Municipal Court of Scottsboro, Alabama Back in the News - UPDATES February 10, 2019 - Questions and Alleged Criminal Behavior - A Case of Negligent Actions, Failure to Perform Appropriate Background Investigations and the Discovery of Vindictive Behavior and Influences

Scottsboro Municipal Justice Center - Police Department, Municipal Court, Municipal Jail and E911 Center. ( photo by G. Morgan)

UPDATES

This is a developing story, there may be updates at any time.

This is not the first time our municipal courts have been in the news, apparently some folks do not learn the Lessons of History.

This story begins with the appearance of Scottsboro's Municipal Judge, Scott Berry in a Marshall County Court. February 1, 2019 - Albertville, Al. (Diversion program acceptance.) - "Judge Berry arrived to court in Albertville Friday morning as a defendant. He agreed to have his case continued until next year.  As part of the agreement he is to take an anger management class. Today he paid the $404 in court costs and fees. He’s also ordered not to have any contact with his father James Berry, his brother Adam, and Douglas police officer Matthew Burns or their immediate families." More info available at link - https://www.waff.com/2019/02/01/scottsboro-judge-strikes-plea-deal-reckless-endangerment-case/?fbclid=IwAR2p8drMukdWx58t0rBj_yYWNswQhcDhUKL--JxolYf7XuhGj1tp9wMpliU

Judicial Canon of Ethics: http://judicial.alabama.gov/library/RulesCanons

Interviews with Scottsboro officials and employees have revealed the following information. 

There is more to this story other than the above disclosed case involving Judge Berry. It involves negligence on the part of the current city council, deceit, probable vindictive influences involving past and current public officials.

Once again we are seeing evidence of sexual discrimination due to persons being placed in positions of authority and conveying deceptive information regarding female employees within Scottsboro's Municipal Court System, according to sources within the City of Scottsboro.

The judicial and justice system within Scottsboro is being negatively impacted by those who are responsible. Letters have been sent forward to the mayor and council outlining a failure of the criminal justice system within Scottsboro.

There are multiple sources regarding this story. Those sources inform me a private law firm in Montgomery Alabama has been hired to conduct an investigation. Sources have also informed me the Attorney General's Office has been contacted and allegedly subpoenas have been issued regarding alleged missing funds.

In June of 2012 the Alabama Bureau of Investigation conducted an investigation into missing funds involving the Scottsboro Municipal Courts, there was an arrest in that case. http://www.waff.com/story/19103748/court-records-show-city-employee-stole-12k-from-scottsboro/

Currently, there is a general denial from informed sources that there is any missing money and that the allegation may be an attempt to cover-up wrongdoing by public officials within Scottsboro's Municipal Court System. Sources inform me that audits and inspections of funds within the Municipal Court System reveal no appearance of criminal activity.

2016 Municipal Court problems http://www.waff.com/story/33264084/scottsboro-judge-under-investigation-not-reappointed/ and this related article: http://www.waff.com/story/33240228/scottsboro-judge-under-investigation-by-state-judicial-commission/

All information conveyed originates from checked and confirmed sources, employees and public officials within the City of Scottsboro, Alabama.

QUESTIONS - Update February 10, 2019

 Will good people step forward and stop alleged criminal conduct and malfeasance by public officials? 

Following the money here takes on a whole new meaning. What happens if there is no missing money? What happens if there is an intentional effort by specific current and past Scottsboro public officials attempting to harass specific female personnel due to hatred and vindictiveness? Coupled with gross negligence, possible medical problems, and wrongful actions the problem grows due to inaction and poor decision making. 

Warning signs that say STOP! A court case appears which demonstrates the individual involved in our municipal court is demonstrating problem behavior, why would you not act in an appropriate manner to resolve the problem? 

Another sign which says STOP! A public official comes forward and states via letter that our laws are being subverted by one individual in a position of power and evidence has been provided indicating a serious problem. Why would the City Council not act to resolve the problem within our municipal court system in Scottsboro, Alabama? 

