Carole Coil Medley--A Better Choice

Sometimes selecting a candidate to endorse is easy; sometimes it's extremely difficult. When two more than qualified candidates vie for the same office, it's almost impossible. We chose not to endorse either James Hall II or John Odem for the Democratic nomination since we found them to be equally qualified. The choice has been similarly hard in selecting a candidate to support in the November 2nd general election.

However, we firmly believe Carole Coil Medley will make a great judge, that she is already making a great judge. Over the years, we heard many complaints concerning her predecessor. We aren't hearing those same complaints about Ms. Medley--she's obviously doing it right.

We wholeheartedly endorse Judge Medley for Lauderdale District Judge and ask that you consider her qualifications, that you pray about your decision before you vote. No matter the outcome of the election, we know that Carole will continue to serve the citizens of Lauderdale County--she's that kind of person.

*****

Colbert County will be electing a new district judge for the first time in 30 years. It's no secret that we here at Shoalanda have Republican leanings, but those leanings are influenced by that party almost always fielding the more qualified and desirable candidate.

Kyle Brown is, from what we know of him, a fine man and more than adequate prosecutor; however, his long association with the prosecutor's office is one reason for pause in this type of contest. Even excluding Mr. Brown's long held occupation, we find him to be lacking in the polish and personality that Chad Coker will bring to the office.

We urge you to look at Chad Coker, read his resume', and make your decision. This one shouldn't be hard. Chad Coker is the man for the job.

*****

Our loss seems to be your gain: If you haven't yet visited The Connection, please do so. We've been surprised at how quickly this new Internet magazine has grown. In just one week, it seems to be coming together as the go-to place for the Shoals. Congratulations Trader and Nan on your ingenuity and hard work.

The Connection

*****

Melody Court & Boat Docks? E-mail us if you have any idea where this complex was located.





Shoalanda

Troy Oliver: Increasing Our Word Power

"We need to vote; we get wrapped all around the axlem, and we can't get past it," Mayor Troy Oliver said. TimesDaily, June 8, 2010


There's nothing we like more than learning new words, so when the mayor of Russellville says that town's city council can't get past an axlem, we're enthralled--or we were until we discovered the word is not in any dictionary.

Is an axlem:

Bigger than a bread box?

Something we might find in our homes?

Something belonging to BP that our sweet/street talking chief exec wants to kick?

Something found only in the county seat of Franklin and does it need to be kicked?

If any readers know what's so hard to get past, please shoot us an e-mail

*****

$68.00 per vote: We recently wrote that Polly Ruggles spent 2K more than Chad Coker on their campaign for Colbert County District Judge. An update on figures reports that at last look, Coker has now outspent Ruggles by 2.5K. Perhaps the most interesting revelation is that Tim Milam spent 73K in his failed attempt to win the judgeship, or roughly $68.00 for each vote he received.

With the exception of Nathan Johnson, this was the initial campaign for the candidates in this race. In other words, they were trying out the waters; who knows how many of the four also-rans will attempt another race in two to four years. We hope they have good stock portfolios.

*****

Famous comedy teams: Abbott & Costello, Laurel & Hardy, Martin & Lewis, Lansdell & Lambert. We understand that last act is extremely hard to get tickets for; Chuck Lansdall and Thelma Lambert have been a no-show at their last three gigs. Let's hope Cherokee voters who favor these George Jones wannabes are also a no-show in the next election.


Shoalanda

Chad Coker or Polly Ruggles?

On July 13th, Tuscumbia attorney Chad B. Coker will face Sheffield Municipal Judge Polly Ruggles to decide who will have the greatest chance to succeed retiring District Judge George Carpenter. Even though Ruggles outspent her opponent by several thousand dollars, she came in second to Coker, who also serves as the municipal judge in Cherokee.

We do not dispute Polly Ruggles' qualifications for the judgeship. She has paid her dues, and with the exception of her Sheffield School Board membership, enjoys an unsullied reputation in Colbert County. Ruggles is also married into the family that currently owns Martin Supply and was once large shareholders in the now defunct Martin Industries; in other words, she lacks for very little in life. Monetary success is not a bad thing in itself, but it can affect the way such industrialists look at others. The farther removed from poverty one is, the harder it is to have empathy for those who struggle to put food on the table--the exact people one is more apt to meet in District Court.

