Scottsboro, Alabama - February 26, 2021 - Alabama Ethics Commission - Ethics Complaint Regarding Ex-Scottsboro Mayor Robin Shelton - Referred to Jackson County District Attorney - UPDATE March 8, 2021 - DA Approves Fine

 

Photo of the Alabama Ethics Commission from the Alabama Ethics Commission on YouTube from Approximately 2 years ago. Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary. Cropped and light adjusted photo by G. Morgan

UPDATE - March 8, 2021 - From The Clarion News - Scottsboro, Alabama - March 6, 2021 - "Former Scottsboro City Mayor Robin Shelton was fined $250 by the Alabama Ethics Commission . . .   request has been approved by Jason Pierce, District Attorney 38th Judicial Circuit." 

Link: https://www.theclarion.org/?p=4513

REFERRAL AND FINDING OF THE ALABAMA ETHICS COMMISSION REGARDING A CAMPAIGN LETTER BY FORMER SCOTTSBORO MAYOR ROBIN SHELTON

Official Seal Image the Alabama Ethics Commission, fair use for non-profit news reporting, education and commentary on "In the Boro"

Ethics Commission Decision - Case No. 2020-245 - William Shelton, Mayor of Scottsboro, Alabama -- (December 2, 2020 - Montgomery, Alabama - page 3 Alabama Ethics Commission Minutes) "...referred for review and appropriate legal action to the District Attorney of the appropriate Judicial Circuit . . . "

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Ethics Commission Link: http://ethics.alabama.gov/Minutes2020/12.2.20.pdf

(Click on image for an expanded view.)

Photo of Letter referred to Alabama Ethics Commission on City of Scottsboro Letterhead, image by "FATPAC," Forwarding Alabama Together, an alleged Political Action Committee not registered with the Alabama Secretary of State, but had a page on Facebook since cancelled, reference: https://www.facebook.com/Forwarding-Alabama-Together-104829781345129 . 

This letter was a campaign issue regarding the legality of the letter on official Scottsboro Letterhead. I interviewed then Mayor Shelton about this letter, he stated to me, paraphrased, "I paid for the reproduction, typing, distribution, and postage of the letter." Current Scottsboro Mayor Jim McCamy stated to me, quote:  ". . .For the record, I never heard of this org [organization - FATPAC] until someone forwarded me the post. Further more it is a state law that was violated . . . " Photo of Letter and quotations of political officials - Fair-Use for non-profit news reporting, commentary and education, "In the Boro" by G. Morgan

Scottsboro, Alabama - February 22, 2021 - Scottsboro City Council Meeting Regular Session - Continuation of the Wheeler Affair - Presentation of Garry Morgan in Support of Forensic Audit, Failure to Produce Records per Records Request in Violation of State Law from 2019 Relating to Disciplinary Action as a Result of Sexual Discrimination/Sexual Harassment, Failure to Produce Requested Corrective Actions Records --- Jackson County Commission Meeting - February 22, 2019 - Video Link and Agenda

 

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan

(Article updated and edited 2-23-21)

The Wheeler Affair, the Cover-up of Sexual Discrimination, Patterns of Organizational Misconduct, Reports and Disciplinary Actions 

Think about this fellow citizens - Early in 2019 an attorney who specializes in Sexual Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Creation of a Hostile Work Environment, Ms. Hope Hicks, Esq., was paid $11,800 to investigate and make Recommendations to the City of Scottsboro. She made her report, it exists within the files of the City of Scottsboro, inquiries reveal it was a scathing report, there were disciplinary actions taken; attempts then and now are made to keep this report and the resulting actions hidden. How many of you fellow citizens have heard about her report and recommendations of disciplinary actions?? 

Unfortunately, some public officials, elected and appointed, forget who they work for, it is "We the People." Will someone, other than me, please inform Scottsboro Mayor Jim McCamy, that disciplinary records of employees are releasable per official records request, made twice now. Further, Mayor McCamy is the decision maker, the city attorney is his advisor, not the voice in his head telling him what to do.

AGENDA

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VIDEO

PRESENTATION DOCUMENTS - RECORDS REQUEST

(Click on image to expand document)  My presentation begins at 10 min. 5 sec. in the above video.

PREVIOUS LETTER TO CITY COUNCIL ON JUNE 24, 2019, (below links listed) REGARDING THIS REQUEST FOR DOCUMENTS DEMONSTRATES NOT ONLY AN INTENTIONAL COVERUP, AND FAILURE TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS, AN ALLEDGED CRIMINAL ACT, CODE OF ALABAMA 13A-10-12  LINK:  https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/2006/13297/13a-10-12.html#:~:text=2006%20Alabama%20Code%20%2D%20Section%2013A,12%20%E2%80%94%20Tampering%20with%20governmental%20records.&text=(3)%20Knowing%20he%20lacks%20the,for%20examination%20or%20other%20purposes.

