The Clean Water Act of 1972 Section 305 established biennial reporting to Congress, called the National Water Quality Inventory.  The EPA gathers river water quality assessments using 305-(b) Reports (the latest online assessment data for the Flint River is 2004).  For lakes, the similar report is the 314 Report.  If a river is “impaired” then it goes on a State list called the 303(d) List.

Here’s the EPA calling the Flint River a Success Story:

Runoff from agricultural activities and urbanization contributed to organic enrichment and dissolved oxygen (DO) impairments in the lower mainstem of the Flint River in Alabama. The implementation of best management practices (BMPs) and stakeholder education and outreach enhanced water quality and helped the Flint River meet the water quality standards associated with its designated water use classifications. As a result, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) expects to remove a 28-mile segment of the Flint River from the state’s 2006 303(d) list of impaired waters.

The 20 mile stretch of the Flint River from the Tennessee River to Big Cove Creek 305(b) Report:

Water Quality Attainments

State Designated Use	Attainment Status	Threatened
CONTACT RECREATION	NOT SUPPORTING	No
FISHING	NOT SUPPORTING	No
PROPAGATION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE	NOT SUPPORTING	No
INDUSTRIAL AND AGRICULTURE USES	NOT SUPPORTING	No

Causes of Impairment 

State Impairment	EPA Impairment Classification
ORGANIC ENRICHMENT/DO	ORGANIC ENRICHMENT/OXYGEN DEPLETION

Probable Sources Contributing to Impairment

The sources listed below may contribute to one or more of the above-listed impairments.

State Source	EPA Source Classification
URBAN RUNOFF/STORM SEWERS	URBAN-RELATED RUNOFF/STORMWATER
AGRICULTURE	AGRICULTURE

The 7 mile stretch of the Flint River from Big Cove Creek to Hurricane Creek 305(b) Report:

Causes of Impairment

State Impairment	EPA Impairment Classification
ORGANIC ENRICHMENT/DO	ORGANIC ENRICHMENT/OXYGEN DEPLETION

Probable Sources Contributing to Impairment

The sources listed below may contribute to one or more of the above-listed impairments.

State Source	EPA Source Classification
URBAN RUNOFF/STORM SEWERS	URBAN-RELATED RUNOFF/STORMWATER
AGRICULTURE	AGRICULTURE

The 15 mile stretch of the Flint River from Alabama Highway 72 to Mountain Fork 305(b) Report:

Causes of Impairment

State Impairment	EPA Impairment Classification
PATHOGENS	PATHOGENS

Probable Sources Contributing to Impairment

State Source	EPA Source Classification
PASTURE GRAZING	AGRICULTURE

After reading these summary reports, my first thought is: eww, I know what “organic enrichment” and “pathogens” are and I might have gotten some on me.  It’s Cow Poo. And probably some People Poo, too, from failing septic tanks.

I called the local hero of the EPA Success Story mentioned above, our Flint River Watershed Coordinator, to learn more (important facts like he’s an Auburn grad).

Organic Enrichment means excessive nutrients such as fertilizer, manure (Poo!), and organic matter; the nutrients cause algae to bloom which suck all the air out of the river (oxygen depletion). Urban runoff is pretty much what you’d expect, and then some: dirt, gas / oil, fertilizers, pesticides, road grime, and whatever else that makes it into the gutters.  Pathogens are high counts of harmful bacteria, like fecal coliforms / enterococcus (Poo!).

I’ll do a follow-up post to describe the horrors of the State 303(d) List, which includes DDT, Mercury, and Arsenic in Huntsville Spring Branch (the big creek next to the soccer fields at the old airport).

The Flint River Conservation Association, the City Of Huntsville Operation Green Team, and WAAY TV  sponsored the Flint River Clean Up today as part of the National River Clean Up. Thanks to The Huntsville Times for promoting the Clean Up in Thursday’s newspaper.

Turn out was good, with about 40 people showing up to canoe and pick up trash. City Ecologist Soos Weber was well-prepared with canoes from Redstone Arsenal, gloves, grabbers, trash bags, and plenty of water and sunscreen.  I got to meet some great people, including a like-minded fellow from Harvest who enjoys helping Mother Gaia by clearing brush with his chainsaw.

WAAY TV (Channel 31) sent their new reporter Haley Baker to cover the Clean Up, which should air tonight.  They got some great footage of the pile of garbage - just imagine what that pile would be like in smell-e-vision.

Most of the Flint River Watershed lies within Madison County District 1 (Roger Jones - D) and District 3 (Jerry Craig - D), with just a little bit of District 5 (Mo Brooks - R). 

Mo Brooks was kind enough to respond to the Flashpoint Madison County Commission questionnaire, which asked about “protecting the Flint River”:

Two things can be done to help protect the Flint River. First, Madison County needs a sewage system that will help minimize pollution of ground water supplies and storm runoff into the Flint River. Second, Madison County needs the power to restrict or prevent siphoning of water from the Flint River during low water flow periods.

