8 DEC 08: COMPLAINER-IN-CHIEF

Your blog admittedly is in a quandary today. You've voted for "Hurtsboro Mondays" to end. You've also voted to allow the outgoing constable of Hurtsboro to keep writing us. And in the last week, he's e-mailed us three more times -- making six messages in two weeks. This man should have his own blog, yet he probably realizes this one has a lot more readers.

THE BIG BLOG QUESTION on the Hurtsboro Mayor's presumed trash offenses ended Sunday night with a deadlock. Half the voters say Rayford Tapley should pay a fine, even though the statute of limitations has expired. Half the voters say he should not (8-8). And so far, no one has proposed giving the mayor a financial bailout by paying the fine themselves.

This poll was suggested by outgoing Constable Robert Schweiger, and he quickly wrote a comment declaring, "No one is above moral law." Did you realize tree trunk dumping at a public landfill is a matter of "moral law?!" He's apparently read the Bible verse along those lines -- and now may be waiting for Mayor Rayford Tapley to be charged with murder.

The Constable was challenged by a writer named "Freeman," who called Robert Schweiger a "vindictive old man who has nothing better to do than harass others who are in positions that he thinks he should be in." Maybe Hurtsboro needs a more active senior center, with daily canasta games.

Freeman's criticism led to the constable's first message of the week, which reached us last Monday:

"Sir" Richard:

Thanks for posting the BIG BLOG QUESTION that not only refers to Tapley ( he's just a local example) but also seeks out the public's opinion on even handed justice.

In checking the comments - it was easy to identify Freeman. He is of the same ilk as Tapley. While in "Hurt'sboro; he was Tarver and Tapley's toadie, and is presently facing charges for disobeying a city ordinance that everyone else is expected to obey Tapley and White are doing their best to protect him!

His spelling and poor grammar may be just a sham. But his use of obscenities and twisted facts make him stand out like "a fly in a pan of milk!

I was busy today with research, and I confirmed that the completion of the obstacle course in 90 seconds is required by POST for ANY aspirant for police officer certification.

You must push a patrol car from a standing start a specified distance. Scale a 6' wall or fence. Crawl through a window opening. Drag a 175# dummy a specified distance, and walk a 20' balance beam before you are given a passing grade. These obstacles are spread out over 100 yards more or less.

Tomorrow, I intend to contact the Administrater Director of Courts to get first hand facts about the seperation of powers between between the police and court..It's apparent that; at this point, Baxley is wearing both "hats."

One more point, before signing off. IF Baxley succeeds in getting his "cars" in operation. And IF he succeeds in hiring officers, will the "juice be worth the squeeze?" There will have to be a lot of citations issued to cover the cost of maintainance, equpment, uniforms, insurance, and wages that the program will need.

It's not just a pipe-dream, it's a nightmare! Save the suffering! Turn it over to the county!

Constable R.J. Schweiger

Mr. Schweiger should be careful talking about "shams." My WordPerfect software counts four spelling errors in this e-mail - not to mention a double use of "between."

We mentioned the accusation against Freeman in the B.B.Q. comment section, NOT mentioning who the accuser was. He/she responded by calling the accusation a diversion by Robert Schweiger, which "shows how narcissistic he actually is." In a town the size of Hurtsboro, figuring out the accuser may be a simple process of elimination.

But anyway: POST stands for "peace officer standards and training." Can Hurtsboro's Police Chief meet the standards listed by Robert Schweiger? Jim Baxley told me Sunday night he thinks he can, at age 67. In contrast, "Freeman" declared the 78-year-old Constable a "hypocrite." Now there's an exercise challenge on Main Street simply waiting to happen....

Jim Baxley told me his granddaughter really is the Hurtsboro Magistrate Court Clerk. She's making all the decisions, but he's admittedly "training" her in the job. Apparently the training does NOT include arresting the Constable to shut him up.

Robert Schweiger apparently wanted to wage a "get out the vote" campaign with our question, because he wrote us twice more last week. If he had done this sort of thing back in May, he might have won his campaign for Russell County Commission.

