unhoused were appropriating these older benches on South Court where foot traffic was not a major problem. Then police chief Ron Tyler decided to put a stop to it.

Tyler had six of these benches removed from their pavilions for "three to four weeks," stating the confiscation was purely temporary. Now four years later, the benches are still missing. 

A concerned citizen has asked where they are. Why have they not been returned after all this time? The area is home to both a popular pharmacy and veterans' affairs office. It would seem both endeavors would need this seating from time to time.

The homeless...there but for the absolute beneficence of God.

Well...Florence is Getting Some Bigger

 

Here's a population snapshot of nine Alabama cities over the past 75  years. We honestly didn't know Huntsville was that small in 1950.

Only Birmingham and Gadsden have lost population, but the remaining seven cities have grown at much different rates. Florence is considered "rural" due to it's being over 50 miles from a metropolitan area and not having at least 100K residents.

Combine that with the fact it's so far from an Interstate, chances of a substantial new industry are extremely slim. If SEDA really wanted to help, the board would be out each day digging for gold or uranium.

He Brags of Being on the SEDA Board

Attention Local Renters & Rental Property Owners!

 

Gemini

With students and other renters moving in this month, we've been asked to remind readers of some Florence ordinances (and in effect in other cities as well):

* No more than three unrelated individuals can live in one rental unit.

* Grass can be no more than 12" high.

* Indoor furniture cannot be used on porch/patio.

* No unregistered vehicle may be parked on city streets for more than 48 hours (or it will be towed).

First notice will be a warning citation; subsequent violations incur a fine of $200.00. Let's keep the area beautiful.

Answering the Main Question about the Red Bay Murders

 

Red Bay Public Housing Authority

We've had several questions about the Red Bay double murder/suicide. While we have ideas on several aspects of the crime, we're going to comment solely on the one question that can be answered with official data.

How many women transitioning to male (presumably taking testosterone) commit murder? Note: We don't know if Derick Moody was taking testosterone, we're merely answering the above question.

The only statistic that we could find was 2% between 2016 and 2020. That is not a huge number and could be related to several emotional problems.

We'll add that in checking for that data we found that around 6% of trans men had committed violent crimes over the past 35 years.

Each year, 1 in 20,000 of the total U.S. population commits murder.

We know that some immediate family did not live with the three victims. Our sincerest sympathy to all those affected.

What's Really Happening with Social Security

 

Gemini

The Facebook posts about Social Security have taken on new life this month. What's really going on? Here's the skinny:

No, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is not about to change its name. 

Changes within the organization and in its business practices include:

• Restructuring and organizational changes within the SSA's internal offices and operations.
• A transition to fully electronic benefit payments. The SSA will no longer issue paper checks for most beneficiaries, starting September 30, 2025.
• Changes to how individuals access online services. These changes require the use of Login.gov or ID.me accounts instead of traditional Social Security usernames and passwords, according to the SSA.
• New rules regarding in-person services, potentially requiring appointments for visits to local SSA offices. 

Note that these changes do not involve the name "Social Security" or the agency's mission to provide social security benefits. 

Florence School Board Needs a House Cleaning

 

The Florence School Board has long been criticized as being unresponsive to the citizens. During its last meeting, with only two weeks to go before the election, it voted Dr. Jimmy Shaw a four year extension on his contract. In other words, the 2025-2029 board will have no say in matter. 

While we support Dr. Shaw, the board was totally out of line, perhaps realizing this would be the last snub in its current configuration? Voters have the chance to replace four of the six members on August 26th. Our choices are listed in bold.

Florence City School Board Candidates

District 1: Vicky Kirkman

District 2: Robert “Ry” Griffin, John Williams

District 3: Lynn Sparks, Jennifer Spry

District 4: MaLeah Chaney, Robin Thompson, Tom Wissert

District 5: Tammie Davis Haddock

District 6: Casey Wilburn, Rachel Winston

This Explains the "Missing" 40K in Muscle Shoals...