HISTORY: There have been investigators in the past who have been employed by the City of Scottsboro who made great recommendations, political leadership ignored those recommendations - WHY? So city leadership could maintain individual, non-objective personnel decision making instead of having a comprehensive fair system of personnel management. I guess you might say instead of implementing a fair system of management with acceptable standards of practice the city leadership implemented a system of vindictive negligence of misguided politicians. 

There are good people which can stop the malfeasance and alleged criminal actions, the question is, will they?

              Alleged Criminal Conduct, Alleged Misappropriation, Alleged Sexual Harassment-Creating Hostile Work Environment.  Information Provided And Confirmed by Multiple Confidential Sources Within the City of Scottsboro, Alabama

1) Theft or illegal diversion of official Municipal Courts electronic communications between attorneys, courts, clerical staff and magistrate actions of the City of Scottsboro during the First five days of November 2018. 

2) Allegations of improper expenditure of public funds to hire a "special attorney" from Montgomery to represent the Municipal Court Judge, alleged cost $7000.00. 

3) Allegations of intentional work place harassment against female personnel have been made; including harassment by specified public officials.   

4) The harassment is alleged to involve falsification of documents and false statements made to State investigators and/or the Alabama Attorney General's Office. The alleged false statements are pointed at female personnel in a pattern of repetitive abuse by specific male personnel who are appointed  public officials in the City of Scottsboro. 

5) Sexual Harassment in this case involves the attempted improper termination by an appointed official of a employee of the City of Scottsboro employed within the City Courts System as an official of the court. Information received from multiple sources reveal more than one current public official allegedly participated in a purposeful structured plan to harass multiple female public employees. Public officials and/or elected officials have been reported, to this writer, as participants in a structured scheme of discriminatory adverse acts directed at female personnel within the City of Scottsboro, Alabama. 

According to source reports within the City of Scottsboro, allegedly thousands of pages of court related documents and reports have been sent to the State AG's office due to investigatory subpoena.

Sources within the City of Scottsboro indicate an outside legal firm from Montgomery, Alabama - Ball, Ball, Matthews and Novak has been hired to represent the city and conduct inquiries and make recommendations. The specific attorney handling this matter from the named law firm is Hope C. Hicks, according to sources within the City of Scottsboro.

The Continuing Saga - Stories of our Municipal Court in Scottsboro, Alabama.

https://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Municipal%20Court

Scottsboro City Council Work Session August 6, 2018 - The Blizzard Saga Continues - Negligent Actions Apparent - Health Issue or Political Extortion Attempt? Mr. Smith Speaks Again, Wants to Remove Mayor from Supervisory Chain - UPDATE: August 7, 2018 - Capital Expense Program Planning, Non-Existent? Equipment Repair Issue, Invoice Listing

Council Member Smith, photo by G. Morgan

AN EXAMINATION OF FAILED LEADERSHIP, NEGLIGENT ACTIONS AND POLITICAL EXTORTION

Council Member Keith Smith stated he wanted to remove the Mayor from the supervisory chain of Mr. Eddie Blizzard, Department Head of Streets and Sanitation Departments. 

Mr. Smith's Comments Video

Mr. Smith may suggest anything as a seated council member, he may not act in violation of the laws of the State of Alabama. It appears there is an intentional effort by Mr. Smith, Mr. Blizzard and outside influences to interfere in the legal day to day operations of the City of Scottsboro in a strange political extortion attempt by removing the Mayor of Scottsboro from supervising the Street Department and Sanitation Department Director/Department Head by attempted improper, if not unlawful action. 

The City of Scottsboro has serious Personnel Policy issues created by past Mayors and City Councils. The current relationship between the current City Council and the Mayor is hampered by the actions of Smith, Blizzard and others who have a misguided, vindictive political agenda. This vindictive agenda does not have the best interests of the Citizens of the City of Scottsboro at heart. 

