Trussville students, teachers celebrate diversity during Inclusive Schools Week
Trussville City Schools (TCS) are making good on a recent proclamation signed by Governor Kay Ivey designating December 3-7, 2018 as Inclusive Schools Week (ISW) in Alabama, by celebrating their diversity this week. The schools, along with other schools across the state of Alabama, have joined a national effort to highlight and celebrate “the progress schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to all students, including those who are marginalized due to disability, gender, ethnicity, geography and language. The celebration also provides an important opportunity for educators, students, and families to discuss what else needs to be done to ensure that schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children.” ISW 2018 is themed “Kaleidoscope of Friends” and it celebrates how schools can make progress on their journey and encourage everyone to build their own “Kaleidoscope of Friends.” Each of the five Trussville City Schools are celebrating “the progress that schools have made in providing a supportive education to diverse student populations where teaching is responsive to the students’ abilities and interests,” TCS Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill said told the Trussville Tribune. TCS schools are also taking the kaleidscope theme to heart. According to a Facebook post by Photographer for Principle Portrait Group and The Trussville Tribune Ron Burkett, Hewitt Trussville Middle School contacted him to take a photograph of the ICW celebrations in action. “”A Kaleidoscope of Friends”. I was contacted by Hewitt Trussville Middle School and asked to take this photo for Inclusive Schools Week. A fun project on a cold December morning!” Burkett posted on his Facebook page.
No more pre-game prayer at Blount County Schools football games
Student or volunteer-led prayer will no longer be allowed over the loud-speakers before high school football games in the Blount County School District starting this Friday. The decision comes following a complaint filed by the Freedom from Religion Foundation against a Blount County school over saying a pre-game prayer over the intercom before high school football games claiming the prayers are inappropriate and and unconstitutional. “The complaint alleges that because we are doing that over the PA system, that it is inappropriate,” Blount County Schools Superintendent Rodney Green Green told ABC33/40. “That is something that we have had to go back and examine, and we have decided to go back and make a change in that practice.” According to CBS 42, Green said the District discussed the complaint with attorneys and they will now pause for a moment of silence before each home game rather than saying a prayer. In God We Trust Blount County Schools also made headlines recently when they took action to become the first Alabama school to bring God back to the school district by displaying “In God We Trust” at the various schools within the county. In August, Green told AL.com a policy could be drafted within the next month. “In God We Trust” has been the official motto of the United States since 1956 and back in March, the State Legislature passed HB228: The National Motto “In God We Trust” Act, which allows the national motto to be placed on government agencies and offices, in and on public buildings, including public school classrooms across the state.
4 indicted in alleged robbery plot involving fake bomb in Trussville
Federal authorities say four people have been indicted in what they describe as a conspiracy to use a fake bomb to rob a bank in Alabama. An indictment made public Monday says two people planted a hoax bomb outside an elementary school in the Birmingham suburb of Trussville in November, and one called 911 claiming to have seen someone leave the explosive. Prosecutors say the goal was to draw police to the school so they could then rob a bank. Two others acted as lookouts. But the alleged scheme fell apart because a police officer appeared to be near the bank after the call. The supposed bomb was made of modeling clay, wires and other harmless materials. Authorities say the four are charged with bank robbery conspiracy. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
Election runoffs in 10 Central Alabama municipalities on Tuesday
