Scottsboro City Council

Scottsboro City Hall, Scottsboro, Alabama.

Incumbent, Councilman Keith Smith, Place 4, Scottsboro City Council. 30 year employee of Scottsboro, ending as Police Chief and now City Councilman. ( I previously had stated 2 term Council member, that was incorrect, he had served as Council President for 2 years, prior to the current council President.) http://www.cityofscottsboro.org/index.php?option=com_contact&task=view&contact_id=8&Itemid=148

Garry Morgan, Candidate Place 4 Scottsboro City Council, offering "sensible leadership for Scottsboro's future, " standing beside the bear, representing my alma mater Baylor University, Baylor Bears. Qualifying begins Tuesday Jul 6, 2010. I have picked up my packet from the City Clerk. If elected I will not serve more than 2 terms as I believe in term limits, not life long political bureaucrats holding political office.

The next meeting, a work session, will be rescheduled prior to the regular council meeting on 12 Jul, 2010.

The Daily Sentinel Report: http://thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=fcc70fb60fa1fb8b

Related blog post of Scottsboro's last work session: http://arklite.blogspot.com/2010/06/scottsboro-city-council-work-session.html Item not discussed or voted on in this council meeting discussed in the work session was the issue concerning Southern Grant Solutions and renewing the grant. The big issue was the Stop sign which was approved for the intersection of Laurel Street and S. Broad St. on the northwest corner of the Square.

The current city election approaches and as indicated in today's Daily Sentinel, http://thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=5ec42dd16a2d1a37 I will be running for office against Councilman Keith Smith. Mr. Smith has served Scottsboro for many years as Police Chief and is in his second term as city council member his term draws to an end. Mr. Smith has stated to me, "I beat Boatner and I will beat you." Maybe, maybe not, it will be for the good citizens of Scottsboro to determine that issue.

When times were tough for Keith and the City Council attempted to fire him I spoke in his behalf before the council, what the city council attempted, I believe, was fundamentally wrong. The City still has issues which have not been resolved relating to personnel management problems. Earlier than that situation, Chief Smith, performed a great service for our community and our family due to a loved one being assaulted, he made a crucial arrest. I will forever be grateful and have great respect for Keith's service to our city. If I had it to do over, I would stand up for Keith again in that situation before an errant City Council.

Keith and I have differences in the way and fashion we see local and broader political issues. I will highlight those differences and my plans to improve our city. 1) I think that there must be local change which must occur with the city's personnel system. I have a definitive plan for that improvement. Very experienced personnel management specialists have recommended the same change in prior investigations which I will bring to the table. 2) We must bring jobs to our city and we must market the city on a broader scale. a)I have a plan which will market Scottsboro across our nation. b)I also have an innovative plan to build our tourism industry which will assist us in marketing our beautiful part of God's Land as well as bring jobs.

TVA. 3) The TVA will most likely complete a radioactive nuclear power plant at Bellefonte. I have a fundamental disagreement with the TVA's actions and I find it very disturbing that members of our City Council and our Mayor have stated their support without verifying risks and the veracity of statements made by the TVA.

I have a plan which, -1 supports energy efficiency and conservation measures as the first line of providing increased power production in our area as well as an immediate increase of jobs. -2 in the plan is to construct a new, advanced 200 megawatt solar plant at Bellefonte along with an 800 megawatt combined cycle natural gas (CCG) plant The solar cells could be built locally at one of our industrial sites. The gas line could be brought in from Marion County, Tn. on existing TVA Right of Ways. Cost of the CCG plant $900 million dollars, cost of the line from Marion County, $150 million, cost of the solar facility $200 million; cost of completing Bellefonte as a nuclear facility $3.5 billion to $4 billion, this does not include insurance for atomic facilities, waste disposal costs, decommissioning costs and costs to the community for preparedness planning due to a radioactive atomic power plant being at our back door.

