No Current Library Plans For Northport

Amelia Webber, Gazette Staff — ameliagazette@gmail.com

In an age where Google is a verb, Facebook is a venue and ‘tweeting’ isn’t strictly for the birds, internet access has become as common as running water or microwave ovens. But in this era of endless information, are some Alabama residents getting lost in translation?

As part of his 2009 economic stimulus package, President Obama allocated $7 billion dollars to broadband expansion. According to a 2013 article in the New York Times, “nearly 98 percent of American homes now have access to some sort of high-speed broadband.”

The article goes on to say, however, that administration officials and policy experts note a ‘persistent digital inequality’ due to issues like inability to afford service and lack of computer literacy. This inequality is most apparent in southern states such as Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama.

Vince Bellofatto, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Tuscaloosa Public Library (TPL), said the library offers free computer and Wi-Fi access at all three library locations. While a library card is required, there is no charge to use the computers and service is based on a first-come-first-served basis.

“The library doesn’t track (the number of people who use their membership strictly for computer access), but the computer labs at all locations are continuously full throughout the hours of operation,” Bellofatto said. “A lot of the patrons using the computers in the library are ones who don’t have access to a computer or can’t afford home internet service.”

The TPL also offers various resources to combat computer illiteracy, including classes like Introduction to the PC/Internet/Email and Google: How to do Advanced Searching in the Google Engine. Bellafatto said these classes are well attended.

In a recent letter-to-the-editor submitted to the Tuscaloosa news, Northport Resident Sheila Hayes commented that Northport pales in comparison to Tuscaloosa. “What we lack is progressive, energetic leadership,” she wrote. “Oh, and we also lack a public library.”

In a follow-up article published by The Northport Gazette on Dec. 17, Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon defended his administration, but agreed there is room for improvement in Northport, as with “any city.”

“As far as the comment about the library… you can get things on the internet,” he said.

Northport resident Steven Strickland called the mayor’s comment ignorant, asking “What about people who don’t have internet?”

“I didn’t say I didn’t want a library,” Herndon clarified in an interview with The Gazette on Jan. 5. “I’d like to have a library, but it’s not my top priority… You can get as much information, in my way of thinking, on the internet as you can by going to the library.”

“We’ve got a library just right across the river,” Herndon said.

Of course, this is not breaking news. In fact, Bellafatto said Northport residents account for 20 percent of all TPL circulation, citing 15,809 cardholders from Northport as of Dec. 31, 2014 — this number refers only to cardholders living within the city limits, and does not reflect those from outlying communities.

Northport citizen Sherry Smelley points out that the mayor may be missing the bigger picture — what if citizens rely on services like the ones offered by the Tuscaloosa Public Library to access or understand the internet?

“Northport DOES need a library,” she wrote in a comment on The Gazette’s Facebook page. “The Internet is not available to everyone. Where are the values of the Northport administrators? Learning and education should be put above property improvements and developments. Looks like we are headed back into the dark ages instead of going forward!”

“It’s just not my top priority,” Herndon said, stating his expectations for the city centered around finances.

“(In 2015), the city’s finances will continue to be strong… A lot of new businesses are coming to Northport in 2015, which means, you know, more sales tax for the city, which will result in better service to the citizens. We are growing, we are going to continue to grow, and I see a great year for (the city).”

Northport residents looking for free computer and internet access can still expect, however, to rely on the library ‘right across the river.’

Amelia Webber, Gazette Staff — ameliagazette@gmail.com

In an age where Google is a verb, Facebook is a venue and ‘tweeting’ isn’t strictly for the birds, internet access has become as common as running water or microwave ovens. But in this era of endless information, are some Alabama residents getting lost in translation?

As part of his 2009 economic stimulus package, President Obama allocated $7 billion dollars to broadband expansion. According to a 2013 article in the New York Times, “nearly 98 percent of American homes now have access to some sort of high-speed broadband.”

The article goes on to say, however, that administration officials and policy experts note a ‘persistent digital inequality’ due to issues like inability to afford service and lack of computer literacy. This inequality is most apparent in southern states such as Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama.

