Posted by thor (anonymous) on July 10, 2009 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How many people does it take to stop this quarry? The answer is the Mayor, City Council and the zoning board. The citizens of Vincent should demand this action. This money has nothing to do with Vincent, just money to try and buy this town for their quarry. A fire truck etc, We have managed our own interest in Vincent. You have to remember Mcallistor, mayor of Vincent, doesn't care about our town. There will not be a big boomtown only a doomstown. The permits and all have been put into place. This will be a done deal, which the mayor stated was not a done deal. His agenda is not for Vincent but to expire Vincent for money.Shelby co comissioners, Alabama Power are foaming at the mouth for the money this quarry will make to fund their projects. Don't be fooled by all the quarry will do. They will take everything this town has to offer and then some. This is our town, not Mcallistor nor the Alabama Power Co, Vecillo qroup or anyone wanting to destroy our town.

Posted by CC (anonymous) on July 11, 2009 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Please be aware citizens of Vincent. This is bribe money nothing else!! All the quarry will do is kill our property values and destroy our town. Unfortunately our mayor and our council save for one are trying to cram this thing down our throats. Mr. Mcallistor is only in this deal for himself. ( I assume many have heard his ties to the quarry higher ups). In my opion he was a plant to push this agenda through. The mayor and the council have alraedy decided that they will try to push this through. Why want they bring this before the people and let us vote whether or not we want a quarry? The reason they know what our answer will be!A resounding NO!!! I say we recall the mayor and council and have a re- vote. They are not representing the people of this town. RECALL THEM!!!

Posted by economybooster (anonymous) on July 11, 2009 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Go Quarry! Something is finally about to happen in Vincent. Parents and students at the school should be very pleased. We no longer have to beg! Go Quarry!

Posted by thor (anonymous) on July 11, 2009 at 7:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Economybooster, evidently you are not a local citizen. You must not work for the Vincent school system. I am a local citizen and I am a grandparent of two students who attend Vincent School, Most of the parents and grandparents I have talked too, feel about the quarry as a I do. We do not want a quarry in our town. Speak for yourself if you are pleased, Something is about to happen to Vincent, destruction, if this quarry is approved.

Posted by RR (anonymous) on July 11, 2009 at 7:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thor, maybe the quarry will buy you a house for 1.6 million.

Posted by ahappymom (anonymous) on July 11, 2009 at 11:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GO QUARRY!

Posted by economybooster (anonymous) on July 11, 2009 at 11:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thor, I am an alumni of Vincent. How much have you donated to Vincent schools? Nothing, I bet. I pray the Mayor, Council & planning approves the zoning and permits ASAP. I am pleased White Rock realizes that the students/schools are the true future of Vincent.

Posted by DMD (anonymous) on July 12, 2009 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As long as we’re just spouting off opinions, I think CC has nothing better to do than create controversy by manufacturing conspiracy theories to support his cause. The mayor has no ties to the quarry and CC is being immoral and knowingly dishonest to suggest otherwise. He is trying to get everyone riled up about a non-existent issue. If I were CC I would spend more time fighting the quarry and less time pointing fingers at my elected officials.

Posted by NO_QUARRY (anonymous) on July 12, 2009 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

THESE PEOPLE THINK WE ARE UN-EDUCATED. THEY PROBABLY THINK WE ALSO BELIEVE IN THE EASTER BUNNY TOO. CALERA WAS PROMISED $7,000,000.00 BY THE LAST QUARRY TO OPEN THERE. THAT WAS TEN YEARS AGO AND THEY HAVEN'T SEEN A DIME OF IT YET. I HAVE MORE FAITH IN THE EASTER BUNNY THAN I HAVE IN THE VECELLIO GROUP.

Posted by CC (anonymous) on July 12, 2009 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If it is such a conspiracy theary then why did our elected officials knowingly engage in secret meetings with the quarry attys. That should speak volumes to all of our citizens. Our elected officials are only out for themselves save one that has spoken out against this quarry. No company will spend the kind of money that the Veccellio Group has spent just on property alone unless they either are STUPID or are very confident in the fact that they will be able to use the property as they wish. According to our mayor and council they had NO IDEA what the company planned to do. YEA RIGHT!!! Like I said companies do not spend that kind of money unless they feel very confident that their agenda will be pushed through. Hence my theory.

