Posted by notnalC (anonymous) on August 10, 2009 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A good first step toward a permanent full time fire dept. A positive for the City as the new Council is continually upgrading Fire and Police protection which attracts better business and industry and makes life safer for all of us.

Posted by Levelheadedinclanton (anonymous) on August 10, 2009 at 10:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congratulations to Chief Driver and to the City Council for taking the first step in improving the fire department and the service it provides to the City of Clanton. Change does not come without resistance. I hope that those who might not agree with this decision will but personal agendas aside and help the City and fire department move forward.

Posted by Levelheadedinclanton (anonymous) on August 10, 2009 at 10:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Correction on my typo: I hope that those who might not agree with this decision will PUT personal agendas aside and help the City and fire department move forward.

Posted by Harley2009 (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't see whats so great about it. " He's a driver " When your contected to the Mayor you would expect this position.

Posted by bobby (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is just what David wants also they are paid for fire and wrecks so take that money away to see how many Drivers are still making all those calls . there are five Drivers on the department.They also get paid to cut grass and do other things that volunteers dont . so dont tell me they are volunteer.

Posted by DonyaDriverJohnson (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 1:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I want to start off by saying how proud I am of David, this is a job that I am sure he will do well. Now, as far as Harley2009, bobby and anyone else who might want to be negative, can't you find a better way of spending your energy and time than to bring someone else down. If you will read the whole article you will find out that the COUNCIL voted unanimously for David, Uncle Bill is the only Driver. I am flattered to think that you feel as a Driver we have that much pull. Just think, all this time we have worked hard to make an honest living, when all we had to do was let people know that our last name is Driver. Last, I am not sure what grass cutting has to do with anything but have you heard of people making a living cutting grass? People hire others to cut their grass, do you get paid for doing your job? How much volunteer work are you involved in doing? I am proud to be a Driver and when comments like these are made you are not only hurting the person but the whole family. PLEASE think about it.

Posted by DonyaDriverJohnson (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am sorry, I do have one more thing to say. bobby, how dare you comment on the fact that the Drivers would not go out and help someone unless they get paid for it? You apparently don't know my family very well. I would have you to know that my "Big Daddy" Ress DRIVER was on the first Clanton Fire Department, it is a tradition for my family. They all absolutely love it. How much money would it take for you to get up all hours of the night and know in the back of you mind that you might not come back home. I have gone to the emergency room plenty of times and seen a family member lying on a stretcher because they were trying to help someone else. I do know that we have volunteer firefighters all over this county that do these things and do not receive anything for it. I live in and rely on one of these departments. The City of Clanton is just very fortunate to be able to pay people for this volunteer work.

Posted by Harley2009 (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For one thing Donya ! I dont know how old you are but I have been around Clanton for nearly 40 years. I have been involved with a number of volunteer work. The point I am making is that there has been other people in the past that has done alot more for the people of clanton and other organizations than any driver I have seen. These people were never given a chance to be in a position as of this. I am just setting the record strait on being conected to political party makes things alot easier!! I guess its not what you know (Its Who You Know).

Posted by southernpride (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Whether the whole council voted for Mr. Driver or not is irrelevant. THis qualifications may be good but the question of did he get this appointment because of being related to the mayor is a fair question? Why would anyone get upset over this unless they have something to hide or think someone may have a valid point.

I would like to see Clanton have a full time fire department. However, what good is hiring a chief and no one else? I know some say it is a start but I compare that to the hospital hiring a nurse but not hiring a doctor.

Bottom line is the good ole boy system is alive and well in this city and county. Just look at the board of education.

Posted by Tommy (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So I guess David should have been eliminated because of his name! Even if he is qualified should he be looked over because of his name? Is that not Discrimmination? A lot of people do things and follow in the footsteps of their ancestors and relatives. I know the drivers have been around this type service for a long time maybe others have too. I am just saying that because his last name happens to be driver does not make him unqualified for the job.

Since the good ole boy system is at work "southern", who do you feel should have gotten the postion?