We've looked at Chad Coker's life and experience, just as we have looked at Ruggles'. There's no doubt that Coker has worked for the success he enjoys. There should also be no doubt that he is the the obvious choice for the next Colbert County District Judge.


Thought for the day: Only in Alabama would a Harvard law degree be an impediment to winning the office of governor. Thank God for the Republican Party.

Shoalanda

Titanic Tuesday

No, we don't think the state is sinking like a certain ocean liner from the last century; we feel this is one of the largest and most important elections for Alabama and its Northwest counties in many years, if not decades. We urge everyone to vote today. It's your future--take control.

*****

Good luck to all those whom we endorsed. We also wish the best to Chad Coker, James Hall II, John Odem, and Billy Jackson--all fine candidates who, if they should be chosen by the electorate, would make great District and Circuit judges.

*****

Our poll in the Colbert County District Judge's race closed at 1:59 this morning. With 549 votes cast, the results were as follows:

Parker - 198
Coker - 187
Ruggles - 70
Milam - 51
Johnson -43

We look forward to comparing our results with tonight's actual tabulations.

*****

In the next few days we will be launching a blog directory for the Shoals Area. If you have a blog not currently listed with us, please email us the pertinent data. All listings are free.


Shoalanda

The Readers Speak

Some recent comments and questions--we'll start with a humorous, but valid question:

Don't you guys have spell check? Yes, but it doesn't work on titles (and apparently our editor doesn't either), so if you see any blatant errors, please contact us asap. Many thanks.

Why do you all comment on other counties if you live in Lauderdale? Please read yesterday's blog. This is 2010; what's good for Lauderdale is good for Colbert is good for Franklin is good for Alabama. Even if you don't live in Lauderdale, feel free to send any comments about elections in this county . Again, we're happy to publish guest commentaries.

Do you have an agenda? Only for the best candidates to lead us into an uncertain future. Again, please read yesterday's blog. No one pays us anything and we have endorsed in three counties so far. We don't endorse if we don't have facts on which to base that endorsement; however, we realize any political stance is less valid or important to those whom it doesn't affect. If the voter doesn't have food on the table, he/she couldn't care less if the candidate is green or not.

If I want to send you a guest blog, do you have to publish my name? No, in fact we have published most commentaries under a pen name. We welcome all work, but will edit for vulgar language and anything that could be inferred as libelous. Your opinions do not have to agree with ours--that's one of the major reasons for accepting guest commentaries. We are happy to publish opposing views; however, we will not accept any blogs that support rapists, pedophiles, etc.--that should be self-explanatory.

Those figures on the Colbert County District Judge race seem low. Where did they come from? The guest commentary we recently published used data (we take it) originally published in the ShoalsInsider...and many thanks to that website for publishing them. The State of Alabama has updated disclosures, and we are publishing those figures today.

*****

That brings us back to that donnybrook in Colbert County. Just who has spent what? Here's an updated list (amounts rounded to nearest thousand):

Nathan Johnson - 7K

Tina Miller Parker - 10K

Chad Coker - 22K

Polly Ruggles - 23K

Tim Milam - 38K

With the election twelve days away, it should be interesting to see how campaign expenses compare to the final vote tabulations.

*****

Finally, we haven't had a poll in quite some time. We've received many questions about our "man on the street" based predictions in the above race, so today we're offering a poll on the Democratic primary for Colbert County District Judge. The poll will record only one vote per IP addy.


Shoalanda

The Next Colbert County District Judge?

The election of a new Circuit or District Court Judge is a rarity. Colbert County has certainly fielded a covey of candidates from all areas of the legal world. From reading various forums in the area, it would seem that many don't fully understand the role of District Judge. From The Guide to Alabama Courts:

District Courts have limited jurisdiction over certain types of civil and criminal cases.

Criminal cases handled by District Courts include most misdemeanors, some ordinance violations, preliminary hearings for felony cases, and guilty pleas in felony cases that do not include a death penalty.