Posted by ahappymom (anonymous) on July 12, 2009 at 8:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No Quarry, get your facts straight before you post blatant lies. Obviously you haven't seen the new Calera High School. Chem Lime contributed greatly to that massive building. If all of these "concerned citizens" would spend a fraction of the time and energy they devote to spreading propaganda to actually volunteering or working to improve their local schools, then I could respect their opinions. Of all the frontrunners I've seen on the news...I can't say that I've seen ANY of you working for our schools. Sad.

Posted by DMD (anonymous) on July 12, 2009 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So our elected officials engaged in a meeting before the idea of the quarry was public knowledge. Personally, I'm not offended that the council listened to a group interested in investing money in our town. As I understand it the meeting was an introductory meeting where White Rock informed the town officials of their intentions. Less than a month later the company made a presentation to any interested party that wished to attend at the elementary school. How much better could you get? The people we elected to manage these sorts of things had one meeting with the company and the first thing to happen as a result of that was a meeting put together for the entire community. Everyone was invited! At that point we all knew as much as the town officials. That should speak volumes to all of our fellow citizens.
Yes, White Rock would spend money on the property with out notifying the town of Vincent. That's because they are confidant that they don’t require the town's zoning to get what they need. Certainly, there are higher powers to appeal to if the town fails to give them what they want.
Your theories are still based solely on speculation and gossip. I think it’s wrong to promote such slander if you don’t know it to be fact. Most of this gossip and speculation has been addressed in a forthright manner in public. I would think that perpetuating these ideas say much more about your own character than it does our officials’.
Again, all this time spent on speculation and gossip is time taken away from either fighting the quarry or ensuring that they give us what they say they will.

Posted by CC (anonymous) on July 12, 2009 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They are not intrested in "investing money in our town" they are only intrested in exploiting it! The money is just to buy people off. There are much better ways of getting money to our schools then destroying our town and our property values.

Posted by economybooster (anonymous) on July 12, 2009 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No_Quarry--you need to check your source of info regarding Calera and get facts! Try calling their city hall and ask what were the incentives. This is the problem, opposers really don't have facts!

CC--the mayor took office November 2008. Maybe, you should really find out if previous administration knew about this deal or better yet talk with the individuals that sold property. You really have a "beef" with the wrong people. Tell me exactly what have you done or plan to do to help Vincent? Also, I'm confident the principals at the school would like to hear your ideas on "better ways of getting money to our schools"

Go Quarry! Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus!

Posted by thor (anonymous) on July 12, 2009 at 10:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ecomonybooster. you say you are an alumni of Vincent. You must not live in Vincent. If you lived in Vincent you would not be for the quarry. Why should people in Vincent donate to Vincent Schools. We have our own budgets to deal with. Vincent Schools should live within their means instead of begging for money. This begging is why Vincent Schools has a problem. How can you say you know this money from this quarry will be spent in Vincent Schools.

Posted by quarryworker (anonymous) on July 12, 2009 at 10:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

NO QUARRY if you think that Calera didn't get the money, you might want to ride down highway 25 and look at their new high school and library. I know they got the money. You people need to be happy that this company wants to come in and create jobs. For the ones worried about enviromental problems, don't worry, MSHA and ADEM will keep a close eye on dust and every thing else.

I welcome WHITE ROCK QUARRY!!!!!

Posted by vincentparent (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

thor you said,

Vincent Schools should live within their means instead of begging for money. This begging is why Vincent Schools has a problem

you have got to be out of your mind thor, we live below our means, heck according to the county we dont even have a means, have you walked thru our school lately, do you have a daughter that must change at the local park because the restrooms are locked by the CITY, do you have a son that must wade through the freaking water coming up out of the sewage to work on the weights, did you say that to Calera that just got a huge all out school are they living within there means. PLUS the fact is we should not have to beg we pay our taxes just like every other person in this county

Posted by soaring24 (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GO White Rock Quarry, next time you talk with the reps see if you can get some money for CVA!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by NO_QUARRY (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

HERE COMES PETER COTTON TAIL,
HOPPING DOWN THE BUNNY TRAIL.
HE'S GOT MONEY AND BAGS OF GOLD,
FOR ALL VINCENT CITIZENS, YOUNG AND OLD.

WHATEVER YOU WANT, YOU JUST NEED TO SAY.
THIS BUNNY WILL GIVE IT A HEARTY OK!
BUT WHAT HE'S HIDING, HE'LL NEVER TELL,
THIS SUPER EASTER BUNNY, COME STRAIGHT FROM HELL!

