Since you have expressed your improvement idea( which I have shown to a few Engineer friends, ( they say it won't work, but that is not the issue for this letter). What about a new bridge named after your Grandmother (I admit I didn't know her personally, but I have heard numerous people who have praised her and since she was a long-time Mentone resident it would definitely be a very appropriate way to honor her memory. This Idea may have already been suggested, if it has, I'm sorry to bother you. I feel that this bridge is a neccessity for this town, not only for progress but for public safety , because ,as you know, vehicles are much larger now as when the bridge was built. I will state publicly that this present bridge is a part of the reason that my children do not ride the school bus, there are other reasons, but it was a factorin our decision. I feel that I am as macho as any other guy out there, but my stomach goes into my chest any time I meet a large truck on the bridge. I don't know what you have been told, but this bridge was never meant to hurt your family in any way, it was meant as a way to improve public safety, especially in a town that is growing such as Mentone. Traffic becomes a major issue during festivals and oh yes during the longest yard sale. The Jake Brake issue is one that I agree with you on, but I'm not sure if it can be completely eliminated.

Mr. Citizen

Response:

Mr. Powell,
Thank you for the kind words and thoughts for my grandmother. She was a very special person and the idea of dedicating a bridge to her has come up a few times. I appreciate your advocacy for such a memorial.
As for the current bridge, there has never been a concrete improvement idea that I know of. We have done preliminary research into using Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) as a deck replacement and a reinforcement option for the substructure. Although the engineering firm who uses this
technology is confident it can widen the bridge, there are still unknown variables. While FRP has been used in a number of bridge and rehabilitation projects, in 27 states, including Alabama, it is a fairly
new construction material and there are a number of concerns that would have to be addressed before acceptance of its application for this project. If we can provide the company the necessary geometric conditions and load capacity the bridge would need to be widened to, they can have a
plan together in short amount of time to see if FRP can work.
However, if FRP is not the answer, the bridge might still be widened using traditional concrete and steel. From what I understand, it's a pretty straightforward process. Scaffolding is first built on each side of the bridge, extra support is added to the superstructure and then an additional concrete deck is added on each side of the guardrails, one lane at a time. The existing guardrails are then knocked out and the bridge is as wide as needed without ever being shutdown during construction.
The bridge has a sufficiency rating of 43.8 and the Federal Highway Administration regulations say that a bridge with sufficiency rating between a 40-50 is a "maybe" for rehabilitation, but the “maybe” is based on what is wrong with it. The worst criteria for the Mentone bridge are the guardrails, very below acceptable. But the most important condition, scour (the condition in which the bridge sits in the earth) is listed as stable. Again, not all the data has been provided concerning the current geometric configuration of the bridge and what specifications a rehabilitation would have to meet. But based on what our engineers have seen, no showstoppers have been identified that would make a
rehabilitation unsafe.
The possibilities for rehabilitation that I discussed can be figured out in a very short amount of time (a few months, maybe weeks) once all the data is available. With the preliminary information we have available, it is estimated the costs for a rehabilitation will be between $500k-$750. A
new bridge, which includes taking 120' on each side of the river, the relocation of Mentone's main water and power lines plus the administrative overhead and the bridge itself is somewhere between 2-3 million depending on the river front land value.
As for this project hurting my family, this project has been an awful experience for us and we hope it can be concluded one way or the other in the very near future. We hate hearing the screeching breaks and being falsely blamed for being against safety. If I thought for one minute a new 55mph bridge was the safest thing for Mentone, I would not be advocating exploring rehabilitation. It is the combination of the bridge and the curve that is dangerous. I also strongly feel that the current speed limit is too fast for Mentone. If the curve can straightened, the bridge widened and the speed limit lowered, it is the best long-term plan for Mentone. However, if a widening cannot be done, it cannot be done. We are
not going to try and argue physics with the experts.
From the beginning of this project there have been several irregularities in the process that could be construed as favoritism for one group. There have been a number of public records and correspondence found, after some painstaking and time consuming searches, which, viewed by other
authorities might be construed as a bias against my family. If everyone had been working together four years ago, I believe this bridge would have already been done. But we can't change the past so I hope we can come together and figure out if this bridge can be widened and, if not, put together a plan to have a new bridge completed as quickly as possible with the minimal impact upon our town and family home. Given the size of this project and how long similar projects have taken, it shouldn't take very
long to complete this one way or the other. And, yes, if there has to be a new bridge, I would very much like to see it titled named the Katheryn Slate McDorman Memorial.
Thank you for writing in and I am open to any ideas to help speed this along,

