“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

"Mr. Smith Never Goes to Washington" and his Face Book Post - In Defense of the Mayor or Smith Gets It Wrong

Council Member Keith Smith, or "Mr. Smith Never Goes to Washington" (photo by G. Morgan)

It seems that Scottsboro Council Member Keith Smith has took it upon himself to blame me for the problems of Scottsboro in which Mayor Melton Potter has created. Since Mr. Smith and myself are not friends on Face Book I can not answer his posting on his Face Book page nor his friends demeaning posts, however I did copy it and placed it on my personal Face Book site. Here is Smith's Face Book posting. My comments below in red, "Mr. Smith Never Goes to Washington," in black.
Keith Smith's Face Book page - https://www.facebook.com/keith.smith.980967

"Garry L. Morgan I have listened to many things that you had to say about the mayor, you have tied yourself to those who want to not only replace him but destroy him in the process. (Wrong, he needs to go, but that does not mean I want to destroy him nor have I tied myself to any political opposition, frankly, it is naive or foolish for you to say such, that is an assumption on your part. Stop blaming me, or for that matter, others for what the Mayor has done or not done to facilitate or correct sexual harassment and discriminatory action against employees within the city of Scottsboro, Alabama) Your post tonight is a prime example. I am not in D. C. (Never said you were in DC) And have not made the trip in many years. I am at home taking care of my family. (OK, "Mr. Smith Never Goes to Washington," taking care of your family, what does that have to do with anything.) What's really ironic, the mayor isn't in D.C. either. He is at his church revival, but I'm sure that doesn't fit your agenda. (You are correct Mr. Smith it doesn't fit my agenda or any other agenda, except yours and the Mayor's agenda of poor Mayor, the mean people are out to destroy him. The fact is he is destroying himself, and here you come along and take a satire posting and attempt to twist it into everyone is out to get the poor Mayor.)  You need to get your facts straight before you accuse people of something. ("Mr. Smith Never Goes to Washington," it ain't my facts, it is the employees of the City of Scottsboro who have made STATEMENTS that the Mayor and several other city employees and civilian personnel took a trip to the Cheetah Club after a Braves and Phillies Ball Game in September of 2014.  There was insufficient evidence that a city vehicle was used to transport the party goers to the game and the Cheetah Club.Then there is the photo of breasts circulated among male personnel in city hall. This appears to be a one sided agenda on your part (Sure fella, I made the Mayor and specific department heads demean female employees and stalk them in a fake investigation scheme - go sell someone else your cock and bull story Smith.) and I am very disappointed in that I thought you seek the truth and instead you are allowing yourself to be used." You got that partially correct, I do allow folks a voice who would never get one, as the likes of you and Herr Mayor manage by fear and threats. Disappointed you say, have at it, placing blame for political officials actions or lack of action on someone conveying a message is typical of manipulating politicians instead of a leader. By the way, the informants stated specifically the mayor was referred to as the "governor" by the strippers at the Cheetah Club in Atlanta. http://arklite.blogspot.com/2016/02/deep-throat-informant-part-4-city-of.html

Here is the satirical post which "Mr. Smith Never Goes to Washington" has a problem - "The "Wheel" has taken to the road with our illustrious Mayor to provide him with guidance, along with a cadre of Scottsboro political officials to Washington,DC. I wonder what the dancers will call our Mayor at Archibald's on K Street ( Their motto - "A Washington Monument since 1969" and "If you can find the White House you can find Archibald's."  http://archibalds.com/ ). It was "Governor" at the Cheetah, I wonder if it will be "Senator" at Archibald's?"

Mayor Melton Potter (photo by G. Morgan) 

The entire series of postings regarding illegal surveillance, stalking and harassment of Scottsboro  employees; hiring of unlicensed private investigator/personnel board member, law suit and the continuing saga.  http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Surveillance

UPDATE - A MESSAGE TO POTTER AND SMITH

Scottsboro, Alabama - A place where long term, 25 year plus, appointed political officials are elected to public office. A place where power kingdoms are set-up and established by those such as our ex-police chief, City Council Member Keith Smith and ex-fire chief, Mayor Melton Potter, who become political power brokers.

In the case of our Mayor, an individual who manages by fear instead of actual leadership, has the ex-police chief, City Council member Smith running to his rescue regarding his up-coming election. The Mayor is being sued by an employee and there are complaints about sexual harassment and employee harassment against the Mayor. His pal, the ex-police chief, now council member, comes to his rescue, attempting to belittle the delivered message about mismanagement and discriminatory actions.

