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| Thursday, September 2, 2010 |
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It’s no, again
Published May 25, 2009
The people spoke Thursday night. However, the Jackson County Commission chose not to listen.
In front of a standing room only crowd, the commission voted 2-1 against reinstating a state-approved courthouse security plan.
Less than two weeks ago, by a 3-1 vote, the commission rescinded the 2006 courthouse security plan. Commissioners Jack Allen, Jack Smith and Gaylen Stone voted in favor of rescinding the plan, while Commissioner Horace Clemmons voted against.
Thursday's vote came despite pleas from several people, including District Judge Ralph Grider, asking the commission to approve the plan.
"It's personal," said Grider. "It's about the people. The concern is the safety of each citizen who walks into this courthouse."
Grider said next week will be the three-year anniversary of the shooting on the courthouse lawn that injured two people.
"I can still hear those shots," he said. "I can still see a young child dropped from his grandmother, screaming at the top of his lungs, with fear in its face. In all my heart, I believe if not for [Marine Police officer] Scott Kellenberger, more people would have been injured and possibly killed."
Attorney Gary Lackey said the courthouse lawn shooting should be motive enough in adding security to the courthouse.
"We need it and need it now," said Lackey, adding that it is less than 120 steps from the south to north entrance of the courthouse.
Lackey also mentioned a 2005 shooting at the Fulton County Courthouse in Georgia that left a judge and several others dead.
"Seven lawsuits were filed," said Lackey. "The county had to pay millions in legal bills and settlements. It could certainly happen here."
Attorney Parker Edmiston told the commission that securing only the second floor doesn't protect people on the first floor.
"Passions run deep in court cases," said Edmiston. "It shouldn't cost us a life to get security."
Jackie Colvin, an employee in the courthouse, was there the day of the 2006 shooting.
"I was never afraid until that shooting," she said. "The victim ran into my office. It's reality for me."
Scottsboro High School student Austin Gaddis told the commission he was appalled that they have yet to provide security.
"You need to keep up with the 21st Century," he said. "I'd rather wait in line than be at risk."
Clarence Bolte, a retired investigator at the Scottsboro Police Department, said a courtroom can change a person quickly.
"I don't care how good a person is," said Bolte. "In one instant, it can change over the loss of property, a child."
Bolte told a story of being in court with a man on trial for robbery. Later, a message arrived that the man's wife had a pistol.
"We found two pistols in the witness room," said Bolte. "We don't know how many people here have a weapon."
Grider said politics have to be a part, adding the previous commission claimed no funds were available for courthouse security, yet paid off a $500,000, 15-year loan with no interest.
"Then comes a new commission, and we have $124,000 in the budget for security," said Grider. "And like a thief in the night, they rescind not only the security plan resolution but also the funds."
The pleas and heartfelt words of all went for nothing, however.
Commission Chairperson Sadie Bias switched places with Allen, so she could make the motion. Clemmons seconded the motion.
However, Smith and Stone voted against. Allen said later he didn't know he could vote after switching with Bias. He added that he would have voted against the plan too.
County Attorney John Porter said Bias could make the motions, but still couldn't vote unless there was a tie.
Following the meeting, Allen and Stone both said they were not against courthouse security.
Allen, who also served on the previous commission, said he wants the current commission to have its own input on the plan.
"I support them in that," said Allen, who added he wants to see a group of people from all sides work with the commission to develop a plan.
"One that meets the needs of everyone," said Allen, "but that will require compromise on everyone's part."
Allen and Stone both disagreed with Grider's statement of politics playing a part.
"I voted against paying off the debt," said Allen.
"It's not politics," said Stone. "We want to come up with a plan of our own. I just think we're going into it a little blind and hastily."
Stone added that he's had several calls from people against locking all but one door of the courthouse.
On Friday morning, Circuit Judge John Graham said he respects the difficult job the commission has to do. However, he respectfully disagrees with their decision on this issue.
"I think the people of Jackson County deserve better than what we're getting from our elected officials," said Graham.
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