IMPROPER/ILLEGAL CONDUCT 

Documentation regarding Mr. Eddie Blizzard and Mayors actions. 

(Click on image for an expanded view.)

HEALTH-DISABILITY OR CIRCUMVENTION OF PERSONNEL POLICY, LAW VIA A POLITICAL EXTORTION SCHEME

The sick leave excuse from Mr. Blizzard's attending physician should be called into question, it is not a physician's expertise to state that a hostile working environment is a reason to excuse an employee from work for medical reasons, for an indefinite period of time. The sick leave excuse now appears to be utilized by Blizzard and Smith as an unscrupulous plan to remove the Mayor from Blizzard's supervisory chain. If there is a hostile work environment, as Blizzard and Smith claim, this is a legal/personnel issue and there is no proof offered in the open council meeting that a hostile work environment exists.

Council Member Smith does not seem to realize what the resulting actions would be on the efficient operation of the City of Scottsboro, nor the requirements of law regarding the Mayor's responsibilities, duties, including fiscal responsibilities. The Mayor MUST NOT SET SILENT regarding these wrongful, attempted actions on the part of Blizzard, Smith and other unstated parties.

This question must be asked - Is there a serious medical problem regarding Mr. Blizzard, or is this a political extortion attempt? If Mr. Blizzard is suffering from some sort of stress or Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), shouldn't he be evaluated by a qualified person such as a Psychologist or Psychiatrist, then City Officials or appropriate authorities should consider permanent disability so that Scottsboro may fill the job if there is a true PTSD issue. If the issue is heart related, then a Cardiologist should provide input and permanent Disability should be considered if medical evaluation warrants. Has the Mayor caused this one Department Head all of these problems?

Because of Smith and Blizzard's actions, there should be a large question if Blizzard's problems are medically related or an action of unscrupulous political extortion?

LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES, DUTIES OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL

This article from the Alabama League of Municipalities, The Duties of the Mayor and City Council, very clear and concise duties regarding the Mayor and Council including their relationship as stated by the Code of Alabama (Current Code References listed). http://trussville.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Duties-of-the-Mayor-Council.pdf

UNNAMED SCOTTSBORO OFFICIAL SOURCE REPORT OF MEETING BETWEEN MAYOR SHELTON, MR. BLIZZARD, CITY ATTORNEY AND CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Paraphrased quote from Mr. Blizzard: 'I do not work for you Mayor, I work for the City Council, you can't fire me.' 

FAILED LEADERSHIP AND OVERSIGHT

 It is beyond ridiculous that one person manages the Street and Sanitation Departments. This occurred as a result of unprofessional management practices of the former Mayor, a broken personnel management system, an uninformed City Council, and personal favoritism benefiting an unqualified employee by the former Mayor of Scottsboro. 

The lack of a trained replacement, second in command in the Street and Sanitation Departments separately is a demonstration of a lack of leadership on the Department Head, Mr. Blizzard; fixing long time standing problems with equipment function and breakdown is the responsibility of the Department Head, Mr. Blizzard. The Mayor and City Council are also responsible for this failure of leadership and personnel management.

The failure to provide Capital Expense oversight for equipment replacement and repair is the responsibility of the Department Head, Finance Director, Mayor and City Council.

INVESTIGATION NEEDED

There should be a full investigation by an outside agency to determine if law was violated and-or if  legal/criminal actions should be pursued, and the extent of problems in Scottsboro's Personnel Management which still exist and exasperate the current personnel and legal problem. The investigation should also determine if there is a valid or bogus medical claim regarding Mr. Eddie Blizzard.

Investigation should also include violation of Bid Laws of the State of Alabama. Information has been obtained from a source that the invoices listed below were all on one invoice. It has been reported that a Scottsboro City Official requested the breakup of the invoices so they would not appear to violate the State Bid Law. 

