Dear Editor,

In using the recently coined phrase by President Trump: Could both senators Bill Holtzclaw and Tim Melson be “nut jobs?”

Why didn’t they support the annexation of Lucy’s Branch Marina into Athens by bringing it to a vote? Their decisions and lack of support have cost the city of Athens potentially $600,000 in annual revenue, plus they have prohibited the opportunity for new business growth and additional new jobs.

For Holtzclaw, it seems his definition of “Semper Fi” is to be faithful to his own personal interests and to not be particularly faithful to the citizens of Limestone County and Athens who supported him. It appears he is faithfully focused on maintaining growth within the city of Madison and Madison County, at the expense of Limestone County and Athens, for reasons of revenue and limiting regional competition. As an aside, I have found he owns property on or near Smith Lake and he voted “yes” during the session for alcohol sales in that location.

For Melson, it appears he would maybe like to annex Lucy’s Branch into Rogersville and direct the Branch’s revenue there and toward Lauderdale County. Plus, his actions suggest he also wants to protect the Joe Wheeler State Park business base and keep their revenue directed to Lauderdale County.

Regarding the city of Athens and its citizens: There has been whole-hearted overwhelming support from all five of our City Council members and very positive support from our city fathers, businessmen and owners, for the annexation of Lucy’s Branch into the city of Athens.

The consequences of Holtzclaw’s and Melson’s decisions and actions have cut off a significant stream of revenue for our city, damaged Athens’ future opportunities for business-related development and new job growth. Plus, not supporting our local government, who supported them, is a loss to Athens. More than a failure of the legislation itself, it is the failure of our elected “senatorial representatives” to support our community.

I believe they could, and should, lose the trust of the citizens of Athens, including city government, business leaders and others. I am of the opinion both should appear together before the Athens City Council and the citizens of Athens at a regular City Council meeting and explain their actions and answer questions regarding their reasons for voting the way they did.

Sincerely,

Ralph M. Diggins

Athens

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