Maybe southern and harley can be elected mayor and on the council and then straighten out all this "good ole boy system".

Thanks for the lives you have helped to save David (and all the other drivers and firemen).

Posted by chiltontransplant (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First of all, it is odd to me that the City of Clanton would hire a full-time chief without a full-time fire department. Unless of course there are short-term plans in place to bring a full-time department on board. Secondly, I agree with southern to the extent that in any political arena it is fair to question the validity of such an appointment when the highest office in the City is held by the appointees Grandfather. And thirdly, the only way this can be cleared is to know the qualifications of the other candidates for the job. If there were no other candidates, then suspicious. If there were no other candidates because the job was not posted and made available to other candidates, dirty. However, if the job was posted and this man's qualifications exceeded that of the other candidates, he should have gotten the job. But I will say this in response to Donya; I truly respect you sticking up for your family. But if your family is going to continue in politics, it would do you well to overlook the naysayers. Politics is not all about parades and hoopla; it can be down right ugly. It would serve you well to thicken your skin and not be so awe struck over criticism. All this just goes with the political territory.

Posted by DonyaDriverJohnson (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just to let everyone know, I am older than 40 and have lived here all my life. Also, Billy Joe is our uncle not our grandfather(simple mistake). If you know me, you know that I am not trying to start anything, I am just defending my family. Family is very important to me and I am very proud of mine. I can tell you that one of the five that "bobby" was talking about was on the fire department when they didn't get a penny for the calls. It may seem like they get paid alot now but if you are the one needing them, you wouldn't care what they get paid. I think the best thing for me is to stop reading the comments. Thanks!

Posted by notnalC (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Folks who want to pick fights on a blog are gonna pick them not matter what you say. Southern, If you were gonna start a hospital you wouldnt hire a nurse over a doctor, you would hire a CEO. In this case a Fire Chief. Then you add a few full timers as you go. Donya, I would let it go and never respond again. You will only add fuel to the fire. I would say you could speak to these posters at the next council meeting but I dare say, anyone on here actually has been to one in the last 100 years.

Posted by gonefishen (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hiring a full time Fire Chief is a positive step forward for the growth of our city. Now the community has a central figure to address concerns or answer questions. Less red tape and hopefully a more stream line department. Not everyone will agree with change, but this type of change is good. Now if the Department would do away with their pill ball hiring system.
Although, I must say that it appears that everyone has overlooked the one true barometer of growth within our city ---- WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TWO JACKS. :-D

Posted by chiltontransplant (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

People have to actually go to a council meeting to ask questions on a blog? I don't think the questions were articulated exactly as they should have been, but they are fair nontheless. I don't know Mr. Driver nor Billy Joe Driver; but I can assure you in any town across this country, especially small town USA, when the first full-time fire chief is appointed by the council in the absence of a full-time fire department and the fire chief is the nephew of the Mayor who presides over the council, there will be questions and you would be naive to think otherwise.

Again I will add that the city council could ease everyone's mind and squash the conspiracy theorists by disclosing how many candidates were looked at and their qualifications. Thus proving that Mr. Driver was the most qualified to fill this position.

Posted by watchdog (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 8:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good advice notnal, Donya you're wasting you're time trying to reason with people who are going to complain about everything.

Posted by notnalC (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

didnt say you had to go to the meetings to ask questions on here. I just think that alot of your questions HERE might be answered if you asked them THERE.

Posted by notnalC (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

From my understanding, David was appointed Fire Chief about a year ago by the council. All the council did was make it a full time position instead of part time. He only has 3 yrs left on his term then it is up to the council to reappoint based on who/what is available at the time.

