Government

Strange Touts Trump Endorsement, Moore Slams DC Influence in Senate Runoff Debate

It was an unusual format for a political debate, at least for modern times. Two candidates on a stage with no moderator or questions from journalists, only a timekeeper. But there was plenty of old-fashioned political rhetoric. In what was styled as a “Lincoln-Douglas debate,” incumbent U.S. Sen. Luther Strange and challenger Roy Moore, former chief justice of Alabama, battled for a little more than an hour before a crowd at the Retirement Systems of Alabama Activities Center in downtown Montgomery. Read more.

by Robert Carter

Birmingham’s Human Rights Law Set for Tuesday Public Hearing

Efforts to pass a nondiscrimination ordinance in Birmingham are once again underway. The long-delayed measure, first introduced by City Council President Johnathan Austin in March 2013, will be the subject of a public hearing during the Sept. 26 meeting of the City Council – and now, for the first time, it has the backing of Mayor William Bell. The City of Birmingham Non-Discrimination Ordinance, colloquially referred to as a human rights ordinance, would put into place protections against discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or familial status. Violators of the ordinance would face up to a $500 fine. The ordinance also would establish an 11-member Human Rights Commission. Read more.

by Sam Prickett

Questions About Protection of the Drinking Water Supply Dominate Debate On Northeast Birmingham Zoning Plan

Sep. 19, 2017 — The Birmingham City Council approved Tuesday a measure to change zoning district lines in parts of northeast Birmingham despite criticism that some of the changes could endanger water quality in Lake Purdy and the Cahaba River, both essential drinking water sources. City officials said they are taking steps to protect the watershed and are preparing conservation easements for that land. Read more.

by Sam Prickett

U.S. Senate GOP Runoff Voter Guide

The dueling polls, on-again off-again debate plans, strategically timed endorsements and ‘He said what?’ attack ads are coming to an end Tuesday when voters go to the polls to decide whether Roy Moore or Luther Strange should carry the Republican standard going into the special election in December. Probably not quite coming to an end will be speculation by political pundits from across the country on what the outcome of the race and the December election between the GOP winner and Democratic nominee Doug Jones say about power in the Republican Party. The race – which was needed to fill the Senate seat left open after President Trump appointed the previous senator, Jeff Sessions, to the attorney general’s job – has attracted national attention from the start. But it’s across Alabama that the question will be decided. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. across the state. In the primary race, Moore and Strange emerged as the favorites from a field of 10 candidates. Moore led in that balloting, 38.87 percent to Strange’s 32.83 percent. They are the only two candidates in the only race on the ballot. In BirminghamWatch’s Voter Guide below, you’ll find their profiles, links to campaign contributor lists and voting information. Candidate profiles and campaign contributor lists: Roy Moore Luther Strange Voter information Research campaign financing ID needed at the polls Verify your registration and polling place Problems at the polls

by Virginia Martin

Fact or Fiction?

MEDIA SAVVY: Smart Choices in a Changing Information Age Join us for a media literacy discussion about recognizing what we’re consuming from today’s flood of information. Thursday, October 5th, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Edge of Chaos, 1700 University Blvd., Lister Hill Library, 4th Floor Get more information and register here. Presented by BirminghamWatch and Alabama Humanities Foundation Events are free but space is limited.

by Virginia Martin

Jefferson County Paying Almost $1.5 Million in Incentives for Autocar Plant

Sept. 14, 2017 – With the cat having been let out of the bag, Jefferson County commissioners made the formal announcement Thursday about incentives for the creation of jobs related to Autocar’s moving into Jefferson County. Gov. Kay Ivy took part in an announcement Wednesday that the Indiana-based trucking company will develop a plant in Center Point and Birmingham. The county agreed to pay Autocar $1.492 million contingent on the company beginning manufacturing and meeting agreed-upon employment goals. Read more.

by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.

New Schools on Tap for JeffCo Communities

Sept. 14, 2017 – The Jefferson County Board of Education in a meeting Thursday approved a capital projects plan that includes six new elementary schools in the first phase. The city of Hueytown would get replacements for North Highlands and Hueytown elementary schools. Students in grades K-2 would attend the new North Highlands and those

by Robert Carter

JefCoEd Head Won’t Say Whether He’ll Seek Open State Superintendent’s Job

With State Supt. Michael Sentance having stepped down Wednesday after a contentious year at the helm of the state school system, the man whom Sentence originally beat out for the job is, by his own admission, playing his plans close to the vest. Jefferson County Schools Supt. Craig Pouncey told reporters Thursday that he would not commit to seeking the state’s top education position for a third time, but he wouldn’t exactly rule it out, either. Read more.

by Robert Carter

Much Ado About a Do; Birmingham City Council Clashes Over Inauguration

Sept. 13, 2017 — After postponing its regularly scheduled meeting due to the threat of inclement weather, the Birmingham City Council convened for a special-called meeting on Wednesday. Though the rules of special-called meetings prevented the council from voting on most of the planned items on the agenda, the council found room for a spirited

by Sam Prickett

Jefferson County’s 12 School Systems Getting Windfall From Bond Issue

Don’t be surprised if school board presidents and superintendents attending a luncheon with the Jefferson County Commission skip the cake or pie that follows their main course. They’ll have a much bigger treat awaiting them. While meeting in committee this morning, commissioners authorized the county manager to distribute the remaining unspent proceeds from the education sales and use tax, an amount totaling $69 million. Read more.

by Solomon Crenshaw Jr.