Bob Long, GOP candidate for District 1, was also kind enough to respond:

I live directly on the Flint River, my family and I canoe, fish and swim in the Flint River so I have a vested interest in protecting this valuable natural resource. I will work hand-in-hand with conservationists to make sure the river is clean, safe and environmentally balanced (new construction, industrial growth, and recreation). I would ensure that as necessary, I will provide support to some of the volunteer and state organizations that are chartered to preserve the Flint River such as; the Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Flint River Conservation Association (FRCA).

Protecting our natural heritage is good public policy.

Madison County residents overwhelmingly defeated the proposed countywide half cent sales tax increase yesterday with 64% of voters saying NO.  Rich McAdams, president of the Madison County school board, is already leveling threats.

“Three years from now we’re going to have 400 portables spread out across the county,” he said, “and we’re going to stop hiding them behind the schools.”

That’s right, they’re going to make efforts to shame you into wanting to give them more money.

You want even more boldness?  The body of the sales tax isn’t even cold yet, but…

McAdams said the county schools could approach the commission to reconsider the half-cent.

“That’s been the only hope to me,” said McAdams, saying support in certain districts might sway individual commissioners. “Winning countywide wasn’t what had to occur.”

The commission retains the authority to add the half-cent. Julian Butler, attorney for the commission, said the commission agreed to a “binding” referendum, but it’s not clear how long a “no” would be binding.

Just as I suggested last night, the county commission can still impose the sales tax despite the lopsided defeat.  I’m just shocked that McAdams would be so dumb as to flat out admit that is his strategy.  One would think he would wait until after the November election to state that publicly.  Now Roger Jones, Jerry Craig, and Mike Gillespie - the only incumbents with general election opponents (and all supporters of the tax at one time or another) - will have to face tough questions from constituents about their intent to pass the tax after November.  If I were running against them I would pass along McAdams’ comments to every voter I could find.

I think Mo Brooks summed up the situation best:

In a six-page memo against the sales tax increase, County Commissioner Mo Brooks wrote: “It is remarkable people move into rural Madison County for lower tax rates and then complain about the reduced services because they refuse to pay higher taxes.”

Bingo.  Everyone I talk to who lives in the county cites the low property taxes (16 mills versus 27 in Madison and 27.5 in Huntsville) as a prime reason.  Don’t complain about getting services in line with the tax rate.  The problem with this specific tax increase proposal was that it was county wide.  The county was trying to effectively export money from the city and force Huntsville residents to pay a tax we didn’t need.  Huntsville could pass their own sales tax increase at any time - and keep more money than they would have under the county wide plan.  But Huntsville schools don’t need the money.

The Madison County schools need to do now what they should have done two years ago when they started pushing for the sales tax increase: try to raise property taxes only in the unincorporated parts of the county.  If that doesn’t work then do what the rest of us do and make the best out of what you have.

I see that Brian is working on a post, so I’m going to see if I come up with something different.  Thanks to Channel 19 for providing the best election coverage on TV.

‘Unofficial’ Results from the Madison County Probate Judge’s Office (cool web site):

“These are accurate numbers but considered unofficial results until Madison County Probate Judge certifies the election. As of 02/2008 there are 189,096 Madison County registered voters.”

UNOFFICIAL SUMMARY REPORT                         PRIMARY ELECTION                                          REPORT-EL45     PAGE 001
                                                  MADISON COUNTY
                                                  JUNE 3, 2008
RUN DATE:06/03/08 09:55 PM                        STATISTICS

                                             VOTES PERCENT

PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 106).  .  .  .  .       105   99.06
BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL.  .  .  .  .  .  .    37,044
BALLOTS CAST - DEMOCRATIC .  .  .  .  .    12,362   33.37
BALLOTS CAST - REPUBLICAN .  .  .  .  .    24,526   66.21
BALLOTS CAST - NONPARTISAN.  .  .  .  .       156     .42

Madison County Voter Turnout was ‘Light’ at almost 20% (which IMO is fairly heavy for a primary without a Presidential race). The GOP races drove turnout, with 66% of voters voting in the Republican Primary.

There will be a GOP Primary Run-off on July 15 (voter registration cut-off July 4) for Madison County Tax Collector (Stafford v Brown), PSC Chair (Cavanaugh v Chancey), and Criminal Appeals Court Place 1 (Kellum v McLemore), and AL-05 Congress (Parker v Baswell-Guthrie).  There aren’t any Democratic run-offs from the Madison County ballot. IIRC primary run-off turnout is about 2/3 of the primary turnout (couldn’t tell you where that came from, but if it is correct, I’ll credit Dr. Jess Brown).