 

...and you can thank Mike Lockhart for it.

A few months ago, a friend asked us if we could find out what happened to $40,000.00 in grant money to Muscle Shoals for a veterans' memorial. It seems Lockhart was denying knowledge of it, at least to her. Below are some interesting thoughts and ideas that explain the "missing" money among other things:

Hate elections and campaigns? You're not alone.

Think of the 4 year election cycle as:

1. The elected officials come out of their hiding places and run ads telling you what they "are going to do"

2. The elected officials may, or may not, start returning calls (the ones you placed the past 4 years that have not been acknowledged)

3. You may see some street paving and hear promises of great things to come - November 1st maybe?

4. There is a sudden flurry at city hall to share fabricated documents and other information

There are other tell-tell signs from incumbents.

In Muscle Shoals, the flurry of activity centers around the resurrection of projects that have been on hold for at least 5 years. One in particular is a Veterans Memorial. Before David Bradford retired from politics as our Mayor, the past city council approved an earmark of somewhere around $40,000.00 for a Veterans Memorial with the construction to be in 2020-2021. The money was reserved and was promised to the wonderful veterans of our great city. However, the current mayor (who voted to build the Veterans Memorial) in 2020 did nothing to fulfill that promise. Quite the contrary, Mr. Lockhart in the summer of 2025 has used "a"  Veterans Memorial as a campaign platform in hopes none of us remember the facts. How embarrassing that anyone would insult our veterans with the bait and switch for a political office. Our veterans deserve respect and honor, just as they sacrificed and fought for our freedoms - even Mike Lockhart's freedom to misrepresent this project for his own political posturing.

Interesting facts have emerged after Caitlyn Burns, who professes to be an authority on business and economic development, chastised candidates for not consulting with her and some guy named SEDA for their expert guidance. I'm not sure her "expertise" is what we need, but she could surprise me.

Given the expensive projects this mayor and city council are proposing, you would think Ms Burns would stress the importance to them to spend their money in Muscle Shoals and Colbert County to support local businesses and increase the tax base. NATTA. Councilman Willies Henry Thompson has spent all his campaign funds outside of Muscle Shoals AND Colbert County. Willies has spent thousands of dollars (including sales tax) to a company in Scottsboro, Alabama and another in Lawrenceburg Tennessee (but has a Florence, AL p.o. box). You need only check his finance campaign reports on the secretary of state website. Scottsboro city hall is probably laughing all the way to the bank with the sales tax from people like Willies Thompson. Mr. Lockhart has spent thousands on a young lady that works at the chamber that you and I help finance. Sorry Muscle Shoals & Colbert County, you lose again.

What's with the sudden activity of moving months and years old mounds of rat infested trees and debris? Maybe they will get to cleaning out culverts and drainage ditches in the next week and half while the heat is on them before the election. 

Don't expect any of your phone calls to the mayor or council members to be returned. That, I'm pretty sure is not gonna happen. You can expect more radical, far left liberals to continue to squeal and cry foul if anyone - candidates, you, me, the good Lord himself, dares to voice our opinions. Those who have taken to social media with the most irrational and threatening posts exhibit signs of psychotic paranoia with no chance of logic becoming rooted in their thought process. It's quite obvious people are scrambling to protect their playground and jobs with the status quo. God bless them, I am not sure my saying grace over them will come close to solving their hatred.  Us living rent free in their heads can't be good for their health. 

On a parting note. I believe the old timers say that Caitlyn Burns is the same person that was involved with a Brian Keith Robinson aka Dream Vision when she had a little law office in Sheffield.  Something about forging Mr Robinson's name (or one of the scammers) on legal documents before Robinson was sued by the Alabama Securities Commission around 2015 for a money scheme that cost a lot of business people in the Shoals big money? DREAM VISION. But that was shortly before she was hired as the Shoals Chamber director and became an authority on business and economic development. Of course, I'm sure her stance on this is one of being taken advantage of - does that sound a little familiar with what she is trying to do to us? The old "Trust me", I'm an expert and I wouldn't steer you wrong. Or like an agent that shows up at your door with a "Hi, I'm from the IRS, and I'm here to HELP YOU."  Run Forrest Run.