The cadre of Scottsboro tyrant politicians and power brokers have gone beyond sensibilities for many years with threats on al.com's Scottsboro forum. After several police complaints for harassing communications, threats of murder, threats to burn down the Scottsboro Boys Museum. Exactly who is it that has been making the threats? The culprit has bragged about his playing golf with law enforcement, he has bragged about how he and current law enforcement have a big laugh about the threats and harassment.

This is a fact - since Keith Smith, the ex-police chief, and Melton Potter, the ex-fire chief have been in office, I have had to tolerate threats and more threats, defamation and harassing communications. Why after numerous complaints have their been no arrests?

Now, Smith does not like me to poke fun of the philandering Mayor's escapades and poor leadership in City Hall. But it is ok for Smith to go around the community talking trash about city employees and me.

These political power brokers do not like non-controled news and opinion, they prefer news they control, where on their word and other power brokers words in Scottsboro people are lied about and threatned. That is not satire Smith and Potter that is a fact. You don't like it when folks talk about the self-righteous political power snobs of Scottsboro, but to harass and threaten poor folks that is ok, in your eyes. https://youtu.be/ekILKBZwFHA Part 5 Scottsboro Deep Throat Informant http://arklite.blogspot.com/2016/02/deep-throat-informant-part-5-city-of.html

Here is the bottom line for you Council Member Smith and Mayor Potter - you have attempted to build a political empire. It is my opinon that you are deceitful hypocrites and petty tyrants who rule by creating fear and spheres of deceit in the Klickish Klanish Klatches, KKK, of Scottsboro Alabama, all for the purpose of control. 

This week there is no City Council meeting to report, just the musings and rant of a poor Scottsboro Citizen who is tired of the "crap" of fake Scottsboro political leadership. What was accomplished in DC during the trip, besides entertainment, will there be a report, and how much money has this trip cost the citizens?

“Deep Throat” (Informant), Part 5, City of Scottsboro Employee Comes Forward - Intimidation and Request for Information

Scottsboro City Hall (photo by G. Morgan)

There has been much information gained and distributed. The information contained and facts in parts 1 thru 4 have been confirmed. There is some information that will not be distributed to protect the innocent. 

*Prior to Part 6 being published*

There is a concern regarding the fair application of policy and how actions are carried forth within the City of Scottsboro by some Department Heads and the Mayor. I have received considerable information from the "Deep Throat" informant which is confirmed. At this point we would like to know if there are other employees of the City of Scottsboro who would like to come forward and tell of their experiences regarding actions which may be considered unfair or violate policy of the City of Scottsboro, but you are scared to come forward due to retaliation. I'll assure you that all informants identification will be kept confidential. 

To the Mayor of Scottsboro and others within the City of Scottsboro, public employees or those acting in behalf of political officials, or others - I'm tired of threats and intimidation. I have filed several complaints with the Scottsboro Police Department regarding everything from harassing communications to terrorist threats. For 8 years I've had to put up with threats and defaming actions placed forth on al.com's Scottsboro forums when public information is disseminated. There is an intentional effort to block the dissemination of public information by tyrants within this city. The threats and defamation continues today. The most recent complaint of Harassing Communications was filed on January 17, 2016 - this involved a threat to kill me. The threat said specifically: "I do not want to fill out the paper work if I kill your sorry azz." SPD Case # 16-00104 (0)

If anyone can identify the person(s) who has made threats and defamed for the past 8 years or knows who has made current threats and harassing communications, please post in the comments section, or contact Detective Putnam of the Scottsboro Police Department - 256-574-4468 ext. 339, thank you.

Scottsboro Forum - http://www.al.com/forums/scottsboro/index.ssf?initial=true 

Recent post string copy, since removed, related to harassing communications threat. Copy attached to police report.

Click on image for an expanded view.

UPDATE - April 5, 2016  Stalking, Harassing Communications - 2nd post which indicates stalking, Wardcleaver10 quote - "...I know where he lives, hangs out and other particulars..."  This posting on Scottsboro's Al.com forum has been sent to the Scottsboro Police Department regarding case # 16-00104 (0) 

UPDATE - April 6, 2016 - Many thanks to the Scottsboro Police Department, Detective Putman, for identifying the culprit who had been entering Harassing Communications and threats for 8 years. As it turns out, the perpetrator is a disabled old feller who resides on Sand Mountain and is in a bad state physically and probably has an alcohol addiction. May God help your soul and may you find peace in your days on this earth. At this time I am not asking for prosecution, if it continues there will be action taken.

"Don't be intimidated,"  ( http://www.plea.org/legal_resources/?a=303 ) The conduct displayed in the above video, and copy of harassment, threats, stalking  and harassing communications are illegal. 