REQUIREMENT TO PRODUCE RECORDS REQUESTED

CODE OF ALABAMA 36-12-40   

 LINK: https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/2006/26146/36-12-40.html

There is no longer an Attorney General's Investigation, which was blocking the disclosure of the documents. Previous letter to council on June 24, 2019 (Click on image to expand document.)

Blog Articles Related to the Wheeler Affair:   https://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Wheeler%20Affair

***

JACKSON COUNTY COMMISSION

Jackson County Courthouse, North Entrance, photo by G. Morgan

AGENDA

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There was an Executive Session regarding the good name and character of an individual.

FACEBOOK LINK TO THE JACKSON COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING

https://www.facebook.com/JCCommissionAL/videos/463361448185692/

Scottsboro, Alabama - November 2, 2020 - Public Officials Swearing In Ceremony, Honorable Wallace Haralson, Presiding and Organizational Meeting - City of Scottsboro Facebook Video Link

 

Scottsboro, Alabama City Hall (photo by G. Morgan)

Swearing In Ceremony

Public Officials Swearing In Ceremony, Honorable Wallace Haralson, Presiding. Place 1 Council Member Ralph Dawe; Place 2 Council Member Anita Tolliver sworn in by the Honorable Jennifer Holt, Presiding Jackson County Circuit Clerk Judge. Mayor Jim McCamy sworn in by the Honorable Don Word, District Court Judge.

Video Swearing In Ceremony

Organizational Meeting - Agenda

Organizational Meeting Video

City of Scottsboro Facebook Video:   https://www.facebook.com/JimMcCamy/videos/1547898538752000/  Hmm - quote from City of Scottsboro's Facebook site - "Jim McCamy for Mayor of Scottsboro," end quote. This video was taken by a Scottsboro City Employee, this is not a mayoral candidate video. Mayoral candidacy connected to the City of Scottsboro? All hades was raised about former Mayor Shelton's letter on Scottsboro Letterhead asking for support in his election. The Secretary of State says the "FATPAC (undisclosed contributors), which made a big deal regarding the letterhead controversy, circumvented election contributions law. "Contributions in Kind" must be reported.

City of Scottsboro Facebook Site - https://www.facebook.com/cityofscottsboro 

                                                PICTURES

 

Pastor Lacey Smith, AME St. Paul Church, Scottsboro, Alabama

Honorable W.W. Haralson Presiding

Honorable Jennifer Holt Administers Oath to Ralph Dawe, Place 1, Scottsboro City Council

Honorable Jennifer Holt Administers Oath of Office to Anita Tolliver, Place 2, Scottsboro City Council

Honorable Don Word Administers Oath to Jim McCamy, Scottsboro Mayor

 Pastor Micaiah Tanck Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Scottsboro, alabama

August 1, 2020 - Scottsboro, Alabama Video Interviews for the Scottsboro Mayor's Election - Mayor Robin Shelton and Mr. Jim McCamy

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan

VOTE - SCOTTSBORO MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS ARE TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2020

Alabama Secretary of State Voter Registration Information Link: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/voter-registration

The interviews consisted of an introduction and four questions which were provided to the candidate for Mayor prior to the interview. #1 Why should a citizen of Scottsboro vote for you as our Mayor? #2 What do you see as major problems of our city, if any, and how do you propose to resolve the problem(s) identified? #3 What do you see that is great about Scottsboro? #4 Is there anything you would like to add?

INTERVIEW OF MAYOR ROBIN SHELTON

                        INTERVIEW OF MAYOR CANDIDATE JIM MCCAMY

Scottsboro City Council Work Session, Labor Day First Monday and Important Reports from the Capital Improvements Project Committee and the Mayor of Scottsboro - September 6, 2016

September 3rd, 4th and 5th was the Labor Day First Monday Trade Days Event. City of Scottsboro First Monday History: http://www.cityofscottsboro.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=39&Itemid=119  Photos by G. Morgan

First Monday 1915 - Horse Swapper Days, Scottsboro Alabama. Original photo owned by G. Morgan

The First Monday Trade Days event represents the heart of Scottsboro's Valued History. Some have suggested that it should be removed from the square as it takes up parking, I say, those who say this do not realize the historical significance and prosperity of the event.