Lessons we learn from politics are that people who have a lot to lose squeal the loudest.and threaten innocent citizens that dare to ask questions. The people with the most to hide don't like to answer questions or produce documents. 

We the people see through the smoke and mirror politics.We are not fools.The emperor does not have any clothes on. Vote Muscle Shoals. 

Buy a Beer for Sheffield High!

 

One Bull Dog, Two Kiwanians, & Three Sheffield Teachers - Gemini

Nothing says helping a high school like having a beer - right? At least the Kiwanis Club seems to think so. You read that right - it wasn't even the Jaycees.

BTW, how old do the models in this poster look? Hmmm. We think the general rule is:

In alcohol commercials, the standard practice is that all models and actors, whether they are promoting the product or appearing in the background, should be at least 25 years old and should reasonably appear to be 21 years of age or older. This is to ensure that the commercial does not target or appeal to individuals below the legal drinking age. While there may be some exceptions on a case-by-case basis, such as in specific programs where the audience is predominantly over 21, the general rule is a minimum age of 25. 

The Most Important Florence Election: Mayor

 

With seven candidates in the Florence mayoral race, a runoff is a given. Who will be the candidates?

Our prediction is Ron Tyler against either Steve Holt or Bill Griffin. Do we have a preference?

In the 2020 election, we supported Mayor Steve Holt. We were surprised that he lost to such an ineffectual candidate as Andy Betteron, even by 11 votes. We believe many Florence citizens learned their lesson during the past five stormy years.

If not for outside interference, we believe Mayor Holt would be well on his way to a third term. Do we believe he now should be given a second term?

That time may have passed. Is it time for another candidate to occupy the mayor's office? We posit that it is.

We encourage you to vote for Bill Griffin on August 26th. 

A Word About Our Daily Dogs/Cats

 

Stock Image

You'll notice that all dogs/cat we post says "mix." That's mainly because these animals don't have papers and the shelter does not have the funds to do a DNA test on them.

That does not mean that none of these animals is a pure bred ball of fluff. When you adopt, you can do your own DNA testing and be totally surprised that your little spaniel has some mastiff in it...or that you do indeed have a pure blooded kiddo.

Remember, a pedigreed dog is entirely different, and barring a catastrophe*, you won't be able to register your animal. You'll love it just the same.

*During World War II in England, exceptions were made in pedigree requirements since many animals were killed and many others were moved into remote areas. You know the joke about the free puppies: Their mother is a pure blooded Cocker Spaniel and their father comes from a good neighborhood.

The Chamber is Now a Political Authority and Polling Agency

 

From a Muscle Shoals watcher:

Political races bring new faces and opportunities for positive change, but also brings out the crazies, "authorities on everything," and a host of others who weigh in with their thoughts, which would include me as the latter.

I research and form independent opinions with insight to past performance (or lack of) of current elected officials. The devil is always in the details. There seems to be a few people who are especially worried and involved in the Muscle Shoals politics this year which causes much more research and time to understand the "why" and "what there is to gain" behind these folks.

In this address to Shoalanda, let's look at Caitlyn Burns:

CAITLYN BURNS, Shoals Chamber of Commerce Executive Director

Facebook Posting Monday, 8-11-2025 @ 9:09 am.

I made this post originally on August 14, 2020. It felt important to reiterate many of these points today (on the final day to register to VOTE in the upcoming municipal election):

1) The Shoals is an incredible place with incredible potential. The resources are present for growth of all kinds. Please consider voting for positive, aspirational, forward-thinking leaders. You deserve that. We all do.

2) The Mayor that you elect in two weeks will be the face and voice of your City to Congressmen, international business leaders, potential investors, and countless others. Be certain that the first impression they give is one that garners immediate respect.