The harassment and stalking of city public employees facilitated by political officials, and confirmed by interviews with public employees in the City of Scottsboro is disturbing. Will incidents of stalking, threats and harassing communications be referred for prosecution? That will be determined by outcomes of investigations. Note Scottsboro Police Department contact info below the above video.

Where there is a management style of fear and threats instead of  proven principles of leadership, it has become necessary to expose that which may cost the citizens dearly in assets, revenue and personnel. I ask you citizens of Scottsboro - Is this the political leadership you desire?

Ways to contact: 1) Face Book Messenger - Garry L. Morgan,  Scottsboro. If you will scroll down on this blog page you will notice my Face Book badge listing on the right hand column about half way down the page; 2) post a reply as a comment to this article below. I review all comment posts, list contact info and I will get in touch with you, but will not post the comment. 

This series will continue - This is a pause to demonstrate exactly what this is about, to expose corruption within the City of Scottsboro by political and appointed officials, and to allow others input who are employees of the City of Scottsboro if they desire. I'll assure you that any informants identity will be kept confidential.

UPDATE, Feb. 6, 2015 - A Blast from the Past - "Potter's integrity should not be questioned," says the local newspaper publisher. Content of article, personnel management policy involving historical negligent actions by Scottsboro Mayors. 

A Letter Never Published

Building a negligent political power structure of subjective, discriminatory management instead of representing the people of Scottsboro with an objective performance appraisal system regarding Scottsboro Employees. ( Plainly -  kiss the "mayor's ass" and you get what you want, instead of professional performance management system which fairly and objectively evaluates employees.)

January 30, 2014 -

A repeat from last Thursday’s column lead off paragraph and a reply to Mr. Shurett’s Friday column: “The City of Scottsboro has a problem with its performance appraisal system. This reoccurring historical problem is based on city leadership at the elected level failing to improve Scottsboro’s Performance Employee Evaluation System.” This comment is an opinion based on years of education and experience, it is not a rumor. 

 A question of integrity, the City of Scottsboro’s Integrity concerning a fair and honest system of performance evaluations for each employee is questionable. That is not a rumor, it is an opinion.

Scottsboro does not have a system in place that utilizes an objective, measurable, performance appraisal system; it is a subjective, opinion based performance appraisal system. Every personnel problem coming before Scottsboro’s Personnel Board in the last 10 years, where a public meeting has been held that I have witnessed, has been the result of no contractual, objective performance appraisal standards.  This paragraph is not a rumor; it is both fact and opinion

Are our elected officials responsible for the integrity of an effective, objective system of performance standards?  YES. Our elected officials must insure that all employees are accountable by the implementation of a fair and equitable set of objective, measurable performance standards.  That is not a rumor, that is a system of professional, accountable government. 

As long as Scottsboro’s City Leadership are not working toward a modern system of objective, measurable, contractual performance standards the taxpayers have a liability. That is my opinion based on years of management education and experience, not a rumor.

It is also not a rumor but a fact that Scottsboro’s Street Department has been embroiled in numerous problems. Some of those problems have resulted in numerous personnel policy and law violations by city employees. 

The Mayors integrity is not in question, there is a question of whether this historical problem will continue and Mayor Potter will take action to correct this deficiency in our city’s personnel management process. There is good reason for the citizens to be concerned – lawsuits from past and current employees, continuing problems in the Street Department, and a deficient personnel management appraisal system;  not rumors – concern, facts and opinion.

Garry Morgan

 http://arklite.blogspot.com/2014/01/content-control-potters-integrity.html

To this day, February 7, 2016, there has been no application of an objective measurable performance  appraisal system implemented in the City of Scottsboro. The mayor has been repeatedly advised that he should take action to improve Scottsboro's lacking performance appraisal system. Unfortunately, individuals such as our current mayor, had rather have a system of personnel management which is non-objective and subjective based on his and his pals power motivations, not a performance oriented fair system of personnel management.

On January 30, 2014 the mayors integrity was not in question, that is not the situation at this time, his integrity and actions are very much in question.

“Deep Throat” (Informant), Part 4 City of Scottsboro Employee Comes Forward

SHHH, secrets 

(photo credit - crop by G. Morgan -Fair use Rights for non-profit news reporting and commentary)  

I'm not really sure how to say all of this. I could give a lot of details about where we ate and what we drank but I don't think that matters.

I feel I'm not going to get in trouble myself because I took off work and what I do on my off time is my business. But I also don't hide where I'm going like some of the others. Every year we go on an annual trip to Atlanta. This trip is around Labor Day, just depending on the Braves schedule, I think they played the Phillies that day.

Some of these guys don't want their wives finding out where we are going so they purchase Braves tickets, with your game ticket stub there is no cover charge to get into the Cheetah Club. Back on September 2, 2014 we loaded up and away we went. 