Vince Bellofatto, Director of Communications and Public Relations for the Tuscaloosa Public Library (TPL), said the library offers free computer and Wi-Fi access at all three library locations. While a library card is required, there is no charge to use the computers and service is based on a first-come-first-served basis.

“The library doesn’t track (the number of people who use their membership strictly for computer access), but the computer labs at all locations are continuously full throughout the hours of operation,” Bellofatto said. “A lot of the patrons using the computers in the library are ones who don’t have access to a computer or can’t afford home internet service.”

The TPL also offers various resources to combat computer illiteracy, including classes like Introduction to the PC/Internet/Email and Google: How to do Advanced Searching in the Google Engine. Bellafatto said these classes are well attended.

In a recent letter-to-the-editor submitted to the Tuscaloosa news, Northport Resident Sheila Hayes commented that Northport pales in comparison to Tuscaloosa. “What we lack is progressive, energetic leadership,” she wrote. “Oh, and we also lack a public library.”

In a follow-up article published by The Northport Gazette on Dec. 17, Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon defended his administration, but agreed there is room for improvement in Northport, as with “any city.”

“As far as the comment about the library… you can get things on the internet,” he said.

Northport resident Steven Strickland called the mayor’s comment ignorant, asking “What about people who don’t have internet?”

“I didn’t say I didn’t want a library,” Herndon clarified in an interview with The Gazette on Jan. 5. “I’d like to have a library, but it’s not my top priority… You can get as much information, in my way of thinking, on the internet as you can by going to the library.”

“We’ve got a library just right across the river,” Herndon said.

Of course, this is not breaking news. In fact, Bellafatto said Northport residents account for 20 percent of all TPL circulation, citing 15,809 cardholders from Northport as of Dec. 31, 2014 — this number refers only to cardholders living within the city limits, and does not reflect those from outlying communities.

Northport citizen Sherry Smelley points out that the mayor may be missing the bigger picture — what if citizens rely on services like the ones offered by the Tuscaloosa Public Library to access or understand the internet?

“Northport DOES need a library,” she wrote in a comment on The Gazette’s Facebook page. “The Internet is not available to everyone. Where are the values of the Northport administrators? Learning and education should be put above property improvements and developments. Looks like we are headed back into the dark ages instead of going forward!”

“It’s just not my top priority,” Herndon said, stating his expectations for the city centered around finances.

“(In 2015), the city’s finances will continue to be strong… A lot of new businesses are coming to Northport in 2015, which means, you know, more sales tax for the city, which will result in better service to the citizens. We are growing, we are going to continue to grow, and I see a great year for (the city).”

Northport residents looking for free computer and internet access can still expect, however, to rely on the library ‘right across the river.’

Read More »

Northport Resident Alleges Favoritism In Trash Services

Amelia Webber, Gazette Staff — ameliagazette@gmail.com

As 2014 comes to a close and the citizens of Northport embark on a new year, some residents continue to experience the same old issues, including city trash services.

Chris Beasley said he first noticed an issue with the way trash pickup was handled in his subdivision when he moved to Northport four years ago.

“I was cleaning up around the yard, we had a large pile out at the curb and it sit there for a month before it was all picked up,” Beasley said.

Beasley lives just past the Post Office on Highway 82 West in an area that used to be known as Harper subdivision.

“If anyone in my neighborhood puts a large pile of trash out to be picked up, the trash truck will just get one scoop about the size of a wheel barrow and make a huge mess,” he said.

Beasley said he has called the public works office and spoken to at least two city employees, who cited high fuel prices as the catalyst for the service, despite the fact that fuel prices have plummeted over recent months.

“The lady at the public works office says that it's because the landfill is across town and they are trying to save on fuel, then the next week it's because ‘if they pick up one large pile then they can't pick up anyone else's trash.’ It's always one excuse after the other.”

Some have speculated the city has designated certain subdivisions as top priority over others in terms of trash pickup, although there is no solid evidence to make the allegation factual.