Using a mix of Madison County and Channel 19 numbers:  Madison County GOP voters in AL-05 total 24,075 (63%) out of 37,934 District-wide votes cast. Madison County Democrat voters total 12,154 (32%) out of 38,415 District-wide votes cast.  That’s about 50 / 50 GOP / Dem - which looks promising for the GOP for the General Election.

 UPDATE:

I see Brian thinks that the GOP chances for AL-05 are “bleak”, compared to my “promising”. 

AL-05 consists of Colbert (Dem), Lauderdale (Dem), Lawrence (Dem), Limestone (Dem), Madison, and Jackson Counties (Dem), with a little bit of Morgan County (GOP). I’ve noted my impression of how each County votes (subject to further study and real number crunching). My thinking is that except for Madison County, the Dems turned out for the races in the other Counties.  I don’t think Madison County Dems turned out in full force for the primary, but they turned out in pretty big numbers for Griffith.  However, Madison County usually votes GOP for the President - if that holds, then there is a chance of winning the AL-05.

Parker Griffith was on Pamela Furr’s show (WVNN) today and from what I heard I don’t disagree with anything he said (he sounded like a Republican on the issues they discussed). His weak point is that Barack Obama is at the top of his ticket, but Wayne Parker isn’t running (and IMO shouldn’t run) against Obama; voters can figure that out on their own.

Yes, I think Wayne Parker will win the run-off: he almost won outright. I hope that the run-off doesn’t damage Parker (but it will sap resources he could be spending against Griffith). IMO Cheryl Baswell-Guthrie should concede, but if she doesn’t I hope that she will remember Reagan’s 11th Commandment.

AL-05 (100% reporting)

Parker Griffith has the Democrat nomination sewn up with about 90% of the vote. David Maker pulled in twice what I expected with 10%.

In the Republican race Wayne Parker won 49% of the vote, which will trigger a runoff. Cheryl Baswell Guthrie led the remaining five candidates with 18% of the vote. If Guthrie had an ounce of dignity or any respect for the party she would concede. There is no way - NO WAY - that she will win a runoff with Parker. All she’ll do by prolonging her futile vanity campaign is harm Parker’s chances against a very strong Democrat adversary.

Side notes on the race…

• David Maker received 3,874 votes, which is more than Ray McKee, George Barry, or Mark Huff. Ouch.
• Cheryl Baswell Guthrie got 6,941 votes. That’s about $70 per vote.
• There were 38,415 votes cast for the two Democrat candidates, but only 37,934 cast for the six Republicans. This is a very bleak sign for the Republicans. There was little motivation for Dems to come out and vote for Griffith, who was a shoe in. The Republican race was a great deal more wide open, which should have resulted in a strong turnout - and they still got out voted by the Dems.
• Every FairTax candidate finished behind candidates who did not support the FairTax.

Madison County (99% reporting)

The sales tax increase got shot down, as expected. 64% opposed the tax hike and 36% supported it. I’m predicting we haven’t heard the last word on this. The county commission can still vote to implement this sales tax at any time. I’ve heard murmurings about certain county commissioners possibly voting to pass it shortly after the November election with the expectation that voters will have forgotten after four more years.

County Commission, District 1: Bob Long beat Chris Stuckey 67% to 33%. Both were really solid candidates; I’m surprised to see such a large margin.

County Commission, District 2: Faye Dyer won handily in a tough three person race with 58% of the vote. I’m particularly pleased with this result; Dyer has demonstrated strong leadership in the fight against the half cent sales tax increase. Glenn Watson only pulled in 22%. Who knows how this race would have shaped up if it weren’t for the homeless shelter fiasco. Will Watson stick to his pledge to not seek re-election for his HSV city council seat? He has until July 15th to decide.

County Commission, District 5: Mo Brooks cruised to victory over Bobby Abernathy with 79% of the vote. Brooks is a reliable conservative and ethical leader - no surprise to see him keep a lock on this seat.

County Commission, District 6: Bob Harrison cruised to victory with 74%.

U.S. Senate (97% reporting)

Jeff Sessions and Vivian Figures cruised to victory so that Sessions can smack her down in the general. 14% of Dems voted for Mark “No NCAA” Townsend. That is crazy.

Alabama PSC (98% reporting)

Republican stalwart Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh failed to get through the three person race without a runoff, which is a result that had been characterized in advance as “underwhelming.” She did pull in 47% of the vote, but will have to best Matt Chancey, who won 28%.

State Board of Education (99% reporting)

The candidates propped up by the AEA in an attempt to take control of the board got slaughtered. District 1 incumbent Randy McKinney dispatched Paul Christopher 73% to 27% and in District 3 Stephanie Bell trounced Troy Smithwick 68% to 32%. Alabama educators: I hope you’re happy with the way Czar Hubbert spent your confiscated dues on losing candidates so he could try to preserve fake, cushy jobs for legislators.