Total cost for completion of Bellefonte as a radioactive atomic power plant, $8 billion, total cost of a solar and gas facility, less than $2 billion dollars. Energy efficiency and CCG with solar will bring jobs faster, employing more local citizens. Atomic power construction and operations personnel require high level security clearances. The "atomic folks" will be coming from out of town. Solar, gas and efficiency measures will employ far more local folks who live here now.

The TVA has tremendous debt. This factor is not being considered by local and county political bodies. If the TVA, because of its tremendous, increasing debt folds local and county governments would be devastated. We in local government must encourage the TVA , for it to remain a viable entity for the people to reverse it course of deceitful management and continuous increase of its debt load. Again, afailed TVA will have devastating consequences for local government. For this reason alone local government must express heightened concern to our state and federal legislators. TVA must get their debt under control. Further building of radioactive atomic power plants increases TVA as well as national debt. Not to mention the increase in our electric power bill due to further nuclear construction.

I would never be in favor of anything as high risk as a radioactive atomic power plant which will strap future generations of Scottsboro and Jackson County's citizens for over a thousand years with highly dangerous spent radioactive atomic reactor fuel. The risk, cost and danger is far to great and totally unnecessary. The TVA and our city council has not been truthful to the citizens of Scottsboro about the downside, dangerous risks of radioactive atomic power.

Keith and I entered into a gentleman's agreement that we would not conduct a negative campaign of attacks. Unfortunately the attacks have begun on al.com http://www.al.com/forums/scottsboro/index.ssf Mr. Smith and I have had words over this issue Monday night, him accusing me of breaking our agreement and me accusing him of having his friends make disparaging, deceitful comments against me. I do not know where this will end, however I do know I will not stand by while I am attacked with slanderous, untruthful words.

It is my belief that Mr. Smith did not make the attacks himself, however it is my belief his supporters made the attacks for him. In discussing and reviewing other political contests with which Mr. Smith was involved this same type of political agenda was carried forth by Mr. Smith's supporters. In the case of the current political attacks they appear to be scripted, intentional, slanderous and deceitful.

It is my hope this political contest will be based on issues not personal attacks, unfortunately the attacks have begun. I am a fighter and will not ignore spiteful, hateful, malicious, deceitful, slanderous attacks from anyone, I will not just "roll over," I will counter all attacks and gain an understanding of why and who is initiating the attacks.

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Jackson County Commission--Mediation Result, Park Board Chair Asked to Resign

Section Slamerz, under 12, All Star Basketball Team with coaches receives awards for a job well done from Jackson County Commission Chairperson Sadie Bias . Well done young ladies and coaches!

Consent agenda: 1) In the consent agenda attorney fees was the big expenditure totaling $6258.44 to Mr. John Porter for April 2010 services and a $1175.00 fee to Mr. Watson of Ft. Payne, the two fees totals were $7433.44 2) Air Evac life Team annual membership was paid for county employees for $2450.00

