Wow! Received my Columbus and the Valley today and haven’t been able to put it down — from the impactful BRAC cover and articles to the informative Teacher of the Year section. I also always get great ideas and helpful information from your advertisements. I loved every page. Thanks for working so hard on it!

Mallory Fuller
Columbus

Just wanted to let you know that your article about Phenix City and it’s inept leadership was right on. Thanks for having the courage to put a spotlight on the truth. That is something that happens way too infrequently in Phenix City. Under the cover of darkness is the preferred method. I continue to try and lead a progressive and growing school district in the midst of all of this absurdity. It is so frustrating as I don’t know how to play the game of politics very well, nor do I know how to deal with foolish and irresponsible behavior. I will trudge forward nonetheless.

Dr. Larry E. DiChiara
Superintendent, Phenix City Schools

On page 55 of the [Phenix City] “story,” Jimmy Lynn makes the statement; “In the 1980’s it was City Councilman Tommy Worthy battling Mayor Jane Gullatt. Today, only the names have changed.” At this time, I would like to share with you and your readers some of my “battles” between “Miss” Gullatt and some background for each. The following are just a few; however, the common thread among each is “Miss” Gullatt’s absolute resistance to any progress or growth for Phenix City unless she and/or her “cronies” got all of the benefits.

1) Phenix-Russell County Airport: The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer came out with editorials claiming an airport in Russell County would stop chickens from laying and interfere with the migration of Canadian Geese. The airport didn’t happen. Fast forward to 1983, ... after some investigation, I discovered that the FAA had $4 BILLION in a trust fund and were desperately trying to commit the funds to airport construction before something called “The Graham (sic)-Rudman Act” forced them to turn the money into the U.S. Treasury. A consultant doing work for Columbus grants told me to contact an FAA official in Mississippi and ask for a grant to construct an airport in Russell County. I did. He told me to upgrade our 1973 study (cost would be $1,500) and we could get $4 MILLION to build the airport. “Miss” Gullatt ran to her buds at the “12th Street Rag” who wrote an editorial complete with a verry (sic) tacky cartoon of me and the proposed Russell County Airport.

I was accused of “spending $1,500 which the city didn’t have for an airpport (sic) we didn’t need . . . we have an airport in Columbus!” Once again, no airport. Phenix City-Russell County is the only entity in the State of Alabama with no airport. WHY? “If you can’t land corporate jets, you can’t land corporate JOBS!”

2) New National Guard Armory: It seems that the Federal Government was replacing old armories with new ones at virtually no cost to the communities who had them. The Phenix City Armory was over 50 years old and met the criteria. The state military department (National Guard) would pick a new site, the city would be deeded the old armory and the community would get a new armory with helo-pad valued at approximately $2 MILLION. Once again, ... headlines screamed of “Flim-Flam” by me and my future father-in-law, Woodrow “Skeet” Wilson, who owed the land selected by the national Guard on 431 South. It met the Guard’s criteria perfectly “on the main throughfare (sic), highly visible, something the Guard could be proud of.” Utilities would also be ran (sic) to the site which would open the South end to much needed development.

Those are but two of many “skirmishes” and/or “battles” which occurred between “Miss” Gullatt and me.

Some other “paths not taken” by Phenix City:
1) Dog track that went to Shorter, after the mysterious change of heart/vote from “yes” to “no” by two Phenix City state representatives the night before voting to build the track in Phenix City. What really happened to change their minds?

2) Miller Brewing Company wanted to locate in Russell County because of the artisian (sic) wells here; however, they ended up in Albany, Ga. Why? Union wages??

3) A large fiberglass company, Knoph Industries, located in unincorporated Wadley, Ala., and invested millions of dollars there.They did come to Phenix City after the state was contacted by me, then were grossed out by some Phenix City officials at a bar-b-que (sic) at the Yuchi Reservation. They threatened to leave the state because of the gross behavior so I’m told. (I wasn’t invited). They were convinced by the state folks to go to Wadley the next day where they were entertained with a luncheon and assured that what ever it would take, “unincorporated Wadley” and the State of Alabama would provide it. Last I heard Knoph Industries had invested over $ 400 MILLION in little ole Wadley, Alabama!

Thanks for letting me share some of my “war” stories between me and “Miss” Gullatt. There are more; however, the hour is late. Keep the faith!

Tommy Worthy, Esq.
Former Phenix City Councilman

Looking at choices for 5 under 40 for the last several years could there ever be more evidence of quid pro quo? I mentioned it one time before to you.

You of course choose the “safe” ones. ... you are a freaking disgrace. I have never in my life seen any magazine suck up as has yours!

But it’s also the kind of attitude of so many other entities that seem to want to be sure to suck up to the power structure: for example, in the latest 5 Under 40 focus: Mike Tigner’s (sic) Columbus and the Valley featured some up and coming persons: of course, just to be safe, they featured under ‘40’s from CB&T, Aflac, Bradley Co. ..., an attorney and a Phenix City optometrist.

The rising stars were from ranks of: Aflac, CB&T, U of Phoenix, physician and attorney.

2008’s were from: any surprise? CB&T, Aflac, TSYS, St Francis, physician, and real estate broker.

Take a look at the Board of directors of Pastoral Institute... Looks like quid pro quo for many of the firms and individuals represented and people principally from their companies getting the under 40 publicity. Mike you are a shameless suckup (sic).

Bob Garrard
Columbus

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