Weed Control on Lake Guntersville, Solutions vs. Problem vs. Political Pressure (part 2)

TVA debt in excess of $25 billion dollars and approaching the mandated $30 billion dollar Federally mandated congressional cap. How peculiar that TVA's lack of aquatic weed control gets our local political representatives upset over TVA mismanagement. It seems when the elite citizens of the community can't get to their boat docks all hades breaks loose. Are our political representatives placing the horse before the cart? It would seem that mismanagement of the TVA is not as important as some citizen's boat docks. Then, there are the threats of poisoning the waters by "agent orange, battery acid, anti-freeze." As if our representatives are not aware that the attempt to utilize these substances in our water are not only illegal but it seems they are threatening their usage if TVA doesn't control aquatic weeds. Where would "agent orange" come from, that is an insane comment! I wonder if Homeland Security will investigate where the Agent Orange will originate?
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I wonder if our distinguished representatives have noticed the low lake level? The lowest continuous level in 2 years which is an attempt to control the aquatic weeds.

State Representative Jeff McLaughlan (seated right), Chairman of Tennessee River Valley Caucus, Alabama House of Representatives: "201 counties in TVA area...challenge to TVA is to manage resource effectively...problem with the way they announced the plan, 3 day notice...can't allow TVA to run from problem, must address the problem of aquatic weed control." His other comments, "TVA rates are increasing...now is not the time to pull out from responsibility...can't afford to have anti-freeze, battery acid or Round-up placed in water to control aquatic weeds."

U.S. House of Representative (elect) Parker Griffith (center standing) comments: "Dismayed over the handling of our river resource...unacceptable behavior of a public servant {Tom Kilgore, TVA CEO]" Judy Miller, Director Marshall County Legislative Delegation (seated on right): "Shirking responsibility, not the first time...1997 the TVA cancelled its aquatic weed control program...we strongly protested their actions...we developed plan in 1998 which resulted in TVA reversing its policy. The current aquatic weed control policy has been in effect for the last decade. The TVA needs to live up to expectations." (TVA's current Aquatic Weed Control Policy link, 2001, is listed in part 1 of this series.)

Rick Roden, CEO Jackson County Chamber of Commerce (seated on left): "We were blind sided by this policy. Our job at the Chamber is to grow the economy. Tourism is big business, a lack of aquatic weed control has a negative effect on our fishery. Tourism has resulted in 5000 jobs for the Guntersville Lake area...$207 million in tourist revenue for Jackson and Marshall County's...can not afford to go backwards." Scottsboro Mayor Melton Potter (seated right): "2 choices, lay down or address issue..."

State Representative Butch Taylor (seated left): "TVA wants to give responsibility to State of Alabama..." Alabama Senator Hinton Mitchum (seated right): "Poorly handled approach to aquatic weed control...poor stewardship."

State Representative John Robinson (seated left): "I've heard agent orange will be used to combat problem..." State Senator Lowell Barron (seated right): "This meeting is about solutions to our aquatic weed control problem...we have been supportive of TVA's nuclear construction...we do not want to bash TVA Board, but we will if necessary. This has a negative effect on our fishery...the current proposal for Jackson County appears to only control 57acres...if we have to match funds we will." Senator Barron recommended a letter writing campaign to the TVA. A handout was passed out containing the TVA Board members and the TVA's address in Knoxville. TVA contact link: http://www.tva.gov/abouttva/contact.htm

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Senator Barron appointed a committee of representatives from Jackson and Marshall County to develop solutions and input to the TVA concerning the aquatic weed control problem.

Weed Control on Lake Guntersville, Solutions vs. Problem vs. Political Pressure (part 1)

Notice of Aquatic Weed Control posted at Goose Pond Colony.

Aquatic weeds offshore from the above notice at Goose Pond Colony. The aquatic weeds pictured are less than 50 ft. from the sign.

Clogged waterway northeast of County Park at Randall's Chapel. Weed Control vs. Wildlife habitat. Professional management must be undertaken concerning this problem to prevent destruction of our aquatic resources. Elected representative comments will be listed in separate article.

Press Conference panel seated left to right: Chamber of Commerce CEO Rick Roden, U.S. Congressman elect Parker Griffith, Scottsboro Mayor Melton Potter.