Some misdemeanors and ordinance violations may be heard by Circuit Courts as lesser-included offenses in a felony case, or if an indictment for a misdemeanor has been returned by a grand jury. District Courts will generally only handle ordinance violations if no Municipal Court exists in the area, and shares jurisdiction with Municipal Courts over criminal acts that violate state laws but can also be prosecuted as municipal ordinance violations.

Civil cases handled by District Courts include general civil cases when the amount in dispute is less than $10,000, excluding interest and costs. District Courts share jurisdiction with Circuit Courts over most civil cases that involve amounts in dispute between $3000 and $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs. District Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over Small Claims cases, which are most civil cases that involve less than $3000 in dispute, excluding interest and costs.

District Courts share jurisdiction over juvenile cases with Circuit Courts and can receive certain cases, such as adoptions, from the Probate Court if a proper request is made and granted. When Circuit Courts or District Courts hear juvenile cases, these judges sit as a Juvenile Court and a separate docket is maintained.

District Courts offer a simplified Small Claims procedure for eligible cases involving less than $3000 in dispute. Cases that are beyond the limits of District Court jurisdiction are heard in Circuit Courts, even if the amount of money in dispute is less than $3000. For example, District Courts do not have jurisdiction over certain types of equitable relief, including declaratory judgments, and District Courts are prohibited from exercising jurisdiction over certain types of cases, including actions for negligence against municipalities.

Now that we all know exactly what a District Judge does, who will do it best for Colbert County? We have stated before that Chad Coker and Tina Parker have been the front runners in this contest for quite some time. A close third is Tim Milam, followed by Polly Ruggles and Nathan Johnson.

Both Parker and Coker have impeccable legal credentials, as well as a strong sense of social responsibility. We think that both are destined to serve Colbert County for years to come. At this particular time, after much consideration, we endorse Tina Miller Parker for Colbert County District Judge.

*****

A few years ago, a neighboring county held a large political rally. One candidate, a man who sought the office of Lt. Governor, stood before the vast audience and spoke. At the end of his speech, he asked that those present would vote for him. He then asked that if they could not find it in their hearts to vote for him for Lt. Governor, at least not to vote for Luther Strange.

We have a similar request of you, our readers, today. We don't believe all the strange tales that come to us via e-mail, but when person after person, from all walks of life, e-mail us accounts of dirty campaigning by one individual, then--yes--we believe them to be true.

If you can't find it in your heart to vote for Tina Parker, we humbly ask you to vote for Chad Coker, or to vote for Polly Ruggles or Nathan Johnson. As someone said, if a candidate is this dishonest during an election, what would he be like if elected judge.


Shoalanda

Tina Parker - A Woman of Vision

Billy Underwood, Democratic Party leader in Colbert County, has pronounced the election for District Court Judge to be the one to follow this year. Five candidates are vying to succeed Judge George Carpenter, not counting the unopposed Republican whom we have not as yet profiled.

We have previously received personal communications from Chad Coker, Tim Milam, and Tina Parker; our sources show Coker and Parker as the front runners. Our original showcase of Parker was in July of last year, and since that time the citizens have asked many insightful questions of all the candidates. Today we bring you an update from Tina Miller Parker:

BIO

I am a native of Colbert County, born in 1970 and raised in Muscle Shoals, where I still live today. My parents are Jerry Miller, originally from Florence, and Sue Russell Miller, originally from Tuscumbia. My maternal great grandparents were raised in Cherokee before they married and moved to Sheffield. I have one brother, Jeff, who is married to the former Stephanie Kimbrough from Leighton.

I am a licensed attorney practicing primarily in the areas of personal injury, family law, consumer bankruptcy, and workers’ compensation. I was raised in a blue collar family, and through them I learned the value of hard work. I have never been afraid of long hours, and I earned my law degree by attending classes at night while working full time during the day as a paralegal. I began practicing law in April 2002 for a large insurance defense firm before I began representing injured people in 2005. I have experience handling civil and criminal cases in both District Court and Circuit Court, and I would love to take that balanced experience with me to the District Court Judge’s office.

