Tim Milam - Pro & Con (A Special Report)

Note: We published at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, indicating that it would be our last political column before the election. At 11:48 Sunday night we received a guest commentary that was favorable to Tim Milam, candidate for Colbert County District Judge. We believe strongly that Memorial Day should be just that--a day to honor those who have given their lives for our country; however, when we informed the guest blog's author that her column would not be published until Tuesday, she implied we were dishonest in our request for blogs espousing a differing view from ours. Therefore, we are publishing a special blog for this pro-Milam article and including another recent submission that takes the opposite view.

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Time for a Leader in Colbert County

By Concerned Colbert County Mom

I fully support Tim Milam as being the next Colbert County Judge. He is an honest, hard working, Christian man that believes in obeying the law and doing whats right. So many have slandered this man, made false accusations, and told lies to try to discredit him personally. It has been brought out about Dallas, the truth has NOT been told about this situation. Dallas has no hard feelings toward the Milam's, he loves them and stays in contact with them regularly. The situation of Dallas no longer living with Tim Milam was not a decision of Tim making him leave, or "kicking him out", Dallas left on his own to explore life to his liking. During this campaign, people have gotten so ugly and nasty, without knowing the facts. It doesn't matter who gets hurt, whose reputation gets destroyed, or the impact these lies have played on the life of these candidates. It has all been about winning a vote. People I ask you to please stop the rumors, the lies, the hear say: If there is something you want to know about any of the candidates, by all means go to them and ask them. Don't listen to the garbage that is spreading on the forums, radio, papers. Pray and ask God to guide you in the right direction as you go to the polls Tuesday. And May God be with each of these candidates and see them through this election. I have made my choice, that's my right. Now you make yours, its your choice.

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The Devil Made Him Do It

By Chief Tuscumbia

Tomorrow: It's been suggested that because of apathy in the governor's race, there will be a low voter turn-out tomorrow. We sincerely hope that each registered voter in the Shoals will exercise his or her right and duty on Tuesday.

Shoalanda

Memorial Day 2010

Today is our nation's official observance of Memorial Day. Unfortunately, due to several hotly contested local races in tomorrow's primary, we've given little attention to this day, a day to honor our country's military who have died in service. Perhaps some readers missed our series of columns from last year; therefore, we will today give them a well-deserved encore.

Some Gay Ball?

Sammy Coker - He Died Twice for his Country

The Don Michael-Audie Murphy Bridge?

Lionel Terry - He Died to Protect an H-Bomb

Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives

Matthew D. Conley - He Never Saw His Daughter


As today we honor those who gave all for America, let us remember to pray for those who are currently serving our country.

Shoalanda

The Final Word: Three Guest Commentaries

This will be our last political blog before Tuesday's primary. We bring you a guest commentary from each county.

From Lauderdale:

Chad Holden: Ready to Lead on Day One

My wife and I, along with our son Conner, have certainly enjoyed meeting so many people in Lauderdale County since joining the race for Board of Education the very first week in February. After four months of visiting just about every town in the county, shaking many hands, eating a lot of fried fish, and enjoying a fine breakfast every Saturday morning, we are now only days away from the June 1 primary.

As I said to a group of folks assembled in Waterloo last week, the candidates are all making "closing arguments" now as we near election day. I will take a moment to say that voters have a tremendous list of qualified men and women who care deeply about Lauderdale County on the ballot in 2010. I have come to know and call "friend" just about every local candidate on the ballot, and I can honestly say it will be a tough choice when casting my votes this year. All the candidates are winners in my mind.

The candidates running for Board of Education will be the last to appear on the Democratic ballot. However, I believe the two school board seats are among the most important decisions voters will make this year. What a great opportunity voters have to make a change on the board of education! Two open seats, no incumbents, and six good candidates. Now comes the hard part: choosing the "best" from among the "good."

In my final request for your vote, I ask everyone to take a serious look at all the candidates for the school board. As I have listened to the voters, the consensus is clear: people are ready for change. People do not want "more of the same." The citizens of Lauderdale County are hungry for school board members who have a passion for public education and understand what it takes to educate our children. People are tired of the "politics-as-usual" and want the school board to put education first. I genuinely believe that I am the only candidate running for Place 2 who represents "real change" and offers a perspective that no other candidate can offer a full-time classroom teacher on the front lines of education every day.