Posted by chiltontransplant (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 8:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Obviously notnalC, you haven't read my posts. If you had, you would understand that I have no questions, just comments. I don't even know Mr. Driver, nor his uncle as I moved here from 1300 miles away. But my whole point is that so many, like yourself, are so appalled that someone would have the audacity to question such an appointment when the Mayor is the fire chief's uncle. I mean come on, whether most qualified or not, the perception is bad and the council could have offest the cospiracy theorists by disclosing the number of candidates and showing Mr. Driver as the most qualified. The council didn't do this and perhaps have done Mr. Driver, under the circumstances, a great injustice. One of the first laws of municipal governance is to protect the integrity of the appointee; thus protecting the integrity of the appointment.

Posted by chiltontransplant (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That is a good point notnalc, but the appointment is no less scrutinized because of when it was made. The council had to have known this would be a "hot button" issue and as far as I have seen or heard, have done nothing to quale it.

Posted by bobby (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Acctually, Donya it wouldn't take a single cent for me to get up all hours of the night to help people i do it all the time, and not only me but my wife also. and yes in the back of our minds we do think about not making it back home and what it would do to our children.

Posted by bobby (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

oh also donya will david still be cleaning toilets @ prattville?

Posted by bugman1 (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 11:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bobby that is hilarious...
And also who were the others that applied and were interviewed for the job or was the position even posted for anyone else to apply....

Posted by krm (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't understand why we can't be proud of our city and it's leaders. People that are taking the time to post on these topics and never have anything but negative things to say about them need to get a life and just let the people who YOU have elected lead us in the right direction. If you don't like the decisions that are being made then go to the meeting make your point known and then either accept it or shutup. David is a fire fighter first and a chief second, he would come to YOUR house anytime anywhere for any or no amount of money!! Just use a little common sense before you find something negative to say about everything.

Posted by krm (anonymous) on August 11, 2009 at 11:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One more thing just to touch on the Drivers I have known this family for ten years and the last thing you will ever find in Billy Joe Driver's mind is trying to put his family or friends ahead of anyone regardless. The city is not a well ran organization because they have shown favortism to certain people, it's because they have the best interest of the city in their mind.

Posted by dstrength (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think this is one of the best moves made in this city. People need to wake up and realize Clanton isn't gong to stay a small town forever.Things are going to change,like it or not.Chief Driver is more than qualified for the position and was definitely the right man for the job. For all the negative people if you think it is such an easy position go to Fire academy and get with it.If not leave it alone and accept that there is nothing you can do about it at this point.Donya I have known your family for a long time and they are great people,don't let the negative people on here rile you up,that is what they want.

Posted by chiltontransplant (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Simply amazing! Because you know the Driver's, kin to the Drivers, live next to the Drivers, known them for 100 years, no one has the right to question the appointment. I really have not seen anything negative on here; just people questioning the perception of the appointment. Here's an honest question with no ill intent involved: is there, or is there not a PERCEPTION of "home cookin" with this appointment?" Here's another quesiton; was there, or was there not a list of candidates interviewed and vetted for this position when it was appointed? And lastly, is this negativity for asking? If so, "what if" I pay city taxes? Do I not have the right to ask questions concerning the spending of my tax dollars? The fact of the matter is, this whole dialogue has come down between those who have known the Drivers for years, and those who want to know if there were EVER any other candidates interviewed, vetted, and considered.

Posted by Harley2009 (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For One thing i did not write my comments to stir up a bunch of people. To you Dstrength I don't know about you but I pay taxes and I have a right to voice my opinion. Or is this city like IRAQ you can't say anything just shut up and live with it. Yeah! right. There is a good ole boy system in this City (County) believe it or not. The Drivers have run this firefighting and city water dept in the ground. 17 years ago I remember the Mayor having water meters installed for family of his for nothing. The rest of us had to pay the 1600 dollar fee. What do you say to that Donya.

Posted by catfish (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is simply not the forum for the questions you all would like answered. As others have indicated, if you want answers then go to the source. Put your questions to the council members who actually voted and made this decision. No answers are going to come from this arena so you are wasting your time if you actually care about the answers. Do us all a favor and seek your answers from the appropriate source, not from 'blogs'.