But we decided to delay the last two messages, because he had his own "wrestling pit" already at the Big Blog Question. So now we present message #2, from Wednesday:

"Sir" Richard:

I'm proud of you, and a bit disappointed in your readers! They seem to enjoy being spectators, more than becoming involved. In other words, "Let George do it!" I acknowledge that my battle in "Hurt'sboro is high priority with me. But, even handed justice should be everyone's concern.

Tapley and the shenanigans in "Hurt'sboro merely provide an epic example of what transpires everywhere. It's with this in mind; that I turned to your BLOG; and you have responded by investiging and publishing the facts of the matter. You have showered far more attention on "Hurt'sboro than could reasonably be expected. But still, The Big Blog Question on any issue lacks activeity in the ammount of votes it gathers.

I can tell you from experience that it is difficult to present your plight to the "mainstream" media. Any submission to the Ledger-Enqirerer that appears on the Opinion Page can be counted as an "accomplishment!" Any submission to the Citizen is an exercise in futility! And, even "Top Story" segments on TV newscasts are accorded seconds of time. Every media outlet extends an opportunity to respond to their writings or airings. I wonder what the numbers show?

In an effort to capture interest, and to allow your readers to make a comparison of their own situation I offer the following.

Rayford Tapley is a charlatan! His "fast" start is just a publicity stunt! There's still no evidence of a bookkeeping sweep! Nor to my knowledge have an council vacancies been filled! The few potholes that are "patched," lead a path directly to his residence. Furthermore, the work was done by Water Works officials, using Water Works equpment and materials. Tapley provided two labors to the four (4) hour project. The open dump fostered by Tapley's unlawful deposit of refuse continues to draw garbage on a regular basis and stands as his memorial as surely as if it were named in honor!

Oh yes. He has sworn in his confidant as the police chief. Now we have a department head who rides the streets aimlessly, and has
failed to provide security at the bank on at least one occasion. The Chief had no "clue" as to where he could refuel the "squad" car.when it came up empty So, over the week-end the "Chief" took the keys and the car home and the officer coming on duty couldn't find it!

That's enough for now, even though many more comparisons could b made to "Mayberry." Yes, it's funny! But it's equally tragic. Place yourself in this position. Would you be willing to tolerate your rights being trampled. I think not! Prove me correct by voting (yes or no) on The Big Blog Question!

Constable R.J. Schweiger

Perhaps many of our readers are spectators when it comes to Hurtsboro because they've had their fill of Hurtsboro. Someone wrote recently at InTown Columbus, "The Hurtsboro B.S. gets really old!" As old as the e-mail writer, I suppose....

Since the mayor of Hurtsboro still hasn't returned our phone messages, we'll leave the accusations against him open and awaiting a response. But the halftime feature on NBC's "Sunday Night Football" showed another small Alabama town where people do several different tasks at once. If Water Works employees can dig holes to repair the lines, they can refill holes as well.

As for the Hurtsboro police chief, Jim Baxley admits he had to stray from the bank a couple of times last week. Reports of dead bodies take priority - but there's no confirmation that Hurtsboro residents are dying from a lack of things to do.

Chief Jim Baxley says the people at Hurtsboro's bank "understand" when other events call him away. But as I remember, the Constable has handled bank security from time to time -- and it's part of his duties. Does HE have a perfect attendance record? And if the bank is keeping track of that, does it mean few people deposit money there?

On Wednesday "Freeman" commented at the B.B.Q. that he plans to write a book starring an "ol con" who tries to make as many people as possible angry, and files frivolous lawsuits to boot. That led to message #3:

"Sir" Richard:

I've held my tongue for a few days, watching for new developments and giving you time for other topics. Besides - I wouldn't want to be given a fifteen (15) yard penalty for unnecessary roughness while everyone is "thinking" football.

I'm definitely amused by Mr. (or is it Mrs.) Freeman. and his accusations and ambitions.

If he's going to write a book - he (or is it she) had better improve his composition skills. Furthermore, if I'm to be the "whole" show - it will just be a bio.! I can help him with "casting".The leading lady can be the "mare", The plot could be a tale about corruption, a cowardly "Kop" and the workings of a kangaroo court. The possibilities are endless and the closing scene could leave us wondering about a sequel! Perhaps the spin-off could be titled THE TAPLEY ERA!