Between graduating from UNA in 1993 and starting law school, I earned a childhood development certification from Northwest-Shoals Community College, and I opened and directed Kid Safari Child Care in Muscle Shoals, where my staff of 13 and I cared for 85 children. I spend a large amount of my spare time giving back to the community by volunteering for local organizations, mainly those that support our community’s children. I serve as the President of C.A.S.A. (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Colbert County, where we pair trained volunteers with abused and neglected children and advocate for those children through the judicial system. I serve on the board of directors for the Shoals Optimist Club, another youth organization, and I have volunteered and raised funds for Safeplace, Habitat for Humanity, and P.A.W.S. (Pets are Worth Saving) of the Shoals.

VISION FOR THE DISTRICT COURT

There is no question that the new Colbert County District Court Judge will have big shoes to fill. Judge Carpenter has enjoyed five terms on the bench. I had the experience of winning one of my very first trials as a new lawyer in his court, and he was fair and respectful. Judge Carpenter is responsible for a very large docket of cases each year. In addition to hearing traffic cases and other misdemeanors, he also hears juvenile cases, evictions, and civil cases involving monetary damages up to $10,000 in value.

One of my goals for the District Judge’s office, should the voters in Colbert County allow me the privilege, is to organize the voluminous traffic court docket in such a manner that people do not have to take an entire morning or afternoon off work for a court appearance. One way this could be accomplished would be by dividing the docket alphabetically by last name into two or three groups, staggering the court date and time for each of these groups.

I would also like to separate the DUI docket from the other traffic docket and invite guest speakers whose lives have been permanently changed as a result of DUI-related crashes to address the DUI defendants. I have spoken to local people who have lost loved ones in DUI-related accidents who are eager to participate in this program. So many people, and young adults in particular, have the mind set that they are invincible. My hope is that, through this program, we can reduce the number of repeat DUI offenders in Colbert County.

Last, but certainly not least, I would like to start a juvenile drug court in our county. We have a program for adult offenders, but we need a program for young people who are starting down a slippery slope of drug or alcohol abuse. A juvenile drug court would place nonviolent youthful offenders in a community corrections program, provide them with much-needed counseling, and require them to perform community service and undergo random drug testing and strict monitoring. If a juvenile fails to complete the program, he or she is still subject to being placed in a detention center. But if a juvenile successfully completes the program, we have one less delinquent breaking into cars or homes to steal for drug money, or driving under the influence and placing innocent folks in danger, and we have one more good, contributing member of society. We have a successful juvenile drug courts already in place in our state, and we could benefit from this program in our county.

A good judge is one who treats every man, woman, and child who comes before her or him with respect, whether they are rich or poor, black or white, young or old. When it comes to a judge, people deserve equal access to the system, a speedy trial and ruling, and fair, unbiased decisions that are based upon the law and the facts of each individual case. A good judge will have an open door to listen to the concerns of the citizens in the county. Judges are granted much discretion under the law, but a good judge will not abuse that discretion. A good judge will manage the courtroom and docket efficiently and will always be mindful of the fact that she or he is a servant of the citizens. I respectfully ask for your support and for your vote on June 1st.

Tomorrow: An endorsement

Shoalanda

Tim Milam Gives 30K to His Campaign

While other Democratic candidates for the Colbert County District Judgeship have given their campaigns between one and three thousand dollars, the ShoalsInsider is reporting that Tim Milam has bankrolled his attempt to succeed Judge George Carpenter with thirty thousand of his own bucks. Perhaps this is why Milam is so sure of a place in the run-off that his campaign is sponsoring at least one event after the June 1st primary.

Our sources show Chad Coker and Tina Parker as the front-runners, but the election is still four weeks away. We're looking for an expensive media blitz from Milam. Wonder if his ads will mention that he had the forethought to have children?

*****

Apparently family members of those currently housed in Sheffield City Jail have complained about the lack of three meals a day. While penal institutions in the State of Alabama are required to furnish only two meals per day, all other jails in the area manage to offer the standard three.

A spokesman for the city states that the diminished number of meals is due to the high census of prisoners currently incarcerated in Sheffield. We doubt that this city has more prisoners than any other jail in the Shoals; perhaps the dietitian needs a few pointers on stretching food dollars?