To remove First Monday from the Courthouse Square is denying the reality of history and the importance of history to our community. First Monday goes back to the foundations of our judicial system where the Grand Jury met on the first Monday of the month and people traveled far and wide to see their friends, talk about politics, their families events, to participate in government and trade. Historically, First Monday was the one or few days that government worked to bring the people together. We still celebrate the historical significance of the event today in Scottsboro, Alabama. This is the First Monday we know and prosper from its' history,

In the past horses were traded, stories told. Today stories are told and items are traded; now we have a Cruz-In on the First Saturday where vintage and antique cars are shown, music played, food consumed, awards given, friends meet and poor children fed through the Cruz-In Back-Pack Kids program. This is the Spirit of First Monday!

Car shows, trade'n and meeting old friends - First Monday Trade Days Weekend is always the weekend immediately before the First Monday of each month, and of course the First Monday. The suggestion to move First Monday off the square is a bad idea.  Photo's and video by G. Morgan

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA

Presentation Outline by Jim Olyniec, Capital Projects Plan

VIDEOS

We want our money...

 As a result of a recent Attorney Generals Opinion, Scottsboro claims hundreds of thousands of dollars due them, taken by Jackson County improperly. A $381,000 up to $420,000 dispute over - Who gets the Privilege Tax?

  http://arklite.blogspot.com/2016/09/breaking-news-as-result-of-recent.html

Agenda item 3 - Reference demolition of the warehouse at N. Houston and Maples St.

Large difference in bids regarding demolition of city property on N. Houston and Maple St.; near $65K vs over $200K. City documents state no hazardous materials, contractor I spoke to who inspected the dilapidated structure stated that is not the case. Reference old roof structure containing asbestos and lead throughout the building.

MAYORS REPORT

Breaking News -- As a result of a recent Attorney Generals Opinion, Scottsboro claims hundreds of thousands of dollars due them, taken by Jackson County improperly. A $381,000 up to $420,000 dispute over - Who gets the Privilege Tax?

Scottsboro Mayor Melton Potter announces the recent Attorney Generals Opinion about Privilege Taxes. (photo by G. Morgan)

State of Alabama Department of Public Examiners Seal. Fair Use Rights for non-profit news reporting.

Link to Attorney General's Opinion: http://www.ago.state.al.us/opinions/pdf/2016-046.pdf

Department of Public Examiners has a Face Book Page - https://www.facebook.com/ExaminersofPublicAccounts

From: STATE OF ALABAMA OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
LUTHER STRANGE

July 26, 2016
To:Honorable Ronald L. Jones, Chief Examiner.Department of Examiners of Public Accounts
Post Office Box 302251, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2251

Subject: Privilege Tax — Corporate Shares Tax Funds — County Commissions — Counties

The county and all tax-recipient agencies or funds that previously received a portion of the old shares tax, pursuant to the Corporate Shares Tax provision, are entitled to receive tax proceeds pursuant to the Alabama Business Privilege and Corporate Shares Tax provision as set forth in section 40-14A-26(b) of the Code of Alabama.

Dear Mr. Jones: This Attorney General is issued in response to your request.

QUESTION: Should all agencies or funds that received a portion of the old shares tax proceeds in fiscal year 1 999 receive a portion of the proceeds from the Alabama Business Privilege and Corporate Shares Tax?

FACTS AND ANALYSIS
In your letter of request, you seek a reconsideration of the opinion issued to Honorable John F. Porter, Ill, Attorney, Jackson County Commission, dated January 19, 2016, A.G. No. 2016-020. In Porter, this Office stated that, without statutory authority, the ultimate use and distribution of the Alabama Privilege and Corporate Shares Tax received by Jackson County would be left to the discretion of the Jackson County Commission.

CONCLUSION
The county and all tax-recipient agencies or funds that previously received a portion of the old shares tax, pursuant to the Corporate Shares Tax provision, are entitled to receive tax proceeds pursuant to the Alabama Business Privilege and Corporate Shares Tax provision as set forth in section 40-14A-26(b) of the Code of Alabama.

Mayor Melton Potter stated, "The county owes us 3 years back taxes." The back taxes could amount to $420,000. This places the financially strapped Jackson County government in a serious financial hole. It appears this case may be headed to the courts for a resolution. (photo by G. Morgan)

Questions for Scottsboro's Mayoral Candidates, 2016 Election

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan

On August the 23rd, 2016 the citizens of Scottsboro Alabama will go to the voting booths at the Scottsboro Rec-Com and vote for the political candidates of their choice. 

For the past Mayor election cycles I have conducted video interviews with the candidates for the Mayor of Scottsboro. Here are the seven questions I provided the candidates a week in advance. 