New Business: 1) Revenue Commissioner's insolvents, errors and tax litigation for 2009 and uncollected insolvents and taxes from previous years was approved. 2) Cody Knight was hired as a Mechanic, Grade 4 step 1 for Public Works. 3) There were 3 speed limit changes approved concerning county roads (CR): a) CR 246, Coffey Ferry, reduced from 45 to 30 MPH; b) CR 137, Cedar Switch, 2 mile section of road east of CR45 is now 25MPH; c) Change CR 717 to 25 MPH 4) There was agenda item F, which involved appointment of a member to the Jackson County Park Board by Commissioner Clemmons. this item was skipped initially. However, after all other items on the agenda were considered the commission adjourned to an Executive Session. ( My comments in red. Executive Sessions are conducted frequently by the commission just as it is a frequent occurrence for the county commission to violate the Open Meetings Laws of the State of Alabama. Unfortunately the Open Meetings Law is a worthless, contrived for the sole purpose of legislative bodies to pay attorneys enormous amounts of money and not hold responsible violators of the law accountable for secret actions. The Open Meetings Law was moved from the Criminal Code into the Civil Code in the year 2005. The law allows for those who violate the law to vote for the political body to pay for their defense. The maximum fine is $1000 for a violation. Prosecution and Court Costs for cases will cost $5000 minimum. To make matters worse, the local DA refuses to prosecute for obvious violations such as occurred at the Mediation Session in Fort Payne, Alabama (as well as other instances) where changes to the personnel board policy were decided. The State's Attorney General, local District Attorneys and local citizens (if they have the money) may prosecute cases where there are violations of the Open Meetings Laws.) After returning from the Executive Session the Commission voted to table the matter. (Basically the Jackson County Commission cost the tax payers another chunk of money for attorney fees, not for one attorney but two attorneys, when the item should not have been on the agenda in the first place due to the prior resolution abolishing all authority of the County Park Board. It was on the agenda, the simple decision would have been to table the issue until the matter of the park board is resolved. ) The commission and the park boards attempted mediation resolution failed this past Monday, they will make another attempt to resolve their differences. It was reported that only 2 commissioners showed up at the mediation session held at the park board's attorney's office. I was informed by sources, what was placed on the table was for the Park Board Chairman to resign. 5) A temporary maintenance worker hire for courthouse maintenance was approved. 6) Bidding for replacing pipe in the county jail was approved. 7) Three positions will be filled at the Solid Waste Department for slinger. 8) Added to the agenda at meetings end was the Sales Tax Holiday for August 6-8, 2010, the issue was approved. 9) The commission adjourned into a 50 minute executive session to decide whether to table item F on the agenda. See #4 above.

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Daily Sentinel article: http://www.thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=3b88b3634b99a10d

McAnelly Cemetery Photo Tour

Last Monday evening's City Council Work Session a discussion occurred about the McAnelly Cemetery located near the River Bridge off of Alabama Hwy. 35. Military veterans spanning 200 years of our history are buried within this hallowed ground.

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Unmarked graves are present to include slave burials as reported in the city council discussion.

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The McAnelly Cemetery is full of Jackson County history as this photo tour demonstrates.

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Right Wing Extremist Thugs

Macedonia Crossroads, Wilke's Store a few moments after noon time on Friday June, 25, 2010. This picture is a testament that I will not be intimidated by extremist thugs within our community. Threats have been made on al.com's Scottsboro forum: http://www.al.com/forums/scottsboro/index.ssf posting string # 7276, the poster commented to me, "come on out to Wilke's store at Macedonia cross roads tomorrow at high noon and we will have a little face to face chat...I need to go to the store sometime tomorrow anyway, may as well kill two birds with the same stone... I will be wearing blue coveralls sitting on the bench in front of the store."

I believe that good people live at Macedonia and the ignorant comments by some in no way reflect on the community of Macedonia. The bench at the noon hour is empty.

Attacks and threats began in December of 2009 when it was announced that the Scottsboro Boys Museum would be opening. Threats have included burning the museum and threats to the President of the United States and other despicable threats. All threats related to terrorism were immediately turned over to the Scottsboro Police Department. If an investigation occurred I was not informed, I was the one which made the initial complaints.

Since I have indicated I will be running in the Scottsboro City Council election against incumbent Keith Smith threats have taken on a new fervor on al.com's Scottsboro Forum, these threats and slanderous attacks are pointed directly at me.

The bottom line, I will not be intimidated and will vigourously defend my person, my family, my home, my community and my nation against terrorist threats, intimidation and simple minded extremist thugs.

Jackson County Park Board Meeting

Yesterday, June 23, 2010 the Jackson County Park Board held its monthly meeting. 1) Minutes from the last meeting were approved, the current agenda was approved with an amendment to purchase fireworks for the 4th of July celebration. 2) The parks financial report was presented and approved. 3) Managers Report: a) Precision Automotive and Tow Boat, Inc.'s Fire Boat was brought up by the manager. The Board approved the Fire Boat to be docked at the park marina. b) A discussion was held concerning the repair to the campground. It was stated TVA approval was pending on the campground reconstruction. It was also stated that the County commission is responsible for the contract, also discussed was the electrical contract for the delivery of electrical services to the campground. All depends on the County Commission since they are responsible for the campground renovation as a result of storm damage.