Alabama’s primary is tomorrow, June 3rd.  Here’s some info to help prepare:

To see sample ballots and find out who is running visit the Election Center.

To learn about the views of some of the candidates for the 5th District Congressional seat read the following responses to our questionnaire:

• George Barry
• Cheryl Baswell Guthrie
• David Maker
• Ray McKee
• Wayne Parker

We also sent out a questionnaire to the Madison County Commission candidates and received responses from:

• Bob Long (District 1)
• Chris Stuckey (District 1)
• Bobby Abernathy (District 5)
• Mo Brooks (District 5)

Also, Madison County residents will get to vote for or against a county-wide half cent sales tax increase.  I have been covering this issue for almost two years and have consistently opposed it.  Here is a copy of an email from Mo Brooks describing why you should vote NO.  Here are a few of the many, many posts I’ve written on this topic:

• Why I oppose the loophole sales tax increase
• More thoughts on the proposed Madison County sales tax increase
• Madison schools want tax money without strings
• Like I said - Huntsville doesn’t need the money 

Clyde, commenting on the Madison County Commission District 1 primary race between Bob Long and Chris Stuckey, asks “why is Chris Stuckey running as a Republican?”

I think that is a fair question. In fact, I’ve asked him.

Those who know me in real life know that I can be blunt, so it may not be much of a surprise to learn that I asked Chris Stuckey that very question at an event where I heard he was running for the County Commission.  We talked for probably thirty minutes, he was very gracious with his time and patience, and I’m certain he thought me a complete boor. I’m also certain that he is sincere.  Stuckey made a deliberate and thoughtful decision that the GOP is right for him, and that he wants to represent us.  He agrees with the Republican Party on the issues (as much as any of us agree).

Isn’t that why anyone would run as a Republican?

NOTE: to be fair, this is not an endorsement of either candidate. From what I know, I like and respect each of them and think that the GOP has a good chance of picking up the seat regardless of which of them wins the primary.  I just happened to have asked the question (as I’ve asked others before him) and received an answer that satisfied me. I can tell you that I will be volunteering for one of their campaigns (Long or Stuckey) after June 3.

Here are the responses to the Flashpoint Candidate Questionnaire from Madison County Commission, District 5 candidate Mo Brooks:

1. What is your position on the proposed Sales Tax increase?

Mo Brooks has consistently voted “no” to sales tax increases. Mo Brooks will continue to vote “no” to sales tax increases.

Proponents of higher taxes could not have chosen a worst tax to promote. Aside from the regressive nature of sales taxes, a new twist is the effect of the City of Madison and City of Huntsville annexing huge chunks of land in Limestone County. Madison and Huntsville school systems will use the Madison County sales tax to build schools in Limestone County for people who don’t have to pay the Madison County sales tax. If the Madison or Huntsville school systems need more money to build schools in Limestone County, they should pass city-wide taxes that make Limestone County school users pay their fair share of education costs. It is absurd to demand that Madison County residents pay higher sales taxes to subsidize education costs for those who don’t have to pay the tax.

Further, sales tax proponents mislead the public by arguing school systems lack sufficient funds to build schools. How so? Because local schools are already enjoying record high tax receipts. Hence, the issue is not insufficient money, the issue how the money is spent. Rather than spending record high tax receipts on new schools, maintenance of old schools, equipment and supplies, more teachers to lower teacher-pupil ratios, and other things parents want and children need, government-run schools spent the money on pay raises for themselves. For example, in the last three years, school workers have received 20%+ in pay raises. While pay raises for school workers are a good thing, no one in the private sector has enjoyed such huge, across-the-board raises. Based on past history, if the sales tax passes, the education power structure will again spend the extra money on pay raises for themselves, and not for what they promise (new schools, more teachers, and the like for students).

2. What is your position on raising Property Taxes for schools outside the City limits of Huntsville or Madison?

Mo Brooks opposes raising any taxes, period. Government has to live on a budget just as families do. Every tax increase undermines the ability of our private sector to compete in a worldwide economy. And the private sector is the goose that lays the golden egg. If we overtax (and kill) it, then we have nothing.

Having said that I oppose all tax increases, a rural-only property tax increase is not as bad as a county-wide sales tax increase.

But the County Commission has no vote on raising property taxes in rural Madison County. The County Commission cannot vote to require a property tax referendum. The legislature has restricted the issue of rural Madison County property tax increases to (a) itself and (b) local school boards.

The most the Madison County Commission can do is try to influence the date on which a property tax vote takes place. Mo Brooks opposes the extra cost of special property tax referendums and will vote to put property tax referendums on the ballot only when an election is already scheduled to take place.

3. Describe your approach to Economic Development? Does the County need more Industrial Parks / Sites; would you support development of a TVA Megasite in the County?

