Submitted by
Name: boat update
Name: boat update
Comments:
To my knowledge there has been no pay off to the mayor. However the new MM board is struggling to figure out how to keep a promise to run the boat. Hydroplane News has had a few stories with inconsistent info, as has the local paper. Yes its true, in one article MM says we "will race in the East at Guntersville and Madison" and few sentences down says, "We hope to race in Madison." Now they are looking at the ancient Budweiser hull, no word on a crew but Guntersville supposedly says they will help with getting boat in and out of water. No one is saying if the boat will actually run or whether it will be a total embarrassment to the community if it cant even finish a heat. Yes there are those who want to see a boat run- but so far no one is saying, "Its okay if its a looser- we just want to see something float." The big issue is money. Whatever has happened in the past is just that- the past and it doesn't help the MM board raise the money to have a COMPETITIVE boat now. Its got to be tough on the board to come up with ideas that don't use tax dollars for a good ole boy-has been sport that's on its last days and be forced to use ancient equipment that hasn't been in the water in decades.
It would be great for the community to have a boat it can be proud of- even if it races in a dying sport. But so far the idea for raising dollars is "memberships" and its a long way away from a MINIMUM of 250k to 500K for a couple races with top notch engine, hull, driver and team each year. Yes the old board left a big chunk of money but also some debt. So balancing what gets paid, how much to sink in a one time season and if the money should go elsewhere are tough topics. This is a one time shot unless big sponsors can be found. Once existing money is gone that's it. Those who say they want a boat to race are going to have to "put up or shut up" because the mayor, Bipes men and Andrew can't fund it on their own. I'm pretty sure neither the Community nor Legacy Foundations want to go in the boat racing business but honestly I haven't asked. Maybe VMI has some tax or public dollars laying around but it wont be nearly enough for Madison to make a GOOD showing year after year and the public would come unglued considering certain local, state and federal economic conditions and impending local tax increases. Its a tough spot for the new board. One more season may seem possible- but it also seems really hard to do and do well. Sometimes going out on top with grace is the best thing. Hope that answers the boat questions. tjh
To my knowledge there has been no pay off to the mayor. However the new MM board is struggling to figure out how to keep a promise to run the boat. Hydroplane News has had a few stories with inconsistent info, as has the local paper. Yes its true, in one article MM says we "will race in the East at Guntersville and Madison" and few sentences down says, "We hope to race in Madison." Now they are looking at the ancient Budweiser hull, no word on a crew but Guntersville supposedly says they will help with getting boat in and out of water. No one is saying if the boat will actually run or whether it will be a total embarrassment to the community if it cant even finish a heat. Yes there are those who want to see a boat run- but so far no one is saying, "Its okay if its a looser- we just want to see something float." The big issue is money. Whatever has happened in the past is just that- the past and it doesn't help the MM board raise the money to have a COMPETITIVE boat now. Its got to be tough on the board to come up with ideas that don't use tax dollars for a good ole boy-has been sport that's on its last days and be forced to use ancient equipment that hasn't been in the water in decades.
It would be great for the community to have a boat it can be proud of- even if it races in a dying sport. But so far the idea for raising dollars is "memberships" and its a long way away from a MINIMUM of 250k to 500K for a couple races with top notch engine, hull, driver and team each year. Yes the old board left a big chunk of money but also some debt. So balancing what gets paid, how much to sink in a one time season and if the money should go elsewhere are tough topics. This is a one time shot unless big sponsors can be found. Once existing money is gone that's it. Those who say they want a boat to race are going to have to "put up or shut up" because the mayor, Bipes men and Andrew can't fund it on their own. I'm pretty sure neither the Community nor Legacy Foundations want to go in the boat racing business but honestly I haven't asked. Maybe VMI has some tax or public dollars laying around but it wont be nearly enough for Madison to make a GOOD showing year after year and the public would come unglued considering certain local, state and federal economic conditions and impending local tax increases. Its a tough spot for the new board. One more season may seem possible- but it also seems really hard to do and do well. Sometimes going out on top with grace is the best thing. Hope that answers the boat questions. tjh
Added: March 20, 2025 04:02:19 PM
Name: W3
I really do enjoy reading this website and usually you guys do ALOT of work to find answers to our questions. But many of us really want to know what the heck is happening with Armstrong. Most of us are too intimidated to search out questions and we rely almost solely to your work and efforts. I for one, am pissed that he he gets so much privilege, when others are displayed with every detail with the courts documentation. Simply ridiculous… if he’s innocent- then unfortunately he would have to redeem himself. Just like anyone else would have to do. This one makes me sick for many reasons and it disgusts me that nothings being reported, by the court system.