Slate McDorman

Ps. As for the Jake Brakes, similar towns around Alabama have “No Engine
Brake” warning signs as you enter their town. This alone might reduce the
number of trucks using their engine brakes in Mentone.

Letters and Comments prior to Election (August 26th)

Mr.McDorman
ihave had the pleasure of talking with u a couple of times and find what u say to be very interesting. I have also been to ur web site McDorman.com and read the letters that u have been sent and ur answers regaurding the i hate women and men web sites that u have said were humor-based sites u say that they are down because of a attack on them well heres the thing before the sites went down people who had access to it ran copies off and are showing them to the people of mentone i have not seen them but have been around when they are being talked about and from what i hear they only ran off the things that make it look like u hate men and women so to me it would be in ur best if had these sites back up asap so that the people of menton could go on
them and look for themselves and see the humor that u say the sites are all about because i think that u might be just what mentone needs and it would be ashame to let that all be destored by some little humor-based webs sites u set up in the 90's thank u for ur time a young voter in
mentone

Young Voter in Mentone
August 22, 2008

Response:

Dear Young Voter in Mentone:
Thank you for your encouragement and words of support. Below are a few of the humor and support pages I have fixed on the sites. Please let me know if I can answer any more questions or be of any more help.

Thank you for your support,
Slate McDorman

Domestic Violence Support

Dealing with Depression

Dating Violence

Cartoons

Fathers Rights and Male Domestic Violence Help

Jokes

I AND MANY OTHER CITIZENS OF MENTONE DO NOT NEED OR WANT YOU OR YOUR KIND
(PAUL TODD, WANDA AND LYLE NICELY AND THE OTHER QUEERS WHO HAVE POLLUTED
OUR BEAUTIFUL TOWN AND ARE DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN TO SEE TO IT THAT YOU
ARE NOT ELECTED.

(Unsigned Letter)
August 22nd, 2008

Dear Mr. Citizen,
First, thank you for writing and sharing your thoughts and comments. From my records, it does not appear you live inside the Mentone Town limits. However, the town of Mentone is the heart of our area so I appreciate hearing from everyone, Mentone Residents and Non-Mentone Residents alike.
Second, I am not, nor do I believe the people listed in your letter are homosexuals. However, I am unfamiliar with anyone in our area named “Wanda”. Could you please elaborate more on who this person is?

Sincerely,

Slate McDorman

Mr. McDorman:

I have several questions for you:

1. Why should we even consider electing you as Mayor of Mentone, when you have issues writing grammatically correct on your website, you are regarded by several respected members of the community as someone who is looking out for ONLY their own interest and not the interest of the town in general, and a trouble maker?

2. Are you currently an active member in good standing with the Desoto Rescue Squad?
Also, I have heard that you attempted to destroy the Desoto Rescue Squad a couple of years ago, after the membership voted to remove you from office.

3. On your FAQ page you were asked specifically if you hated women based on your I Hate Women website; however, you never answered the question, you only spoke in generalities of what the purpose of the website was.Can you please answer that question.

4. Why should we elect someone to the Office of Mayor, who by all appearances is more interested in protecting his family's land, rather than the lives of the citizens and tourists that visit Mentone?

5. On your website you state that you do not want to see Mentone turn into another Rainsville or Gatlinburg, what exactly is the problem with those two towns? It appears that you are stating that you do not want to see Mentone become prosperous.