Scottsboro Mayor’s Race Questions (suggested time-15 minutes)

1)      Could you tell us a little about yourself?  (2 minutes)

2)      Why do you want to be Mayor of Scottsboro, Alabama? (3 minutes)

3)      Why should I elect you for Mayor over the other two candidates? (3 minutes)

4)      How do you see the relationship between the Mayor and City Council? (2minutes)

5)      If elected Mayor of Scottsboro, what would be your #1 goal, your #1 priority in which you want the citizens of Scottsboro to know that you would accomplish for them? (2 minutes)

6)      Will you support the first Monday Trade Day Event, comments? (1 minute)

7)      Is there anything else you would like to add? (2 minutes)

Thank you for your time, good luck to you.

VIDEO INTERVIEW OF BRENT MILLER

VIDEO INTERVIEW OF JOE YOUNG


VIDEO INTERVIEW OF ROBIN SHELTON


PLEASE VOTE ON TUESDAY AUGUST THE 23RD, 2016 AT THE SCOTTSBORO REC-COM.

Link to the Scottsboro Election Forum for Scottsboro Board of Education candidates Places 2 and 3; City Council Place 1, and the  Mayor of Scottsboro: http://arklite.blogspot.com/2016/08/scottsboro-2016-election-forums-august.html

The Boat and the Mayor of Scottsboro - Deep Throat 11 - The Expose Continues - Shh, we had a boat, now we don't, the Mayor sold it, where's the money, but don't tell anyone - Update and Sexual Harassment.

Photo of Mayor Melton Potter at the State of the City Address. Photo by G.Morgan

(UPDATE JUNE 30, 2016)

Code of Alabama 1975 § 11-43-56 “Except as otherwise provided in this title, the council shall have the management and control of the finances and all of the property, real and personal, belonging to the city or town.”

UPDATE - July 6, 2016:  Whose fault is it, the Mayor, Mr. Wheeler, or the City Council, maybe all?

Informant says "Boat case forwarded to DA's office for review."

In other developments, the informant has reported more incidents of sexual harassment from the financial department for the City of Scottsboro. Unfortunately, it appears that our fearless leaders are as confused about this issue as they are on Das Boat. It seems the boy just can't keep his "camera to himself." And City Leadership does not want to correct the problem, instead they hide the problem. This is turning into a multi-issue mess of failed leadership practices and incompetence. 

Sinking Boat Politics - A lack of leadership and corrective action.

Sexual Harassment - "Prevention is the best tool to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers are encouraged to take steps necessary to prevent sexual harassment from occurring. They should clearly communicate to employees that sexual harassment will not be tolerated. They can do so by providing sexual harassment training to their employees and by establishing an effective complaint or grievance process and taking immediate and appropriate action when an employee complains."  

https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/fs-sex.cfm

City of Scottsboro leadership has not required nor provided training regarding sexual harassment.

THE BOAT 

In December 2012 a citizen donated a boat to the City of Scottsboro. I vaguely remember a discussion about this as it was stated a boat would be good to show industrial prospects around the community. 

Goosepond Colony (GPC) Marina photo - The folks at GPC did not know any specifics about the boat other than to confirm the City of Scottsboro did have a boat tied up on the end of one of the docks. (Fair use photo for non-profit news reporting and commentary.)

AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT NOT TO DO IF YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CITY PROPERTY. A QUESTION OF GROSS NEGLIGENCE?

The Clarion, article by Heather Garner - "After doing a public records request asking for a copy of the city council meeting minutes showing acceptance of the boat donation; city council meeting minutes showing the boat was declared as surplus property; a copy of the donation letter given to the Culvers and a copy of the bill of sale showing the boat was sold, it was discovered that the City Council never publicly accepted the donation, the property was never declared surplus, and that copies of the donation letter and bill of sale were not kept for recording, by the City. According to Rick Wheeler, City Finance Director, the boat was never listed as an asset by the City and it was never insured by the City."

More on the boat issue:

http://www.theclarion.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10166:sale-of-boat-causes-controversy-&catid=42:clarion-rotation-stories&Itemid=142

During today's discussions (June 30, 2016) with Mayor Potter regarding the insurance carriers loss control report, I asked the Mayor, who was responsible for management of property within the city in regards to the boat issue? His reply, "Rick Wheeler." 

UPDATE - Bill of Sale provided on June 27, 2016

Boat was sold in April 2014

(click on image for an expanded view)

This is a boat similar to the one sold for $3000.00, a 1979 Marinette Cabin Cruiser. Fair Use photo for non-profit news reporting and commentary, unknown contributor.

