Murder Mart?

 

You've heard of the Stop 'n' Rob stores? It seems there's a new franchise in Florence and our mayor isn't shy about mentioning it when he forgets anyone is listening.

The District 1 mini-mart sits just two blocks off Court Street, but it has developed a so-so reputation for drugs and violence. While in a small public meeting, Andy Betterton didn't hesitate to call the store a "Murder Mart." This was not the most brilliant move he's ever made.

Now council candidate Stephanie Harvey is calling Handy Dandy Andy out over his miscue. Will he apologize?

Stay tuned...

Andy's Van?

 

ATTACK OF THE SHELTER ANIMALS

Florence mayor Andy Betterton is donating a City van to a volunteer group. It's the older of two the shelter currently uses, and we've been told not in the best condition. Everyone be sure to tell Andy how much you appreciate it.

*****

The rescue group from Wisconsin has visited this weekend, leaving with around 20 animals. What does its van look like? Here's a snap:

You'll notice the van is leaving our shelter. It's a nice building, isn't it? It was accomplished, at least 90%, by Mayor Steve Holt, who has a wonderful legacy.

When Andy leaves next Fall...and he will...what will his legacy be? 

*****

 

Florence needs a strong, yet approachable, mayor. Currently, six candidates are in the running. We do hear that Andy may decide to revert to a city council seat. He won't win that either.

It's still early, but we'll be looking at various candidates across the Shoals in the next few days. We plan to give honest feedback on these office-seekers; it should be interesting.

SHOWING ANDY THE DOOR

Signing the Petition Helps Prevent "Immorality"

 

 

We honestly believe some of our readers must work at the Ministry of Truth. One long-time critic recently called a petition to stop euthanasia at the Florence shelter "immoral." Our blog was also immoral for linking it on Facebook, not to mention cowardly for taking on the mayor. 

This same reader went on to criticize the woman who composed the petition for misspelling a word in her hurry to post the document. Needless to say, he's now banned, not so much for his attack on us, but for his remarks about a tireless animal advocate.

If you've come in late, Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services has been transporting animals to rescues in large northern cities for around 15 years. The mayor's stepdaughter, who called the transports "illegal," also tried to blame Mayor Steve Holt for initiating this policy. Mayor Holt accomplished many wonderful things while in office, but that particular policy was already in place when he took office.

And how about Handy Dandy Andy? Hasn't he been in office for well over four years? Why is he just now objecting to these rescue transports? Does he want one last twist of the knife before he leaves office in the Fall? 

We hope the petition, while it can't influence impeachment in a city the size of Florence, will let Andy know he needs to retire to his nap corner for the next six months. We also hope everyone will make an effort to attend the city council meeting on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. and present your thoughts about the real immorality - killing hundreds of innocent dogs.

Hold Andy Betterton Accountable

What Would Andy Do with the Money?

 

It appears that Andy Betterton is planning a run for a second term as mayor of Florence. This marks 30 years that the registered Democrat has been either running for or elected to public office. He has a war chest to prove it.

If the current Florence mayor should run and lose (the latter is pretty much a foregone conclusion), 2025 would likely be his last foray into politics. Whether he runs in 2025 or not, he will have to decide the disposition of his accumulated campaign funds.

Legally, he can donate the money to charity or pass it on to another candidate. If he should choose the latter, whom would be the beneficiary of Andy's generosity, should it be $10.00 or $10,000.00? We asked a political science guru who believes Betterton would donate the funds to the Democratic Party.

For those who have asked, no, Andy can't keep the money for personal use; however, the main takeaway here seems to be a cautionary tale. Be careful when donating money to a candidate. It may wind up where you would least want it.

When You're not "ELITE" Enough for Andy Betterton

 

Warning: This column contains strong opinions and personal bias based on experiences with our current mayor. If this offends you, don't read farther.

Have you read the latest TimesDaily article on Andy Betterton? It seems the mayor decided to favor a certain group of tourists because they are "elite." In fact, the word "elite" was used at least four times in the relatively short article. The tourists/regulars who weren't elite were kicked to the curb. Apparently Handy Dandy Andy saw nothing wrong with doing this and then bragging about it.

So, are we at Shoalanda elite? We doubt it. How about any of you reading out there? Not sure if you're among Florence's elite or not? Does that make us the Florence equivalent of Deplorable in card-carrying Democrat Andy's book? 

Think this is something new with Bigdaddy B? Think again. Let's return to the mid-nineties when Andy was a totally private person. Here's an interesting tale you might enjoy...