6. Do you plan on financially supporting both the North Lookout Mountain Volunteer Fire Department and the Desoto Rescue Squad if you are elected Mayor with town funds, as these organizations provide an invaluable service to our citizens and the community, and are grossly underfunded.

7. On your page, you state you are employed by your father, how exactly do you plan to live in Mentone, be available 24/7 for the citizens, and work out of a law office based in Birmingham? Also, you state there will only be a six week overlap between you starting as Mayor and graduating Law school; however, it is my understanding that once you graduate from Law School, you must also pass the Bar exam, which will require intensive studying. How can you provide the Town of Mentone the 24/7 availability, which is one of your campaign promises?

I look forward to hearing your responses.

A Concerned Mentone Resident
August 19th, 2008

Response:

Dear Concerned Mentone Resident,

Thank you for your letter. Here are my thoughts:

>>>1. Why should we even consider electing you as Mayor of Mentone, when you have
issues writing grammatically correct on your website, you are regarded by several
respected members of the community as someone who is looking out for ONLY their own
interest and not the interest of the town in general, and a trouble maker?<<<

First, you have not indicated what grammatical mistakes to which you refer*. However, I welcome any critical analysis. Grammar has not always been my strong suite. So, feel free to contact me about any “Slatisms” that you may find.

I welcome the chance to discuss policy for Mentone, but I will not attempt to answer undefined personal attacks on my character. I am comfortable with my motives and feel that I have campaigned hard over the years to bring vital issues to the attention of the community. If there are any specific issues you would like for me to address, please send them.

It is my goal in life to stand up and act as an advocate for those who have been wronged. I insist upon the highest ethical standards for those in public life. I am devoted to improving life in Mentone and will resist all those who, through greed or ignorance, would damage it or exploit our community.
“As we must account for every idle word, so must we account for every idle silence.“
Benjamin Franklin

>>>2. Are you currently an active member in good standing with the Desoto Rescue Squad?
Also, I have heard that you attempted to destroy the Desoto Rescue Squad a couple of
years ago, after the membership voted to remove you from office.<<

I have forwarded your questions to my Rescue Squad Captain and attached her response. I trust this sufficiently answers your question.

>>>3.On your FAQ page you were asked specifically if you hated women based on your I Hate Women website; however, you never answered the question, you only spoke in
generalities of what the purpose of the website was. Can you please answer that
question.<<<

For the official record, I do NOT hate women. While I find the idea silly, I am willing to obtain letters of reference from the various women in my 32 years of life as an indication of my relations. May we please focus upon the issues of making Mentone a better community?

>>>4. Why should we elect someone to the Office of Mayor, who by all appearances is
more interested in protecting his family's land, rather than the lives of the
citizens and tourists that visit Mentone?<<<

You are writing me an anonymous email making unsubstantiated claims of my intentions and character. May I ask for examples of what “appearances” you are referring to? If you are referring to the Mentone Bridge, then, yes. My family will be losing a substantial amount of land in any plan that requires a rehabilitation or replacement. My objective as mayor, however, is to make sure this project happens as quickly as possible, with the minimal amount of disturbance to the surrounding land and the purity of Little River, and with the greatest attention to the overall safety of Mentone. I welcome my opponent to debate this issue.

>>>5. On your website you state that you do not want to see Mentone turn into another
Rainsville or Gatlinburg, what exactly is the problem with those two towns? It
appears that you are stating that you do not want to see Mentone become prosperous.<<<

Mentone has been my second home since birth and my primary home for the past seven years. I wish I could have a snapshot of what Mentone was like when I was a boy and save that as the model town forever. While development and progress is important, I believe that it can be done in a way that Mentone does not lose the small town charm that I cherish. Numerous communities in Alabama (such as Eufaula), Main, and Oregon have regulations that protect town traditions and their peaceful atmosphere while allowing for growth. While I have always enjoyed my visits to Gatlinburg, and Rainsville is a lovely community, neither seems to me to be the model for both growth and charm that we cherish here. I fear that Mentone is developing a big town look. For instance, we now have the first neon 24-7 sign at the bank’s ATM. The way the town is currently zoned, any fast food restaurant or strip mall can open up shop (instead of family and individually owned businesses). I am concerned that this trend will expand under the current administration. Plans for preservation can be put into place, so that the prosperity of Mentone grows, while the area maintains the heart of a small town.