3) Campaign finance reports are public record. Who is putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to supporting a particular candidate? What do you know about these donors?

4) Mayors and Council Members do NOT run as Republicans or Democrats. Instead of asking them pointedly about a party affiliation, ask them about their platform.

5) If you live in Muscle Shoals, you must vote for all five "Places" on the City Council. They serve "at large."

6) If you live in Florence, Sheffield, or Tuscumbia, you will only be voting for the City Council person that will serve your District. If you need to know which District you live in, contact me and I'll find out for you!

Finally, almost every candidate for any office is running on jobs and recruitment of business and industry. I think you would be stunned to know that only a handful of them have consulted with me at the Shoals Chamber of Commerce and/or the team at the Shoals Economic Development Authority. I question their sincerity if they are not approaching those of us who focus on those very things day in and day out.

Voting on August 26th is imperative. Each candidate for Mayor and Council has trudged miles in the heat and invested their time, energy, and money into earning your trust. Regardless of whether you intend to vote for them, thank them for their effort. This has not been easy.

My response:

Many Long time residents of Muscle Shoals and the Shoals are very aware of the Shoals Chamber and its' landlord SEDA.

In spite of the social issues inside the building that houses their activities and the parties laden with booze, we also see Chamber board member(s) provocative dancing on the street corner of the event/party venue and are bold enough to post their rather questionable behavior on their social media sites.

While the Chamber touts their funding from "members", let's be clear - the City of Muscle Shoals is a member of the chamber through the tax dollars that you and I pay as well as the Muscle Shoals Water & Sewer Board, Electric Board and the North Alabama Gas Department where Caitlyn Burn's father is the director. Therefore, citizens and rate payers of the aforesaid entities have a huge investment in the Chamber, its activities, and lack of professionalism.

The Chamber's federal 990 non profit organization report for the last 2 years shows ---EXPENSES OVER REVENUE OF $209,716.00. THAT IS SPENDING TWO HUNDRED NINE THOUSAND, SEVEN HUNDRED SIXTEEN DOLLARS MORE THAN BUDGETED That mandated federal 990 report is available at: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/630943956

It is also noteworthy that executive director Burns is paid 11% of the total budget and spends more than the Board of Directors budget and is still employed. That doesn't speak well of the Chamber Board of Directors.

There will be more to report as time allows, but we have to ask these questions:

1.) Why would candidates ask Caitlyn Burns or her staff for advice given her poor business, financial, and social issues at the Chamber?

2.) is it prudent (or legal) for an employee at the Chamber that works full time on yours, mine, businesses, and donors money as a "CONSULTANT/POLLING" contractor for Mayor Lockhart. His campaign finances show 2 payments ($2000.00 & $1000.00) to Alyssa Crow (full time chamber employee). Is this legal? Is this ethical? Is this the norm at the Chamber? https://fcpa.alabamavotes.gov/PublicSite/Reports/ReportWriter.aspx https://fcpa.alabamavotes.gov/PublicSite/Reports/ReportWriter.aspx

3.) What does Caitlyn Burns have at stake in the Muscle Shoals elections? Could it be the creation of a new position in City Hall for a "girl Friday" as another layer of employees and wasteful spending that she has interviewed and was given the job - after the election?

4.) How does the part 4 plus years of this Mayor and Council neglecting the city and our citizens be whitewashed by the handful of irrational and liberal tax and spend (more than you bring in) radical left? The ones who have the most to lose are squealing the loudest.

BTW - there are only 4 places on the ballot Ms. Burns.

I think these simple questions are enough to digest at this time.

For obvious reasons Ms. Burns (or is it Jackson?) has not divulged all the details. As I said earlier, the devil is in the details (and closets), but the citizens of Muscle Shoals have long memories. We love and value our neighbors and schools but don't like what is happening to our beautiful city.

For me and mine, we don't need a failing chamber's director talking down to us.

The old sayings "Those who live in glass houses, should not throw stones" and "birds of a feather" apply too well.