JAMES MADISON QUOTE - 1822

"A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives."

SCOTTSBORO WEATHER - SUN & MOON RISE

Thursday, August 19, 2010

The Continuing Saga of Bellefonte (Deja Vu?)

"The Crippler." Want somebody to blame for a "crippled TVA," here is his picture, "the crippler" himself, U.S. Senator Dick Shelby. (see story link at page bottom)
It certainly appears our Daily Sentinel has the inside track on Bellefonte, or do they? This morning's lead story should be a concern to the area's citizens. Read carefully, as you will notice the TVA will not make a final decision on Bellefonte Friday. They will however continue to spend rate payer money on a plant which no one knows if it will be completed. http://www.thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=5f0df2818269344f *
According to the Daily Sentinel article, a contingent of local officials will make presentations at Knoxville this Friday. *
Our electric rates continue to rise and rise, according to the TVA due to increasing fuel rates. The affects on business and industry are far more important than home owner electric rates. Sustainable energy solutions are less expensive than the growing costs of radioactive atomic power. *
A quarter of a billion dollars will be decided on Friday for improving existing controls and structure according to Terry Johnson, the TVA public relations person feeding the story to the Sentinel. The TVA is not telling the public the full story concerning Bellefonte. *
TVA now states, as indicated in the article, they will wait on its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) which is due in the spring of 2011 before a final decision. http://www.tva.gov/environment/reports/irp/index.htm
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The bottom line is this, the TVA is spending hundreds of millions of dollars on Bellefonte without a final approval of construction of the nuclear facility. This is the epitome of government waste and it is madness!
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We wonder why the TVA is near its mandated $30 billion dollar Congressional Cap! We wonder why our nations debt is extreme! This is the reason, government bureaucrats who continuously mismanage programs in support of themselves and politicians who receive millions in election funding from government contractor PACs who are concerned about one thing, the amount of money they may fleece from you the taxpayer. Wake up to reality fellow taxpayers.
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A crippled TVA Board--- A dysfunctional Senate crippling the TVA. http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=130966&provider=rss
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Senator Dick "the crippler" Shelby. Here is his contact info--http://shelby.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactSenatorShelby.EmailSenatorShelby

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

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



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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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.

Please Support the Boys and Girls Club of Scottsboro---Voters League Fish Fry

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Voters League Fish Fry<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB, CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE!



I know times are tough but this is a very worthwhile organization to support. Here is their website, http://www.bgcnortheastalabama.org/ , check them out!


About the boys and girls club: In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them.

Boys & Girls Clubs offer that and more. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.

As part of a national organization with 4,000 club sites, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Alabama is committed to provide the best programs and services to the youth of our community and the surrounding area as we have for the past 54 years.

Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow -- all while having fun. It is truly The Positive Place For Kids.

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Fish Fry--This Saturday from 11:00 AM til later on in the afternoon, the Jackson County Voters League will be holding a Fish Fry to support the League's activities. Stop by 309 North Houston Street, Ben Sanford Center, this Saturday and purchase a fish dinner, hot dogs or a fish sandwich in support of the Voters League of Jackson County.

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Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Scottsboro City Election 2010, Political Forum, Part 2

Click on the above image for an expanded view. Candidate list for the Political Forum.
Mr. Terry Thomas, Place 3

Mr. Keith Smith, Place 4


Mr. Garry Morgan, Place 4

Ms. Carol McCrary, Place 3


Keg Beer will be an issue that will be on Scottsboro's ballot next Tuesday.

Vote next Tuesday, August 24th 2010 at the Scottsboro Rec Com, corner of Parks Avenue and South Houston Street.
My apologies to the Board of Education candidates. My photographer took excellent pictures of the City Council candidates but did not take any single photo's of the School Board Candidates.
garrymorgan.icopyright.com

Scottsboro City Election 2010, Political Forum, Part 1

Scottsboro Board of Education candidates, from left to right: Daryl Eustace-Candidate Place 3; Robert Ferrell-Candidate Place 2; Judy McCrary-Incumbent Place 2; Howard Hill-Candidate Place 3. David Estes candidate for Place 2 was not present due to commitment with the Alabama National Guard. A statement was read by Mr. Paulk,forum moderator, prepared by David Estes.
Scottsboro City Council candidates, from left to right: Carol McCrary-Candidate for Place 3; Keith Smith-Incumbent Place 4; Terry Thomas-Incumbent Place 3; Garry Morgan-Candidate Place 4. Mr. Matthew Hodges not pictured ran unopposed for Place 5.

Mr. Gerald Paulk, Esquire was the moderator for this evenings forum.


Scottsboro City Council candidates receive instructions from Mr. Brad Shurett concerning the Forum's format.
Candidates drew numbers out of a basket to determine the order of presentation.

The Scottsboro City Board of Education candidates receive instructions concerning the Forum 's format.
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The forum was an excellent experiance. The Election Forum will be broadcast on Scottsboro's Electric Power Board's (SEPB) Ch 10. Unfortunately not everyone has Ch 10 from the City of Scottsboro's Power Board. The forum was broadcast live on WKEA radio.
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Each candidate was allowed a 90 second introduction, two questions were drawn from a basket by each candidate, answers were limited to 90 seconds for each candidate and a 90 second closing statement from each candidate.
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Enjoy the pictures, they will be presented in 2 parts. Many thanks to my friend Gretel for taking the photos.

Scottsboro City Council


http://www.unclaimedbaggage.com/ Presentation by Ms. Brenda Cantrell.

The City Council Meeting was conducted in 2 parts this evening. The first was a continuation of last weeks regular City Council Meeting and the second was a council work session. The council meeting began early due to the election forum conducted at the Scottsboro High School.

City Council Continuation from Aug. 9, 2010: There was 1 item under new business, amendment of Street Department budget for the purchase of a portable vehicle air conditioner refrigerant recovery machine. This piece of equipment will cost $3275.00, the equipment was approved for purchase.

August 16, 2010 Work Session: 1) Ms Brenda Cantrell representing The Unclaimed Baggage Center made a presentation concerning the celebration of Unclaimed Baggage's 40th Anniversary on Labor Day of this year. Ms. Cantrell stated that Unclaimed Baggage had been awarded the Tourism Attraction of the Year for Alabama receiving the highest number of visits for any tourism destination.

Ms Cantrell requested that Willow Street from Cedar Hill Dr to the Muffler Shop receive an honorary designation during the Labor Day Weekend as Unclaimed Baggage Boulevard. A request was also submitted to change the name of Willis Street, the north entrance to Cedar Hill Cemetery and the small drive adjacent to Unclaimed Baggage Center on the west side to Lost Luggage Lane.

It was mentioned that Unclaimed Baggage is the worlds largest contributor to eye glasses via the Lions Club. The "Center" employs 115 local citizens.

The City Council will consider and vote on the issue at next Monday's council meeting.

2) Mr. Roy Light, Manager of the Scottsboro Water Sewer and Gas (WSG) Board discussed a $400,000 grant for the Hwy 72 Industrial Park to improve existing infrastructure, specifically sewer lines. Mr. Light stated the proposed project would involve 8000 feet of sewer line improvement. This grant would be a cost sharing grant. Mr. Light commented the WSG Board would provide approximately $150, 000 for the grant.

Reports: 1) CDA Special Call meeting on August 24, 2010 at 5:30PM. 2) The Mayor announced the City Election at the Rec Com will be held in the new gym instead of the old gym. The old gym where the election is normally held is experiencing air conditioning problems. The new gym is in the same building. Signs will be posted in appropriate locations directing citizens to the voting area.