>>6. Do you plan on financially supporting both the North Lookout Mountain Volunteer
Fire Department and the Desoto Rescue Squad if you are elected Mayor with town
funds, as these organizations provide an invaluable service to our citizens and the
community, and are grossly underfunded.<<

Absolutely! The North Lookout Fire Department and Desoto Rescue Squad, as well as our Police, are critical to the safety of our community. As Mayor, I will help these organizations in any way possible. As you mentioned, they provide an invaluable service to our area and are seriously under-funded.
First, I would like to explore the possibility of the town helping our First Responders with their National Incident Management System Certifications and training as to be compliant with federal regulations (this would allow for applications for more grants and more monetary assistance from our government). Second, I would like to have some basic training for coordination between the organizations in the event of an ice storm or other natural disasters. Another project I would like to implement is a listing of homes to check, and people to locate in case of a major natural disaster, like an earthquake.
From the 2006 audit I have reviewed (the last available audit for the town), I do not see where the town can make any large financial contributions without suffering a deficit. However, I am agreeable to review the town’s finances with anyone and look for areas where the town can contribute to our Rescue Squad, Fire Department, and Police. The greatest resource our community has is its own people. If we work together and are willing to share the limited resources available, we can increase the overall standards and efficiency for all the safety in our community.

>>>7. On your page, you state you are employed by your father, how exactly do you plan
to live in Mentone, be available 24/7 for the citizens, and work out of a law office
based in Birmingham? Also, you state there will only be a six week overlap between
you starting as Mayor and graduating Law school; however, it is my understanding
that once you graduate from Law School, you must also pass the Bar exam, which will
require intensive studying. How can you provide the Town of Mentone the 24/7
availability, which is one of your campaign promises?<<

With modern technology, cell phones and computers, I am already doing the majority of my work for my father while I live in Mentone. I will be taking the Bar exam next summer and have signed up for Micromash, an Internet based Bar review course. I will be conducting my review and studies while living in Mentone. I cannot think of a more peaceful place to prepare for my exam.
Furthermore, given the nature of our community and surrounding area, it is difficult for anyone to be on the mountain full time. Camp Laney’s web site states, “Rob, his wife San, and their two sons, Jordan and Bo, live in Rome, Georgia during the off season.” While I do not know if this is still the case for Mayor Hammond, I guarantee I will live in Mentone as a fulltime resident in all seasons, and I will involve myself in every possible facet of our community.

I welcome your thoughts on my positions and would enjoy a face to face discussion with you on these and any other issues.

Sincerely,
Slate McDorman

dear slate,

i am a citizen and permant resident of mentone, and i have 2 small children that ride the bus across the bridge that is the" talk of the town". i would like to know about the progress of the bridge and what you propose to do about expediting it if elected.

sincerely,

angela flannigan
August 20th 2008

Response:

Dear Mrs. Flannigan,

Thank you for writing regarding the Mentone Bridge problem. My family has watched the horrors of this bridge and the accidents, and many near accidents, for 4 generations. Unfortunately, I have been unable to receive an answer from ALDOT on the exact status of the bridge. ALDOT's legal bureau is my source for the information I have available. I have also spoken with the Alabama Historical Commission and, as of three weeks ago, they have received no new information from ALDOT regarding the bridge. As Mayor, I promise to make solving this dangerous location one of my highest priorities.