Cheetah Club, Atlanta with private parking garage. Source-Google 2014 - Fair Use photos for non-profit news reporting and commentary.

\

We left city hall about 8-9am, and drank "lemonade" on the way. The mayor use to keep a stripper named Dawson in his phone under another name. He loved it that the strippers called him the "Governor" at the Cheetah Club.

A young black stripper in a private room was paid to "perform lude and lascivious acts“ (details edited); if you drop lots of hundred dollar bills you can do stuff like that.

End of Part 4 -“Deep Throat” (Informant), City of Scottsboro Employee Comes Forward 

*********************************************************************
 A Georgia Tech writer's comment about the Cheetah Club: "Think Twice Before a Night at the Cheetah"  http://nique.net/opinions/2013/09/26/why-a-night-out-can-have-worse-consequences-than-you-imagined/

My Comments: It is not my intent to hurt innocent families, people or businesses, but to bring facts of City Officials misbehavior to the attention of the public. For that reason, some statements and photographs from the informant are not published.

“Deep Throat” (Informant), City of Scottsboro Employee Comes Forward - Part 3 January 30, 2016

photo by G. Morgan

Complete stories on the surveillance and mayors misbehavior, including "Deep Throat" Parts 1 & 2 and legal actions filed in the Jackson County Circuit Court.

http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Surveillance

Multi-part interview of ‘a concerned Scottsboro City Employee’ ( ‘ ‘ indicates name redacted) during the last week of January 2016 (specific date and time removed). Names have been redacted, governmental political or appointed positions remain intact.

Deep Throat Part 3

A few days after I read about the ‘shop foreman’s’ (name redacted) lawsuit being filed I saw the posting for the shop department head. I think the job had been empty since last spring when the mayor did this to the ‘shop foreman’ (name redacted) Now all of a sudden it is posted again. Am I the only person thinking, what the hell?

And the same talk is going out in the street department again that ‘the street department head’ (name redacted) and mayor have been talking to ‘the other named candidate’ (name redacted) again. An employee told me he had talked to ‘the other named candidate’ (name redacted) and he wished he had taken the job last year.

 I think the mayor is just doing this to show his power and make the ‘shop foreman’ (name redacted) suffer.

Do you care if we take a break? (My answer, “that will be fine.”)

The mayor is big buddies with ‘the street department head and the city hall department head’ (names redacte). They get away with everything. I can remember seeing ‘the street department head’s (name redacted) truck parked every day at the rec com after work. I heard him say that he worked out there. We can't use our city vehicles for personal stuff like that. You have to take your vehicle home after work and get your personal vehicle. Do you want to see a picture?

My answer, “Yes, please. Are you saying the enforcement of policies regarding city vehicles are not carried out fairly?” Informant’s answer: ”It is unfair and here are the pictures. I was told that there would be action taken against me if I abused the city vehicle policy. Then I see the mayor’s buddies getting away with whatever they want, and I guess they go and come when they want. These pictures are of ‘the street department head’ (name redacted) at the Rec Com.”

photo by informant

photo by informant

I know ‘the street department head’ (name redacted) is big buddies with ‘the personal board member – business owner’ (name redacted). I've seen ‘the street department head’s’ (name redacted) city truck at ‘the personal board member – business owner’ (name redacted) shop many days after work when I've been by there to pick up supper. Do you want to see a picture?  (My answer, Yes pictures are always appreciated.)

photo by informant

Photos provided by informant – Business name and phone number partially obscured

City employees can't do this. I think there is an ordinance, but you will have to look that up. I just know you can't use the city vehicle for personal use or drive it home if you live outside the city.

Last year the mayor started letting the ‘Fire Chief’ (name redacted) drive his city vehicle home. He lives out toward Macadonia.

I remember years ago ‘a retired street foreman,’( name redacted) could not drive his vehicle home. He only lived at Hollywood. I guess it just depends on who you are.

I have more pictures of ‘the city department head’s’ (name redacted) big boob contest. My comment, “Yes, may I make a copy of those pictures?” Informant’s reply, “Sure, would you like to have some pictures of our Cheetah Club Trip in the mayor's vehicle?" My reply: "Yes, I think that would be very revealing"

End of Part 3 -“Deep Throat” (Informant), City of Scottsboro Employee Comes Forward

“Deep Throat” (Informant), City of Scottsboro Employee Comes Forward - Part 2 January 30, 2016

Scottsboro City Hall (photo by G. Morgan)

Multi-part interview of ‘a concerned Scottsboro City Employee’ ( ‘ ‘ indicates name redacted) during the last week of January 2016 (specific date and time removed). Names have been redacted, governmental political or appointed positions remain intact.