My opponent claims to be the only one with a "vested interest" in our schools since his children are enrolled in the Lauderdale system. My "vested interest" is a one-year-old son named Conner who will be in school soon enough. This race is not a competition about which candidate has the oldest children or the most children. The issues facing our schools are much bigger than that. This is not about me, my family, or my own community. It is about electing board members who are trained and ready to lead a school system with 1,000 employees and over 8,000 students. It is about electing board members who have the education and training necessary to make decisions about curricular and extracurricular matters, as well as the tremendous budgeting challenges our school board faces.

I am a Christian leader, husband, and father. I am a classroom teacher, certified administrator, and an officer in the Alabama Education Association. As an advocate for public education both at home and in Montgomery, I have a good working relationship with our state legislators and AEA officials which will benefit our schools if elected. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and be the voice speaking for you, fighting the good fight, and putting education first.

To do that, I need your vote on Tuesday, June 1. I humbly ask that you consider my qualifications, experience, and passion for education and cast your vote for CHAD HOLDEN for School Board Place 2.

Thank you for taking the time to educate yourself about the election this year, and by all means, pray for the candidates and their families.

Chad Holden
Candidate for School Board Place 2
Lauderdale County


From Franklin:

Chief Jeff Masterson


From Colbert:

He Knows Which Children Are Worth Saving

by Tuscumbia Tom

Yes, Tim Milam relinquished custody of an adopted son, but he kept the boy's sister. That tells me he knows which children are worth saving and which ones aren't.

Tim Milam will use this same judgment in family court. We need a District Judge that will be able to decide which children are worth saving. It's a hard choice, but Milam has demonstrated he's able to weed out the chaff in his own family and can do the same in court. We don't need bleeding hearts that think every child is basically good. They aren't.


Tomorrow is the official observance of Memorial Day...then the election. We hope that each voter will pray to ask God's guidance as they make their decisions and mark their ballots.

Shoalanda

It's Almost Over

We thoroughly agree with our friend Matt Osborne that it will be refreshing when the Alabama Primary is officially over. Of course, then begins the...sigh...runoff season. Let's see where we are with other recent issues.

Over: Sandra Killen-Burroughs is now officially the newest member of the Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Board. Look for Sandra to continue her rise up the political ladder.

Almost Over: Paige Hite McWilliams has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for her theft of Cherokee Library funds. McWilliams is seeking probation, while Special Prosecutor Doug Evans is asking for the full sentence. Apparently, Evans has no desire to allow the former library director even work release status since she has been ordered to repay the stolen funds within 30 days. We feel McWilliams has suffered enough humiliation. If the missing money is repaid promptly, surely probation would better serve both her and the public.

Who Knows When It Will Be Over: A preliminary hearing for UNA nursing student Andrew Daniel Scott of Killen was held Monday in Lauderdale County District Court. Scott, who was arrested in February on charges of possession of a controlled substance(s) non-marijuana and drug paraphernalia now faces a grand jury indictment. His appeal in the adoption of his biological son will be held next month.

Doubtful that It Will Ever Be Over: Donald Wayne Darling II has been arrested again--this time for domestic violence and assault.

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For those of you who have been caught up in the current "Click-it or Ticket" campaign, we present Junior Brown...




Trader Evaluates: Check out Trader's newest blog.

Shoalanda

Colbert Sheriff Ronnie May: Worried?

Ronnie May: Worried?

A Guest Commentary By

C. R.

The “Click It or Ticket It” traffic safety program has returned to our roads again. The "Click It or Ticket" campaign is set to run from May 24 through June 6, 2010. The mobilization, expected to involve more than 10,000 police agencies, is supported by $8 million in national advertising funded through Congress and coordinated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The program focuses on seat belt use, DUI, and aggressive driving. This program is a valuable tool to help local law enforcement lower the death rates on our highways during holiday periods. The program is paid for by a grant and costs the sheriff’s office nothing.