Last year, representatives from the engineering firm, Infrastructure Composites Technology (ICT), visited Mentone and have done an evaluation of the Mentone Bridge. The maintenance records and the National Bridge Inventory show that the only piece of the bridge that is structurally deficient is the guardrails. ICT believes the bridge can be widened to the necessary safety standards, while having a pedestrian crosswalk added in approximately three months from the beginning of construction. However, Infrastructure Composites review is preliminary. If the bridge cannot be widened, then a full replacement is the only alternative.

As Mayor, I will write Senator Barron, Governor Riley and the necessary officials in ALDOT, and I will visit Montgomery to maintain a complete update for the completion of this project. My plan is to try and lay out a definite timeline for when construction can begin. I would like to see the Mentone Bridge solution as one step in an overall master plan to make the whole community safer for Mentone. There are many dangerous traffic locations in Mentone, fixing the bridge should be one step toward safety in an overall solution for the entire town.

Sincerely,

Slate McDorman

Dear Mr. McDorman,

I can now see that you are a man of many words and I am glad that you have 'attempted' to clear up some misunderstandings created by your entry on that particular web site. Believe me, I can surely relate to the need to lash out in a time of hurt and betrayal. The words that were entered by you seemed (to me) to be so vulgar and full of hate that it was far beyond betrayal and heartbreak. I guess we all deal with our personal situations in different ways. I am also very surprised to hear that the very women you had written about would even consider being your friend, as there are no words of apology that could help me to forgive you had you said that about me. With all of that being said I would like to address some of the other topics you mentioned in your letter. First of all I completely agree with you on the need for safety and preservation of our beautiful area. I think my idea of preservation is completely different from most. I believe that tourism has ruined our mountain. I can say this because I do not make my living from tourism and do not plan to in the future. I do not like the fact that our town has turned into a mini Gatlinburg. I can still remember the day when I could ride my bike all over the mountain and my parents did not have to worry. Our traffic increase is ridiculous! This brings me to my next subject, "the bridge" . I was glad that YOU mentioned this. I am not directly involved with the bridge project at this time, but as a resident and mother of a teenage driver I am very concerned about the safety. You have to agree that it is past time to renovate the bridge at Skyline and (according to your letter) you and your family are ready and willing to cooperate in any way to see this project finished in a timely manner with very little disturbance to the surrounding area. I am so glad to hear this. As you had written, I HAD  heard  through the 'grapevine' that the McDorman's opposed the bridge. Now you claim that you have hired engineers to evaluate the bridge. GREAT! When can they start? I had surely hoped the project could have been finished before another winter season. I'm just not sure how many more winters the bridge can take. I look forward to hearing from you again and hope that we can push this bridge project forward. I am willing to assist in any way that I can for the safety of my son, family, friends and yes even the tourists that I wish would go away. I do not want to see anyone else hurt (or worse) because of this dilapidated bridge.

Thanks again for your time.                                               

Sincerely,

Concerned Citizen

Response:

Dear Concerned Citizen #1,

It is great to speak with you again. Without delving too deeply into the subject, would you mind if I asked if you remember the specific pages you read that you found so particularly offensive? The reason for my asking is that some derogatory comments from the site were brought to my attention yesterday. I did a search of the backup files and could find no reference to the words they claimed I printed. 

This made me wonder if what they were reading were from the sites public forums. The forums are open discussion boards where people visit and post messages back and forth to one another. These forums are monitored by volunteers and the language can become quite disturbing at times. However, I rarely participate in the forums but require that no threats or personal contact information be posted about anyone. The main rule for the sites has been that nothing online can reach anyone offline. If you could help me find out if the forums are where some of the negative comments people are saying I have made, I may be, hopefully, able clear up a great misunderstanding about my role in the sites. The goal for these sites has always been that they be a place of solace for those in pain and confusion. Sometimes people express themselves in very negative ways while going through the healing process.

As to the issues affecting our town, my stock and trade is law, specifically the area of Legal Malpractice, the suing of lawyers for their negligent representation of their clients. Just as a do ctor can be held liable for performing a bad operation, a lawyer is liable for a bad contract, will or not filing paperwork on time. I will be finishing law school in December and plan to be the first attorney to open a practice in Mentone. But due to the specialization of this area of law, there are only 4 other attorney's in the state that handle this type of work, most of my business will be referred from out of county. The number of visitors to Mentone will have no affect on my type of business.