“I spoke with one of the (trash management) employees and he told me that their boss tells them to only pick up all trash in the Northwood lake area no matter how big or small,” Beasley said. “I know they don't ever leave trash in front of the mayor’s house or any of the council people’s houses.”

But Mayor Bobby Herndon denied the allegations of prioritizing neighborhoods for trash service.

“No,” he said when asked by The Gazette about the allegations. “Is somebody saying there is? If that citizen gave you his name, if they can call me and get the name of that employee who told them that I would like that. Not that I am gonna punish them necessarily, but I want to take that information to the city administrator and say we’ve got complaints about some of our trash guys.”

Herndon did say, however, that there are some jobs you can’t expect the city to do for you.

“If the pile is that big, to fill up a truck, we’ll have to tell the people who put that pile out there to call a private company to carry it out,” Herndon said. “If it’s just ordinary stuff…I don’t really know (what’s reasonable)... but if it’s a pile so big, that it’s gonna fill up one truck I wanna know what in the world is out there!”

Brooke Starnes, Director of Public Works in Northport, said the only trash her department does not pick up are items left behind by private contractors.

“Most of the time, when it’s not trash left behind by a contractor, we’ll fill the truck up as much as we can, finish our route, and then we’ll come back and get (anything we left behind) by the end of the day,” Starnes said. “It’s not fair to spend two hours on one household’s trash pile, but we will do one pickup, get as much as we can, go to the landfill, then go back and get the rest of that pile. One truck full, though, that’s a lot of trash.”

Beasley suggested the city send out a survey to local neighborhoods and residents, asking them how satisfied they are with the services the city provides to their area.

“The way I think, it would help solve the problem if the city could send out a survey every few months rating the trash department and other services and make adjustments where they’re needed. This would be a good place to start, because the mayor may not beware of these problems,” Beasley said.

Pamela Jones Beasley suggests more supervision could help resolve trash pickup concerns.

“If the bosses have to come out and look at the job not getting done more often, it might stop,” she wrote in a Facebook comment.

Herndon said the city has never done any type of satisfaction survey, and there are no plans to do something of that nature in the near future.

“I would suggest that anybody who is dissatisfied with anything come straight to the horses butt...that’s me,” he joked. “Come straight here and voice your concerns (at city hall or city council meetings).”

Amelia Webber, Gazette Staff — ameliagazette@gmail.com

As 2014 comes to a close and the citizens of Northport embark on a new year, some residents continue to experience the same old issues, including city trash services.

Chris Beasley said he first noticed an issue with the way trash pickup was handled in his subdivision when he moved to Northport four years ago.

“I was cleaning up around the yard, we had a large pile out at the curb and it sit there for a month before it was all picked up,” Beasley said.

Beasley lives just past the Post Office on Highway 82 West in an area that used to be known as Harper subdivision.

“If anyone in my neighborhood puts a large pile of trash out to be picked up, the trash truck will just get one scoop about the size of a wheel barrow and make a huge mess,” he said.

Beasley said he has called the public works office and spoken to at least two city employees, who cited high fuel prices as the catalyst for the service, despite the fact that fuel prices have plummeted over recent months.

“The lady at the public works office says that it's because the landfill is across town and they are trying to save on fuel, then the next week it's because ‘if they pick up one large pile then they can't pick up anyone else's trash.’ It's always one excuse after the other.”

Some have speculated the city has designated certain subdivisions as top priority over others in terms of trash pickup, although there is no solid evidence to make the allegation factual.

“I spoke with one of the (trash management) employees and he told me that their boss tells them to only pick up all trash in the Northwood lake area no matter how big or small,” Beasley said. “I know they don't ever leave trash in front of the mayor’s house or any of the council people’s houses.”

But Mayor Bobby Herndon denied the allegations of prioritizing neighborhoods for trash service.

“No,” he said when asked by The Gazette about the allegations. “Is somebody saying there is? If that citizen gave you his name, if they can call me and get the name of that employee who told them that I would like that. Not that I am gonna punish them necessarily, but I want to take that information to the city administrator and say we’ve got complaints about some of our trash guys.”