HE'S BIG ON DECEPTION, HIS PROMISES ABOUND,
AS LONG AS WE GIVE HIM THE FUTURE OF OUR TOWN.
OH VINCENT, VINCENT, VINCENT, WHY COULDN'T YOU SEE THE LIGHT?
BEFORE YOU WOKE UP ONE MORNING, TO SEE THIS AWFULLY UGLY SIGHT!

Posted by harwwhit (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To all, unless you have PROOF of anything you claim, PRODUCE IT or SHUT UP!

Posted by vincentparent (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You know what is sad,

That we are even in the place to begin with, had our county taken care of us and provided our children with the same things the other SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS HAVE, we wouldnt be in this dire need to not turn them away.

Do you people think we are going to walk away from things to improve our schools. How can you even expect us to do that. If we turn them away will you be the one fighting with us to get these things from the BOE, will you be there to support our fundraisers, will you give us a donation.

The BOE is sitting back hoping this will pass, it's less money they have to provide for Vincent kids.

The County is sitting back hoping this will pass it's more tax money for them.

The City is sitting back hoping this will pass it's more tax money for them.

And in all reality had those three helped Vincent Schools to begin with we wouldnt need an outside source.

Our 13/14 year old kids made state playoffs, we called Vincent City Hall and asked for a donation to help these kids and we were told how much the light bill cost at the park. WHAT A JOKE.

Posted by CC (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I like the song. Very creative.
Why would I have a beef with the people who sold their property?? I would have sold mine if someone had offered me 2-4 times the value. You would be a fool not to. I have several friends who sold property to the quarry. I don't fault them for having made a good investment in land. I am sure the last administration knew about the project. But not many have changed since then. The mayor and a few others, but the majority of the people who were in charge are still in charge.
Vincent parent. I agree your son should not have to wade through sewage or your daughter be locked out of the bathroom at the park. But destoying the town is not the answer. I am sure if the sewage line is busted then that poses a health hazard to the students and if brought to the attention of the school would be promptly fixed. As for the city park being locked, I am sure a phone call to town hall and with a little cooperation the children would be allowed to change in the bathrooms.
I am all for a better Vincent but a rock quarry in our back yards is not the answer.
Many of you who vote for this have no idea what you will do to the values of your homes. Which in my case is the largest investment that I have( I am sure it is many others as well) and I can not afford to lose the vaule.
How may of you want to move to Calera within a mile from their quarry? I don't ,but that is what you are forcing many of us to do if this quarry goes through.

Posted by vincentparent (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CC you said

agree your son should not have to wade through sewage or your daughter be locked out of the bathroom at the park. But destoying the town is not the answer. I am sure if the sewage line is busted then that poses a health hazard to the students and if brought to the attention of the school would be promptly fixed. As for the city park being locked, I am sure a phone call to town hall and with a little cooperation the children would be allowed to change in the bathrooms.
I am all for a better Vincent but a rock quarry in our back yards is not the answer.

I wish it was that easy i promise if you do a little research you will see it's not that simple.

Posted by EM (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am appalled by thor's statement, "Why should people in Vincent donate to Vincent Schools...Vincent Schools should live within their means instead of begging for money." You claim to have grandchildren in our schools. Do you not want a better education and resources for your grandchildren? I know we all have our own budgets to worry about, but to act as if our schools and our children are vagrants to be left to fend for themselves is disturbing. Please tell me this isn't what you meant.

To those of you who claim there are other and better ways of funding our schools, please tell me how. I agree with harwwhit, produce proof of your claims. I'm willing to listen to what's being said, but I need proof. Tell me where you are finding your "facts." Until then, I welcome the quarry company's interest in improving our community. Their contributions are definitely something to consider.

Posted by SCW (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CC- Who got 2-4 times the value for their property? I believe I missed that. More slander? You know better. Please produce FACTS. And do you mean to tell me that teachers and administrators at the school don't know that students have to wade through water to work out? Really? Things at the school are even worse than I thought, CC.

Posted by vincentparent (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

SCW- people know about the water, people know about our girls being unattended at the local park, people know at the BOE, people know at the county, they just tend to ignore us.

Posted by SCW (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm sure they do, vincentparent. I wanted to point out that it is absurd to think they didn't. Thanks for your honest input.

Posted by vincentparent (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I want to make one thing clear to all,

Vincent Middle/High School has many issues that need attending to right away. MANY.