However, and your thoughts are very important to me here, I am unsure what would be a better industry for our area than tourism. I think large-scale farming or excessive manufacturing would have a much more detrimental effect to our environment and overall way of life. As of right now, I do not feel Mentone has reached the level of a “Gatlinburg” but we do now have our first 24/7 neon sign at the new Citizens Bank. Now that most of highway 117 has been deemed residential/commercial, from the Mentone Market to Little River Hardware, any type of commercial operation or even strip malls can be developed along 117. I feel a more immediate threat to Mentone than a Gatlinburg is a mini Rainsville.  I can see a future&n bsp;where we have bunches of mini citizens banks lining the left and right side of highway 117.

When I was boy I would also ride my bike all over Mentone and wish I could have a snapshot of that time to immortalize Mentone in that time forever. Since that cannot happen, I believe the next best step is for friendly zoning regulations modeled similarly to how Oregon and Main have setup up their communities. Katherine and I visited Main two years ago and they have done a magnificent job of keeping the small town mountain charm alive while keeping ultra modern development from ruining the pristine nature of the area. No Wal-Mart's, no McDonald's, no 24/7 gas stations were along the scenic drives we drove. I feel a similar model would be a wonderful plan for Mentone but I hope something can be implemented before it's too late. For instance, now that Mentone has a 24/7 neon sign, I'm not sure it's possible to stop any business from having such signs around the clock. But if we work together, maybe we can stop more modern type structures from encroaching into our community.

As for the Mentone Bridge, I have copied below a letter I sent July 3 rd to Mr. Prescott of ALDOT's legal department. This letter provides an excellent overview of where we are in the process and what we are trying to accomplish. My family and I want this project over with as fast as possible and we are willing to contribute financially if that will help speed things along. I spoke with ALDOT today and I was informed they still have no new news about the status of the project. I plan to keep pushing them until something is done. I am on the Desoto Rescue Squad and have worked 3 out of the last 4 accidents which have required medical attention. This is an extremely dangerous bridge and location that requires an immediate solution. While solving the bridge, I would like to see long-term safety measures throughout all of 117 to help make all of Mentone safe.                

 On a final note, my Mother has asked if you would mind if she wrote you a letter as well. She says you seem like a very nice person and would like to have lunch with you one day.

Thank You again and I look forward to hearing from you soon,

Slate McDorman

Click Here to Read my July 3rd letter to ALDOT

Mr McDorman,

I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know how amazed I was to find your blog and memorial to your grandmother. This was especially shocking since I had also found your blog a few days ago, "I HATE WOMEN".. I never met your grandmother, but I do have to wonder how she would feel IF she were alive to read your blog. Would she be proud of your harsh words that are a disgrace to her gender or would it literally break her heart to read the words that have corrupted your soul (you do have one don't you?)?  I'm not sure what type person would think such words much less put them into print for the whole world to see. I am sure you must have your reasons but you do realize that without a woman you would never have been born. I guess my words are just words to you Mr McDorman, but your words have been read by many of the very women around you. For your sake I sincerely hope that you never need any of us whether it be for personal or POLITICAL reasons. Remember, women do have the right to vote nowdays. I will be out there everyday encouraging my fellow women voters to exercise their right as I am sure you will too. Good luck Mr. McDorman, I'll see you at the polls!

Concerned Citizen

Mentone resident for 41 years

Fri, August 15, 2008

Response:

Dear Concerned Citizen #1,

Again, thank you for taking the time to share your concerns and views. My grandmother and I spent countless hours of joy reading and responding to the advice columns on the sites (I Hate Women and I Hate men). She always thought they were “silly” and that my time would be better spent than on the “love lorn,” but she always seemed to grasp the humor and balance. My mother, my aunt, my fiancé, and countless others have also worked and written for these sites.