Back, here in the "real" world nothing has changed. The smoke created by the TV interview has dissipated and there still has been no audit, nor credible street repair.or new police officers out on the beat.

Our new police chief is busy hopping back and forth between being a magistrate and polishing his badge. So far, he has run out of gas, warned one of our ministers about being on the streets in a golf cart without a "fanny" flag (where is he at when the ATV's are drag racing on Main Street) and speeders are zipping in and out of our school zones.he has also failed, on more than one occasion, to provide security at the bank.

The Criminal littering issue remains in limbo. The open dump was inviting to someone who provided a Thanksgiving dinner for the Buzzards. They threw their garbage right in front of Tapley's tree trunks. Perhaps Mayor Tapley is just a bird lover, but if so, he shouldn't discourage others from using the sanctuary by prosecuting them!

I suffered a terrible loss about a week ago. One of my band of "merry men" went AWOL! He was one of my most trusted, and I certainly will miss him.

He became just another casualty in the battle for "Hurt'sboro. He succumbed to battle fatigue and conflict of interest

. He actualy fought longer than I - and often cautioned that we were engaged in an exercise in futility. Perhaps he was right - but I intend to see this war through to the bitter end!!

Constable R.J. Schweiger

P.S. Please vote on the BIG BLOG QUESTION

Jim Baxley confirmed he still has only one police officer on the Hurtsboro staff, and he's trying to recruit more. And yes, he did warn a minister about his golf cart - because Alabama law requires any vehicle traveling less than 25 miles per hour to display a hazard triangle. Even in a slow Southern town, you sometimes can be too slow.

So here's the quandary we face: I could set up a separate "Blog of Hurtsboro" to handle all the e-mails from the Constable, but I don't have time for that right now. I barely have time to keep up our poker blog. So please write us with your suggestions about what we should do -- because I'm confident one person will keep writing, about what the city of Hurtsboro should do.

E-MAIL UPDATE: One of our Sunday discoveries spurs a reader to comment....

Hide the children-- a Columbus/Phenix City native ELVIS Wanna Be is especially sensitive to the modus operandi of murderers---

The article you linked about the sentencing of OJ in Las Vegas, states that Michael Jordan, the son of the WRCG's oldest caller, Barbara Jordan, has an opinion on ego:

Jordan, dressed in Elvis garb, said he wanted to see Simpson, whom he described as "arrogant," sent to prison for years.

"The ultimate ego booster is if you can commit double murder and get away with it," Jordan said. "This has been 13 years of waiting for justice."

Someone needs a mental health break! Sounds like he has a criminal mind. He thinks murder is an ego booster! He thinks getting away with murder is the ultimate ego booster! Sounds like he thinks murder is a game! Interesting disconnect to restructure crime and punishment to a delusional game of getting away with it:

"The ultimate ego booster is if you can commit double murder and get away with it."

Sounds to me like he wants to be like the original Elvis Presley - who was named an honorary member of the F.B.I.

Now let's analyze some other items from the weekend:

+ The price of gas passed another milestone, falling to $1.49 per gallon at the Opelika Kroger store. But the set-up at Tigertown isn't quite right - because you have to walk all the way across the parking lot, to go inside the store and buy lipstick to go with it.

(We also found the Crawford Road Crown station at $1.58 per gallon. As far as we know in Phenix City, Crown is king.)

+ The Irish Tenors performed at the RiverCenter, as part of Winterfest. I'm waiting for a children's chorus from that country to come to town - you know, the Irish Tater Tots.

+ Alabama was selected for the Sugar Bowl, to play undefeated Utah. The Crimson Tide fans will go to New Orleans and enjoy the rollicking atmosphere. Some of the Utah fans will go there and declare it a Mormon mission trip.

(The reader who predicted Ohio State would make a B.C.S. bowl turned out to be right. The Buckeyes will take on Texas in the Fiesta Bowl. I suspected one of the big games might take Texas Tech instead, for some entertaining offense - but they went for the "bucks" in more ways than one.)

+ New Orleans knocked off the Atlanta Falcons in pro football 29-25. Matt Ryan scored his first pro touchdown for Atlanta - but in the end, the Gulf Brees for New Orleans simply was too strong.

SCHEDULED TUESDAY: A mysterious envelope left at my front door, and an accused woman's response to it....

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