Me complaining about wading through nasty water and the girls being left to change in the dug-outs without supervision is just the tip of the iceburg. I would love to see a list of problems and lets compare them to other shelby county schools.

Those of you against the quarry you are more than welcome to meet with our local principle and admin to see where you can be of help.

Posted by CC (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I personally know one family that recieved 9600.00 per acre for their property. Another family that recieved 12,400 per acre.
It is all public record look it up.
If my child had to wade through sewage or my daughter change in a dugout I would be at the BOE myself untill it was fixed.
I agree we get "overlooked" but how do we intend to pay for things once the quarry decides they have paid enough. Their tax dollars don't go to help the local schools. Property taxes do. Property tax income will go down signifigantly when the value of our homes goes down because we have a quarry in our back yard.
1.6 million doesn't compare to the loss in value we will see because of this quarry.

Posted by harwwhit (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

NO_QUARRY - In response to your earlier post:

"THESE PEOPLE THINK WE ARE UN-EDUCATED. THEY PROBABLY THINK WE ALSO BELIEVE IN THE EASTER BUNNY TOO. CALERA WAS PROMISED $7,000,000.00 BY THE LAST QUARRY TO OPEN THERE. THAT WAS TEN YEARS AGO AND THEY HAVEN'T SEEN A DIME OF IT YET. I HAVE MORE FAITH IN THE EASTER BUNNY THAN I HAVE IN THE VECELLIO GROUP".

Perhaps you should check this link to an earlier Reporter article about ChemLime not giving prmised money to Calera (http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/news...). The problem is not the company not wanting to give the money, it's a backlog in the ADEM causing the delay. In spite of this delay, the article quotes that at a then recent City Council meeting (July 2008), that ChemLime gave the city "a check for more than $137,000 to help get better lighting for the current practice fields and build concrete steps from the new high school to the practice fields."

So, I don't know from where you got you information, but as is usually the case when someone starts "bellyaching" about something, they just don't take the time to search out the TRUTH.

Unless anyone can produce legitimate proof that White Rock Quarries will not do what they have promised (by the way, check out their website for some great information about the company - www.wrquarries.com) or proof that any wrong has been done, don't start "slamming" a company or individuals simply because you may have a supposed personal beef with them.

Posted by vincentparent (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CC- you make it seem like its so easy to run to the board and puff they make it happen. Are you kidding me. We have been at the BOE, we have called and complained.

Wow i wished it was that easy. Why don't you picked up the phone or go to the BOE and get us what we need and then we can vote with you to NO Quarry.

you help us we help you.

Posted by CC (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Vincent parent
Please get me the number and I will be more then happy to join the fight. I assure you I am not against a better Vincent or better schools, just a quarry that I feel will do more harm then good.

Posted by vincentparent (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

682-7000 BOE
682-7300 Middle/High Principle

Posted by vincentconcernedcitizen (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I understand the opposition to the quarry, but all the false statements and slanderous remarks do nothing except cause a lot of hurt and bitterness. Instead of harrassing the Mayor and city officials, why don't you try to work with them? All the false remarks, anger and bitterness are tearing our town apart.

Posted by harwwhit (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It sure got quiet in here.

Posted by Shelbycitizen (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now CC. Did any of that property have a house on it? I had this discussion with someone else and until I pressed them, they forgot that there were houses on some of the property. You cannot simply but a per acre price on property with houses. Moreover, was it the property that gave the company access to something important (i.e., the rail line)? Again, you can't compare that to farm land in the middle of nothing. Also, property values going down? The two fastest growing municipalities in Shelby County, Calera and Alabaster, are towns with quarries in them. Their home values have gone up...now how do you explain that? Heck, Helena has a quarry and was recently named by CNN as on of the top 100 places to live in America. Commercially, well lets see. How much growth has Vincnet experienced? Oh none. How much has Calera and Alabaster? HUGE. Property value is also impacted by how good the schools are, infrastructure, roads (isnt there money coming for that as well), fire service, etc.

All I am asking is be fair with the facts...simply making comments without any facts is nothing more than scare tatics. That doesnt help us make up our minds.