More to the point, do prisoners deserve three meals a day? There's a great variety of inmates in local jails. We personally feel that child molesters should be beaten every hour on the hour for the duration of their stay, and that's just for starters.

Yet not all prisoners are on the same illegal and immoral plane as those who use children for their personal perverted pleasure. Many who are incarcerated have made a mistake--a mistake they will never make again. These people do not deserve to be starved just because they're at the mercy of the state, county, or city. We suggest that Sheffield City Jail administrators rethink their policy.


Tomorrow: More on the race for Alabama Senate Place 1

Shoalanda

More on Chad Coker

We're pleased to present the vision statement of Chad Coker, candidate for Colbert County District Judge, along with additional biographical material:

Biographical Information:

This year I will celebrate my seventh wedding anniversary with my wife, Catherine. She teaches nineteen first graders at G.W. Trenholm Primary School in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Catherine loves her job and the children that she inspires. This is her sixth year to teach. Catherine and I have not been blessed with children yet but we are the proud aunt and uncle to our four nephews (soon to be five) and one niece, all under the age of ten. We await God’s blessing and fully understand that his plan always works.

My parents are Don and Arweeda Coker. Both of my parents were born in different communities outside of Tupelo, Mississippi. Both were reared on farms and were the first in their families to graduate from college. My dad graduated from Florence State University and my mother from Blue Mountain College and Mississippi State University. My parent’s degrees were in education. My father started his career teaching and coaching basketball in Lexington. His career led him to Sulligent and then to Pell City, Alabama. After 26 years of teaching and educating, my parents retired from the Alabama public school system. They then returned home to care for their aging parents and began teaching in Mississippi. My parents are now retired after 40 years of teaching numerous children throughout Alabama and Mississippi.

Vision Statement:

Upon graduating from the University of Alabama School of Law, I moved to Tuscumbia to serve as the law clerk. For a year and a half I researched the applicable law and wrote briefs for the two circuit court judges and Judge Carpenter. I believe that work experience prepared me for my own practice. On January 1, 2001, I began my law practice. I’m proud of the practice I have built representing clients in civil, criminal, domestic, probate and juvenile matters. I am also pleased with my work as Municipal Court Judge for the City of Russellville and the Town of Cherokee.

I have practiced in most of the courts throughout our area. I have seen good judges and I know their traits. They are fair, firm and yet compassionate when the situation calls for it, and most importantly, curious about the law. The best judges are those that are as equally prepared to discuss the merits of the case when the lawyers approach the bench. I believe that the District Court in Colbert County, under Judge Carpenter’s leadership, is well run and as fair a courtroom as you will find in the Shoals area. I want to continue in that tradition.

I feel that too often any candidate running for office espouses change when they might not really fully grasp why the system is working the way that it is. There are over 15,000 cases filed each year in the District Court of Colbert County. The system that is in place in that office has evolved over time to address that increase in volume. There are certainly things that can be improved upon to make things more efficient such as the move to go paperless. Judge Carpenter, despite being one of the longest serving judges in the state, has embraced this move whole heartedly. I could not agree more. It will save the state resources, time and taxpayer’s dollars. I would hope that the county might consider implementing video conferencing whereby criminal arraignments and bond hearings could be held via a video monitor from the jail thus negating the need of the sheriff’s department using manpower and resources in transporting the criminal defendants to the courtroom. I think these are small measures which can be expanded to make the court more efficient and cost effective.

In Colbert County, the District Court Judge serves as the Juvenile Court Judge. It is my involvement in juvenile court cases which have been the most rewarding to me. I’ve handled over 700 of these juvenile cases which have been either custody or delinquency matters. I have represented the rights of parents but also served as an advocate for children in the role of Guardian ad Litem. The State of Alabama now requires certification and continued retraining to serve as a Guardian ad Litem. I have continued to remain certified since the inception of that requirement. Through the role of Guardian ad Litem, I have worked with the Department of Human Resources on hundreds of occasions. In cases where the child has been removed from the home and placed into foster care, I believe that it is equally important that DHR be held accountable to make sure all available resources are being used to reunite that parent and the child. Just as the parents are to be held accountable and follow certain guidelines, so should the State of Alabama operating through the Department of Human Resources.