Alabamians are headed to the polls yet again on Tuesday for municipal runoffs across the Yellowhammer State. In central Alabama there are no less than 10 runoffs in races that were too close to call on Aug. 23. Here’s a look at a handful of some of the bigger mayoral races today: Anniston Jack Draper vs. Robert Folsom Winnowed down from five candidates, Draper or Folsom will ultimately replace outgoing mayor Vaughn Stewart. Chelsea Tony Picklesimer vs. Dale Neuendorf After five consecutive terms, Chelsea’s first mayor, Earl Nivens, is stepping down, leaving the seat open for Picklesimer or Neuendorf to take over. Childersburg Ken Wesson vs. Pete Storey Outgoing mayor James Payne exits from politics, making way for Wesson or Storey. Fairfield Edward E. May vs. Johnnie Wyatt May and Wyatt are going head-to-head for the seat that’s been riddled with problems — from late or delayed payments to city employees, to losing public transportation, to issues with the police department— under outgoing mayor Kenneth Coachman‘s leadership. Graysville Clark “Julio” Davis vs. Mary Sue Morgan Separated by only 1 percent of the vote in the Aug. 23 municipal elections, the race between Davis and Morgan is expected to be a close one. Hueytown Steve Ware vs. Delor Baumann Another race that was too close to call is August was the Hueytown race between Ware and the incumbent mayor, Baumann. Only 58 votes separated the two. Jasper Greg Tinker vs. David O’Mary Taking over three-term mayor Sonny Posey‘s position will be Tinker or O’Mary. Northport Bobby Herndon vs. Donna Aaron A crowded field of six in August is now down to two. Incumbent Mayor Herndon will face off with Aaron. Sylacauga James Heigl vs. Bryan Taunton With sitting Mayor Doug Humphree out of the way thanks to his fourth-place finish on Aug. 23, Heigl and Taunton will face off at the polls Tuesday, and one of them will walk away as the new mayor of Sylacauga. Trussville Anthony Montalto vs. Buddy Choat With 10-year incumbent Mayor Eugene Melton out of the way, Montalto and Choat are ready to take over the reins in Trussville.
Where’s the change? Choat teams with Melton in hopes of win
In the August primaries, 75 percent of Trussville voters voted against incumbent Mayor Gene Melton, who was seeking a sixth term. The message was clear — it was time to take the city in a different direction. This left two city councilors, Buddy Choat and Anthony Montalto, in a runoff that will be held Tuesday Oct. 4. Both Montalto and Choat campaigned on the promise of change and progress for the city. Throughout the primary, their underlying theme was that a Melton re-election meant more of the same. Both emphasized the city would benefit from a new vision and new leadership. They weren’t the only ones skeptical of the incumbent. A group of citizens banded together to develop Take Back Trussville, advocating electing someone with a fresh perspective. Among their issues with Melton, they pointed to a lack of transparency and even hinted Melton’s friends were benefiting from his position through city contracts and jobs. In February while discussing his run, Choat said: “I think people are ready for change, they are ready to move forward.” After the primary he reiterated that same position saying, “There’s a clear message with this runoff that there’s a lot of interest in seeing Trussville move forward.” Following the August election, Melton announced his endorsement of Choat. With that endorsement Choat changed his tune on the mayor’s leadership, saying “What he’s done is part of my vision for Trussville moving forward.” He stressed the same point in a recent Chamber forum, saying he intended to rely on Mayor Melton’s opinions if elected. Choat’s Sept. 16 financial disclosure includes a $500 contribution from Melton as well as contributions from several longtime Melton cronies. In addition, Melton even seemed to be speaking for Choat in a recent Al.com article. Just last week, significant questions began to be raised about potential wrongdoing and/or financial mismanagement related to volunteer fire department funds. Melton asked the city council to hold off on a closed-door meeting that later ended in the suspension of two top fire officials. Montalto pushed back, insisting that time was of the essence. Surprisingly (or not), Choat sided with the mayor. He later defended his position saying he came around and supported the meeting and suspension, but the timing and fact he sided with Melton rather than act directly and decisively leads to several questions including: Was this the first of many favors for Melton? Whose interest was he protecting by asking for more time for those involved in the alleged misconduct? With the combination of contributions and actions, along with Choat’s sudden about-face on continuing Melton’s path for Trussville, there are other questions voters could ask themselves: Was Melton’s endorsement worth Choat’s change of heart? Choat trailed Montalto after the first vote and appears to be desperate. For weeks now Melton/Choat has attacked Montalto even while Montalto has continued his positive message and campaign. What do Melton and his cronies expect for their financial and vocal support of Choat? Will one of the expectations include he carry forward with employing same friends? Will Melton actually get his sixth term? On what he’d do differently in the runoff election, Choat said his strategy would be different, “We’ll come up with ideas that we’ve not been able to discuss, but we’re going to be more specific this time out.” Singing the same tune as outgoing Mayor Melton is certainly a new strategy. One the voters rejected once already. They should reject it again.