Posted by anothervincentparent (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 2:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To everyone- yes, Vincent Schools need the money. Not only for the girls softball team and the weight room but what about the smell of dead bats and their waste that has been in the school for years? Remember a few years ago when there were bats flying in the Middle School halls and dead bats in the floor? What about the mold? Have any of you walked down the halls and smelled it? Its no wonder our students and teachers are sick all the time? This school built in the 1950's is definitely past its prime and needs to be replaced or completely made over. If the quarry is going to help then let them. I suggest any one that does not have children in the Vincent Schools please go there, take a look and smell, and talk with Mr. Minnick about what our school needs. I say let the Quarry help, everyone knows the BOE will not!

Posted by vincentparent (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OMG i didnt know about the bats grrrrrrr.

I just spoke with someone who works with me that lives 5 miles from the quarry in Calera and he said you will never know the place is there.

He also said they donated money to the new Calera school

I'm like all the other people now where are the facts.

Posted by jsj (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

2 things: 1) Chem Lime pledged $7million dollars to fund half the cost of a new Calera sports complex. The permits have not been approved and the money has not been paid. Chem-lime did not pay one dime for the Calera High School or Library. 2.) THis promise of money sounds great, just as it did in Calera. Notice that all of the funding is CONTINGENT on zoning and permit approvals. To put it quite simply, we will pay X amount of money if you will approve our requests. This is a practice known as contract zoning (look it up) which unfortunately happens to be illegal in this and most other states. You simply cannot pay for favorable zoning decisions no matter how good the deal sounds. I would encourage someone to request a member of the council solicit an opinion from the State AG. As I have stated before this is all Mr. Bradleys doing, he is pushing the envelope and I supect there are few that would challenge him; he is a very powerful man and White Rock and ChemLime certainly realized this.

Posted by thor (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 7:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Seems if Vincent School System has the deciding vote if the rock quarry is to be built in Vincent? Vincent Schools has always pushed for money for extra activities. etc, The fact of the matter is Vincent citizens has helped our schools in the past, yet this money issue never goes away. The reason for no help from the BOE, you have no representation. You should be concerned about that instead of talking down citizens who doesn't want a quarry. White Rock Quarry has done their homework on this proposed quarry. They have all their I's dotted, all their T's crossed. They would not have bought the land in Vincent had the permits not been successful, Corps of Engineers,etc. The issues about donations to Vincent is a one time bribe. When the White Rock Quarry starts taking the limestone from Vincent, your investment in supporting them will be minimized. Donot think you are getting something for nothing. Vincent will pay dearly for its actions. Once this White Rock Quarry is up and running and you have second thoughts, its to late. What Vincent Schools should do, is ask the Mayor and Council members to support their projects. If the Mayor does not have any connection to the quarry he would help the schools and the citizens, who are worried about this quarry destroying homes in Vincent. The Mayor is trying to ride one fence instead of listening to all the citizens of Vincent. The White Rock Quarry is riding one fence also, PR the schools, PR the Mayor. Citizens have no say so. Everything is in place. How dare you challenge us when we have the money to buy anything we want including Vincent.

Posted by economybooster (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 8:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

attend the public hearing on June 16th to hear from White Rock and ask your questions. VHS Gymnasium 6:30pm. Go Quarry!

Posted by Quarry_Millwright (anonymous) on July 13, 2009 at 11:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was raised in Vincent, and recently moved back to the area. As far as I can see there have not been many improvements in the town of Vincent in my 45 years. I have a child who attends Vincent High School - and it is my opinion that there has not been much improvment in the school aside from lipstick on a pig, so to speak. For those who are talking about Calera - I don't think you have been to that part of the county lately. Calera is growing by leaps and bounds. I agree with the poster that said "the children of Vincent is our future." As a quarry worker, I can tell you -that most of you do not have a clue the standards that quarries are held to with regards to dust and noise pollution. Yes, you may hear a few more train horns and see a few more trucks, but Southern Rail and Hwy 231 has been there as long as most Vincent residents can remember. I would love to see White Rock Quarry help make a change to improve our town and help its citizens.

Hey Mayor, do you have inside information on submitting a resume to WRQ? (HA HA)
-- White Rock Quarry --Rock ON!!!

Posted by noquarry (anonymous) on July 14, 2009 at 2:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Is White Rock offering a GIFT or a BRIBE?

A bribe is described as a form, of curruption which involves the promise of MONEY or a FAVOR to someone in a position of power, with the hope of influencing that person's behavior. A bribe may compromise the quality of a transaction.

There is a difference in bribing and tipping. Bribery, a form or corruption is an act implying money or gift given that alters the behavior of the recipient. The bribe is the gift bestowed to influence the recipients conduct. It may be any money, good, right in action, property, preferment, privilege, object of value, advantage or merely a promise or a undertaking to undue or influence the action, vote or influence of a person in an official or public capacity.

