Posted by Update: will add a link to the complaint filed in Pittman matter on the bottom.
In Andalusia, a restaurant follows the rural tradition of setting out collection jars to cover the medical expenses of an employee injured in a car accident.
On Weiss Lake, a local citizens group is conducting tests to determine the source of raw sewage pollution.
In Perry County, a citizen’s group has to sue for access to public records and compliance with open meeting laws. Is a delay due to not having a policy for turning over public records acceptable? Its only been a part of state law since more or less since 1923.
Turning to head scratchers, we have Gov. Bentley’s order for the State Health Coordinating Council and Certificate of Need Board to suspend operations while he ponders their operation. Time will tell what his plan is here.
Another head scratcher from the Anniston Star, New tax law may hold surprise for working poor. Seems with the end of one tax credit and a temporary reduction in FICA withholding, workers earning less than $20K a year could an increase in their withheld income taxes. Surely unintended and soon to be fixed.
The last head scratcher is from Lagniappe, which discusses the sentencing of a high society thief. As Chief Justice Cobb and a collection of legislators work on plans to reduce prison over crowding, we will have to examine our thoughts about appropriate punishment of property offenders. (BTW, does this plan exist anywhere in written form?)
Turning to head shakers, former Sen. Kim Benefield has learned what public employees have known for years. If you buy something for work and want to keep it, don’t let it get a green state property tag.
In Ozark, the former CFO for the local school system has been charged with various felonies in connection with missing funds. Of note, was this was detected during a routine audit in 2009.
Mobile County sees an Assistant District Attorney charged with failure to obey a police officer and resisting arrest. He has resigned from the DA’s office. While the article is short, one wonders if the day will come when your identity papers must be examined and your Dang’An updated by any government official for any reason.
Lastly, another ethics complaint (anyone have a copy?) has been filed against Sen. Tripp Pittman. Hopefully, this will get resolved before the regular session starts. Copy available thru Baldwin Watchdog, this is a 47 MB file, dial up users may prefer the smaller (7 MB) abridged version.
Does taking state property home with you not constitute stealing? Reckon the good former Senator didn’t know the law? Or rekon she just thought she was above the law? I guess it’s not stealing if you get caught and give it back. Where’s the Ethics Commission? Where’s the AG? Where’s the D.A.? All just a big misunderstanding, right Milton? Right Ronnie?
The truth is that Kim Benefield wrote a check to the state to buy back the furniture in question.
And funny you should mention being above the law. That’s apparently the way Gerald Dial felt since he used his state salary and state car for three years running around east Alabama trying to get his old seat back.
While you’re checking with Dial on this issue, you might also ask him what he did with the BCS tickets he got from Auburn at face value when they were selling for much more than that on the street. Since he went to Jax State and serves on the Troy board of trustees, it’s not likely that he got the tickets because of his AU alumni connections. Surely he did not use his position as a state senator to get special treatment from Auburn.
Here’s the ethics complaint regarding Pittman: http://baldwinwatchdog.com/pittman-james-ethics-complaint/Pittman%20James%20Ethics%20Complaint.pdf
Thanks added link, interesting reading
Stick a fork in Tripp, I do believe he’s done
Not so sure Don,
From what I read I failed to see anything other than yellow journalism. Most of the more wild accusations came in the form of Letters to the Editor. Walt and I have discussed one of those individual letter writers previously (albeit through one of these forums) regarding the ethical nature of that individual. Fish Fry anyone? He’s got the tents covered! Sour Grapes that the good senator supported his opponent (all those terms in office can make you sour when you’re shown the door)
Paul Ripp, as many in Fairhope know is on a vendetta against the city of Fairhope. His efforts began with him suing regarding a policy decision made by the council/planning commission without the support of prior history. Contrary “policy” decisions had been made locally and he won his suit. He’s never let up since.
The fact that the city bid the boom work or in correct terms “quote” the material and work, as no formal advertizing occurred, (emergencies do not require full bidding process) shows that Senator Pittman provided the lowest reasonable and responsive price. As his sub performed all installation and he handled only the acquisition and sales of the boom (from the contracts) it would appear only his sub would need to be licensed as a general contractor. Pittman acted as emergency management. The same arrangement can be found with one of his competitors (Crowder Gulf-using Gulf Equipment or other sub) The other project he references in his complaint was that of a contractor that submitted a bid requiring a license to repair a sports stadium. That contractor was required to be licensed and provided something other than a GC license number. Bid difference between the two. Should be open and shut.
The other issues involving roads that were funded and had ROW purchased before he or the other guy took office is laughable at best. The accusations fail to take into consideration the motivations of elected officials who voted to table the project in the first place (threats of pulled support by very wealthy residents in a close election) It’s important to note that the project was tabled just prior to the election. Those “public servants” (two commissioners) were quietly shown the door and one has refused to cease with the sour grapes.
Walt, what’s your feel. I couldn’t find anything in that laundry list of letters to the editor that made me think Senator Pittman or the other guy has done anything wrong. Although it would seem one should add “potential Legal fees” into any business venture in Fairhope. See the article today… http://blog.al.com/live/2011/01/fairhope_seeks_12_million_in_a.html
One of the references in the Ethics complaint references an article by Chris Warner… The same Warner is noted in the article above. Just goes to show that News Paper articles shouldn’t be the basis for an ethics complaint as they can help you one day and throw doubt into your argument the next.
As for my accusation of yellow journalism, I know it could be a stretch, but I’ve yet to read anything that legitimately smells like blood, which makes me wonder what’s the angle? Just selling papers seems a bit too simple and I like a good conspiracy theory.
This is supposedly now in the hands of the professionals so lets stay out of their way and see what develops.