Trussville Fire Chief and Marshal placed on administrative leave pending investigation
Trussville Fire Chief Russell Ledbetter and Fire Marshal Steve Reasonover were officially placed on paid administrative leave Tuesday night following a lengthy closed-door executive session of the City Council. Following the announcement made by Council President Anthony Montalto, Councilman Alan Taylor moved to hire a private law firm to conduct the investigation. “Information has come to our attention and it has become necessary for us to look further in to this,” Montalto said. “For the record, no one has been found guilty of anything, this is just an investigation,” he added. “We want to make this clear and hopefully we’ll get good results.” City officials are refusing to make any further comment while the investigation is ongoing. The executive session was listed on the council’s agenda simply as the vague “Vote to go into Executive Session to discuss good name and character,” leaving the approximately 30 citizens of Trussville in attendance guessing how long the closed-door session would last. While two city councilmen-elect were invited back among the sitting members for the meeting, current Trussville Mayor Gene Melton, who lost his seat in August, remained in the main council chamber. The Trussville Fire Department operates under an unusual arrangement where part of the department is paid and part is volunteer. Both Reasonover and Ledbetter work for the paid department. Tuesday’s announcement is the latest in a string of recent investigations and arrests of fire officials from municipalities and counties with volunteer fire departments across the state. In March, Blount County Fire Chief Paula Robertson was arrested on felony charges she stole thousands from her department over two years. In Elmore County, Deatsville Assistant Fire Chief Chad Ellis was arrested for arson. And just last month, Chilton County Fire Chief Shawn Carlisle was arrested on charges he stole $20,000 from his volunteer fire department. Trussville Assistant Fire Chief Tim Shotts was named acting chief while the investigation is ongoing.
Trussville Mayor Gene Melton surrounded by multiple ethics questions, rebukes opportunity to address them
Trussville Mayor Gene Melton has been elected five times, beginning in 1996. While some that this is too long and that the city needs to move forward, Melton believes he deserves yet another term. This year, Melton has drawn two opponents, current City Council President Anthony Montalto and fellow City Council member Buddy Choat. In an unusual move, local residents have also started the “Take Back Trussville” movement, which endorses neither of Melton’s opponents but makes clear their goal is to move the city beyond another Melton mayorship. The founder of the movement, Butch Cole, spoke to Alabama Today after its launch and made clear the fact the group, and himself, wanted a new mayor, saying, “20 years is too long for anyone to be in office.” Last week, Alabama Today spoke to Melton about the race and his opponents, and pointed out a number of errors on his Statement of Economic Interests made from 2011 forward. Speaking about his campaign, Melton emphasized that he was born and raised in the area and that a lot of people in Trussville not only know him, but also know about his history in law enforcement. He stressed the strides in improving education, infrastructure and even the certification of local first responders that have occurred on his watch as ways he has been successful. As for his opponents, Mayor Melton said: “I take the high road, I’m not going to go out there and bash them. I’m running on my record and experience.” Today however, one can only hope he’s taking a break from campaigning and his mayoral duties to address errors on his ethics reports posed by Alabama Today last week. During our interview we had the opportunity to ask Melton about a number of inconsistencies, missing data and wrong information reported in his ethics reports throughout the last five years. Melton has several discrepancies on income and assets on multiple reports filed over a five-year period. Reports Melton noted he personally filled out and filed. The reports in question are his “Statement of Economic Interests,” legally mandated by the Alabama Ethics Commission. The commission’s website cites the appropriate state statutes that cover false and incorrect filings on these statements saying: (e) A person who intentionally violates any financial disclosure filing requirement of this chapter shall be subject to administrative fines imposed by the commission, or shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, or both. Any person who unintentionally neglects to include any information relating to the financial