In business, employees of a business may offer money or gifts to a potential client in exchange for business. And, that is a bribe!

So to White Rock -- if you don't get zoning and licenses -- will the donations NOT be given to the city of Vincent? Will you then NOT want to further demonstrate White Rock Quarries good neighbor outreach program to establish a partnership with Vincent for many years to come. And, will White Rock NOT want to benefit and enhance the quallity of life for Vincent citizens if permission is denied? You will still own the property and you will still be in the community. The needs you have identified while you have been out and about in Vincent will continue to be be real. Or, is all of your generosity OFF -- if your demands are not meet?

Again -- is it a BRIBE or a GIFT?

As to all children in the county school system being treated the same based on Property Tax -- I am just asking -- is it not true that people in Vincent DO NOT pay the same amount in property tax as residents in other parts of the county. Your property values in Vincent are less than other areas (for instance property at Oak Mountain). Wouldn't that mean that Vincent parents and the Vincent population do pay less in property taxes? I do not know if this is true -- but it has been my understanding that Vincent pays in less and that may be the reason you get less in return from the Property Tax funds. This might be something to investigate, and you could have some peace knowing that your children are not being mistreated by the school system. But, rather that the tax base it not the same county wide.

Posted by noquarry (anonymous) on July 14, 2009 at 2:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CORRECTION

Last sentence of previous post has a typo -- should read

But, rather that the tax base IS not the same county wide.

Posted by vincentparent (anonymous) on July 14, 2009 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

noquarry to respond to your property tax. I would think the % is the same it's just our property is less expensive then say Chelsea or Oak Mountain.

But here is something for you to ponder, if the above is correct and we are lower income as everyone knows then why do we pay the same amount for lunches as say Oak Mountain.

And lets say we pay less in does that mean my child should wade through nasty water in work out in the weight room, looks like that would be a health hazzard.

and since we are paying less in because we are lower income then we need a company like this to help us out.

I'm with the other person does anyone know how to put in a resume

Posted by economybooster (anonymous) on July 14, 2009 at 7:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Noquarry---sounds like you are not from Vincent. To all the quarry haters put up or shut up! A ROCK QUARRY is coming to VINCENT!

Posted by noquarry (anonymous) on July 14, 2009 at 10:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If I am being completely honest -- I don't anything about school lunch prices. However, I would assume the food costs ($ paid by the county) are equal in all parts of the county. I don't know what property tax would have to do with setting the cost of a school lunch. It seems (to me) that all the "green beans" for the school lunch programs would come from the same provider -- thus, the same price for the same meal county wide.

Also, if I am being completely honest -- I don't know how the property taxes are accessed in the different locations in Shelby County. My comments were bases on what I believe -- NOT what I know.

I think it is criminal that your child and other children in Vincent are playing in "nasty water". It is not fair. All students should have priviledges that are equal. And, if the property tax funds are distributed based on what is collected from your location--you have the answers as to why things are not distributed equally.

Perhaps, you parents and others interested in the weight room problem -- should have fund raisers (BBQ's, car wash, auction, road blocks etc) working toward the improvements. You may have parents willing to do the work and local businesses willing to contribute supplies and money for the project. Organize and work together as a group to see what you can accomplish -- you may surprise yourselves! Good Luck!

But, PLEASE don't sell out to White Rock -- they are NOT offering Vincent a GIFT. Be proud and let your children be proud that the parents and friends of their school were successful without the pressures of bribery.

Posted by noquarry (anonymous) on July 14, 2009 at 11:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Correction to above post

First sentence should read

If I am being completely honest -- I don't KNOW anything about school lunch prices.

I can't seem to post without mistakes -- perhaps I should stop trying!

Sorry

Posted by vincentparent (anonymous) on July 15, 2009 at 7:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ok noquarry let me see if i've got this right,

because our property taxes are lower our kids should not have the same educational and athletics as say Chelsea or Oak Mountain?

Who's side are you on noquarry because you can not be for the kids of Vincent saying things like that.

Do you know our Science lab will only hold 6 chairs, we can not even get a whole classroom in there.

So what your saying is if i want my kids to have nice stuff i must move to HIGHER PROPERTY taxes to get it.