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New Business: 1) Shoreline improvement and stabilization around the swim dock was discussed. The park manager is to contact the TVA for approval and determination of the extent of shoreline improvement. 2) the Park Board voted to adjourn into an Executive Session to discuss good name and character . Upon reentering the board voted to refer a matter boards attorney, Mr. Gary Lackey, involving a contract dispute with the park's restaurant. 3) The board voted to expend $1000 on fireworks for a fireworks show on Sunday July 4, 2010, also on Sunday, there will be a Golf Cart Parade at 5:30PM. The fireworks show will tentaviely begin around 8:30PM

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Other Business: 1) Mr. Reb Engle, Campground representative stated, "the campers and boaters fully support the Jackson County Park Board in the attempted take over of the park by the County Commission. We do not support the Jackson County Commission in their actions concerning the Jackson County Park."

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During the Executive Session Mr. Engle and myself discussed how the County Commission has a history of violating the Open Meetings Law. There was concern expressed that 3 County Commissioners conducted secret meetings prior to any regular announced meeting involving the County Park issue. Commissioners Clemmons and Stone voted to take over the park by removing the county parks statutory authority ignoring the agreement between the TVA and the Jackson County Commission in 1955. Commissioners Allen and Smith voted no on the action. Commission Chairperson Sadie Bias broke the tie by voting to remove the park boards authority to do business, siding with Clemmons and Stone. The Commission passed a resolution to "raid" the county parks funds and prevent the standing park board from utilizing the parks funds and operating the park. http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=12320657

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The restraining order mentioned in the WAFF link was not successful. However Judge Graham asked of all litigants to hold off on any actions until the case is settled. Thus far the commission has honored Judge Graham's request.

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On Monday, June 28, 2010 the Jackson County Park Board and the Jackson County Commission will meet in a Court Ordered mediation session at the the Park Boards Attorney's office in Scottsboro. As soon as I find out about the results of the mediation I will inform my readers.

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Scottsboro City Council Work Session

1) Planning Commission discussion concerning issues related to Service Roads on U.S. Hwy 72, John T. Reed Parkway. Mr. Jim Boatner made a presentation which indicated a lack of planning related to service roads along U.S. Hwy 72 is keeping business development from occuring on Hwy 72. Mr. Boatner indicated several businesses are interested in property along the road or are attempting to build on property adjacent to the roadway which requires a frontage road to be planned and built. Mr. Boatner indicated that the State of Alabama must approve planning and they are slow. He indicated business must pay for the frontage road. ( My comments: Why are plans not already in existence? Why has there not been rural development grants applied to request assist in commercial development?) 2) Ms. Velma Sebring discussed the McAnelly Cemetery which is located 1/4 mile west of the Tennessee River Bridge off of Hwy 35. Ms. Sebring requested the city take over the cemetary. It was agreed that a copy of the deed would need to be reviewed by the City Attorney to determine ownership of the cemetary. 3) Mr, Roy Light, Director of the Scottsboro Water, Sewer and Gas Board, made presentation concerning a low to moderate income CDBG Water, Sewer, Gas grant for Scottsboro in the amount of $500,000. 4) Review and discussion of the proposed Stop sign for Laurel and South Broad St. 5) Discussion concerning the Termination Release Contract with Carrier Corporation for their property in the Industrial Park. 6) Discussion concerning the renewal of the grant writer contract with Southern Grant Solutions 7) Discussion concerning the purchase of a forklift for solid waste. 8) Discussion of local matching funds grant for public transportation, Council on Aging Public Transportation. 9) Notice of Election Review, the City of Scottsboro Election will be at the Rec-Com on August 24, 2010; Candidate qualification will take place Jul 6, 2010 - Jul 20, 2010. There will be 3 places on the Scottsboro City Council and 2 places on the Scottsboro Board of Education. There will also be a vote related to the approval of Keg Beer sales in Scottsboro.

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