disclosure filing requirements of this chapter shall have 90 days to file an amended statement of economic interests without penalty. According to his Statement of Economic Interest, Melton claimed he made less than $1,000 as mayor in 2013, a job that pays $60,000 per year and will increase to $75,600 next term. When asked about it, he said, “That had to be a typo or error on my part. I didn’t take a cut in pay and I don’t recall not cashing my checks.” He also noted that, “During all this time, I draw state retirement.” Melton also owns a property at the Country Club Estates, which features properties on Logan Martin Lake in Talladega. On the Talladega property, which appears to make appearances on and off the reports, Melton says, “It’s been there the whole time.” He went on to clarify, “If it’s off, I just failed to disclose it.” The property doesn’t appear on the 2011 or the 2015 reports. Melton admitted it “should be on both of those.” In response to the low price he reportedly paid for the property, he explained, “I got it from my brother-in-law in 1972.” After our interview early last week Melton said, “Now that I’ve been made aware, I’ll go back and make the proper corrections.” Alabama Today reached out to the Alabama Ethics Commission just before their office closed on Friday and was told that they have yet to receive any amended reports. Melton is up for re-election in the upcoming Aug. 23 municipal elections.
‘Take Back Trussville’ group looks to influence local elections
While the 2016 presidential election is making headlines, some groups are focusing their efforts a lot closer to home. Everyone may know who the president is, while fewer know their mayor’s name, but the fact remains the majority of laws Americans live under day-to-day are written and enforced by state and local governments. Likewise, Alabama’s cities haven’t been immune to many of the fiscal and societal struggles of the last several years. Questions of job recruitment, school funding, and community priorities are raised at nearly every city and town hall across the Yellowhammer State. Many of Alabama’s municipalities are holding their own elections Aug. 23, and in the Birmingham suburb of Trussville a group of citizens are taking it on themselves to reclaim the conversation from the elite few, and focus on giving power to the city’s rapidly growing population. “‘Take Back Trussville‘ is a product of the growing concern that a small and shrinking group of people were making the decisions that affect everyone’s lives and they were doing it with less and less input from the citizens,” the group’s founder, Butch Cole, told ALToday. “Also, I had a personal experience with a few of them and after years of people telling me we couldn’t do anything about it, I felt like we had to stop and re-evaluate the types of businesses that were coming and the problems they may bring. I saw my hometown starting to turn into a place to shop in and leave instead of a place you want to stay and live. One of us may go to a council meeting or get on Facebook with a complaint or possibly get a minute of attention from those in power, but hundreds of us will get things done to better our lives. We have to make sure the choices made in this election and with the redevelopment of downtown are the right ones.” A forum in Trussville last week highlighted the issues about which most of the city’s politicians were concerned — job growth coupled with an emphasis on keeping the community family friendly and broadening the tax base — but TBT seeks to introduce more accountability and transparency into the process. At the top of the ticket in Trussville is the mayoral race, where two gentlemen, City Council President Anthony Montalto and fellow City Council member Buddy Choat, are challenging 20-year incumbent Eugene “Gene” Melton. Cole makes no secret of the fact the group wants to see a new mayor, saying “20 years is too long for anyone to be in office,” but came short of revealing if TBT is outright endorsing one of the two challengers. “We hope to ensure that we have a new mayor and he is held accountable and transparent. We want to make sure from the start that we see transparency. We want the City Council to know that they are held accountable and they need to work to bring to fruition the promises they have stated. We didn’t get to this point by the mayor’s decisions and actions alone, some council members and other current decision makers have also made questionable decisions.” Cole said he believes his efforts will pay off Aug. 23, as the people who have gotten involved with TBT turn out in droves. “We’re making sure the people are informed, empowered and that they have a voice. That scares a few of the more entrenched people, They won’t benefit from a big turnout.”