Thats exactly the way people with money think noquarry stuck up rich people. Forget the ones that work and live pay check to pay check. Their not of equal value because they dont make as much as you do. When the fact is most people that live in Higher priced areas are not rich people they are wanna be's living in debt.

The quarry is going to happen atleast we'll get something out of it.

You make it sound so easy lets run and do a car wash, lets run and do a bake sale. If we live pay check to pay check what makes you think these people can afford stuff like that.

You're not from Vincent and if you are then move.

Posted by noquarry (anonymous) on July 15, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

vincentparent

I am just saying -- ORGANIZE and work together to get some of your projects accomplished. I don't understand how living pay check to pay check would prevent the parents from hosting a car wash, a road block, an auction, etc. And, I think most of us live pay check to pay check -- I do.

What does the comment "Thats exactly the way people with money think noquarry stuck up rich people." imply? How does that relate to White Rock Quarries or the school situation? I am not understanding what you are trying to say.

I did said -- I think all students should have the same opportunities county wide. I only suggested how the differences might be explained -- not that I think it is a good thing. My point is MONEY IN -- MONEY OUT. I can only with draw from my bank account the amount ($) I have put in. Perhaps, it is the same principle with the taxes. How can you with draw more from the property tax funds than you contributed into it?

Posted by vincentfan (anonymous) on July 15, 2009 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is fantastic!!! Has anyone read it??

http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/news...

Correct me if I am wrong, but don't Alabaster, Helena, and Calera all have rock quarries???

Posted by thor (anonymous) on July 15, 2009 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My question is does anyone know who the moderator will be at the White Rock Quarry meeting at Vincent Elem School thursday July 16 2009? This should raise some questions, Will it be a quarry moderator or a moderator who is impartial toward the quarry. All mailed in questions have an advantage for a quarry moderator. These questions will have already been discussed and the quarry will have the correct answers. If its not a quarry moderator who recieved the mail about the quarry questions. Who recieved this mail? Only if the moderator asks is there anymore questions will you be heard.

Posted by thor (anonymous) on July 15, 2009 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vincentparent, You have put your foot in your mouth to many times. All you want to do is argue. You are the one who has no facts about this White Rock Quarry being located in Vincent Al. I do think this quarry is going to have legal problems. First of all State court, contact your legislative officials. Contact federal officials. We need to put a stop to quarries from taking advantage of Alabama. I would donate to a legal fund to put a stop to arrogant people like WHITE ROCK QUARRY

Posted by jsj (anonymous) on July 15, 2009 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Has anyone else wondered why they announced one amount of money would be "donated" and then less than a week later announced more? Not sure what that means, but it seems odd coming from the kinds of pros running this con.

Posted by vincentparent (anonymous) on July 16, 2009 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

thor no one wants to argue with you or anyone else on this board and if you think i've put my foot in my mouth then ok whatever.

like i've said many times, if they are willing to donate money to the school i'm all for them.

now was that foot out of my mouth enough for you thor.

good luck to you that dont want it and good luck to us that do.

Posted by economybooster (anonymous) on July 16, 2009 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thor-give it a rest. If you have a specific question just go to the podium at the designated time and ask your questions. You need some serious counseling. Most of us are looking forward to this opportunity to listen to this company and ask questions. Not try to figure out a moderator and make stupid theories!

Posted by thor (anonymous) on July 16, 2009 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Seems like Vincentparent and economybooster are related. Maybe sisters. Mcallistors girls? See you at the podium.

Posted by economybooster (anonymous) on July 17, 2009 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually a Vincent boy!

Posted by truthwillprevail (anonymous) on July 17, 2009 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To thor:

First of all, I'm not related to anyone in the McAllister family, so don't even try to suggest that. Here are some important points for you to know:

1) The name is McAllister and NOT McAllistor. If you don't even know how to correctly spell the name, then certainly your other "facts" are grossly innacurate as well.

2) I'd suggest leaving family out of this discussion. A person such as yourself ONLY goes after an individual's family if your argument is of no substance or merit. You're grasping at straws here, buddy.

3) Here's a bit of advice: How about ignoring the media and town gossip and finding out the REAL facts. Obviously, if you were talking about the REAL Ray McAllister, your opinion of him would be entirely different. The man you speak about is a fabrication and bears absolutely NO resemblance to the dedicated, honest, and hardworking Ray McAllister. Every town should be privileged enough to have such an outstanding, extraordinary mayor. Furthermore, you would be privileged to meet such a man. Maybe one day you'll discover the REAL truth and be ashamed of your outrageous and malicious allegations.