Mo Brooks’ approach to economic development is to help create a good work and living environment that will naturally attract industry and commerce. Mo Brooks does not believe in using tax dollars to subsidize politically powerful companies over their competitors. The “TVA Megasite” issue has not been thoroughly vetted. Factors such as costs, location, and the like are unknown. This is in part because, at this time, there are no specific TVA Megasites proposed for Madison County.

4. What is your position on ‘Metro Government’?

Mo Brooks is for metro government. Having said that, “metro” used to mean “county-wide” (See Nashville and Davidson County, TN). Metro government is a dead issue in Madison County because there is no viable definition of “metro” now that Huntsville and Madison have annexed into Limestone County (unless Huntsville and Madison deannex all Limestone County property to promote metro government). Notwithstanding that the metro government concept has been killed by annexations into Limestone County, Mo Brooks favors consolidation of services whenever possible.

5. Which roads and bridges in the County are most in need of improvement; which roads in your District need improvement?

Memorial Parkway overpasses, Southern By-Pass construction, and four-laning of Ashburn Drive through Blevins Gap are our greatest road needs.

6. Describe your approach to public safety. Does the Sheriff’s Department have adequate resources? Does the Fire Marshall have adequate resources? Do the Volunteer Fire Departments have adequate resources; should the County establish a ‘regular’ Fire Department? Does the EMA have adequate resources?

The Madison County Commission has no control over law enforcement in Madison County. The most the Commission can do is increase funding for the sheriff’s department. The Commission has steadily done that, making the Madison County Sheriff’s Department one of the highest funded sheriff’s departments in Alabama.

No law enforcement agency in Alabama has “adequate resources” (where the term “adequate” means sufficient to stop all crime). Having said that, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department is one of the highest funded sheriff’s departments in Alabama.

Does the Fire Marshall have adequate resources? Probably not, but, given the Madison County Commission’s funding limitations and a plethora of demands by other, worthwhile public services for those funds, Mo Brooks believes the Fire Marshall is as adequately funded as prioritization of available resources permits.

Do the Volunteer Fire Departments have adequate resources; should the County establish a ‘regular’ Fire Department? Inasmuch as 99% of Commission District 5 is in the City of Huntsville, and inasmuch as very, very little of District 5 is protected by volunteer fire departments, it has been Mo Brooks’ policy to (in large part) defer volunteer fire department funding issues to rural commissioners (Dale Strong, Roger Jones, and Jerry Craig). Hence, Mo Brooks defers to rural commissioners whether the benefit of a full-time, fully-paid, fire department outweighs the costs of higher taxes or fees on rural residents to pay for full-time fire protection.

Does the EMA have adequate resources? Probably not, but, given the Madison County Commission’s funding limitations and a plethora of demands by other, worthwhile public services for those funds, Mo Brooks believes the EMA is as adequately funded as prioritization of available resources permits.

7. How would you improve County Mental Health services?

This issue is akin to all others. It comes down to funding resources. The Madison County Commission will help as available funding and priorities dictate.

8. Does the County need more Parks/Greenways and if so, where?

Yes. Everywhere it can be done (in neighborhoods, along mountain slopes, and along creeks and rivers). District 5 has helped build the Bailey Cove Greenway, the new greenway and park behind the Target shopping center on Carl T. Jones Blvd., and the Aldridge Creek Greenway extension to the Tennessee River. District 5 also helped acquire realty for hiking trails on Green Mountain (at the Blevins Gap starting point).

9. What do you propose for protecting the Flint River?

Two things can be done to help protect the Flint River. First, Madison County needs a sewage system that will help minimize pollution of ground water supplies and storm runoff into the Flint River. Second, Madison County needs the power to restrict or prevent siphoning of water from the Flint River during low water flow periods.

10. What is the biggest problem facing your district?

Traffic congestion.

Plus a softball: Are there any questions you wish we had asked? Go ahead and answer it.

Mo Brooks’ question is, “Why should you be reelected to the Madison County Commission?”

In no particular order, Mo Brooks submits he should be reelected based on:

1. Experience. Mo Brooks has served in the following public capacities (all of which help build a skill-set that better enable Mo Brooks to serve District 5):

1978-1980: Tuscaloosa County Assistant District Attorney

1982-1991: Alabama House of Representatives. Elected: 1982, 1983, 1986, 1990.

Alabama House Republican Caucus Chairman.

Elected three times by fellow Republican legislators

1991-1993: Madison County District Attorney

1996-2008: Madison County Commissioner. Elected: 1996, 2000, 2004.

2. Education. Mo Brooks attended Whitesburg, Weatherly, Mt. Gap and Grissom (all-city baseball, honor society, active member of two-time state championship debate team). Mo Brooks graduated from Duke University in three years (with “distinction” in economics, Duke’s highest honors, and a second major in political science) and from the University of Alabama School of Law. Mo Brooks’ education experience helps him better represent District 5’s citizens.

