Wilcox County politics: A quagmire of corruption
“As of May 9, in District 3 alone, there were already 198 absentee ballots applied for out of approximately 650 registered voters. That is more than Mobile has in their entire county. If any number over 10 percent is supposed to set off bells and whistles, this should be setting off rockets and cannons and fireworks!”
Jim Emerson, former vice-president of Weyerhaeuser’s pulp and paper mill, spoke for the fact-finding committee of Impact Wilcox – a fast growing grassroots organization committed to stopping the extreme corruption that continues to plague Wilcox County.
A crowd of about 200 concerned citizens gathered Thursday evening, May 15 at the National Guard Armory in Camden offering support and resources. The battle lines are clearly drawn as the June 3 primaries approach.
Wilcox County is commonly known for being one of the poorest counties in the nation and for having the highest unemployment rate in the state, but it is also well known for its checkered past of rampant voter fraud, vote buying and excessive absentee voting.
In the 1994 general election, current Commissioner – as well as a candidate for commissioner in District 4, Reginald Southall, started his political career with a win over then standing Commissioner David Wright by absentee votes.
Only 34 people actually voted for Southall by traveling to the polls, while Wright received 565 votes. But after the absentee votes were tallied, Southall won by 11 votes.
In 2011, Clifford “Big Don” Twilley, then President and now current member of the Wilcox County Board of Education, as well as a candidate for Wilcox County Tax Assessor – was prosecuted for buying votes. “Nolie Prosse,” was filed and granted by the state, meaning in simplest terms, “there was no prosecution.”
Other alleged matters of concern in the county include improper transfer of funds from the Special Capital Fund to the Gasoline Tax Fund to meet payroll, several commissioners having seriously delinquent water bills, commissioners adjusting the water bills of family members in some cases to zero dollars due, and Commission Chairman Michael Saulsberry illegally creating a position for, as well as hiring, Twilley.
The position of License Commissioner was never posted and paid $42,000 annually. There was no job description, no list of duties, no office, and Chairman Saulsberry hand delivered Twilley’s paycheck. This during the same time the county was in such financial stress that hourly employees’ time was cut to a 32-hour workweek and the public library was forced to be open only three days a week.
There is also the matter of land purchased from Twilley for Arlington Park. The effort was led by Commissioner Southall. The land was purchased with “bond money” and there was never an appraisal prior to purchase. The total cost of the 11.3 acres was $101,000. It was later appraised for only $26,400.
Two lawsuits filed against the Wilcox County Commission by attorney Edward Tracey on behalf of Impact Wilcox continue. The first was filed on March 11, under the open records act seeking the release of documents related to public spending and travel records.
The initial lawsuit followed the release of a state audit that confirmed the commissioners have achieved personal gain as public officials by receiving services without payment and by not following proper protocol.
The second lawsuit, filed April 7, seeks restitution with interest as well as punitive damage and legal fees.
Amanda Walker is a columnist with The West Alabama Watchman, Al.com.,and The Wilcox Progressive Era. Follow her at https://www.facebook.com/AmandaWalker.Columnist