                                   Deep Throat - City of Scottsboro - Part 2

"Why is the mayor jealous? Why would he have the ‘HR Director and the Shop Foreman’ (names redacted) followed?" (Questions by informant)

Comment by Garry Morgan - Tax Payer (public) funds were utilized in a scheme to conduct illegal surveillance of city employees after duty hours due to the Mayor of Scottsboro's personal negligent actions. A police complaint for stalking was filed, there may have been an obstruction of justice action regarding this event and it should be investigated by an outside law enforcement agency. The Checks above are the actual checks utilized to pay a member of the Scottsboro Personnel Board, an unlicensed Private Investigator (State of Alabama requirement) conducting an investigations business in Scottsboro, for Melton Potter's apparent jealousy concerning a female city employee rejecting his sexual advances. This is an abuse of government funds and office, he broke the public trust. Unfortunately there is no will of the Scottsboro City Council or other elected officials locally to hold this political official accountable for his misbehavior, some on the city council seem to support him. A complaint has been filed with the Alabama Attorney General's Office regarding these actions and the failure to disclose or destroy public records.

photo credit, unknown internet source - Fair Use Rights for non-profit news reporting

Complete stories on the surveillance and mayors misbehavior, including "Deep Throat" Part 1 and legal actions filed in the Jackson County Circuit Court.

http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Surveillance

 The mayor had made some comments about ‘the Shop Foreman’ (name redacted) around us. Then the shop department head job came open. I knew the mayor and the ‘Street Department Head’(name redacted) wanted ‘another named candidate’ (name redacted). When I would get gas at the street department all the employees already knew ‘the named candidate’ (name redacted) was getting the job and it was said the mayor had already pre-interviewed him. ‘The named candidate’ (name redacted) told employees about it and everyone knew the ‘Street Department Head’ had been calling him. But I did not know for sure till the day I saw the ‘named candidate’ (name redacted) at city hall and that was way before the interviews.

I felt terrible for ‘the Shop Foreman’ (name redacted) because he did good work; I had seen him rebuild engines and other mechanical work. I thought, I can’t believe this is happening in Scottsboro, something is not right.

 Right after that we found out the mayor was having ‘the HR Director and Shop Foreman. (names redacted) followed. The mayor and ‘Department Head’ (names redacted) were excited to have got her, I thought this was strange and why was he openly talking about this? Then it was said the ‘HR Director’ (name redacted) was going to pay for straightening the situation out with the mayor's wife.

 It is a shame that the mayor is able to get away with this and hurt families the way he has. During that time I heard all kinds of rumors about ‘the HR Director and the shop foreman’ (names redacted). I witnessed ‘the Department Head’ (name redacted) and mayor enjoying it. It is crazy that an elected person can do all these things. I thought, how can the mayor demote someone over a lunch date?  But what can you do? If I had spoken up, I would be next on the list. Yep, this is what our jobs are like and what we have to put up with. 

End of Part 2 -“Deep Throat” (Informant), City of Scottsboro Employee Comes Forward 

“Deep Throat” (Informant), City of Scottsboro Employee Comes Forward - Part 1 January 28, 2016

Scottsboro City Hall (photo by G Morgan)

"Deep Throat" - City of Scottsboro - Part 1

Multi-part interview of ‘a concerned Scottsboro City Employee’ ( ‘ ‘ indicates name redacted) during the last week of January 2016 (specific date and time removed). Names have been redacted, governmental political or appointed positions remain intact.

My lead off statement to informant: “‘You’ (first name redacted) had contacted me and asked if I could keep your name confidential for an interview, is that correct,” informant's reply, “yes.” My reply, ”This  interview is appreciated and your name will be kept confidential”

Comments to informant: “You stated on the phone that you had concerns about the mayor and events which have occurred regarding Scottsboro's Mayor, his treatment of city employees, and that you think the public should be made aware of "deceitful statements" from the mayor regarding political influences. Is that correct? ‘Yes.’ You also stated that you have a picture which you would like to show me and allow me to make a copy of the picture for publication on my blog, is that correct?” Informant stated “yes.” 

Lead-off statement: “Are you relaxed, can I get you a coke, coffee, water? Informant stated, “No Thanks, not now.” I asked: “Do you mind if I record this interview?” Informant stated, “That’s ok, but will you save the recording?” My reply was, “The recording is needed to make a transcript of the interview, is that ok?” Informant said “yes,” but ask, “Could you erase the tape after it is transcribed.” My reply, “sure I’ll do that, why do you ask this?” Informant stated, “not that I do not trust you, but I need to keep my job.” My reply, “That’s understandable, if you have some time stick around, I’ll transcribe this immediately and you can watch me erase the recording and you can check out what I have prepared for my blog’s article posting.” Informant said, “that’ll work.”