Herndon did say, however, that there are some jobs you can’t expect the city to do for you.

“If the pile is that big, to fill up a truck, we’ll have to tell the people who put that pile out there to call a private company to carry it out,” Herndon said. “If it’s just ordinary stuff…I don’t really know (what’s reasonable)... but if it’s a pile so big, that it’s gonna fill up one truck I wanna know what in the world is out there!”

Brooke Starnes, Director of Public Works in Northport, said the only trash her department does not pick up are items left behind by private contractors.

“Most of the time, when it’s not trash left behind by a contractor, we’ll fill the truck up as much as we can, finish our route, and then we’ll come back and get (anything we left behind) by the end of the day,” Starnes said. “It’s not fair to spend two hours on one household’s trash pile, but we will do one pickup, get as much as we can, go to the landfill, then go back and get the rest of that pile. One truck full, though, that’s a lot of trash.”

Beasley suggested the city send out a survey to local neighborhoods and residents, asking them how satisfied they are with the services the city provides to their area.

“The way I think, it would help solve the problem if the city could send out a survey every few months rating the trash department and other services and make adjustments where they’re needed. This would be a good place to start, because the mayor may not beware of these problems,” Beasley said.

Pamela Jones Beasley suggests more supervision could help resolve trash pickup concerns.

“If the bosses have to come out and look at the job not getting done more often, it might stop,” she wrote in a Facebook comment.

Herndon said the city has never done any type of satisfaction survey, and there are no plans to do something of that nature in the near future.

“I would suggest that anybody who is dissatisfied with anything come straight to the horses butt...that’s me,” he joked. “Come straight here and voice your concerns (at city hall or city council meetings).”

Read More »

Mayor honors Northport citizen Robert Haver

Amelia Webber, Gazette Staff — ameliagazette@gmail.com

Photo by Amelia Webber

Lt. Col. Robert "Bob" Haver displays his Congressional Gold Medal at the Northport City Council Meeting on Monday Jan. 5. FROM LEFT: Maj. Mike Carr, CAP Public Affairs Officer — Alabama Wing; Lt. Col. Haver and Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon

Several members of the Civil Air Patrol were present at Monday’s City Council Meeting to witness Mayor Bobby Herndon proclaim January 5, 2015 to be “Lt. Col. Robert J. Bob Haver Day” in the city of Northport.

Herndon said this proclamation recognizes the tremendous sacrifice, determination and courage Haver displayed in serving his country through the Civil Air Patrol.

“I’m always honored to do anything concerning military (and) public service, tonight it’s Civil Air Patrol,” Herndon said.

On Dec. 10, 2014, leaders of the U.S. House and Senate presented a Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of the Civil Air Patrol to Lt. Col. Haver.

“(In recognition of) his valor and dedication that saved countless lives during World War II, the Congressional Gold Medal is a tradition dating back to The American Revolution,” Herndon said. “It is the highest civilian honor that congress can bestow.”

“We are honored to have (him) as a resident of Northport,” Herndon said, expressing how happy he was that Haver had chosen to live in ‘our great city.’ To which Haver responded “so am I!”

“JFK mentioned very well: don’t think about what your country can do for you, think about what you can do for your country. I think the (Civil Air Patrol) represents that,” Haver said.

Amelia Webber, Gazette Staff — ameliagazette@gmail.com

Photo by Amelia Webber

Lt. Col. Robert "Bob" Haver displays his Congressional Gold Medal at the Northport City Council Meeting on Monday Jan. 5. FROM LEFT: Maj. Mike Carr, CAP Public Affairs Officer — Alabama Wing; Lt. Col. Haver and Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon

Several members of the Civil Air Patrol were present at Monday’s City Council Meeting to witness Mayor Bobby Herndon proclaim January 5, 2015 to be “Lt. Col. Robert J. Bob Haver Day” in the city of Northport.

Herndon said this proclamation recognizes the tremendous sacrifice, determination and courage Haver displayed in serving his country through the Civil Air Patrol.