The next District Court Judge will have an incredible responsibility in hearing these juvenile cases. Often times that child is too young to express his or her own concerns. Too many cases continue to come before the court where the parents are choosing drugs over the safety of their children. You continue to see a cycle of children having children and they are immature and ill-prepared as parents. They are signing on for the toughest job in the world, to be a parent, and they do not have the basic skills to ever begin that journey. As a court, we need to make sure these parents are given an opportunity to gain these skills while keeping the children safe from any neglect. We do need to consider the implementation of additional parenting programs and continue to support the Court Appointed Special Advocate (C.A.S.A.) program which continues to grow in Colbert County. We also need to take full advantage of the Children’s Policy Council and use this group to enhance and increase the resources available to the children of our community. I believe the juvenile court should consider the establishment of a mentoring program for troubled youth that come before the court on truancy or delinquency charges. There are numerous homes throughout our communities where there are too few role models. By placing community leaders and volunteers into mentoring roles for these youth, it can only help the situation and hopefully break a cycle of delinquent behavior.

Finally, as District Judge, I’m going to be fair. The words “innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt” should mean something to all of us. Just because someone is charged with a crime does not mean they are guilty. It is the burden of the state to prove that guilt. The facts, applied to the law, must support the conviction. Our court system can never become a place where one side is favored over the other. The courtroom must remain a fair, neutral ground where cases are decided based upon the laws of this state and country.

As the next District Judge, I’m going to run my courtroom according to the rule of law. I’ll be firm but fair. I’ll rule quickly because I understand that each of those 15,000 files that I see every year impact our citizen’s lives. I understand that my rulings may carry drastic consequences for those individuals and their families. It is an incredible responsibility that I won’t take lightly.

Note: It's refreshing that Mr. Coker is one of the candidates in this race that doesn't see the need to smear the names of others and that he has a good grasp on the need change does or doesn't need to play in today's court system.

Shoalanda

We've Heard of Glad-Handing, but Glad-Hugging?

Since much has recently been made of Roger Bedford's close relationship with Chad Coker's family in Lamar County, we thought we'd see just who else is close to the King of Pork. If you don't recognize her, that's Candy Haddock, Democratic candidate for the District 1 House seat being vacated by Tammy Irons.

Speaking of that race, is Hermon Graham still in the running?


What's up with this: Anyone noticed Tammy Irons' billboard on Woodward Avenue? Not the best placement--blocking Tammy's face is Little Caesar of pizza fame. Well, his namesake was a much more astute politician.

Shoalanda

Of Pastafarians and Colbert County District Judges

With slightly over three months until the primary election, the gloves are beginning to come off for some candidates and their supporters. Actually, one Colbert County District Judge candidate apparently never donned any gloves to doff at the appropriate minute.

Our question today is "Can a Pastafarian be a good Colbert County District Judge?" If you don't know what a Pastafarian is, that's why we have Google. Can he or she be a competent judge? Absolutely. That does not mean that we would vote for such a person, but we have the sensibilities to know that even Pastafarians have the mental capabilities to execute the office of District Judge in Alabama.

We have not officially endorsed any candidate in the Colbert County race (or the race for District Judge in Lauderdale where the campaign remains as quiet as a courthouse cordless mouse); however, we have been seriously surprised by some recent comments concerning Democratic hopeful Chad Coker. Coker is, don't faint, not originally from Colbert County. Wait...it's not over...it seems that Coker may have blue blood. With the exception of the stray Vulcan strolling Montgomery Avenue, we were under the impression that all Colbert Countians had blood of various hues of red--even the Auburn fans.

Those who choose to debate the Colbert County District Judge's race on such trivial and misguided excuses for issues do nothing but reinforce outsiders' opinions of us in haystack-filled Alabama. Yes, a native of Lamar County is just as qualified to serve as Colbert County District Judge as anyone born at Helen Keller Hospital.

Second, those who condemn Judge Carpenter for privately endorsing a certain candidate should remember that if he can be banned from such speech, then Shoalanda can be forced to remain quiet on the subject. If Shoalanda can be muzzled on political endorsements, then so can you, gentle reader. It's a slippery slope.