“Tell me what is on your mind, relax, let you thoughts flow, if I have a question I’ll ask you.”

I know ‘the Mayor’ (name redacted), I work for the City of Scottsboro.  Some may say "I am one of his buddies". I would like to give the public insight into what has really happened and I’ll probably be the next targeted employee, but I want to state some facts as I know them. There are many things that ain’t right.

I’ve decided to talk because what has happened to employees is wrong. This entire situation is wrong. It should have never happened. This week the Mayor made comments that all allegations are false and politically motivated by people running against him. I do not believe that’s true. As far as I know, the employees supported him, I used to support him, but not now

 I have heard this mess about our ‘HR Director’ (name redacted) and I knew her before she came to work for the city. I believe ‘she’ (name redacted) started here about 3 years ago. She has always been friendly, nice and helpful.

 I know two things happened within the first months ‘she’ (name redacted) came to the city.

(Hesitation, pause, I asked: What were the two things that happened which you remember, and are you speaking about ‘the HR Director’ (name redacted).)

Yes, ‘the HR Director’ (name redacted).

Picture of ‘HR Director’s’ breast area as provided by informant.

(1)   The 1st couple weeks ‘she’ (name redacted) had a picture taken of her by ‘a male department head’ (name redacted) while she was shopping at Home Depot. The picture was taken without her knowledge. The picture was of her breast area. ‘The Department head’ (name redacted) texted the picture around, it was a biggest boob contest. I do not want to say to ‘us’ (part redacted) but I will say I was texted the picture. I know ‘the HR director’ (name redacted) was told about it. I remember how upset ‘she’ (name redacted) was. I know ’she’ (name redacted) complained to the mayor about it. (Informant hands me a picture.)

Question to informant: “Is this the picture you wanted for me to copy?” Informant’s answer: “Yes.” (Picture above)

 (2) ‘The Mayors wife’ (name redacted) came to city hall one evening. ‘She’ (name redacted) asked the ‘HR Director’ (name redacted) if she was having an affair with her husband. There was a big fuss and discussion about this with my friends at work. I remember ‘the HR Director’ (name redacted) said she had no idea who the lady was or what his wife's name was.

The mayor brought over ‘a female employee’ (name redacted) from his previous city position, before he was mayor. What a mess that was, ‘the mayor’s wife’ (name redacted) went to ‘the female employee’ (name redacted) accusing her of stealing her husband. The police knew about this and so do others.

I know ‘the mayor's wife’ (name redacted) came back to city hall sometime toward the beginning of last year and harassed the ‘HR Director’ (name redacted) because she thought an affair was going on between the mayor and the ‘HR Director’ (name redacted).

I will never forget the mayor bragging about throwing cell phones at his wife because of the fights he gets into with her. 

I think we deserve to work without the mayor's personal problems affecting our work. Nobody wants to listen to stories he tells us about his home life, but we have to listen if we want to stay on his good side.

END of Part 1 - “Deep Throat” (Informant), City of Scottsboro Employee Comes Forward 

Trees versus Power - A failure to communicate properly, clearing of power lines or clearing for advertisers?

There has been much discussion of late about the cutting of trees between South Broad street and the Scottsboro Football Stadium. My video concerning the issue.



Jackson County's Clarion Newspaper filed this story: http://www.theclarion.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6893:trees-cut-to-prevent-power-disruption-sandlin-says&catid=42:clarion-rotation-stories&Itemid=142

WAFF Ch 48 Story: http://www.waff.com/story/23489593/scottsboro-superintendent-made-decision-to-cut-trees-near-stadium?utm_content=bufferd0c8e&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer
WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

More from WAFF: http://www.waff.com/story/23480309/scottsboro-residents-upset-over-trees-cut-near-high-school-stadium

Scottsboro's Electric Power Board Director Jimmy Sandlin says the trees were removed because they were creating a hazard for the power lines. Others say, not so fast, the trees were removed because of advertising on the newly refurbished Trammel Football Stadium.

Several facts stand out: 1) The Scottsboro Power Board nor the Scottsboro Board of Education announced to the public in advance of the tree cutting project. 2) There was a problem with clearance on part of the power lines in the area of the cutting, but not all. 3) What happened to the logs - where did they go, were they sold? 4) Is the property in which the trees were cut and the logs produced TVA property or property of the City of Scottsboro (Part of the property is below the 600ft TVA reservoir flood level). Did TVA survey the area and give a recommendation?

 

Scottsboro Tree Commission Meeting Videos

 

Scottsboro City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Judy Berry's Presentation to Tree Commission 

Scottsboro Electric Power Board Director Mr. Jimmy Sandlin's Presentation to Tree Commission


Tree Commission gets tough intro and an "aura of a clandestine nature."