“I’m always honored to do anything concerning military (and) public service, tonight it’s Civil Air Patrol,” Herndon said.

On Dec. 10, 2014, leaders of the U.S. House and Senate presented a Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of the Civil Air Patrol to Lt. Col. Haver.

“(In recognition of) his valor and dedication that saved countless lives during World War II, the Congressional Gold Medal is a tradition dating back to The American Revolution,” Herndon said. “It is the highest civilian honor that congress can bestow.”

“We are honored to have (him) as a resident of Northport,” Herndon said, expressing how happy he was that Haver had chosen to live in ‘our great city.’ To which Haver responded “so am I!”

“JFK mentioned very well: don’t think about what your country can do for you, think about what you can do for your country. I think the (Civil Air Patrol) represents that,” Haver said.

Read More »

Two-Car Collision

Amelia Webber, Gazette Staff — ameliagazette@gmail.com

Photo by Amelia Webber

At approximately 3:04 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5, Northport Dispatch received a report of an accident with injuries at the intersection of 69 North and Northwood Lake Drive West.

Northport Police and Northport Fire and Rescue along with Northstar Paramedics responded to the scene of the wreck involving a Ford F-150 and a Toyota Camry.

According to Lt. Keith Carpenter of the Northport Police Department, both parties were transported to the hospital following the incident.

“I can only see a narrative of the accident report at this time,” Carpenter said. “It is still under investigation and the official report has not been approved, but it seems as though one party was turning North off of Northwood Lake Drive West and was struck by a vehicle traveling southbound on 69.”

An eyewitness account states at least one person involved in the wreck sustained a head injury, but was still breathing at the time the paramedics began their transport.

“I have never seen an accident this bad and up close in real life,” the witness stated in a Facebook post following the accident. “The one I was with was still breathing while inside of the vehicle, but sustained visible injury to the head. The fire dept was swift in responding to the 911 call and used the trauma unit and jaws of life to rescue the (victim)! Again, please keep praying for them. I don't know the severity, but God knows.”

The Northport Gazette was unable to retrieve the names of the involved parties as the investigation was ongoing at press time.

Amelia Webber, Gazette Staff — ameliagazette@gmail.com

Photo by Amelia Webber

At approximately 3:04 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5, Northport Dispatch received a report of an accident with injuries at the intersection of 69 North and Northwood Lake Drive West.

Northport Police and Northport Fire and Rescue along with Northstar Paramedics responded to the scene of the wreck involving a Ford F-150 and a Toyota Camry.

According to Lt. Keith Carpenter of the Northport Police Department, both parties were transported to the hospital following the incident.

“I can only see a narrative of the accident report at this time,” Carpenter said. “It is still under investigation and the official report has not been approved, but it seems as though one party was turning North off of Northwood Lake Drive West and was struck by a vehicle traveling southbound on 69.”

An eyewitness account states at least one person involved in the wreck sustained a head injury, but was still breathing at the time the paramedics began their transport.

“I have never seen an accident this bad and up close in real life,” the witness stated in a Facebook post following the accident. “The one I was with was still breathing while inside of the vehicle, but sustained visible injury to the head. The fire dept was swift in responding to the 911 call and used the trauma unit and jaws of life to rescue the (victim)! Again, please keep praying for them. I don't know the severity, but God knows.”

The Northport Gazette was unable to retrieve the names of the involved parties as the investigation was ongoing at press time.

Read More »

“Northport is not a dictatorship” - Northport Mayor responds to critics, says finances and safety first, aesthetics last

Amelia Webber, Gazette Staff — ameliagazette@gmail.com

Last week, The Tuscaloosa News published a Letter-to-the-Editor titled “Northport needs progressive leaders” which was submitted by Northport Resident Sheila Hayes. (The letter, in it’s entirety, can be found at the end of this story.)

“If you have not driven down Jack Warner Parkway from downtown Tuscaloosa toward the Tuscaloosa Public Library at night, you should. The lights are magical,” Hayes said in her letter, published in last Wednesday’s Tuscaloosa News. “...(Northport has) wonderful riverfront property, too. What we lack is progressive, energetic leadership. Oh, and we also lack a public library.”

Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon said while Hayes is entitled to her opinion, his focus during his first and second term as mayor has been keeping the city from ‘going bankrupt.’

“Let’s get all the finances in order, keep the new businesses coming in, better the quality of life for our citizens, and then worry about the aesthetics of the city,” Herndon said. “As far as the comment about the library… you can get things on the internet.”

Rusty Selman, pastor of Northwood Hills Baptist Church, said he felt the council, mayor, city administrator and staff had been ‘unfairly targeted’ by Hayes’ letter to the editor. Selman maintains that the current mayor and council have focused on issues like crime, fiscal responsibility and sound leadership, things that make him glad “Northport is not like Tuscaloosa.”

“It is pretty narrow minded to think that a lighted walk and public library in the digital age will benefit our city in some tangible way,” Selman said. “(The current administration) is a leadership model that will pay great dividends for the future of Northport, far beyond the tenure of the current mayor and council.”

In a follow-up interview with the Northport Gazette, Hayes said the aesthetic issues were only a small part of the problem in Northport.

“Northport residents are mad and frustrated at the lack of progress (the city) has made in the last few years,” Hayes said. “They are angry about the abandonment of Shirley Place and downtown in general. They are concerned about the closing of major businesses and seeing vacant commercial lots sit idle for decades. They are defeated by the lack of communication between the council and their constituents. Only (District 1 Councilwoman) Judy Hayes routinely answers my emails. (District 3 Councilman) Rodney Sullivan has answered maybe once, and the others never.”

Hayes, however, is not the only person publicly criticizing Herndon and his administration.

Former Northport city administrator Johnny Williams, who resigned from his position with the city in 1993,  said the current mayor and council lack the ‘proper expertise’ to run the city.

“The level of service is nothing like it used to be,” Williams said, citing that during his time as city administrator the city spent $200,000 a year to improve deteriorating road conditions - an issue that continues to plague Northport and surrounding areas.

While Herndon did not comment on the alleged lack of communication and expertise, he said the best way to address the council is to attend their meetings on the first and third Monday of every month.

“People making new year’s resolutions, how about resolving to come to come to city council meetings,” he said. “Come and let your voice be heard and take part in the governing process of your city, that’s what we are here for. This is not a dictatorship, this is a democracy and we are not going to know what you want us to do unless you come and tell us.”

Herndon said that while there is still room to improve, the current city of Northport is ‘a lot better off’ than it was under previous administrations.

“I don’t think any city is ever going to reach its full potential,” Herndon said. “Our city is growing, different parts of the city are growing.”

“As far as bright lights and things being aesthetically pleasing, you know, eventually we can concentrate on things like that. Right now, we have to concentrate on making sure our city stays financially secure, which we are; that our citizens are well protected as far as police and fire, which they are; and that those fire and policemen have the best equipment available, which they do. I just wanna help my city, and when the people get tired of me helping, then let them elect somebody else,” Herndon said.

“If you have not driven down Jack Warner Parkway from downtown Tuscaloosa toward the Tuscaloosa Public Library at night, you should. The lights are magical.

Warning: When you come back across the bridge into Northport, you will be heartsick seeing the difference. We have wonderful riverfront property, too. What we lack is progressive, energetic leadership. Oh, and we also lack a public library.

Soon, Northport will have a chance to elect a council and mayor who can make Northport the great place it should be. I am not suggesting that Northport try to be a mini Tuscaloosa. We can play on the strengths of art and heritage that are already in place and give Northport its own positive identity.

In the meantime, go see the lovely lights.” - Sheila Hayes, Northport

Published in the December 10, 2014 edition of The Tuscaloosa News

Amelia Webber, Gazette Staff — ameliagazette@gmail.com

Last week, The Tuscaloosa News published a Letter-to-the-Editor titled “Northport needs progressive leaders” which was submitted by Northport Resident Sheila Hayes. (The letter, in it’s entirety, can be found at the end of this story.)