3. Family. Mo Brooks has long-term roots in District 5. Mo Brooks is the son of Jack (retired Redstone Arsenal electrical engineer) and Betty Brooks (retired Lee High School economics and government teacher). Sister Suzetta Hardwick Jones is a retired Huntsville Crimestoppers’ police officer. Brother Dr. W. Timothy Brooks is a Huntsville dentist. Mo and Martha Brooks met at Duke University, married in 1976 and have four children: Rachel (elementary school teacher, wife of Walter Olsen and now a mom), Jay (Auburn senior, mechanical engineering major), Chelsie (BYU junior, elementary education major), and Thomas (Auburn freshman, aerospace engineering major). Martha, a University of Alabama accounting major, retired as a C.P.A. in the 1980s to become a full-time mom. Martha recently obtained her math & education majors from U.A.H. (she was math student of the year in 2005) and teaches at Whitesburg Middle School, where she is Whitesburg’s math team coach.

4. Efficient Leadership for District 5. Mo Brooks maximizes resources for District 5 by declining a “free” County car and using no tax dollars to pay for Mo Brooks’ secretary, cell phone, or office equipment (other than one telephone landline). No other Madison County Commission office is as efficient!

5. Effective Leadership For District 5. District 5’s budget was a paltry $35,000 in 1996 (after salary and office expenses). Mo Brooks’ hard work with his fellow commissioners paid off: District 5’s disposable budget for constituent services is $740,000 in 2008 (a 21-fold increase). This increase in District 5 funding was achieved without raising any tax rates!

6. Good Stewardship for District 5. Mo Brooks’ goal has been to increase District 5’s budget enough to affect road congestion. While we’re not there yet, Mo Brooks has been able to focus on capital projects that improve District 5’s overall quality of life and property values. Projects funded by District 5, in whole or in part (via joint agreements with the City of Huntsville), include:

• Bailey Cove Greenway
• Second, north-bound turn lane at Airport Road and the Parkway
• 4 Mile Post to Carl T. Jones Park & Greenway (under construction)
• Grissom Tennis Courts (lighted & for public use)
• Green Mountain hiking trails acreage acquisition
• Ditto Landing Rowing Facility
• 30+ acres on Chaney-Thompson acquisition preserved for future recreational use
• Aldridge Creek Greenway Extension to Ditto Landing & Tennessee River
• $80,000+ for thousands of new books for District 5 library branches
• Capital improvements to all sports parks in District 5 (Mayfair, Fern Bell, McGucken & Hampton Cove)
• School Improvements. District 5’s 12 public schools provide our children with a top-notch education. District 5 has done its part to help. With Mo Brooks as Commissioner, District 5 has spent $1.5+ million on public schools. Principals and PTA presidents establish each school’s priority list. School Improvements include:
  • Auditorium lighting & sound systems
  • Athletic & P.E. equipment (weights, etc.)
  • 100s of computers, scanners, copiers, printers, projectors, & other technology
  • Science labs, microscopes, tables, skeletons, etc.
  • School grounds equipment (mowers, pressure washers, marquees, and the like)
  • Elementary school playground equipment
  • 1,000s of classroom Alabama Reading Initiative books
  • 1,000s of school library books

Here are the responses to the Flashpoint Candidate Questionnaire from Madison County Commission, District 5 candidate Bobby Abernathy:

1. What is your position on the proposed Sales Tax increase?

I am against the Sales Tax increase. We need to look to some alternative ways to raise funds for our schools besides a sales tax increase. I am a very strong supporter of our schools, and if elected, I will do everything in my power to help make our schools the best in the country.

2. What is your position on raising Property Taxes for schools outside the City limits of Huntsville or Madison?

Our Property Taxes in Madison County need to stay in Madison County. I am against raising the Madison County property owners’ taxes to fund schools outside of Madison County.

3. Describe your approach to Economic Development? Does the County need more Industrial Parks / Sites; would you support development of a TVA Megasite in the County?

We must assure we have safe communities and great schools. I feel this is the first thing we need to do to bring other industries into this area. We must also work together with the cities in Madison County, and other agencies such as the Chamber of Commerce that help bring monies into our county. We all need to be on the same page because growth benefits us all. I would support a TVA mega site. My Grandfather worked for TVA for 30 years.

4. What is your position on ‘Metro Government’?

I favor Metro Government with the growth of Madison County. We need to look more into this idea. County and City leaders must work together and forget about their titles (Councilman, Commissioner, etc.), and look at making Huntsville and Madison County the best it can be.

5. Which roads and bridges in the County are most in need of improvement; which roads in your District need improvement?

I feel Winchester Road is in need of improvement with all of the traffic and new building in that area. We must make it safer. The roads in District 5 are city maintained.

6. Describe your approach to public safety. Does the Sheriff’s Department have adequate resources? Does the Fire Marshall have adequate resources? Do the Volunteer Fire Departments have adequate resources; should the County establish a ‘regular’ Fire Department? Does the EMA have adequate resources?