SEPARATE ISSUES - PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT REPAIRS

Equipment Repairs 

Five separate invoices with one date - July 17, 2018  All invoices are from one vendor, "Tractor and Equipment Company" of Birmingham Alabama, Decatur, Alabama location. 

1) Invoice W21531 D61EX12 Crawler (Komatsu Bulldozer) Repair - sticking brake; cost $1410.46

2) Invoice W21530 Same Equipment as above, bulldozer - Repair - broken bolts, removal of rock guard and rollers; cost $769.50

3) Invoice W21529 Same equipment as above, bulldozer - Repair - cab air conditioner and heater; cost $8868.47

4) Invoice W21528 Same equipment as above, bulldozer - Repair - radiator, clean, repair, re-core; cost  $9126.92

5) Invoice W21526 Same equipment as above, bulldozer - replace undercarriage; cost  $17,210.49

Total for this equipment repair, a 2006D61EX12 Crawler, Komatsu Bulldozer  - $37,385.84

A similar Komatsu D61  Bulldozer  Fair Use rights for non-profit news and commentary, photo by machinerytrader.com (photo crop by G.Morgan)

Click on image for an expanded view.

Invoice sample, there are 4 more multi-page invoice documents as noted above. Note date and time stamp, they are all the same, also note name as purchase order block.

CAPITAL EXPENSE PLANNING THROWN OUT THE WINDOW?

A question that must be asked, what has happened to the City of Scottsboro's Capital Expense Program planning?

AGENDA

A short Budget Meeting was held after the council meeting, the video will be provided later.

\

VIDEO PART 1 OF MEETING

VIDEO PART 2 OF MEETING

Scottsboro, Alabama - July 9, 2018 - Scottsboro City Council Regular Session Vote on Place 1 Replacement - Mr. Smith Discusses Expenditures Regarding Equipment Repair and Replacement, Bid Law Violations? - Update Regarding March 2018 Altercation Between Mr. Eddie Blizzard and Mayor Robin Shelton, Record Request Results

Mr. Smith discusses Sanitation and Street Department equipment repair and purchase expenditures and or proposals. (photo by G. Morgan)

BID LAW VIOLATIONS?

SMITH REPORTED THE FOLLOWING EXPENDITURES OR PROPOSED

1) $32,000 expenditure for bull dozier repair, check cancelled as not budgeted and no approval from city council.

2) Badger Ditch Cleaner, $20,000

3) Track Hoe, $16,000

4) Compactor air conditioner, $7800

5) Dump Truck at Land Fill, 4 wheel drive out for 8-10 years,  $10,000-$12,000

Total - $85,800

The requirement for bidding services, such as repairs, or purchases involves financial amounts over $15,000. Link to bid law,  Code of Alabama 41-16-50 https://codes.findlaw.com/al/title-41-state-government/al-code-sect-41-16-50.html  Also Examiners of Public Accounts, Do's and Don'ts Utilizing Public Funds http://www.examiners.state.al.us/documents/formpub/Dos_and_Donts.pdf

Unfortunately there is much more to this crisis than meets the "public eye." Possible bid law violations is just the tip of the puzzle. I have been having conversations with past Mayors of Scottsboro prior to Mayor Shelton, 16 years, about serious shortcomings in the City of Scottsboro's Personnel Management system, this includes presentations to the City Council. The City Council is just as at fault as Mayors past and present regarding this issue. In this case, as well as the Blizzard issue, it appears there may be an intentional undermining of the Chain of Command at the City of Scottsboro. Instead of working together as a team to manage the City of Scottsboro, professionally, intelligently, and facilitating the principles of leadership and stewardship, there is intentional conflict and undermining of processes. 

If you are a politician in the City of Scottsboro either act professional, do the peoples business, be a leader, work to resolve problems as a team, OR RESIGN. If you are an employee, politically appointed (Which is another problem, unresolved, several of the positions should be classified not appointed.) or classified (hired) follow the rules of the City, quit scheming, or you should expect to be terminated if you are not going to be a team player. The situation regarding Mr. Blizzard is part of the problem.

CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR - recommendations were made several years ago regarding needed improvements to the Scottsboro Personnel Management System, you have ignored those recommendations. The situation involved the Scottsboro Police Department, Mr. Smith as the Police Chief, Mayor Deason and the alleged improper termination of an employee. A Personnel Management Specialist was hired and gave a report of needed improvements. Instead of making improvements y'all have proceeded on a course of unprofessional conduct which does not have the best interests of the citizens of the City of Scottsboro as first and foremost in your agendas. STOP WITH THE PERSONAL EGOTISTICAL VENDETTAS AGAINST PEOPLE WHO ARE PART OF THE CITY STRUCTURE OF SCOTTSBORO! CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND MAYOR, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE. 

Is it too much to ask for professional conduct on the part of elected leadership??

BE PROFESSIONAL - BE THE TEAM

Stop working against each other.

The Council President, Mr. Tony Wallingsford, Mayor Robin Shelton, and the City Attorney are to meet this week to discuss the issue of inappropriate expenditures. 

VIDEO EXCERPT OF MR. SMITH'S PRESENTATION

                                                   AGENDA

Vote on the Scottsboro City Council for Place 1, vacated when Mrs. Jessica Butler resigned.

Jenna Bell received 2 votes, Mr. Wallingsford and Mr. Gary Stewart

Linda Bray received 2 votes, Mr. Smith and Mr. Patrick Stewart

A Special Call Meeting to be announced for a second vote on July 16, 2018 after the regular scheduled work session meeting.

THE LIST

VIDEO

Records request regarding documented Verbal Warning given to Mr. Eddie Blizzard by Mayor Robin Shelton. There are two items in this document which stand out: 1) Provoking comments documented, quote - Mayor stated - "I apologized for cursing him," 2) and an assault upon the Mayor by a Department Head, Quote from Mayor: "Blizzard said then we will just settle this right now, reached in and grabbed my necktie and started pulling."

Mr. Blizzard refused to sign the warning. H.R. Director Erin Stiles signed, Police Chief Ralph Dawe signed and the Mayor signed.

Also this blog article on the subject: https://arklite.blogspot.com/2018/06/scottsboro-city-council-regular-session_26.html

UPDATE July 2, 2018 : Mr. Blizzard was asked if he wanted to provide a comment regarding this issue or his current status, he stated: "No comment."

                                      

                            DOCUMENTED VERBAL WARNING
                 (Click on image of document for an expanded view.) 

Scottsboro City Council Work Session, Further Discussion on Employee Retirement Incentives February 19, 2018

Council Members Keith Smith and Gary Stewart provide suggestions regarding Employee Retirement Incentives Program, City Clerk Whitney Phillips, on right, enters notations about council session.

City Council President Tony Wallingsford expresses concerns regarding the number of personnel eligible for retirement and the problems which would arise if a considerable number retired. 31 are eligible for retirement in Fiscal Year 2018, another 13 are eligible in 2019, total for the next 2 years would be 43 city employees would be eligible for retirement in the next 2 years.

AGENDA

VIDEO

Scottsboro City Council Regular Session February 12, 2018 - Indecision Regarding City Retirement Incentive Plans

City Council President Tony Wallingsford delays City Employee Retirement Incentive Plans, or as it is called this week, "Service Reward for Employees." Agenda item 4 on this weeks agenda and item 5 on last weeks agenda. An attempt to have the Personnel Director make a presentation was blocked by Council President Wallingsford last week. 

The committee work product, Retirement Incentive Plans, was evident as the work product was in the hands of a committee member last week, however the documents could not be presented as the Council President blocked the presentation. 

A Committee consisting of Council Members Keith Smith, Patrick Stewart, Mayor Robin Shelton and Personnel Director Erin Dixon was appointed by Mr. Wallingsford several weeks previous. Why has Mr. Wallingsford blocked the findings and presentation of the committee? All postings related to Retirement Incentive Plans.   http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Retirement%20Incentives%20city%20employees

(Note January 22, 2018 city council video at approximately 11 minutes 30 seconds.)