Posted by Harley2009 (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

One more thing ! My Granny always told me WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND. This will come to a head eventually. You can run a system like this forever.

Posted by jkelley (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well being that I live outside the city limits I don't have a dog in the fight. While reading all these comments, it sounds like a lot of you people need to show up for the next council meeting and get your questions answered. And as for David getting the job, I am almost positive he is more than qualified, so if someone else wants it they should be the one talking. As for the other firefighters for the City I know they do a good job, and I happen to have two close friends on the department and know that I could count on them anytime...as far as David I am sure the City will be able to count on him as well. Congratulations to David and the City.

Posted by JanineS22 (Jan Smith) on August 12, 2009 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We are living in a country, in a state, in a county who are all in financial turmoil because of a slumping economy and poor management of funds. We do, however, live in a flourishing city with no debt, a balanced budget, audited and approved financials, and a surplus of cash in the bank. That is accredited to the Mayor and council who didigently manage the funds they are appointed to oversee.

This forum is not a place to question the appointment. It is a place to spread gossip and rumors. The appointment was brought up in the prior council meeting, and it was reported to us in this newspaper. If someone had legitimate qualms about the appointment, they should have gone to the meeting and voiced their opinion. You had 2 weeks to prepare yourself. Also, please note that the council were unanimous in their appointment.

As to Harley's "free family water meters" heresay, bring your concerns before the utility board. Let justice be served. You'll find that your accusations are unfounded.

Posted by southernpride (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Dear Tommy and others that complain people are just griping, what do you think you are doing? Just because someone ask a question or has an opinion different form yours, why are the the trouble makers?

Apparently YOU can't answer the question of why we need a chief when we don't have anyone else? How long will it take to get a full time fire department? How is having a chief and no one else such a big step?

I never said David WAS hired because of who is is kin to, I merely pointed out the FACT that it was possible and when relatives arehired it gives the appearance of inappropriate actions.

If I was a politician, I would not hire a relative even if they were highly experienced because it DOES OR COULD give the appearance of favortism or as part of the good ole boy system.

If this was in another town I bet you would be one of the first to say it was because of who he was kin to. So why not answer the questions instead of being a whiner????

Posted by southernpride (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So Janine are you spreading gossip? If this forum is used for spreading gossip, unless you want to gossip or hear gossip, why are you on here? Just food for thought.

Posted by JanineS22 (Jan Smith) on August 12, 2009 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Call your council member southernpride. The council memebers will tell you why he was appointed...because he was the most qualified. I asked a council memeber yesterday, and he told me that was why.

Also in my opinion, when a relative is hired, it doesn't give the appearance of inappropriate actions. It gives the appearance of a good work ethic instilled in an entire family. Perhaps their "Big Daddy" taught them that.

Posted by hijinks (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

People if you don't like them , quit voting them in!!!! I know you probably didn't vote for him, but did you do anything to help get anyone else get elected? I doubt it ,so stop complaining.If you don't like the mayor or council's way of doing things,why don't you run for office? I think you would get a totally different view of things.I'm not taking one side or the other, it's just that if the ones elected do something that we agree with then that's fine and dandy,but if it's not to our liking then they're a bunch of crooks.Go to the council meetings and make yourself heard!

And kwsgraves, you know you can't be saying positive things in the comments. You've got a reputation to think of,why that would be like The Joker having something positive to say about Batman! LOL!!!!!!!!!! I'm just kiddin' with you,you usually do have some really good points.Keep on riling them up,it gets boring in here otherwise! LOL!!!

Posted by Harley2009 (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As to Janine S22 ( I was part of the installation of 175 miles of waterline installed for the County and City. So its not an accusation. I seen it with my own eyes because I helpled put the meter in. You can go to all the council meetings you want but they are not going to pay any attention to your point of view. This country is in a recession the last time a looked. So why not wait until the economy gets better and have an entire staff full time. But do it in a manner where it makes sense. I know all of you on this blog are educated people so those of you that are blind to the truth are just breathing up good air.