Posted by truthwillprevail (anonymous) on July 17, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Correction:
*inaccurate

Posted by SFODA564 (anonymous) on July 17, 2009 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

AMEN Truthwillprevail. I have had the honor of meeting the man a couple times many years ago and I must say , I could not think of a bad thing to say about the man or his family.
Great Mayor , but a better man.

Posted by Longhornman (anonymous) on July 17, 2009 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thor,

Regardless, if you want the Quarry or not you shouldnt bring up the daughters of the Mayor on this forum. That is going way over the top. You are making me want to vote for the forum just because of your attitude on here. Leave the family out of it.

Posted by quarryworker (anonymous) on July 17, 2009 at 4:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WELCOME WHITE ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by quarryworker (anonymous) on July 17, 2009 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

quarry-millwright......yes you are right, seems like some of these people do not know what kind of standards a quarry is held to by ADEM with dust and noise not to mention MSHA too.

Posted by EHM (anonymous) on July 17, 2009 at 7:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thor, It's obvious that you do not know anything about the McAllister family. I have known them for almost 20 years. They ALL are wonderful, ethical people. You really should learn the facts before speaking. Whether you agree with Mayor McAllister or not, he has Vincent's best interest at heart.

Posted by thor (anonymous) on July 17, 2009 at 8:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

20 years, I know that is not true.

Posted by Danceintherain (anonymous) on July 17, 2009 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thor, It sounds like you don't know Ray McAllister. If you knew him or his family you would not be throwing around the outrageous allegations. Also, before you go about throwing around all of these crazy ideas, you should probably learn to spell and/or form a grammatically correct sentence.

Posted by Longtimecitizen (anonymous) on July 18, 2009 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you Truthwillprevail and the others defending Mayor McAllister. Thor, who do you think you are to bring Mayor McAllisters' daughters into the situation. Do you even know them? I think that shows what kind of person you are. It's pretty low to slander a family when you obviously know nothing about them. Ray McAllister is more of a man that you will ever be. I haven't seen/heard him trashing anyone's family. I've only seen him trying to get a fair accessment of the entire situation. He only wants what is best for Vincent. The Town of Vincent and the schools need the help. The BOE seems to consider Vincent to be the lower end of county and doesn't get the help that some of the other schools in the county get. Have you talked to parents who have children at the middle/high school to see how many of them would switch schools if given the opportunity? I have teenagers and would definitely switch schools. The safety of our children should be first and foremost in our minds. They are the future of Vincent.

Posted by growthforvincent (anonymous) on July 18, 2009 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with truthwillprevail - Thor, you obviously do not know Ray McAllister or his family. He is a man of conviction and honor and would never stoop to some of the outrageous comments you have made. You need to stick to the issues at hand and leave personal attacks out of it. That certainly hurts whatever point you are trying to get across. Why would anyone take such verbal abuse and accusations for whatever small amount the mayor is paid? He only wants what it best for the town of Vincent.

To see the future of the town of Vincent without some intervention from business or industry, just drive "downtown." I would like to see the town grow and it certainly isn't going to happen if things don't change soon.

Posted by whats_up (anonymous) on July 19, 2009 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the most profound statement that stood out the most was something thor said, "Why should people in Vincent donate to Vincent Schools." Why? Because if you can't give money to the city in which you live, then why do you live there? Have you sat your grandchildren down and told them that you don't care about how awful the school they will go to (depending on their ages/grade their in) isn't important enough to make better and you won't be helping to ensure their future? I think not. But, that's exactly what you are doing by saying the statement above.

For everyone reading these posts and for those that are actually making comments to one another...leave poor OLD thor alone. He's obviously an elderly man and is set in his ways. That's the problem today with the older generation - they don't want change. They want things to remain the same way they were 20-30 years ago. But that's just not going to happen. In order for growth to happen anywhere, one must be willing to make the sacrifice (good or bad) and change. You don't necessarily have to like it, and for those that don't - they will surely get left behind.

Posted by Shelbycitizen (anonymous) on July 21, 2009 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How can anyone say they didn't get his/her question answered. At the end of the meeting, the moderator asked "Are there anymore questions" three times. At the very least, White Rock should be given credit for giving everyone the opportunity to ask questions regarding matters they are concerned about. After hearing all of the questions and answers, I am a supporter of the quarry effort. Go White Rock.