AGENDA

VIDEO

Scottsboro City Council Work Session, February 5, 2018

City Council President Tony Wallingsford center, City Clerk Whitney Phillips on left, City Attorney Steve Kennamer on right, opening of meeting. (photo by G. Morgan)

Council Member Keith Smith's Birthday (photo by G. Morgan)

Council Member Jessica Butler makes motion to adjourn. (photo by G. Morgan)

AGENDA

Discussion of city employee retirement Incentives, per Incentives Committee, agenda item 5, discussion stopped by Council President Tony Wallingsford. City Personnel Director was not allowed to present incentive amounts as discussed by Incentives Committee when called on by Council Member Patrick Stewart.

Discussion regarding purchase of 13 new police vehicles, agenda item 4, Chevy Tahoes fully equipped, approximate cost $44,000 each. (Photos Fair Use for non-profit news reporting, top photo by Scottsboro Police Department, bottom photo of Tahoe interior for police pursuit vehicle autoweb.com)

VIDEO

Scottsboro City Council January 22, 2017 Work Session and Regular Session

Council President Tony Wallingsford calls meeting to order. Left to right - City Clerk Whitney Phillips; Council President Tony Wallingsford; City Attorney Stephen Kennamer; Council Member Patrick Stewart. Photo by G. Morgan.

Reports section, (left to right) Council Member Patrick Stewart, Council Member Jessica Butler. 

photo by G. Morgan

Council Member Keith Smith comments on retirement incentive issue. Committee previously appointed regarding this issue is Council Members Smith and Stewart, committee members Mayor Robin Shelton and Personnel Director Erin Dixon. In depth discussion in below City Council video at 11 min. 30 sec. Photo by G. Morgan

Council Member Gary Stewart comments during reports section. Photo by G. Morgan

AGENDAS

(Work session and regular session agendas were the same, no changes.)

Added discussion, no agenda item - Employee Retirement Incentive Discussion at 11 minutes 30 seconds in below video.

VIDEO

Scottsboro City Council Regular Session - Citizen Presentation About Personnel Board Problems March 28, 2016 --- UPDATE - Conflicts of Interest Letter, April 20, 2016 - Interview with Mrs Linda Bray July 5, 2018

Scottsboro City Hall (photo by G. Morgan)

AGENDA

(Click on image for an expanded view.)

VIDEO

Personnel Board meeting video may be viewed at http://arklite.blogspot.com/2016/03/scottsboro-personnel-board-meeting.html Item of interest in this video begins at 3min:33sec.

UPDATE -  JULY 5, 2018 Interview of Mrs Linda Bray regarding Conflicts of Interest involving private investigations services conducted regarding city employees and Mrs. Bray being a sitting member of the Scottsboro City Personnel Board. (3:33 in the video) This documentation was provided by Mrs. Bray from the Scottsboro City Attorney. Mrs Bray is a candidate for an appointment to the Scottsboro City Council. Two members of the City Council have indicated to me they will select Mrs Bray for the appointment. (Click on image for an expanded view.) Both articles may be viewed at https://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Alabama%20Private%20Investigators%20Board

(signature block redacted)

Scottsboro Personnel Board Meeting March 24, 2016 - Regarding Debra "Dee" Diane Wolf - Concerns and Observations - Update April 7, 2016 Hearing for Termination

 This Personnel Board Hearing is an administrative procedure regarding former Rec Com employee  Ms. Debra "Dee" Diane Wolf.  Ms. Wolf was arrested on February 15, 2016 for alleged theft of cash from the Rec Com. Link - http://whnt.com/2016/02/16/scottsboro-city-employee-charged-with-theft/   The Personnel Board Hearing is to determine if  Ms. Wolf will remain on Administrative Leave with pay, face administrative leave without pay or termination. Administrative procedures rules are not the same as a court of law. Her criminal case outcome will be determined at a later date.  It is important to remember that an individual is innocent until proven guilty in a Court of Law.

