County View

A retirement ceremony for Ronnie Poiroux, head of Mobile ALDOT opened the Feb. 25 County Commission meeting. Mr. Poiroux supervised over $23 million of work, including the opening of I-65, during his tenure. I don’t have the pleasure, but he must be a knockout guy because even Mayor Sam Jones took the podium and sang his praises .

It was the first time I had rubbed elbows with the Mayor, and if you’ve not yet had the opportunity I can attest he has a charisma that is electrifying, a poignant elegance that is both subdued and unsubdued. His presence hollers yet whispers like moss from Spring Hill oaks. Even President Steve Nodine was so taken he almost forgot to introduce his honor, who joked how pleasant it was to finally be invited to a county commission meeting.

Speaking of the president, before the meeting Commish Nodine apparently recognized me, offered congratulations and said to let him know if “they give you any problems over there.” It feels good to know the County’s got your back .

No tit for tat

District 1 Commissioner Merceria Ludgood had just moments before graciously chipped in $3,300 on a 10K military memorial sponsored by Districts 2 and 3, when at the end of the meeting her wish to maintain a minimum of $2 million in the budget reserve was 1-2’d by a vote of 2-to-1.

A request by the Sheriff — so fresh it wasn’t even ink on the agenda — for $500,000 to update the fleet, was presented by the clerk, and after very brief discussion during which Ms. Ludgood reiterated her desire to maintain the $2 million in reserve, the vote to honor the Sheriff’s request was carried by a Nodine-Dean dunk.

Although she maintained dignity and silent perseverance after the verdict, I thought I saw the sparkle in her eyes flash then turn steely gray. I’m wondering if this issue is really a done deal.

News worth yee-hawing

The three who rule recommended a motion to advertise for bids for a new Animal Control Shelter. If you’ve been to the current shelter on Otis you know they deserve new digs. It looks like a place you’d keep a bunch of dogs—well, it is and cats too except there are so many in the small, bleak concrete compound it reminds one of a Charles Dickens novel, perhaps Bleak House . . .anyway, hurray this was approved.

The incomparable

Peter Albrecht was also present at the meeting—he is currently acting Public Affairs Coordinator for the County and many recall him as a popular local evening news anchor.

I struggled to get an autograph but unfortunately could not push my way past an apparent group of news anchor groupies who doted and plied him with what appeared to be beluga caviar and Dom Perignon . . .but wait, when I blinked again he was with only a few assistants and graciously greeted me and offered help anytime I need stats and background info . . the Champagne, it turns out was only a pen, the caviar a mere notepad. (Yes, I’m getting new glasses.)

Other agendications

Approved was a memo of understanding with the City of Prichard to build the Historic Whistler Bike Trail, with funds up to 156K to be matched by ALDOT. MOU’s are only nods-not handshakes-and in the case of the Whistler Bike Trail it’s beginnings are I believe historic if not ancient history. Five years thinking about it are four years to many, yes?

Not acknowledged was my lackadaisical motion to construct bike lanes along Airport, Government and The Moffett Autobahn, even as the Opec-ers shove pump prices past the 5 euro mark. And not an ear twitched at my suggestion to design and build a monorail from the foot of Government to the airport.

My rally for a skywalk connecting the two malls and an airport hotel was roundly drowned out by the munching of popcorn or the chewing of Milk Duds, or the incessant chatter following the exit of his honor the Mayor.

Of course I am present as a spy for you dear reader and not considered Der Öffentlichkeit, whom, thus far, have yet to appear at the rostrum with passionate cries for speed bumps, red lights, or even a pooper-scooper ordinance. But the night is still young.

Obit for a road

Dow Badische Road it seems, will be renamed ThyssenKrupp Drive, a passing of the road name torch if you might, and it seems a fair exchange considering all the cabbage we are getting from TK’s presence. Using my powers of sorcery, I wonder if Brookley Field will soon be renamed Northrop-Grumman Airbus Complex? Some other possible name changes we might or might not anticipate . .

Airport Blvd to Airbus Blvd.

Water Street to Carnival Cruise Lane

Royal Street to Austal Street

Dauphin Street to Mike Dow Street

Tillman’s Corner to Dixie Flag Holler

The Cannon to Sam Cochran Cannon

Memorial Park to Peanut Man Plaza ( Complete with a bronze statue )

Mobile Municipal / Langan Park to “The Park ”. . .and finally . . .Azalea Road to Greg Peterson’s Way.

So you see how much joviality can be spun at the County Commission soirees. It’s not at all as dreadful as one might expect of a political forum, though I will kindly mumble it would make me look more forward if I knew Krispy Kreme was being served in the atrium so I would also not be prone to dozing off during certain moments, for lack of java, refined sugar or pandemonium.

I motion this and call for a second . . anyone?

Contact Preston Brady at preston@lagniappemobile.com.

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