“If you have not driven down Jack Warner Parkway from downtown Tuscaloosa toward the Tuscaloosa Public Library at night, you should. The lights are magical,” Hayes said in her letter, published in last Wednesday’s Tuscaloosa News. “...(Northport has) wonderful riverfront property, too. What we lack is progressive, energetic leadership. Oh, and we also lack a public library.”

Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon said while Hayes is entitled to her opinion, his focus during his first and second term as mayor has been keeping the city from ‘going bankrupt.’

“Let’s get all the finances in order, keep the new businesses coming in, better the quality of life for our citizens, and then worry about the aesthetics of the city,” Herndon said. “As far as the comment about the library… you can get things on the internet.”

Rusty Selman, pastor of Northwood Hills Baptist Church, said he felt the council, mayor, city administrator and staff had been ‘unfairly targeted’ by Hayes’ letter to the editor. Selman maintains that the current mayor and council have focused on issues like crime, fiscal responsibility and sound leadership, things that make him glad “Northport is not like Tuscaloosa.”

“It is pretty narrow minded to think that a lighted walk and public library in the digital age will benefit our city in some tangible way,” Selman said. “(The current administration) is a leadership model that will pay great dividends for the future of Northport, far beyond the tenure of the current mayor and council.”

In a follow-up interview with the Northport Gazette, Hayes said the aesthetic issues were only a small part of the problem in Northport.

“Northport residents are mad and frustrated at the lack of progress (the city) has made in the last few years,” Hayes said. “They are angry about the abandonment of Shirley Place and downtown in general. They are concerned about the closing of major businesses and seeing vacant commercial lots sit idle for decades. They are defeated by the lack of communication between the council and their constituents. Only (District 1 Councilwoman) Judy Hayes routinely answers my emails. (District 3 Councilman) Rodney Sullivan has answered maybe once, and the others never.”

Hayes, however, is not the only person publicly criticizing Herndon and his administration.

Former Northport city administrator Johnny Williams, who resigned from his position with the city in 1993,  said the current mayor and council lack the ‘proper expertise’ to run the city.

“The level of service is nothing like it used to be,” Williams said, citing that during his time as city administrator the city spent $200,000 a year to improve deteriorating road conditions - an issue that continues to plague Northport and surrounding areas.

While Herndon did not comment on the alleged lack of communication and expertise, he said the best way to address the council is to attend their meetings on the first and third Monday of every month.

“People making new year’s resolutions, how about resolving to come to come to city council meetings,” he said. “Come and let your voice be heard and take part in the governing process of your city, that’s what we are here for. This is not a dictatorship, this is a democracy and we are not going to know what you want us to do unless you come and tell us.”

Herndon said that while there is still room to improve, the current city of Northport is ‘a lot better off’ than it was under previous administrations.

“I don’t think any city is ever going to reach its full potential,” Herndon said. “Our city is growing, different parts of the city are growing.”

“As far as bright lights and things being aesthetically pleasing, you know, eventually we can concentrate on things like that. Right now, we have to concentrate on making sure our city stays financially secure, which we are; that our citizens are well protected as far as police and fire, which they are; and that those fire and policemen have the best equipment available, which they do. I just wanna help my city, and when the people get tired of me helping, then let them elect somebody else,” Herndon said.

“If you have not driven down Jack Warner Parkway from downtown Tuscaloosa toward the Tuscaloosa Public Library at night, you should. The lights are magical.

Warning: When you come back across the bridge into Northport, you will be heartsick seeing the difference. We have wonderful riverfront property, too. What we lack is progressive, energetic leadership. Oh, and we also lack a public library.

Soon, Northport will have a chance to elect a council and mayor who can make Northport the great place it should be. I am not suggesting that Northport try to be a mini Tuscaloosa. We can play on the strengths of art and heritage that are already in place and give Northport its own positive identity.

In the meantime, go see the lovely lights.” - Sheila Hayes, Northport

Published in the December 10, 2014 edition of The Tuscaloosa News

Read More »