                                              VIDEO


CONCERNS & OBSERVATIONS

There is a question regarding some members of this personnel board's qualifications and conflicts of interest in serving on this board.

The meeting WAS NOT called to order, Mr. Perry Guffey is the Personnel Board President. I began recording at 5PM when the attorney from Lanier-Ford began presenting documents to the personnel board. Prior to the meeting two events occurred. 1) Mrs. Bray,  the unlicensed private investigator - personnel board member, which Mayor Potter hired to follow the Personnel Director around in a retaliation - harassing action;  allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation in a Federal EEOC complaint have been filed and a separate civil law suit is pending, filed by another employee relating to harassment and retaliation. Mrs. Bray was heard to say, "should he be here videoing?" My reply,  "this is a public meeting." 2) Mrs Dixson, Personnel Director, asked Mr. Guffey if she could help him with something; Mr. Guffey's  reply, "I wasn't talking to you." Mrs. Dixson replied, "I thought you were asking me a question." In my opinion, Mr. Guffey's reply to Mrs. Dixson was rude and disrespectful. Guffey's comment  is not surprising considering the expressed conduct of some males in city government positions toward women. 


Postponement of the hearing - Mr. Guffey entered into a discussion with Mrs. Bray about postponement of the hearing, Mrs. Dixson was called forward. Mr. Guffey asked Mrs. Wolf if she would like for the board to suspend the proceedings until her attorney could be present, she stated "yes." Without a vote or consultation with the board Mr. Guffey declared, (quotes from video) "The board does not feel it would be right for you  to attend this meeting without your attorney here, and the city won't have an attorney here, there are certain things they know that we don't know and there are things I'm sure that you don't know, we are going to suspend this meeting tonight 'til a later day, until she can have her attorney here..."

Previous articles on this blog relating to this incident: http://arklite.blogspot.com/2016/02/deep-throat-informants-part-6-city-of.html  Articles on this blog relating to sexual harassment, retaliation and the involvement of Ms. Linda Bray, Personnel Board member and an unlicensed private investigator hired by Mayor Potter in a discriminatory - retaliatory action against the Personnel Director and another. (Pending Federal EEOC and local Circuit Court case action pending.) This series of blog articles also involves Council Member Keith Smith and his involvement in protecting Mayor Potter and attacks on the Scottsboro Personnel Director, as relayed to me by Scottsboro Merchants, and myself for my blog articles. This is discussed here due to the appearance of a serious conflict involving a member of the Scottsboro Personnel Board.  http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Surveillance

UPDATE: PERSONNEL BOARD HEARING FOR TERMINATION APRIL 7, 2016
                PART 1 MRS. WOLF SELECTED A CLOSED HEARING

PART 2 RETURN FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Scottsboro Personnel Board recommended termination. Mrs. Wolf may elect to appeal a decision from the personnel board to the city council. 

“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

“Deep Throat” (Informants), Part 7, City of Scottsboro Employees Come Forward - Sexual Harassment - Cash Control Failure - Scottsboro "Girl" Employees

Girl Employees - Sexual Harassment in the Workplace as Management Policy

Photo display of email from the City of Scottsboro's Finance Director to the Municipal Court Judge placed on the Municipal Court Bulletin Board.

This email sums up the problem with sexual harassment within the City of Scottsboro. It is allowed, it is tolerated and female employees are considered "girls," not employees. Why not this request? "Please stress the importance of the City of Scottsboro's Cash Control Policy to all employees in which you supervise." 

UPDATE (edited): March 3, 2016, Scottsboro, Alabama - Ms. Erin Dixson, the Human Resource Director for the City of Scottsboro, posted on her personal Face Book site that she had "checked into the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Washington on March 2, 2016 at 12:28PM. 