Tree Commission gets tough finale.

Scottsboro residents upset over long-standing drainage problem...

Story Link: Scottsboro residents upset over long-standing drainage problem - WAFF.com: North Alabama News, Radar, Weather, Sports and Jobs-

Flooding faults...It's their fault, no it's their fault, no it's their fault. No who's on first, no whose on second. Double talk and refusal to accept responsibility.
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Priorities...Recreation or infrastructure? Failed drainage, urban blight, neglect. But new soccer fields, tennis courts and a splash park are far more important than adequate infrastructure to prevent flooding. The continued neglect of the minority community can not be tolerated. You witness the results of this trend of continuing neglect on the above video link.
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Recreation Project will cost near $4 million dollars. http://arklite.blogspot.com/2010/08/scottsboro-city-council.html
http://thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=d696a97a94680997

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Priorities seem to be confused with our current leadership. Which is more important, infrastructure or recreation?
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Here's the problem folks, a larger well planned drainage system usually does not have a nice big bronze "vanity plaque" on it that lists those who built the ditch. Maybe a large "vanity plaque" should be erected with a drainage project, maybe then an adequate drainage system could be built.
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A larger well planned drainage system will cost many millions but it must be accomplished or we will experiance flooding problems on a much more frequent basis due to development changing the course of smaller waterways and over stressing historical area drainage. Changing climate patterns will also result in more extremes in weather. Scottsboro's drainage system must be improved sooner rather than later and must receive a high priority.

Scottsboro Stories/Scottsboro City Council Monday

Check my blog out on the events at the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center. http://scottsborostories.blogspot.com/

The Monday work session agenda was short, 2 discussion items. 1) AlaTax Contract discussion. 2) Discussion concerning sale of old police building on John T. Reid Parkway, Scottsboro. Consideration will be made to either auction the property or sell the property at a sealed bid sale.

National Weather Service Huntsville says Gravity Wave, Maybe-Maybe Not

Extra-tropical cyclone produced strong winds Monday April 13, 2009 in North Alabama. The storm produced strong winds from the west in Birmingham. They were on the southern edge of the storm. Scottsboro was on the northern edge of the storm. Our winds came out of the east as a result of being on the northern edge of the storm.

A sketch of the gravity wave that is claimed to cause the damage Monday morning April 13, 2009.
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Meteorologist Mike Coyne of the National Weather Service office in Huntsville states a "Gravity Wave struck our area in the early hours of Monday morning on April 13, 2009. "It's a once in every 5 year phenomena..." Mr. Coyne stated refering to the so called "gravity wave" event. The Daily Sentinel article: http://thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=1ecbb44372814803

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We have never had high sustained winds of this magnitude. If you live within 2 miles of the base of Sand Mountain you realize that easterly and southeasterly flow of strong winds occur much more frequently than once every 5 years, particularly when strong thunderstorms are to our east. However, these thunderstorms do not last for 3 hours with 50-60 mph sustained winds and 80 mph gusts reported. We all hope and prey that Monday mornings event is not a once in a 5 year event.
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About "gravity waves:" http://www.theweatherprediction.com/habyhints/64/
This is an excellent You-Tube video demonstrating the undulating motion of a gravity wave. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXnkzeCU3bE
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I think the "gravity wave" labeling of the Monday morning event is an excuse by the Huntsville National Weather Service for failing to issue a warning as a result of an extra-tropical cyclone slightly to our south. An extra tropical cyclone is a strong low pressure cell. (We experianced an inland Hurricane.) Birmingham experianced the same storm except their winds were from the west. Our winds were from the east and southeast since we were on the northern edge of the counter clockwise rotating cyclonic storm.
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About extra-tropical cyclones: http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wstorm.htm This is the weather event we experianced. We also experianced the failure of a bureaucratic national weather service who will make excuses rather than resolve problems of a scientific nature. Their reliance on set bureaucratic protocols does not facilitate scientific discovery and scientific forecasting for unusual weather events.

Change in Scottsboro, or the Update: Freedom From the Repression of Truth by the Press

Wiki has a good bio of President Elect Obama. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama

"Scottsboro Boys" under the armed escort of the Alabama National Guard (1931). Link to the Scottsboro Boy's History: http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTrials/Scottsboro/SB_acct.html

Dr. Gary Speers, City Councilman, Educator and Ass't Principal Collins Elementary School (seated left); Mr. Thermon Bell, City Councilman, U.S. Army, Retired and Scottsboro Power Board Employee (center); Mr. Terry Thomas, Councilman, Special Agent Alabama Bureau of Investigation (right).

