An Endorsement--Then Off to Cherokee

Tammy Irons, currently Place 1 representative, would like to become the senator for Alabama District 1. Irons has a large political machine in place, as well as a more than adequate campaign chest. Does that mean no one can beat her? No, but it does mean that it will take some work.

We believe that Democratic candidate Ryan Clayton, featured in Sunday's blog, has a strong platform. More importantly, we believe that Clayton is ethical and not entrenched in the proverbial good ol' boys' network.

For more about Ryan Clayton, please visit his website or contact him in person. We believe the Shoals can make its voice heard in Montgomery and that Ryan Clayton is the best Democrat to embody that voice.

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Ah, now off to Cherokee where the water board met Monday night. From an unbiased observer:

The Cherokee Water board had a meeting today. Former Mayor Mignon Willis was present. Miss Willis made a motion to have all water board members' names and phone numbers posted at the water department for the public. The motion passed. Miss Willis then made a motion to have the department's bylaws looked at and rewritten; the motion passed. Miss Willis further made a motion to cut the water rates by 9%, but this motion failed to receive a second. The motion died.

Water board attorney Rebecca Narmore Pace advised Miss Willis to stop harassing the water board office clerk Nancy. Miss Willis stated she had not harassed anyone, and an argument broke out. Board Member Rutland made a motion to end the meeting during the argument. The motion passed, ending the meeting.

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Life beyond Cherokee City Hall goes on:

Colbert County East-West All Star High School Baseball game: Monday, May 10th, at 5:30 p.m. at Sheffield High School Baseball field. Sponsored by Cherokee Lions Club. Players from six High School Teams: Colbert County, Colbert Heights, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Covenant Christian, and Cherokee.

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Thanks to all who have become fans of Trader Evaluates on Facebook. The blog now features a recipe of the day, as well as a cooking game guaranteed to make vegetarians cringe, but non-meat eaters needn't worry--Trader will be changing out the game monthly.

Coming soon: A review of Sparky's Drive-In in Valdosta.


Shoalanda

Ryan Clayton, Candidate for Alabama Senate Place 1

A word from Ryan Clayton, Democratic candidate for Alabama Senate Place 1. Clayton will face Tammy Irons in the primary in a bid to succeed retiring Sen. Bobby Denton (D).

I am running to be the Democratic Party’s candidate for Alabama State Senate, District One. I consider myself a Christian Conservative Democrat and in that order. My campaign has been grassroots at its foundation, but make no mistake that it has been a very powerful and wide-reaching effort. I see this campaign as an opportunity to bring new ideas and leadership to Montgomery.

If elected, I will work on bringing more of our tax dollars home for improvements to our infrastructure, schools, fire/rescue departments and local law enforcement. I will support state economic development efforts that create good-paying jobs for as many Alabamians as possible. I will work to place an emphasis and focus on our state education plan to update our schools and invest in good teachers. I will also use the experiences I have gained from my medical sales career to provide leadership to seek out innovative programs to solve Alabama's health care issues.

More importantly I think that it's critical that we change the direction of state government and begin forging a new path. I believe that an elected leader should first and foremost be a servant. Unfortunately, too many elected officials use their public office for personal and financial gain. We too often read news stories about their lack of integrity, fiscal irresponsibility, and unethical behavior. This is a chance for me to serve the community that has blessed me with opportunity and success. The people of the Shoals deserve legislators who will put the public trust ahead of personal ambitions. I want to work for the people of our district and have a positive impact on our community.


What's up with this: We had planned to take some photos of the new Florence fountain located just outside Legends Steakhouse; however, construction on the new Mobile Plaza paving project has already begun. In other words, it's not too attractive at the moment with all the loose concrete, saw horses, and other construction paraphernalia. We hope to bring you some pics of Andy Brown's masterpiece in the near future.

Shoalanda