As the Nodine Saga Drags On, a Plea, Don't Shoot, I'm Just the Messenger

It's getting harder and harder these days to tell the difference between what passes for actual journalism and an opinion piece disguised as journalism. Case in point is an article appearing in the latest edition of The Lagniappe, a publication which describes itself as Mobile's alternative bi-weekly newspaper. In a piece written by the paper's managing editor Rob Holbert he's talking about the fallout over revelations that Mobile County Commissioner Steve Nodine has been abusing the public trust and possibly involved in his mistress' murder. Holbert writes, "Now Smith/Uncle Henry (a radio talk show host on the same station where I previously worked) are taking a lot of heat for the "close" relationship with Nodine, including from the guy who probably helped Nodine the most - former radio host Shane McBryde.

Since Mr. Holbert does not elaborate in his piece, one can only wonder in what way was Nodine helped? Was it that he, like Mr. Holbert, Mrs. Toland-Trice, the paper's co-managing editor, and countless others were guests on a radio talk show I hosted about 8 years ago on 710 AM? In all honesty I've heard that before, but Nodine certainly wasn't hurt any by the $10,850.00 he raised to mount his first successful campaign. Nodine's election in 2001 also had a lot to do with his tireless approach to campaigning. But, by May of 2002 "The Shane McBryde Show" was no more, Steve Nodine was only a year into his stint as councilman and he was just getting started.

In October 2003 Nodine filed papers for his first run at Mobile County Commission District 2. And, a few months later I signed on to help re-elect his opponent Freeman Jockish, at the time the incumbent in that race. While Commissioner Jockish was facing serious legal troubles Nodine was racking up contributions. As it turned out Commissioner Jockish went to jail. Nodine defeated Ralph Bufkin in a primary run-off and was appointed by Governor Bob Riley to fill the seat. By the time Nodine was sworn in after winning the general election in November 2004 he had racked up $181,203.00 in campaign contributions. That was the fuel that drove his rise to power.

Steve Nodine and I butted heads one other time over his support for Alabama governor Bob Riley's proposed $1.2 billion tax increase in 2003. Nodine, courting favor with Governor Riley, essentially acted as the governor's cheerleader in Mobile County for the tax increase, the largest in the state's history had it passed. I, on the other hand was hired by South Alabamians For Real Reform to host a series of programs aimed at defeating the tax. It was a matter of principle for me that the tax should be defeated. One day while minding my own business, I received a none too pleasant phone call from "the hammer." He wasn't happy with my very public opposition to the tax and made that perfectly clear to me during that call.

In his article Holbert goes on to say some other generally nasty things about me. There seems to be some serious guilt over at Lagniappe for their turning a blind eye to some of the antics involving Steve Nodine, which as Mrs. Toland-Trice describes in a separate article, happened for all to see in the bars of downtown Mobile. Well, by June of 2005 I had quit drinking and began the long process of recovery so, much of that I guess I missed. As for Mr. Holbert, I only hope he teaches journalism better than he practices it. You cannot assuage your guilt over Nodine by trashing me for no good reason. I've made more than my share of poor choices and in many ways I'm still paying for it today. But I don't have access to tax payer money, I'm not out stalking ex-mistress' in a county issued vehicle and I'm not in downtown Mobile partying like it's 1999. But, perhaps most importantly, I don't even own a gun.

Steve Nodine Campaign Reports
Records Search
Mobile County Probate Court

Rob Holbert
Blowing Our Own Horn
Lagniappe

Ashley Toland-Trice
Was The Press Complicit?
Lagniappe