City took payments from purchaser

Clarion Report

"Records received by the City of Scottsboro, on a Cash Collection History Report, show cash payments in the amount of $2,300 on December 13,2013, $200 on January 3, 2014, $200 received on February 7,2014 and $300 on March 3,2014, received from Rick Nugent."

 There is other information which has been provided to me regarding Scottsboro's financial accountability and the numerous accounts of the City of Scottsboro. It is this citizens opinion that a forensic audit of the City of Scottsboro should be accomplished as soon as possible by the Alabama Department of Public Examiners which should include all financial accounts, cash records, and all property records and control policies.

Fair use for non-profit news reporting and commentary. 

Does the City of Scottsboro leadership pass the test of good governance?

“Deep Throat” (Informants), Part 8, City of Scottsboro Citizens Come Forward - Reports of Misutilization of City Resources-"The Mushroom Boys" Potter and Smith -Feed You Crap and Keep You in the Dark

In Scottsboro, City Officials will attempt to intimidate local citizens by threatning and bullying via intimidation who report on their actions. Scottsboro Mayor, ex long term Fire Chief Melton Potter, is one such individual. Another, is ex-Police Chief, now City Council Member Keith Smith. These individuals will lie, discriminate, intimidate, harass and attempt anything they can get away with to keep the citizens in the dark about their activity. They are the "mushroom boys"- they keep you in the dark and feed you crap. Come election time they will promise you anything - including a Hotel at GPC, what they will not tell you about is the debt that goes along with it, the secret part of the property deal will not be disclosed until there is a final vote.

UPDATE on the "Mushroom Boys," dirty tricks, 7:30PM - Another little trick the "mushroom boys" will pull in secret is attempt to influence media, particularly al.com and the local Daily Sentinel, which has already stated the Mayors integrity should not be questioned, sure, if you are a Nazi. For al.com the Mayor and other public officials will tamper and attempt to block content, such as they are doing now. I am blocked from posting this blog post. They can't stand the truth to be told about them, or challenged regarding their actions.

More "mushroom boys" influence: SCADA - (supervisory control and data acquisition) is a system for remote monitoring and control; utilizing video interfaces to view video in places I have visited and report on it as an intimidation technique on al.com's Scottsboro Forum. There is a problem with that, and the person performing the task knows it. Every-time you enter and hack the secure network you increase the possibilities of interjecting a malicious or hidden piece of malware. Here it is - be concerned, with link - https://www.scadalink.com/solutions/systems/remote-video-surveillance-for-industrial-applications/  Abuse of this system is dangerous (on more levels than just personal security), and it has been accomplished for local political reasons.

• Camera systems
• Digital Video Recorders
• Remote Communication utilizing radio, cellular, satellite
• WAN and internet connectivity

More on SCADA from the experts and more on the threat - http://scadastrangelove.blogspot.com/
and, The Insecurity of It All - BLACKHAT - One of the best briefings I've seen on threats and vulnerabilities. https://www.blackhat.com/eu-14/briefings.html  This gives the "mushroom boys" new meaning. Their involvement of others have been acts of desperation and stupidity. That is on a whole different level over a period of time. Hopefully the Engineer realized the errors of his ways and did not inject malicious code into the system due to his tampering and support of the "mushroom boys."

The "mushroom boys" secrets - Doing favors for political allies and relatives, my error not relatives according to Smith, just friends at the citizens expense. Poor people suffer and the influential receive preferential services.

Property of Jane Gross, Margaret Gross's daughter who resides in New York City. This property is located at 602 East Willow St.,former property of Margaret Gross, Power Board Member, relative,, just a friend, of Council Member Keith Smith. Google Street photo March 2014 (Fair Use for non-profit news reporting). Margaret Gross states that her daughter wrote a check to the city of Scottsboro for the demolition of the house. Don't know how much the check was for, she never said, but I will find out. (The rest of the story - The check was for $3150.00, upon review of area demolitions regarding the same size of house, hazardous materials clean-up and yard care the cost is approximated at $6500 up to $9000.00 depending on amount of hazardous materials, eg lead paint and/or asbestos materials.) How much does the Gross family pay the city for cutting the lawn and trimming the trees?

Aerial view of same property on August 2015, demolition was accomplished. Google Earth photo August 2015 (Fair Use for non-profit news reporting).

I received a call this morning, March 9, 2016 at 9:45AM from a concerned citizen that a City Vehicle with mowing equipment was seen mowing, trimming trees and cleaning up a private lot on East Willow Street. I went to the location and videoed a Scottsboro mowing crew there cleaning up, mowing and trimming trees at that location. Inquiries revealed they were doing what they were told. Below is the video of the event.



                                      Property Ownership document