Most local law enforcement agencies are involved with this program except one. The Colbert County Sheriff’s Office turned down the opportunity to be included in the May 24 through June 6, 2010, program. The sheriff’s office has participated in the program before. When several deputies started to ask where was the sign up sheet for the program, they were informed by a supervisor that the program was canceled this time because it was an election year and the sheriff was afraid to offend someone.

I guess the sheriff is more worried about re-election than protection of the citizens.

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The Shoals Republican Club along with Shoals2DC will host a candidate cookout for all Republican candidates on the state, local, and federal levels on Friday, May 28th from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McFarland Park, Picnic Shelter #2. McFarland Park is located on the northern shore of the Tennessee River in Florence off Alabama Highway 20 at the intersection of U.S. 72 before O’Neal Bridge.

All Alabama Republican candidates on the state, local, and federal levels have been invited to attend. The event is open to the public and free. Come out and meet the candidates. This is your opportunity to ask the candidates about themselves and the important issues facing our country, the state and the Shoals area. The Republican Primary is Tuesday, June 1st. The Shoals Republican Club meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month. All meetings of the Shoals Republican Club are open to the public. For more information, contact Shoals Republican Club President William Smith at (256) 767-4529, or ShoalsRepublicanClub@gmail.com.

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Most recent release from Jeff Masterson, showing presumably questionable use of campaign funds by HD 18 Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow: Link

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Florence attorney Greg Burdine, Florence City Councilman Hermon Graham, and Florence businesswoman Candy Haddock are seeking the Democratic nomination for Alabama House District 1. Haddock has few political connections and is a very dark horse. Graham has demonstrated from past behavior that he is far from a team player. That leaves Burdine, who does have the education and political contacts to represent this district.

We have previously asked Burdine for a vision statement and have received no response; therefore, we will not endorse anyone in the Democratic Primary. We make no secret that we feel Republican Brad Holmes is the man for the job.


Shoalanda

Masterson v. Morrow: Where Does the Truth Lie?

Photo courtesy of Alfa

Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow has deep roots in Red Bay. Pictured above at his 300 acre Cypress Cove Farm, the former economics instructor at Northwest-Shoals Community College has come under fire this week for misappropriating over 77K of taxpayer dollars for his Franklin County farm. One of four children, Morrow is the only one to remain in Red Bay, where he resides on property that has been in his family for generations. Sources say with the property inherited from his parents and uncle, along came the financial means to keep up the land. So, why would Morrow risk everything for what might be a rather trivial amount to him?

Perhaps he hasn't. Sources say Morrow has taken out an ad in the Red Bay newspaper claiming that accusations by his opponent Jeff Masterson are motivated by more than Masterson's desire for the HD 18 seat; Morrow blames Indian casinos in Mississippi for much of the hubbub over state money spent on his land--land at least partially leased by the Bear Creek Development Authority to use for educational purposes. Besides the annual "Farm Week," local school children are welcome one day each month at Cypress Cove.

Seventy-seven thousand dollars for 16 days a year of education/entertainment at a venue where exhibits from the private sector also regularly set up? There must be something in the water in Montgomery...

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Jeff Masterson's response to Morrow and the Bear Creek Development Authority:

Today the board members of the Bear Creek Development Authority attacked the Masterson Campaign for telling the truth. The board members claim that the Masterson ads “harm the good name not only of BCDA, but also of the teachers...” The Masterson radio ad...does not mention the Bear Creek Development Authority or any teachers. There are absolutely no claims of any wrongdoing on the part of anyone except Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow.

“Iʼm disappointed that the fine members of the authority would try and distort what my campaign has been saying,” said Masterson. “All we have said is the truth, which is that Johnny Mack Morrow has used Community Service grants to build buildings, install an irrigation system and hire a worker for his farm. These expenditures are documented in his own handwriting and none of them are through Bear Creek.

"I once again call on Johnny Mack Morrow to return to the state the over $75,000 of taxpayer money he has misspent,” said Masterson.

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There are new additions at Judge Sandlin's Locker.