Top 5 moments from Trussville’s mayoral forum
Like many municipalities in Alabama, the Birmingham suburb of Trussville is holding municipal elections Aug. 23. To help introduce citizens of Trussville to the multitude of candidates for both mayor and the city’s five council positions, local newspaper The Trussville Tribune partnered with the Trussville Chamber of Commerce to host a forum Tuesday evening in the community’s civic center. Challenging 20-year incumbent Eugene “Gene” Melton are current City Council President Anthony Montalto and fellow City Council member Buddy Choat. Trussville was no exception to the year’s exceptionally high political interest, with the civic center’s main hall packed with close to 300 people, requiring more chairs to be brought in to accommodate the crowd. While the format of the forum allowed time for mayoral and city council candidates in turn, most of the highlights came from the sometimes-aggressive answers of Choat and Montalto. The candidates were asked questions by Dr. Patty Neal, Trussville City Schools Superintendent; Gail Skipper, director of Parks and Recreation; attorney Bill Bright; and Jane Bailey, former city council president. Here are a few highlights: 1. “Pizza place to pizza place” A central theme of Anthony Montalto’s talking points was the dearth of locally owned and operated restaurants in the community, using the shorthand “family pizza joint” during his answers. But it was city council candidate Tommy Brewer who earned the loudest laughs of the night, quipping his support of improving the city’s sidewalks so people could walk from “Anthony’s pizza place to Anthony’s other pizza place.” While the line got a big laugh, it also highlighted a main theme of the night: the desire to turn Trussville’s downtown area into a walkable community with plenty of local restaurants and shops. 2. Aggressive critiques of Melton’s tenure Both Choat and Montalto explained how they’d run their administrations differently than the incumbent has. Choat focused on his management style, saying “I want to see you in the community and I want to hear from you.” “We’re on the cutting edge of having something magnificent,” he continued. “People choose to move to Trussville. Working with people is how you get things done.” Montalto was even more aggressive, critiquing the mayor’s alleged reputation for being unwilling to work with new businesses. “[Businesses I’ve talked to] have been surprised because they haven’t gotten attention. We need to use our chamber and local leaders to recruit. We need to show them our enthusiasm and our love for Trussville.” 3. Finishing downtown Trussville renovations A common theme among all the candidates on the slate, including those running for city council, was completion of renovations to the city’s downtown area. While a plan is in place, progress has been slow going according to the candidates, and they’d like to see it take place at a greater speed so more businesses will see they are serious about recruiting. 4. Completion of parks Another area of agreement among the candidates is the need to complete the multiple parks in the area currently under renovation. There are several parks, including one on U.S. Highway 11, the city’s main street, that have been under construction or renovation for several years. Melton, answering a question on what he’d like to get done in his fifth term that he hadn’t been able to do in the first four, made completing those projects and others already in motion a priority. While he said they should be done by Nov. 21 of this year, a common refrain from his opponents and prospective members of the council was the disbelief that the projects would be completed in a timely manner. 5. “A pivotal crossroads” Both Choat and Montalto, as well as the council candidates, made it clear they all believe Trussville is at a crossroads in its history. With more and more families relocating to the area, and its reputation for excellent public schools increasing, they believe the city needs leadership with a fresh perspective. The argument was made by Melton, however, that the city wouldn’t be where it is today without his tenure as mayor. But with Birmingham’s landlocked “Over the Mountain” communities of Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, and Mountain Brook quickly reaching capacity, Trussville is approaching its time to shine as a commuter city. The new residents of Trussville, many of whom moved to the community both for its top-tier public schools and its proximity to Birmingham, have much in common with those who have lived here for decades and have seen it be outpaced by the other suburbs. Progress is the obvious theme of this particular municipal election, but who will the people of Trussville choose to lead it?
