We Get Mail

I am always glad to hear from my constituents. Many letters/emails are complimentary, some are critical, some are downright rude, and some are simply confusing. I am going to share with you a few of the more memorable ones. All are quoted verbatim, except where I edit their identities.

Email #1
I believe the following was sent as a result of the press the teen driver cell phone bill received. This bill prohibits the use of cell phones while drivers aged 15, 16, and 17 operate a motor vehicle. These drivers have the highest fatality rate, and the least experience behind the wheel. The cell phone ban removes a powerful distraction. The accident rate among teens using cell phones is the same as the accident rate of drunk drivers. This bill hasn’t made it into law yet, and this constituent probably is pleased to know that.

Name:
Phone: 205-
Email: xxxxxxx@centurytel.net
City: Cropwell
Comments: Why don't we keep this a free country, and stop dictating how we should live. It is non of your buisness weather I or someone else wears a seatbelt in our vehicle, nor if you steriotype our kids about age while using a cell phone. I have a rule with my kids while driving, that they should not use a cell phone, but what if I call them and need them that is non of your concern either. Who are you trying to impress. Stay out of our lives and mind your own. Lets leave this country FREE.

Email #2
This writer is obviously unaware of the 7% teacher pay raise already in the budget. It was pretty much agreed upon by the first day of the legislative session.

Name: XXXX
Phone: not provided
Email: xxxxxxx@yahoo.com
City: pell city
Comments: You should raise the money for teachers. Jerk.

Email #3
Now this is classic. A couple weeks ago I got an email from this ladie's husband stating his opposition to a pay raise for legislators. A couple days ago I got this email from the wife.

Name: withheld
Phone: provided
City: Pell City

I urge you to support the Retiree Lump Sum Longevity Bonus Bill (HB 520) and use your influence to get others to support this bill.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Xxxxxx xxxxxx
Retired xxxxxxxx Employee

Email #4
I believe the following author must have read my “Impact Fees” topic and wanted to put in his 2˘ worth. I have read this several times but still haven’t deciphered either the topic or the intent of the writer.

Name: xxxxxx
Phone: 205-467-xxxxx
Email: xxxxxxx@yahoo.com
City: Springville
Comments: Springville already has a impact tax of sorts. They call it a road use tax. As such Main street has rough spots in it. I have only delayed in a follow up to a letter my father drafted to you about the legallity of such tax. The Mayor said he knew nothing of it. The county probate office reviewed the law book. They were able to quote the tax from the book. If the courts have not heard a case concerning a tax of such on the residents? Maybe, it is time for the residents of Springville to review that option. I will follow up with a formal letter before we do something as such.

Not all the email is bad, in fact, most are upbeat, positive, and often have good suggestions. This is good example:

Email #5
Name: John M. Kelsey
Phone: 256/xxx-xxxx
Email: xxxxxx@otelco.net
City: Union Grove (Marshall Co.)
Comments: I read in a Truckers website of the bill you have sponsored preventing teens from using cellular phones while operating a motor vehicle. ….I applaud your efforts and I hope you are successful in passing this law. This law, though they may not think so, truly is for the sake of the kids. I cannot imagine any clear thinking adult who is truly concerned about the safety of our children on Alabama's streets and highways having any opposition to this bill. ….. I would ask you to consider amending your bill to include a ban on the operation of any commercial motor vehicle while using a handheld cellular device. …. Thank you for your concern and your time to consider my amendment.

Emails #6
This is a novel suggestion.

City: Decatur
Comments: The growing problem with cell phone users and driving is a real problem….I think a simple solution would be to require cell phone makers to install a small GPS sensor in the phones, and if that phone is moving any faster than what a person can walk the phone becomes disabled. If we can put a man on the moon surely we can stop the use of phones while driving a vehicle. Thanks for your time.

Email #7
Name: 6th Grade Teacher
City: Springville
I wanted to take the time to thank you for meeting with us on Thursday. On numerous occasions, you have taken the opportunity to meet with [the teachers] to discuss matters vital to education. You have always been a friend and supporter of St. Clair County Schools and I want you to know that it has not gone unnoticed here at Springville Middle School.

Please continue to fight for education in Alabama. I always welcome the opportunity to hear from and meet with you.

Email #7
A lot of folks want to totally eliminate cell phones while driving.

Name: SC
Phone: 205-608-xxxx
Email: xxx@gmail.com
City: Mount Olive
Comments: Representative McClendon, I praise your efforts to make texting while driving in Alabama against the law, but I don't think you have taken it far enough. I would be happy to support a no cell phone usage while driving law. Talking is just as dangerous as texting while driving. I applaud your efforts and wish you the best.

Email #8
Name: GS
Phone: 205-525-xxxx
Email: xx@centurytel.net
City: Cropwell
Comments: You are on the right track about redrawing school lines. Let me suggest that you have a town meeting set up and let the people vent. I for one, live on the lake, pay some of the MOST taxes in and around here and don't even have a school board representative, believe me A LOT of us don't like it.