Uncategorized

James “Jay” Roberson Jr.

Cheryl Slocum, BirminghamWatch,
    Share this story:

Birmingham City Council, District 7

Jay Roberson

Name: James “Jay” Roberson Jr.

Age: 44

Residence: Oxmoor Valley

Political experience: Running for re-election to Birmingham City Council; president pro-tempore and member of the Birmingham City Council, 2013-2017; appointed to the Birmingham City Council, 2009-2013; registered lobbyist, 2013-2014; member of Alabama League of Municipalities; member of Economic Development Committee; member of National League of Municipalities; member of Birmingham/Jefferson Civic Complex board of directors.

Professional experience: President at Top Ten Management, LLC, 2003-2017; director of governmental affairs at Birmingham Realtors Association, 2013-2014; associate athletics director at Samford University, 2005-2013; associate commissioner at Southwestern Athletic Conference, 2002-2005; event director at Bruno Event Team/Alabama Sports Foundation,1999-2002; vice president at Ramsay Sports Company, 1998-1999; teacher/coach at Homewood High School, 1996-1998.

Civic experience: Board member for Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau; board member at A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club; member of National Association of Collegiate Directors’ of Athletics; member of Downtown Birmingham Kiwanis Club; member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.; board member at American Cancer Society.

Education: Alabama A&M University, bachelor’s in communications, 1996; Middle Tennessee State University, studied business administration, 1991- 1992; Graduated Homewood High School, 1991.

Top contributors: Friends of Jay Walker, $1,000; Volkert Inc., $500; PVA Holding Co, $500; A.C. Wharton Group LLC, $500; George Barber, $500.

Main issues: Roberson’s focus is on economic development. He said he would continue to build on the $150 million of development and job creation that occurred during his eight-year tenure as council member. He plans to recruit more grocery stores and other businesses to District 7. Efforts for the district will also include investment in youth, education, athletics and vocational programs to provide exposure and opportunities to young people of the district.

Campaign: http://www.jayroberson.com

  Education

  About News

  • Did a reporter really ask that question?

    It’s about five hours after a cargo ship hit the Key Bridge in Baltimore, collapsing it and sending six construction workers on the bridge into the water. The city’s mayor is holding a press conference when a reporter asks him: “How long is it going to take to rebuild the bridge?”

    Calmly and immediately, the mayor responds: “We shouldn’t even be having that discussion right now. The discussion right now should be about the people, the souls, the lives that we’re trying to save. There will be a time to discuss about a bridge and how we get our bridge back up but right now there are people in the water that we have to get out.”

    On social media, the mayor got mostly applause. The reporter got mostly ripped apart. One X poster wrote: “Shoutout to our mayor Brandon Scott for focusing on the people and showcasing empathy, because the nerve of that reporter to ask about the bridge repair. Like, sir read the (expletive) room.”

    I understand why many people saw the reporter’s question as disrespectful to the victims. But I don’t have a problem with it. How about you? Read more.

subscribe

Subscribe to the BirminghamWatch Newsletter

The WeeklyWatch will be delivered to your inbox each Friday morning.

  Birmingham Southern College

  • Neighbors Worry About Future of BSC Land as Officials Discuss Redevelopment Options

    The mood was somber in the auditorium at A.H. Parker High School Monday night as neighbors of Birmingham-Southern College expressed their concern about the announced closing of the liberal arts college as of May 21.

    State Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, hosted a town hall to field questions about the school. Of particular concern was what will happen to the 192-acre campus. More than one compared BSC to the old Carraway Hospital property, which deteriorated for years north of downtown. Read more.