A UNA grad moved back to the Shoals after 20 years. He was more educated than Andy, smarter than Andy, and probably had more money than Andy. Alas, he certainly was not more dapper than bow-tied Andy. In other words, you wouldn't have mistaken this professional man for a GQ model.

Having been asked to attend a business reception, the newly returned gentleman saw this as a good way to make contacts. He was taken around and introduced to several in attendance. He later related that it was a pleasurable event until presented to Andy. As this man extended his hand, Andy walked off without a word. Why? Our only conclusion is that our friend was not dressed in an ELITE manner.

That was Andy Betterton 25 years ago. Has he changed that much over the decades...or is he still a sorry sack of snobbish excrement?

Moi?

The Citizens are Enraged & Andy Naps On

 

Situated on the north bank of the Tennessee River is McFarland Park. Located in the Florence park is a marina, a campground, and the city/county tourism offices. 

The campground is extremely popular and has been since its inception. It has always been a first come, first served venue...until this weekend. It seems Big Daddy Betterton has decided to evict some 25 paying campers to make way for some high roller bass anglers.

Tournaments bring in the dollars, Napping Nancy says. News flash: Evictions bring in the ill will. 

Some comments from Facebook:

That's not good business for the city.

Poor planning.

I would be furious. This is ridiculous!

Andy needs to put some lead in his loafers and act like a man.

That’s terrible and just so wrong on many levels. 

That just shows give someone a little power and they take advantage of it.

What idiots vote for these people??? Ugly always shows itself!

Democrat, isn't he?

Shouldn't have voted the democratic idiot in.

Might end up in a law suit.

Our thoughts? 

1. Handy Dandy Andy should remember that not everyone supports fishing. What's next? The Southeastern Wife Swappers' Club?

2. It's okay to change the rules from time to time, but when you tell one group that their money isn't as good as another group's, you should be prepared to accept the consequences.

Rating Napping Nancy on His First 100 Days

 

Napping Nancy? That's apparently what several city hall employees call Florence mayor Andy Betterton. Our take is that Handy Dandy Andy should work half-days until he regains his stamina after COVID. Of course, some could be referring to his oblivious lack of concern about the city.

Betterton is one of several new mayors who have rated themselves on their accomplishments during the first 100 days of their terms. Self-rating? Let's try something more objective, shall we?

1. Finances? Is losing the city $205,000.00 on ECM property deal.

2. Staffing? Refuses to listen to employee complaints, resulting in even more ill-will.

3. Animal Shelter? Hasn't made even a publicity appearance there. Funding remains at barely enough for half staff.

4. Monument? Not even a unique regurgitation of why it can't be legally moved.

5. Passing the Buck? Aha! We finally have something Andy excels at.

So, how do we rate Napping Nancy?

Andy Betterton has Some Serious 'Splainin to Do!

 

Those who are regular readers of our blog know that we have for some years lobbied for either a balancing memorial at the Lauderdale County Courthouse or the removal of the current CSA monument to the Florence City Cemetery. Our take on the current situation is that it's the Lauderdale County Commission barring the removal at this time.

It's also our take that the current standoff between the city and county will be solved only by the repeal of the 2017 monument legislation that forbids such a relocation. Cost? If the law is repealed, there will be no fine, only the actual removal charges that the city would pay to complete this task legally. With city workers to perform the removal, it shouldn't be an astronomical cost.

So what's new? It seems a relocation is in the works, legal or otherwise:

As of earlier this month, the platform for the monument is at least partially complete. Cart before the horse? Why is Handy Dandy Andy so sure the monument is about to be moved? Is "in the dark of the night" included in this scenario? Is this why a new city council member publicly stated Florence's mayor isn't afraid of anyone's wrath? 

Breaking the law, whether illegally moving monuments or assisting in ANY illegal activity, would appear to many to be offenses that would preclude public office...

Handy Dandy Andy Goes to the Mall

 

We're not totally sure what Andy's half of this conversation is about, but here it is:

Now we're visualizing something like this in weeks to come...

Andy: Hi. I'm your new handy, dandy mayor Andy and I want some more stores in here.

Mall: You and us both, bub.

Andy: So when can we expect new tenants?

Mall: Just look out the window from time to time, When you see the flying pork, you'll know we have new tenants.

Andy: Maybe you don't understand. Just lower your rent.

Mall: Oh, sure. Got it. One thing, how do you expect us to pay the taxes and insurance and utilities when we do that?

Andy: Not my problem. I'm your mayor and I'm telling you to do it.

Mall: I tell you what, why don't we just lower the walls around here to parking lot level and sell the parking lot. Then we won't have to deal with you. How's that?

(Hey, we didn't vote for him; we have every right to laugh at him.)