I am not sure what you read on I Hate Women that you found so offensive, but, in case you are not aware, I Hate Women was developed along side its sister site, I Hate Men. The objective of both sites was to create a place where men and women who are heartbroken can find information, jokes and solace in their time of pain. The sites were created to balance out one another while focusing on the unique aspects of each sex. I Hate Women has a Fathers Rights section, guidelines to help spousal abuse, information to help men who are under going traumatic experiences with women. I Hate Men provides information for domestic violence support groups, dating stories, poems and other help.

Friends of both sexes, as well as family members, created both sites, and at no time did the creators of I Hate Men and I Hate Women intend to express actual hatred of the other sex. In fact, these sites originated from late night work breaks when I ran my .dot com company, The MATRIX. These sites were intended to be balanced, but even with this balance being the goal, I Hate Women has always drawn more criticism for being more sexist than I Hate Men.

It has been brought to my attention that someone has printed and has been distributing a page from I Hate Women on girls I have dated. If this is the page, or one of the pages, you have found to be offensive, I am ashamed of this page. Seven years ago when I was very lonely and was experiencing one bad relationship after another, I placed this page up late one night to vent. It should have been removed many years ago. Every girl on there is now a dear friend of mine, and I never meant for their pictures to become the talk of Mentone.

As for my political aspirations, I threw my name in the hat for Mayor so people would have a choice in this election. I hope these issues are discussed and better government is demanded from whoever our leaders are. The two most important issues for me are safety and the preservation of our area. I am deeply concerned about the speed limit in Mentone, and have a web site setup at: http://lmha.ws/index_speed_limit.htm , with over a 1100, signatures requesting the speed limit be lowered.

I am also deeply concerned about the status of the Mentone Bridge and why it is taking the highway department so long to finish this project. I have heard numerous rumors that people feel my family and myself are stopping the project. However, we have done nothing to hinder this project. I ask that anything we have done to delay this project be presented to us. At no time has the state ever asked for our land and made a final proposal to us for a bridge replacement.

We have hired engineers who have evaluated the bridge and have drawn up preliminary plans showing how the bridge can be widened in three months with a minimal amount of disturbance to the surrounding area. Some people have said that all we care about is about saving our property. However, even with a widening, my family will still lose the use of our river driveway and a large section of our tree buffer from the road. If my family was concerned only with property, we would be asking the upstream design be chosen, placing the bridge through skyline. However, I do not believe a 55mph bridge upstream is any safer than a 55mph bridge downstream. I believe a 35mph bridge with a pedestrian walkway is the answer.

I am concerned that actions of our current town leadership may have delayed the project indefinitely. Numerous, letters, faxes and emails have been uncovered showing what could be called a secret agenda to deed the bridge to Camp Skyline without any public involvement. Historically, such actions delay the Federal Highway Administration from being allowed to distribute money for road projects. I-40 in Memphis was a 22 Billion dollar project that ground to a halt in the 1970's after it was discovered the local and state authorities abused their discretion when deciding the plans. To this date that project has not been completed. I would like to see town leadership who can correct the problems so we may draw this project to a conclusion.

Furthermore, I am very concerned about the town of Mentone giving away ally's and public roads for no compensation. Such as the ally closed across from Brow park. The town could have charged fair market value for this land. Instead, the town gave it to a home developer free of charge. Mentone has little public property and I see no reason to hand away what little we do have when we could be compensated.

It is also concerns me that the town has not conducted an audit or had a budget since 2006. It further alarms me that the town hired a police officer four years ago that was arrested for domestic violence the previous year. Shortly after starting his duties, this officer was arrested by the FBI for federal extortion of our local citizens. Hiring a known thug is completely unacceptable.

Ms. Kirby, thank you again for writing me with your concerns. I am sorry for any offense my web site has caused you but please try to see the balance between the two sites and the help that they have given.

Thank you again,

Slate McDorman

Sun, August 17th, 2008

Please email me with any questions, thoughts or ideas about Mentone!