Everything going on down in the Gulf is a charade and no matter what your political persuasion is, people should be keeping a very close eye on this “Coastal Recovery Commission” lest we forget what happened in Mississippi post-Katrina…
http://alabamacorruption.blogspot.com/2010/10/disaster-recovery-republican-style.html
Bentley’s appointment of Sparks to run Rural Develoment makes me scratch my head. Has Fob James returned to the governor’s office? Appointing Democrats won’t make them vote for you or even like you.
SCENE: The Governor’s Mansion, Montgomery. Two men sit in armchairs by a roaring fire, drinking non-alcoholic beers.
Bentley: So, Ron, I see you’re growing back the ‘stache. (Awkward smile.) Anyway, so, um, how do we improve economic development in our state’s rural areas?
Sparks: That’s easy, Dr. Governor. Gambling!
Bentley: My Daddy doesn’t approve of gambling. The fact that you’re in favor of it makes me think that you may not be my brother.
Sparks: (Momentarily Speechless. A shadowy figure emerges from backstage and nudges him with an elbow.) Um, how ’bout more pay and benefits for teachers?
Bentley: Now you’re talking!
(Shadowy figure emerges into light to reveal he is Paul Hubbert. Scratches Bentley behind the ears.)
Hubbert: Good, boy, Governor. Changing to a Republican ain’t so bad, is it, Ron?
Sparks: Seems to be working out alright for you.
SCENE
Wrong shadowy figure. Close, but no cigar.
Call for Bentley to Resign
Ron Sparks???? Seriously???
Anyone in the GOP appointing defeated Democrats to office should resign now.
Bradley Byrne may be the beneficiary.
More likely Bob Riley than Byrne. I think all the people who wanted a second-string Bob the last time around will go with the Original in 2014.
Surely something has happened since 1/24
This Sparks appointment is a repeat of the recent Sue Schmitz saga: Hubbert tells Hammett to put money in the budget to pay for a do-nothing job for Schmitz. He then tells Roy Johnson for find her a spot. She hoses the students and taxpayers. (Fortunately, justice was partially done and she went to the slammer. Hammett walks free and gets cush job with Bentley.)
Fast forward to Jan, 2011. Hubbert tells Bentley, the RINO, to find a spot for Sparks, the DINO. Sparks is back on the state’s sugar teat and doesn’t have to resort to finding a real job.
Took less than a month for Bentley to step all over his necktie, and we’ve got two big-name dems in the hen house. Add Scott Benson to that mix and we’ve got politics as usual. Hubbard’s back in control.
Oops! Not Hubbard, but Hubbert is back in control! Apologies to Mike.
What has me shaking my head is Hubbard and Marsh closing off all legislative offices from the people in the name of security. I guess the metal detectors and armed Capital Policemen at the doors of the Statehouse are ineffective……could it be that Hubbard and Marsh don’t want common citizens seeing their representatives so they can spend more time with the lobbyists….I encourage everyone to raise holy hell at this action…
Bentley a RINO? Nay. He’s a conservative Repub through and through.
(This is not a compliment.)
Tiny, the Lobbyists are shut out along with the common citizens. It is going to be very interesting to see how this all plays out.
Jeff, I have a feeling the tassel loafer crowd will not have any problems going in carte blanc.
Maybe, maybe not…however it is my understanding the purpose is to keep the lobbyists out much more so then the citizens.
So Jeff why did they claim the Arizona shooting? It is total bull and you know it……hell I was in the capital of New Hamshire walking around and the governor asked me into his office…….no metal detectors…..no security….nothing…..anywhere in the building……my new state senator won’t even answer e-mail much less a phone call……
The Arizona shooting is a farce. There were rumors of limiting access to the public and lobbyists back in January during the organizational session. Tiny, I think we are both in agreement on the issue.
Bentley a RINO? Nay. He’s a conservative Repub through and through.
No. The only label that seems to be fitting Bentley (and I voted for him) is dictator. Even as he proclaims a dire situation for the general fund, he’s circumventing state law regarding pay for cabinet members.
A real reporter would be asking why so many cabinet members are actually ‘acting’ department heads with additional appointments as deputy homeland security directors, deputy legal advisors, and other positions that let the Governor set their salary at levels far above the normal pay for cabinet members.
He’s on a fast pace to joining the Siggy & Hunt club before his term is up.
RINO might be generous.
I imagine he’s having a hard time getting decent people to work for him (maybe that’s why he keeps hiring Democrats). Not a lot of enthusiasm or loyalty in Montgomery since he’s been elected.
Having said that, it’s a bit like him doing a TV ad saying he wouldn’t take the Gov’s salary due to the economy – WHILE he was taking a salary to be a House member. Not very consistent or honest.
InsideKnowledge, if you want the fish to bite, you need to put the bait where they can get to it. Names, agencies, etc would help.
From there, simple matter of doddling thru the state check book which does provide payroll information by payee and agency, something you might be able to to do for your self.
lice, fleas, excema, psoriasis, ron sparks and mcgregor river bank and trust thrasher, fed investigation, bingo… yea my head itches while bentley scratches hubberts itch, and God only knows what else.
DOT and DCNR for starters.
Names would be nice, or you could work with the state’s online check book to document the claim and send the results to the various papers, TV stations, etc.
In other words, try better bait.
For S&G’s, poked around the states check book, interestingly found some cabinet appointees are not listed however, most holdovers (e.g. Sentell or McCall) and retreads (e.g Gipson) are. DOT’s Cooper was not listed for either this fiscal year or last, odd.
FWIW, did find were DCNR’s new boss’s former law firm was paid about $440 by the Finance Department for legal work this fiscal year and about $12K last year.