Trussville City Council President Anthony Montalto seeks to oust 20-year incumbent
Trussville Mayor Eugene (Gene) Melton has served for 20 years, five full terms to date. While he hasn’t formally announced he is running for re-election he has stiff completion if or when he does. Anthony Montalto, now City Council president, has decided it’s time for a change, and formally launched his campaign this week. “I’ve lived in the city of Trussville for more than 28 years. Over the past decade, it’s been exciting to see Trussville cultivate into one of the fastest growing cities in the state,” said Montalto. “I have decided to run for Mayor because I believe the next four to eight years are crucial for our city. We are at a pivotal crossroads, and this is especially true in relation to strategic planning.” Montalto’s background is in education. He works for the Jefferson County School system as director of Student Services. Prior to that he was principal and assistant principal aqt several local schools including Hewitt-Trussville High School and Hewitt-Trussville Middle School. According to his campaign kick-off announcement Montalto would focus on three sustainability measures if elected mayor: Create and execute a Strategic Plan for the City, including a detailed vision for economic development. Work with the leaders of the Trussville City School system to ensure high education standards are maintained in a safe, nurturing environment. Build more lines of communication with Trussville residents including holding more town hall meetings and utilizing social media channels to voice concerns and ideas. Montalto has stated that he plans to roll out more specific details about his platform over the next six months and will host “Ask Anthony” sessions at the Parish Seafood & Oyster House every first Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m., beginning in February. According the Trussville Tribune, an ordinance passed in 2014 means that beginning with the August 2016 election the mayor will see an increase yearly salary from $60,000 to $75,600.
SEC Primary draws Ted Cruz back to the Yellowhammer State
Surging recently in several Republican presidential polls, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz will host two upcoming rallies in Alabama this week in Mobile and Trussville thanks to the ongoing draw of the state’s March 1 SEC Primary. The campaign for the Texas Senator announced Monday that following Tuesday’s night’s Las Vegas debate, Cruz will host 12 rallies in 12 days before the Christmas holiday across seven states as part of the “Take Off with Ted” tour focusing heavily on those states belonging to SEC Primary. Throughout the tour, Cruz will visit Minnesota, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma — stopping by Mobile on Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Daphne Civic Center and heading to Trussville Sunday, Dec. 20 for another rally at the Trussville Civic Center. Doors will open at the Daphne Civic Center at 1:00 p.m. with the program kicking-off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The Texas Republican will head to the Trussville Civic Center Sunday, where the doors open again at 1:00 p.m., with the program beginning at 2:00 p.m. “Our ‘Take Off with Ted’ barnstorming of the March 1st states will fortify our national organization and position us to win on Super Tuesday,” said Rick Tyler, Cruz campaign spokesman, in a statement. “We’ve always believed that the GOP primary calendar gives Cruz an early advantage so we have spent significant time in those states and have built an army of conservative volunteers to get out the vote just like the ones we have unleashed in the first four early states.” Cruz’s visit is yet another victory for Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill who moved up Alabama’s primary to March in hopes of giving the state a more pivotal role in deciding the respective party’s presidential nominees. Since announcing his candidacy, Cruz has previously visited Birmingham, Huntsville, Pelham and Tuscaloosa and his wife, Heidi Cruz, has made stops in Hoover and Mobile.
High school grad who led prayer that went viral to open Legislative Session
Recent Clay-Chalkville High School graduate Christian Crawford will open Alabama Legislative Session when it opens on Wednesday, according to a media report on AL.com. The Trussville native and Sam’s Club employee — who is slated to attend Auburn University in the fall — came to the rescue at his high school graduation ceremony last week when a woman collapsed in the audience, leading to confusion and concern among attendees. “Everybody can I have your attention real quick?” Crawford began, as cheers began to grow from the crowd. “We don’t know what’s going on, but we will pray. We know that prayer is power, and that God is able. Let’s pray. Father God, we thank you for this day, Lord. We pray right now that whatever is going on, you will fix it, God. We pray that you will heal it, God.” Watch his extemporaneous prayer below: The address has officially gone viral and has accrued more than 628,000 views on YouTube. Crawford, who says he plans to study communications and political science at Auburn, told AL.com he’s looking forward to addressing lawmakers in the statehouse. “It’ll be fun,” Crawford told AL.com this morning. “It’ll be a new experience. It’s part of making a difference and being a positive influence for the world, the country, making laws that will benefit the state.”