As a 25-year veteran of the Police Department, Public Safety is an area of which I have first-hand knowledge. The County Commission must give the Sheriff whatever he needs to keep us safe. We must give our Sheriff’s Department more resources. These brave men and women work 24 hours a day for very little pay. They are understaffed and use old equipment. I feel they do a great job, but unless we raise their pay and get better equipment and hire more staff we will continue to lose them to Huntsville PD (where the starting pay is almost $14,000 more a year), Madison PD, and other larger departments. I feel the Fire Marshall is also in need of more resources. We also must continue to help our Volunteer Fire Departments. They all do a great job, but have limited resources at their disposal. Too many times many people never think of our Public Safety heroes unless their house is on fire, someone is breaking in, or their home has been damaged by a storm.

7. How would you improve County Mental Health services?

One of the first things would be to reopen the “City Program” school at the Mental Health Center. The school was closed because of funding issues. The children who were in this program have serious mental health issues. These children are now at several city and county schools. These kids need more help than a regular school can give them. I feel this poses a danger to the students and staff because the regular teachers are not trained to deal with many of the issues that these children have. I have been personally involved with many of these children. I taught classes at Mental Health and I had several of these kids at my schools this last school year. I also had to arrest some of these children because of violent outbursts. Most of these kids do not need to be in jail. They need to be in an environment that has the resources that can help them.

8. Does the County need more Parks / Greenways and if so, where?

We are blessed with many parks in our county. We need to continue to fund and keep up our parks and also look at adding additional parks as the population grows with BRAC over the next few years.

9. What do you propose for protecting the Flint River?

I’m not familiar with any problems associated with the Flint River, but would be willing to investigate any issues brought to my attention.

10. What is the biggest problem facing your district?

I feel that the biggest problem facing District 5 is the overcrowded schools. We are in desperate need of a new high school, as well as repairs to most of the other existing facilities.

Plus a softball: Are there any questions you wish we had asked? Go ahead and answer it.

I want to be your full time Commissioner in District 5. When elected I will retire from the Huntsville Police Department to devote all of my attention to District 5. I will be in the office five days a week to answer the citizens’ questions and concerns. I will listen to your needs. Madison County pays each of the Commissioners over $60,000 a year. Most of the people in my district don’t make $60,000 a year at their full time job. Some commissioners work full time and others work part time. This is not fair to the commissioners or citizens. I feel for $60,000 a year; the citizens deserve and should insist they have a full time representative. I don’t understand how with another full time job, anyone could devote enough time to the voters of District 5. I was taught at a young age the importance of working hard at a job. My mother told me as a child “if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing well.” I have never held public office and I don’t know everything, but what I do know is we need honest and hard working men and women– not politicians– representing us.

Here are the responses to the Flashpoint Candidate Questionnaire from Madison County Commission, District 1 candidate Chris Stuckey:

1. What is your position on the proposed Sales Tax increase?

Vote NO! NO! and NO! on the Sales Tax Hike! Moreover, oust any Commissioner that voted for it! Since 1988 the current 1/2 sales tax Hike has generated at 1988 ($450+ million). In the Next 20 years, the existing 1/2 cent tax will generate $650+ million dollars. That’s over a billion dollars.

According to the, (Code of Alabama 1975, Sections 11-85-1-through 11-85-7) this statue authorizes the county commission to develop a master plan for the county’s physical development.

Example:

Meridianville Middle School was built within the last three years. Now, it’s over crowded. What happened? As the population grows, the need for infrastructure increases. The Level-of-Service is affected and poor forecasting of the population increase over a desired time decreases the quality of life. A proper master plan for all of Madison County would be taken into account the boom in growth and provided an alternative solution. Before the impacts should arise.

2. What is your position on raising Property Taxes for schools outside the City limits of Huntsville or Madison?

The people that I meet going door to door are not interested in property tax increases. As Chris Stuckey for County Commissioner for District 1, I will provide the data in charts, graphs and maps and tables easy to read so the people can make informed decisions based on accurate analysis.

3. Describe your approach to Economic Development? Does the County need more Industrial Parks / Sites; would you support development of a TVA Mega site in the County?

There are two basic strategies that are derived from the export base theory:

*Economic base theory is basically that we manufacture something locally and export it for example: For $250, of which $100 remain in the local community which 70% is spent locally.*

1. Increase revenue into Madison County, AL

a. Promote Madison County as a destination place. According to the last report tourism numbers were great! Forbes ranked us as 4th fastest growing economy in February 2008.

b. Start a “Get The Business Campaign” try to attract firms serving national and international markets.

c. Provide assistance that helps local companies to expand to international markets. At no additional cost to the taxpayers! Madison County Commission has an organization that started in 1983 called TDIC (The International Trade Development Center) that operates in the overall Economic Development mission of the Commission. According to the Commission web site, they offer export mentoring, export consultation, training and market outreach. *** Part of the Commissioners Job Description is Economic Development which includes attracting new businesses ventures to County*** For every 1 manufacturing job a Commissioner brings in 1.5 service positions are created.