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The Shoals Republican Club will host a luncheon featuring Angela Laughlin and Dr. Gerald Freeman, candidates for Alabama Senate District 1. The luncheon will be at Ryan's in Florence at Noon today.

At this time, we are happy to endorse Dr. Gerald Freeman for the Republican nomination. Dr. Freeman has been a local physician for many years and will make a great and much-needed addition to the State Legislature.


Shoalanda

Tim Milam's Forgotten Son

The Forgotten Son

A Guest Commentary By

Hoffman Dean

The topic of children and family has been pointed out as an important issue among candidates in the Colbert County District Judge’s race. Although it has been mentioned in passing within several TimesDaily forums, I feel the need to draw direct attention to the following question:

“Where’s your forgotten son, Mr. Milam?”

Most people learn early in life, often from their parents, that it’s never a good idea to throw stones in a glass house. Mr. Milam apparently never grasped the meaning of that statement. Possibly, because his father was deceased and his relationship with his mother became extremely volatile. As for the reason, we may never really know. But maybe, just maybe, the oldest candidate in the Colbert county district judge’s race will learn this valuable life lesson now, before anyone else suffers the wrath of his dirty campaign tactics.

Tim Milam states, on several occasions and on various political marketing pieces, that he adopted THE CHILD of his deceased sister, who passed away after a lengthy battle with Cystic Fibrosis. The truth is that his niece and nephew were to be left with and cared for by his mother. Mr. Milam and his wife, as evident in Colbert County court records, sued his mother for custody of his sister’s two children, a boy and a girl. So I ask you now, concerned voters of Colbert County, what kind of man, what kind of father, rips a family apart to gain custody of a child, and parents that young child, only to give him away a few years later? The same man who sues the woman who gave everything to raise him on her own. The same man who never mentions his mother or the FORGOTTEN SON he gave away because of minor discipline issues. As for the evidence, follow these links and you will find personal photos of Tim Milam’s adopted son. The proof is in the captions.

Link One

Link Two

Link Three

Link Four

Link Five

In 2004 Dallas Milam was part of the Tim Milam family. He called Tim and his wife “Mom & Dad,” and Tim’s grandson was referred to as the boy's nephew. But just two short years later, he was no longer in the Deshler High School football program as part of the Milam family, he was living in Mississippi, playing football at a different high school, throwing up “gang signs” and referring to himself as “Lil Gotti.”

Link

How easy it is for a child to get lost in this world when parental guidance is absent in their lives. How important is a candidate’s relationship with their own family in regards to the their ability to weigh cases in family court?

If Tim Milam is elected judge, will the children of Colbert County be as disposable as his own FORGOTTEN SON?

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I just wanted to back up the statement that Tim's adopted son has been repeatedly left out of any and all political statements made by the Milam camp (his words in red).

From his Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tim-W-Milam/113122411673?v=info

Interests: "My wife Sonia, my children; Nina, Hunter, Morgan and Myranda and my grand children, Grant and Ava! Im all about my famiily!"

From his ShoalsInsider release: http://shoalsinsider.com/clients/shoalsinsider/milam-touts-experience-p2584.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No

"I am a proud parent and grandparent of four kids and 2 grand kids. My life revolves around them and what sport/activity they are involved in."

and

"It is crucial for any District Court Judge to have children. I have biological children and have adopted a child. Until a person walks in the shoes they should not be allowed to Judge others. How can any person who does not have children be, qualified to decide all the issues for any child in District Court? I do not believe they can. A Judge should have their own children before they can understand how to treat someone else’s children. District Court Judge also hear adoptions under certain circumstances. I have handled many, many adoptions. Further, as stated above, I have adopted a child. Two of the other candidates do not even have children. None of the other candidates have ever adopted a child."

and

"My sister died of Cystic Fibrosis in April of 1999 and my wife and I adopted her child, Myranda, she attends Deshler middle school."

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More tomorrow on Johnny Mack Morrow. Until then we leave you with our favorite quote from this campaign. BFred in the TimesDaily Forums on Judge Jimmy Sandlin: "Once you get past the whole adultery and screwing over his family thing he's a pretty good guy."

Shoalanda