You may choose to vote for Chad Coker, Lamar County native, or not to vote for him, but please do so on other issues than the location of his nativity. That being said, District Judges cannot sentence anyone to death, stop abortion, or enforce nuclear weapon bans. Bone up on the office and the candidates. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing; let's all live dangerously.


Remembrances: If you have any anecdotes concerning Bill Allgood, sometimes known as Harvey or Cliffy, please send them to us. We will be dedicating a column to this cyberspace icon in the near future.

Shoalanda

Nathan Johnson Seeks Colbert Office

Leighton native Nathan Johnson has joined a growing field of Democratic candidates attempting to succeed Colbert District Judge George Carpenter. Previously, Johnson has unsuccessfully sought the offices of legal counsel for the Colbert County School Board and Colbert County District Attorney.

Currently, Johnson serves as city attorney for his hometown of Leighton as well as engaging in an active criminal defense practice. Some of Johnson's more controversial clients have been Elias Devila, convicted of raping a ten year-old girl, and Kenneth Quillen, convicted of sexual abuse of a three year-old child.

A 1997 graduate of the University of Alabama Law School, Nathan Johnson currently practices in Sheffield. He will face Chad Coker, Tina Miller Parker, and Polly Ruggles in the June 2010 primary.


What's up with this: If you owe any past due court costs in Lauderdale County, Chris Connolly will soon be sending you an offer you can't refuse: Pay up or face 10 days in jail. It's certainly good for the county to be actively seeking this revenue, but does an actual jail sentence help the debtor in his or her repayment attempts?

Shoalanda

Tim Milam Announces for Colbert District Judge

Shoals attorney Tim Milam has announced his candidacy for Colbert County District Judge. Milam will be running as a Democrat in his quest to succeed retiring Judge George Carpenter. He joins a large covey of candidates that includes Chad Coker, Tina Miller Parker, and Polly Ruggles.

We have not received any personal word from Mr. Milam concerning his platform, but the following was posted in the official Facebook site he requested we join:

You would not believe what other people are telling me that other people are doing. They should be embarassed (sic), but are not. I have not changed one thing in my life because I am trying to serve the community by being the Judge. I want to be positive about the election and myself instead of negative about others, so I dont (sic) talk about the other things going on. I am a lifelong Democrat running as a Democrat. However, I have life long republicans that are telling me they will vote for me and help but they cannot do it publicly. I am proud that not only Democrats are voting for me. I am the most experienced person running and will stand on my record. I think it is important to have a broad background and work experience for the District Court Judge.

Milam at one time practiced corporate law in Florence. We wish him luck in this pivotal Shoals race--with the large and accomplished field of candidates, he will need it.


Notice: A trust fund has been set up at Bank Independent for the family of the late Sammy Tidwell. One may donate at any branch. Mr. Tidwell was well known in the world of Shoals cyberspace, and we offer our sincerest condolences to his family.

Shoalanda

Chad B. Coker - On Inside Track for Colbert District Judge?

Is Tuscumbia attorney Chad B. Coker destined to become the next Colbert County District Judge? Many think so, partially due to his association with current judge George Carpenter. Carpenter's son Andrew was law partner to Coker at the time of his death, and the elder Carpenter and Coker have remained close friends.

Like Polly Ruggles, Coker currently toils as a municipal judge. Officiating at both Russellville and Cherokee Municipal Courts, Coker also is prominent among Colbert County divorce attorneys and volunteers in the C.A.S.A. program. A graduate of the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, Coker is president of the Colbert County Alumni Association.

Many use municipal judgeships to boost their chances for county offices, but Coker may have lessened his via association with the small town of Cherokee. For many years Tuscumbia attorney Ben Gardner served as city judge for that rural Colbert town, only to be terminated by Mayor Mignon Willis, a friend of Coker who chose him to replace the popular Gardner.

We look forward to hearing Chad Coker's vision for Colbert County when he speaks at the Shoals Democratic Club Monday night.


What's up with this: Lauderdale County teacher Allen Wilson avoided an assault conviction Friday. Apparently it's all right for one teacher to strike another on school premises--just not so all right for a parent to do it.