Interesting event at Scottsboro High School Auditorium. Announcements were made by Ms. Sheila Cornelison, Jackson County Democrat Club Vice President, that video taping would only be allowed by Scottsboro Electric Power Board's Ch 10. She also stated, "only the "media" will be allowed to take pictures during the forum." What the Democrat Party wants does not mean that is what the Democrat Party will get. I took pictures and made video.
The Candidates were, District 1: Mr. Darren Blizzard and Mr. Jack Smith; District 3: Mr. Carl Marona and Mr. Gaylen Stone; District 4: Mr. Horace Clemmons and Mr. Charles West, Mr West did not show up for the event.
There were 3 questions that were asked (paraphrased): 1) If elected will you fulfill your obligations of education for your office? 2) If elected what can you and the Commission do to recruit jobs. 3) The Jackson County Patriots group has not been forthcoming...what are your thoughts... are you a member of the "patriots" group? The groups web site:
http://jacksoncountypatriots.com/Judge Hambrick was going around making comments that the Patriots were attempting to "take over the courthouse...Darren Blizzard is a Lieutenant in the organization." Jack Smith during his answer of the last question made a comment attempting to tie the "patriots" to Timothy McVeigh by stating "...Timothy McVeigh was a 'patriot." The third question, the Judges comments around the auditorium and the comments by candidates concerning the "Patriots" turned this event into an Democrat Party anti "Jackson County Patriots Rally. " Now I must ask the question, was this another one of Lowell Barron's political tricks to demean citizens who do not agree with his ideas of Patriotism or attempts to diminish a campaign that is pointed at ending Mr. Barron's grip on Jackson County?
The 3rd question and Democrat Party politicians running around talking about the "patriots" detracted from the idea of a public election forum. I think the recognition of this group hurt Jack Smith and helped Darren Blizzard. However, Mr Blizzard did not deny he was a "patriot", he stated: "I am not a member of any secret organization." If Mr. Blizzard was a member it would have been better for him to admit it and explain the organizations goals.
Photos: (top to bottom) 1) Choosing the order of candidate presentations. 2) Empty Chair next to Mr Horrace Clemmons. Mr. West did not show up. 3) District 1 incumbent candidate Mr. Darren Blizzard. 4) District 1 candidate Mr. Jack Smith. (More pictures on next blog listing.)