Press Conference Panel Members, seated left to right: Rep. Butch Taylor, Sen. Hinton Mitchum, County Commission Chairwoman Sadie Bias, Rep. John Robinson, Sen. Lowell Barron, Marshall County Legislative Delegation Director Judy Miller, Chamber of Commerce CEO Rick Roden.

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This morning at the Scottsboro City Hall Council Chambers a press conference was held. Leading the conference and providing introductions was Senator Lowell Barron. Senator Barron stated, "this meeting is about solutions to the problem of weed control on Guntersville Lake."

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Attending the meeting were Senator Lowell Barron, Representative John Robinson, Representative Butch Taylor, Senator Hinton Mitchum, Representative Jeff McLaughlin, Congressman elect Parker Griffith, Jackson County Commission Chairperson Sadie Bias, Mayor Melton Potter, Ms. Judy Miller-Director Marshall County Legislative Office, Mr. Rick Roden-CEO Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. The council chamber was full, standing room only, many other political representatives were present from other areas around Lake Guntersville. Many citizens were present. Local TV media was present as well as most local and area printed media were present.

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Articles on subject: http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/local.ssf?/base/news/1226052965276640.xml&coll=1

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2008/nov/10/tva-reduce-weed-control-guntersville-nickajack/?breakingnews

TVA policy on Aquatic Vegetation Control: http://www.tva.gov/rrsc/readingroom/aquaplantrec.htm It is interesting to note that the the TVA has not issued a press release over this issue, at least it is not posted on TVA's web site. Panel members comments concerning the TVA's lack of communication skills are correct. http://www.tva.gov/news/releases/index.htm (On a personal note: You would think a Pharmacist, Mr. Barron, and an Oncologist, Dr. Parker, would want to know the reason why the river is supporting this exotic weed growth, there is a reason. But reasoning seems to be lacking once the politician gains power. Ego, greed and a unquenchable thirst for more power seems to make reason take a seat on a fleshy posterior area of their body.)

Jackson County Commission Meeting

Ms. Sadie Bias, Chairman of Jackson County Commission was sworn in today by Judge Holt. (see photos below)

The new Jackson County Commission seated. Ms. Sadie Bias, Chairperson (standing); Mr. Jack Smith-District 1(seated left of Ms. Bias); Mr. Jack Allen-District 2 (left of Mr. Smith); Mr. Gaylen Stone- District 3 (seated left on photo foreground) ; Mr. Horrace Clemmons- District 4 (behind Mr. Stone, see photo below in swearing-in ceremony)

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Today was the initial meeting of the Jackson County Commission.

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1) Consent agenda approved. 2) Old Business: Minutes of the Oct. 27 Regular Meeting and Nov. 3, 2008 Special Meeting approved. 3) New Business: A) Mr. Jack Allen approved as Vice Chairman in case of absence of Chairwoman. B) Rules and Procedures approved, same as old rules. C) Mr. John Porter selected as County Attorney. D) Meeting times and place will remain the same, 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 4:30PM at the Jackson County Commission Board room. E) Discussion and approval of county warrant issued by county. F) Resolution concerning Weed Control approved. Mr. J.P. Parsons, Director of Tourism for the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, presented resolution for approval. Resolution approved pending addition of Island Creek area for weed control.

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Legislative Delegation Press Conference at 10AM Thursday, Nov 12, 2008 moved from Band Stand on North Side of Courthouse to City of Scottsboro Council Chambers, same time.

Jackson County Commission Swearing in Ceremony Pictures

>>Commissioner Horace Clemmons and wife, Judge Holt on right.

>>Commissioner Gaylen Stone receiving congratulations.

>>Mr Allen receiving congratulations from supporters.

>>Commissioner Jack Allen being sworn in by Judge Hambrick

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Commissioner Jack Smith

Scottsboro Councilman Garry Speers and Probate Judge Floyd Hambrick. Mr. Speers delivered the prayer.

>>Ms. Bias receives congratulations from supporters.

>>>>>>Commissioners and friends awaiting swearing in.

>>>>Ms. Sadie Bias, Chairman Jackson County Commission

Scottsboro City Council Meeting and Work Session

City Council President Matthew Hodges, standing; Mayor Melton Potter, seated left; Councilman Gary Speers seated on right.