 Ms. Dixson was contacted today after her work hours to ask if she had spoke to the folks at the EEOC, or filed a complaint with the government agency regarding sexual discrimination or harassment, with the federal agency, regarding the City of Scottssboro or its' elected/appointed officials, This is Ms. Dixson's reply: " I'm concerned about the ongoing and historical treatment of female employees at the City of Scottsboro."

"Whether an investigation or action is pending falls on the agencies involved to comment at this time. I'm attempting to do my job for the citizens and employees of the City of Scottsboro as their Human Resource Director." 

Two previous inquiries had been made to Ms. Dixson regarding her previous suspension and subsequent reinstatement. Ms. Dixon replied to me she was restricted as to her comments due to an agreement she had with the City of Scottsboro not to disclose the terms of a settlement regarding her suspension by Mayor Potter directed at her relating to the Mayor's previous actions. Ms. Dixson was reinstated with full pay and at least some of her attorney fees were paid for by the City of Scottsboro without the approval of the City Council.

Inquiries directly to Mayor Potter resulted in his invoking rights against self incrimination by requesting the City Attorney's presence during my presentation of questions to him. He was advised not to answer pertinent questions regarding misconduct of employees or harassment by management. 

I am aware of Ms. Dixson and other female employees suffering continued harassment and unprofessional conduct as a result of the mayor and other male supervisory employees actions within the City of Scottsboro. 

Articles within related to sexual harassment of female employees within the City of Scottsboro: http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/sexual%20harassment 

EEOC Information along with the info on the gross abuse of power by Scottsboro's Mayor and others involved in Scottsboro's management. http://arklite.blogspot.com/2015/11/requirement-of-private-investigators.html

FAILED CASH CONTROL/FAILED MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT

The problem with cash control rests in a large part because of the failure of the City of Scottsboro's Finance Director to insure that all sections where there is cash involved were implementing appropriate cash controls. That was not the case for the Community Recreation Center. There were no cash register receipts being given out according to informants. Quote: "We just started giving out cash receipts from our register, we did not do this before the theft." 

The Finance Director and the Director of the Recreation Center are directly responsible for failed oversight. Informants have stated this has been a long term problem. A problem which has been in existence for over 9 years, it was previously identified when Mayor Deason was Mayor. A similar  theft of funds occurred at the Rec-Com during Mayor Deason's tenure, according to informants.

Unfortunately, it appears the current theft of cash case may involve a considerable amount of money  taken over a long period of time according to informant reports. Initial media info on this case. http://www.waff.com/story/31236890/scottsboro-city-employee-arrested-on-theft-charges

The unprofessional statement in the email above from Scottsboro's Finance Director is a result of  the unfair application of policy regarding cash control pointed specifically at employees in the Municipal Court System.

The mayor and the finance director attempted to place blame on our municipal magistrate for failed cash control, that situation did not work out for the "good ole boys."  An old saying holds true, "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me." That event took place 3 years ago. 

Scottsboro's Personnel Board Clears City Magistrate -  http://www.waff.com/story/21311780/personnel-board-clears-scottsboro-city-court-clerk  The Mayor and the finance director attempted to blame everyone else at that time, attempting to make a scapegoat out of Ms. Starr. Rumors about her circulated wildly.

The same situation of rumors and innuendo circulated surrounding the City Human Resource Director http://www.waff.com/story/30814843/scottsboro-mayor-accused-of-hiring-private-investigator-for-personal-reasons  A pattern of misconduct is appearing as a result of leadership/management failures. The entire series beginning with the wrongful surveillance actions against Scottsboro Employees. http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Surveillance

Poor management controls are a direct reflection on Mayor Potter. The way, form and fashion our Mayor and male supervisory staff treat female personnel within the City of Scottsboro is reflected in questionable management practices regarding the city's operations which have resulted in overt acts of sexual discrimination carried forth against female employees and an unfair enforcement of the city's cash control policy.