2. Decrease the amount of revenue out of Madison County

a. Create Local “Buy it in Madison County” campaigns to encourage exporters to buy local firms.

Without a master plan, which includes a land use analysis, it would be presumptuous to guess (about more industrial parks). However, what if TVA wanted to put a mega site in Madison County?

a. Whose community is moving into? $1,000,000, homes or $500,000 $325,000 $125,000 $90,000 or a local trailer park community.

b. If we had a designated area, what level of commitment could we expect form TVA?

c. What’s there long-range plan? Are they going to build here and hire Labor force capital from another location?

d. There will be environmental impacts. Is the community ready?

e. There will be economic impacts

f. The ultimate decision rests with The People First its there decision!

4. What is your position on ‘Metro Government’?

I would like to see us look at the Unit system Vs. the District system first. Before we explore the option of combing the two governments.

5. Which roads and bridges in the County are most in need of improvement; which roads in your District need improvement?

a. There are several roads in the district that need improvement. However, the concern is funding.

b. It takes 3 to 5 million dollars to produce a 3-lane road for the distance of a mile.

c. In order to expedite the county road improvement we should consider moving the 5% yearly pay raise to the for county employees to an honest merit system. This would provide an increase to the pay of those honestly earning tax pay funds.

d. There are a few ITS (intelligent transport systems) that will decrease congestion and casualties on our county roads.

6. Describe your approach to public safety. Does the Sheriff’s Department have adequate resources? Does the Fire Marshall have adequate resources? Do the Volunteer Fire Departments have adequate resources; should the County establish a ‘regular’ Fire Department? Does the EMA have adequate resources?

It all goes back to the plan! If your population increases there will be an impact on the services you can provide. In all areas, the Sheriff’s Department has 107 deputies. That’s 1.7 deputies per 1,000 persons the national average is 2.3, According to the Huntsville Times, if I’m not mistaken some of if not a good majority of our public safety professionals are first responders. Which would leave us handicap in an emergency.

7. How would you improve County Mental Health services?

I would like to see an independent agency do a SWOT analyses , which include a review of :

Strengths

Weaknesses

Opportunity

Threats

8. Does the County need more Parks / Greenways and if so, where?

Yes, more families are moving in. They need safe environments for their children to play. Greenways would create great buffers that would protect are local natural resource treasure the Flint River for generations to come.

***FUNDING TO DEVELOP THROUGH PRIVATEE PARTNERSHIPS , GRANTS, AND OTHER FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES. TVA MAY HELP FUND LOCAL PROJECTS.

9. What do you propose for protecting the Flint River?

a. We want this natural resource around a long time. I have gone canoeing with my family on the Flint River and it was a wonderful experience. We go to the watering holes out in the county.

b. This would be in the master plan assessment.

10. What is the biggest problem facing your district?

Our infrastructure is not prepared for the population increase. The roads are reaching capacity, the schools are at capacity. Our public safety professionals are stretched. Our needs for waste treatment plants are now. Our quality of life in Madison County is a stake.

Let us plan together to make Madison County the best County in the United States.

Plus a softball: Are there any questions you wish we had asked? Go ahead and answer it.

The County Commissioner position is far beyond the 1950’s road shed idea. With the population growth in Madison County the demand for basic infrastructure, roads, schools, water treatment facilities and public safety services have increased.

At this time, Madison County needs, foresight in growth management, policy, and economic development.

What is the role of a County Commissioner?

1. Policy and Statue Development

2. Public Services

3. Community & Economic Development

4. Regulation

5. Administrative Support Operations

According to the Functional and Organizational Analysis of Alabama County Commission

“Generally, the county commissions’ duties fall under the Policy & Statute Development, Public Services, Economic & Community Development, Regulation, and Administrative Support Operations functions herein identified for Alabama local government.”

Revision Approved by the Local Government Records Commission
July 25, 2007

What role does the 2010 census play in the County Commission role?

Every ten years U.S. Census Bureau conducts the Census. The Census data provides crucial information to the government that helps them determine the number of representatives in Congress we will receive in addition to other monetary benefits.

It’s the same at the district level. Madison County Commissioner’s in 2010 will supply information to the Census Bureau in order to ensure that the county ‘s electoral precincts and district remain equitable. I want District 1 to prosper. Chris Stuckey is the only conservative candidate that works with the Census data as a tool daily, he is the only candidate will develop policy on the people first, he is the only candidate that has the experience to negotiate and recruit businesses and industries to District 1 and Madison County.

Locally trained as a planner and urban analyst. Chris Stuckey is the only candidate with the background to provide the people with accurate data to make informed decisions.