>>>>>>>>Scottsboro City Council prior to meeting opening.

Mayor Melton Potter discusses issue with former Mayor Ron Bailey at break between Work Session and Regular Council meeting. Mr. Bailey currently works with the Chamber of Commerce recruiting new business and industry into Jackson County.

Ms. Cathy O'Shields, City Clerk, discusses issue with Councilman Terry Thomas.

>>>>>> Councilman Keith Smith and Councilman Thermon Bell.

Council President Matthew Hodges discusses issue with Mr. Steve Kennamer, City Attorney.

Council Members Gary Speers, Thermon Bell and Terry Thomas.
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The Council Meeting was a joint work session and regular meeting afterwards. Items in the Regular Session were previously discussed in the work session or a previous session.

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Old Business: 1) Public Hearing, rezoning resolution for property on E. Willow St. and Howard St. from C-3 to R-3. 2) Zoning ordinance approved.

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New Business: 1) Surplus property resolution approved. 2) 1 time pay raise approved for city employees. 3) Appointed City Officials reappointed. City Special Events Coordinator position abolished. Ms. Woods last day will be Thursday. City Planner, Community Development Director's position was approved until April 2009 when he will retire. 4) Council Committee assignments approved. 5) Police Department parking lot and drainage discussion and approval for $83,000 plus $35,000 budget amendment for drainage improvements. 6) Bank Depositary Appointments approved. 7) Drainage Project for Police Station awarded and approved, awarded to W.J. Word for $30,978.35 . 8) Board Appointments from new council members discussed and approved. 9) Personnel Board resignation of Mr. Gary Speers, vacancy on Personnel Board. Interested individuals should submit applications by noon on Nov. 26, 2008. Position expires on Feb. 26, 2009. 10) Discussion of Business License Ordinance to coincide with state law. 11) Committee appointed for new Fire Chief hire, Mayor Potter, Mr. Smith, Mr. Thomas and Ms. Borders on committee. 12) Resolution approved to the TVA concerning Weed Control of Lake Guntersville. The TVA has indicated it will only control weeds in public areas, but not around private property docks on Lake Guntersville. 13) The Legislative Delegation will hold a press conference at the Courthouse at 10AM Nov. 13, 2008 concerning the Lake Guntersville Weed Control Issue.

The TVA Nuclear Energy Socialist Triad

TVA's refusal to disclose true construction costs of Bellefonte Nuclear Power Plant. A government agency using a bogus excuse to hide construction costs which would place the TVA over the Congressional mandated budget cap.

Nuclear Energy Power Producers include all in the Nu-Start Consortium: http://www.nustartenergy.com/Consortium.aspx
TVA supports the socialist model for our nation. Government sponsored business, no oversight, no competition. Creates massive debt paid for by taxpayers and Electric Rate Payers in the TVA service area.
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This article is interesting taking into consideration the collapse of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/servicerpt/subsidy1/boxtxt_2.html
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The TVA's latest schemes involving the Newly Formed 7 States Power Co-ops. Local public utilities within the TVA Service area are the members of this latest TVA socialistic corporate scheme: "On September 30, 2008, Seven States Power Corporation (“SSPC”) exercised an option to buy a portion of TVA’s Southaven Power Plant, a combined-cycle electric generating facility (the “facility”) located in Southaven, Mississippi. SSPC bought this portion through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Seven States Southaven LLC (“SSSL”). SSSL paid TVA approximately $325 million and purchased an undivided 69.69 percent interest in the facility. Funding for the purchase was provided through loans obtained by SSSL. The loans were provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., CoBank, ACB, and Branch Banking and Trust Company... " from TVA required SEC filings, Form 8K. TVA has not submitted their 3rd Quarter, Form 10K. Something to hide maybe? TVA Debt, $25 billiion and climbing! We are in the 1st Quarter of Fiscal Year 2009.

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Some old truths about the TVA from the TVA Consumer Protection Bill, Senate Bill 1323, October 1999: http://bulk.resource.org/gpo.gov/hearings/106s/63227.pdf

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Links to other TVA DEBT articles within "Watch for Snakes." https://www.blogcatalog.com/blogs/watch-for-snakes-n-scottsboro/posts/tag/tva%20debt/