Posted by KatherineReece (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow. I'm almost afraid to comment on this, but I will anyway : )

I'm not native to Chilton Co., but I am to another small county in north-central Alabama. *Anytime* you have a small county, or a small town, you're going to have several families that people believe run everything, or that do. The last time I read any article about the city of Clanton's finances the city was doing quite well, especially in comparasion to the county and the rest of the country.

Life is extremely good here in Chilton Co., maybe coming from elsewhere makes me realize it more than folks who have lived here all their life.

Congratulations David Driver and Clanton on this positive step.

Posted by southernpride (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I usually work long hours and do not get to the council meetings. However, even if I did it would not change the fact that when relatives are hired, IT DOES give an appearance of favortism.

Not to insult anyone, but you would have to have your head buried in the sand for years not to believe it could easily be viewed that way. Why do you think most companies will not hire relatives that will work closely with each other or are supervised by one of the relatives? If you are not smart enough to know the answer, you would not believe me if I told you.

I applaud the city for being in great financial shape but to say just because I or someone else may question the hiring of a relative I am a naysayer is asinine.

The commnet that if you don't like the way things are done, run for mayor or city counsil is asinine as well. I bet the people saying this are unhappy and complain about hte federal government (Congress) but I don't see them running for that Office. Guess that means no one should ever disagree with what is being done!!!

I am not quesitoning David's qualifications, I only make an astute observation. They could of hired Santa Clause as far as I am concerned if he was the most qualified. However, if he was a relative of the mayor or a counsil member, a lot of people would wonder if that is why he was hired. To think otherwise is a bit nieve if not purely foolish!!

Why has no one explained why hiring any full time person as chief has helped the city? Sounds as if the pro nor con writers have a clue.

Posted by JackShepard (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

After reading all this garbage talk and BS, I am reminded why most people with any kind of qualifications/education/experience live in Chilton County but choose to work somewhere else.

When an article about the city hiring a new fire chief incites such backstabbing and naysaying, its a wonder this county is able to find anyone willing to do public servant/government work at all. What a load of BS.

Posted by Harley2009 (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow Jack Shepard is a man of kind words! As for you kwsgraves what are you a lawyer!! I very aware of what I said and its the truth it happened just like that. Jack there is no backstabbing taking place here. We are just giving our opinion on why certian people get favortisim. I never question his qualifications. Im sure he is qualified but there are others also qualified for the job. Did everyone eles get a fair shake at it?

Posted by Harley2009 (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Case Dismissed!!!! you win kwsgraves. I just wanted to make a statement on favortisim in our city. And by the way I like Ray Charles.

Posted by Harley2009 (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Softail Deluxe

Posted by Happygal (anonymous) on August 12, 2009 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would just like to comment on the questions raised about what good it does to hire a full-time chief without hiring a full-time firefighters as well. As someone who has served on a volunteer fire department as well as a paid one I can tell you that this is common practice all over the United States. Fire departments, whether they be full-time paid or volunteer, do not run themselves. It truly does require someone to manage it on a full-time basis. While I do not currently live in the area, I did grow up in Chilton County and still have family members there. I can honestly say that I was shocked to learn that Chilton County is only NOW hiring a full-time chief. I cannot think of one other volunteer department that I have worked in association with that does not have a full-time chief!

Kudos to Chilton County for stepping up and making this change and kudos to Chief Driver for having the knowledge, ability, and prowess to take on a task where he is responsible for the safety of each and every volunteer! That is not a job I would ever want. Congrats to Chilton County and all its members for taking a step in the direction of safety...you should all be very proud!

Posted by will4bama (anonymous) on August 13, 2009 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Harley 2009, Don't be so bitter, maybe you will be appointed to a position next time, like dog catcher or something. I grew up in Clanton and I am related to the Driver family. If you can't see the improvements to the city, its parks and fire depts. because of the Mayor, and you can't get over your rejection, get on your Hawg and ride. I-65 goes north or south. Congrats cousin David.