Lott resigns…sort of

Now that Al Lott has tendered his resignation, for a whole year from now (at least we can’t say he didn’t give sufficient notice), there’s understandably some question as to what will happen now.  That’s more than a fair question, so I’m going to throw my own speculation into the mix.  This is based on some conversations with others who follow the local government.

First, Lott isn’t sticking around.  That’s the good news.  While the end date is set for July 30, 2011, don’t be surprised to see him not working much, much sooner than that. Read More …

Albany City Commission meeting privately

Breaking News

The Albany Journal is currently reporting that the Albany City Commission is meeting privately. These may be the last moments of Al Lott’s tenure as City Manager.

Or it could be nothing at all.

More details as they become available.

Al Lott outta here?

The Albany Journal has a piece on their website, and presumably in their paper this week, about how Albany City Manager Al Lott may be finally being shown the door, possibly as early as the City Commission meeting today.  It’s about time. Read More …

APD Screws up. Again.

The following originally appeared at TomKnighton.com.  Please head on over and read all about it.

People make mistakes, even really bad ones sometimes. Some of my own mistakes are the stuff of legend, or would be if I was sure the statute of limitations had expired, but the Albany Police Department’s mistakes make anything I’ve done pale in comparison. The most recent, as reported in The Albany Journal, involves police locking a “person of interest” in an interview room overnight. Apparently, they just forgot about them.

In and of itself, that’s pretty bad. But the City of Albany’s response? Cricket’s chirping, that’s what.

Al Lott, the Albany City Manager, has not responded to the Journal’s Georgia Open Records Act requests. That’s not unusual though. I can’t recall him responding to one in the last year and a half that I’ve been covering the comings and goings of the city. Chief John Proctor is mum as well. In fact, the only word that’s been received was word that there would be no word until ten days after an investigation has concluded.

Of course, that word came four days after the request, when three is the limit allowed by law. Read More …

Privitization would be simpler

As City and County officials toss things back and forth when it comes to the Riverquarium, there’s one thing that seems to be missed. One way to alleviate the expense while still providing the quality of life that people seem determined to have. Privatization. Read More …

Thoughts on Murfree Contract

The question was posed: What do you think of Dr. Murfree’s contract?  I wanted to let it stew for a bit before I said anything, but at least some people are curious.  Not surprising, since I’ve made it pretty clear I wasn’t a fan of the whole process that resulted in his hiring.  For those who don’t know, he’s being paid $140,000 to start with and that will bump up to $147,000 per year after he’s certified.

And all that for a guy who is wholly unqualified? Read More …

City Attorney needs more than some City Commission meetings

Local media has been reporting about the closed session the Albany City Commission held yesterday to handle what was termed as an “internal personnel matter”, though everyone suspects it has to do with City Attorney Nathan Davis and the handgun that was found in his desk drawer, along with the knife that was also found. They seem to be taking their time in figuring out what disciplinary action, if any, to take. Unfortunately, there’s one little thing I don’t see happening.

Davis isn’t being charged with the crime he committed. Read More …

Thomas to challenge Stone

Albany businessman and Dougherty County Taxpayers Association chief instigator Richard Thomas has just qualified to run against Jack Stone for Stone’s Dougherty County Commission District 6 seat.  Thomas qualified as a Democrat for the partisan race.

Keep checking back for more information as it becomes available.

That Forbes list? Ain’t as good as it sounds

The Albany Herald ran the story. The Economic Development Commission apparently gave it to them. The whole purpose was to supposedly highlight the good news that Albany made Forbes’ list of Best Small Places for Business and Careers. Our rank, 179th, isn’t that high but that’s OK right? After all, we’re on the list.

Of course, so is everyone else. Read More …

Downtown Brawl not really a shock

Commissioner Bob Langstaff has said that downtown is one of the safest areas of town.  Statistics released indicate the exact same thing.  But after the recent brawl downtown, more and more people are doubting what they’re being told and trusting what they see, and that’s not good for downtown Albany.  Frankly, the only shocking thing about the brawl is that something like this didn’t happen sooner. Read More …