>>>>>>>Dr. Speers during his campaign at a debate.

A phenomenal cultural Event has occured in our nation. The election of a Black Man as President of the United States. President Elect Barrack Obama's election is a milestone in Race Relations for our nation.

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Much may be said about Scottsboro's change concerning race relations in a positive fashion. Our city's advancement through the debilitating, destructive attitude of Jim Crow; from the Scottsboro Boys Case, the begining of the 2oth Century's Civil Rights movement, to our current historical moments of change. Not much has been said about our local community in this historical moment. President Elect Barrack Hussein Obama truly represents a change of our national culture, leaders such as Dr. Gary M. Speers, Educator and Scottsboro City Councilman represents a positive change for Scottsboro.

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*Update, 6PM: This postings link was removed from al.com's Scottsboro Forum. Very obviously the local editors of al.com Scottsboro Forum, Advance Internet, support censorship. Now it appears their censorship goes much deeper, into the realm of racial bigotry and discrimination. There were other posts from this blog that had been linked over several days but not removed until this one was posted. When this posting was linked, it was removed and the poster has received a posting ban. The prejudicial and bigoted actions of Advance Internet's al.com's editors is reflective of an attitude of tyrany and now intolerance of African American History and Truth. What can be said about a media's empire whose values display that of bigotry and tyrany?? What is so disappointing, The Huntsville Times, The Birmingham News and the Mobile Press Register are part of that media empire. Freedom of the press or freedom from the press and their repression of the truth and responsible discussion of events?

Sagetown Collectors Gallery and A Famous French Clock

Good friend and Sagetown owner Creig Moore holding a Nader for President Sign. Creig says he has been collecting and trading pocket knives since he was knee high to grass hopper.

A Very Rare, Bronze, Gold Guild French Clock, appraised for $25,000 at the Antique Roadshow. The clock runs great and chimes on the hour and half hour. Creig says he'll consider reasonable offers on the clock over $10K. Associated Press story below.

Historical letters and manuscripts, U.S. and Confederate General Joe Wheeler collectibles.

One of a kind Russell Knife Collection, a must see if you like rare antique cutlery.

Stop by and visit, open Wednesday thru Saturday.

Rare Asian Maijyao Culture large jars, 5000 BC, Ming Dynasty pottery, Jade and other Oriental curiosities.

More of the World Class Russell knife collection, probably the largest in the nation if not world wide.

Antique furniture and Annie Oakley's holster set, Gone With the Wind movie memorabilia.

Visit Sagetown's Tac Shop. Custom saddles by Moore Custom Saddles, Creigs Dad, Quinon, is a custom saddle maker; antique cavalry saddles, bridles, hats and other riding supplies are available.

Civil War curiosities and art, pre-Columbian relics and other legally collected artifacts may be found.

Antique Pocket Knives, swords, custom knives by Alabama Blade-smiths, coins, military memorabilia and a World Class Western Art Collection featuring Robert Learned Hand (deceased) Great Grandson of Quanah Parker.

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From the Associated Press Report: " Also in Chattanooga, one top-dollar collectible picked for appraisal was Creig Moore's French Louis XV-style clock from around 1850. It appraised for $20,000 to $25,000.

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Moore, who owns Sagetown Collectors Gallery in Scottsboro, Ala., said he was shocked that the appraisal was twice what he thought was the value.
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A longtime collector and antique dealer, Moore said he had bought the brass with gold overlay clock about six months earlier from a buddy in Birmingham, without even knowing if it works.
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"I had gone to his house and saw it in his garage in a huge basket," Moore said. "He said, 'That's an old clock I picked up in New Orleans about 10 years ago...I'll sell it to you."'
Moore, 45, said the clock "ran perfectly" when he got it home and he thought it was worth about $10,000.
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"Once they looked at the clock, they didn't tell me anything about it except to ask if they could put it on the show," Moore said.
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Moore said the appraiser told him it was the "best made clock of that era he had ever seen."
He is still trying to sell it.

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"I call it my lucky garage sale find because it was in his garage," Moore said.
Moore watches the program regularly and is looking forward to the airing of the Chattanooga shows, which is the first time he'll know if he made the final cut.
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"I'll definitely be watching," Moore said.
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Sagetown Collectors Gallery at 108 South Broad Street in Scottsboro has historical antiquities and curiosities from "all corners of the globe." One local item has garnered national attention at the recent Antique Road Show held in Chattanooga Tennessee. News article on the event:

http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20090103/NEWS/301039987 Sagetown site: http://www.freewebs.com/sagetown/

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If you haven't seen Sagetown stop by and visit Creig and his dad Quinon. It is a one of a kind curios store in Beautiful Historic Downtown Scottsboro, Alabama.