Office: Governor Kay Ivey Party: Republican Age: 73 Residence: Montgomery resident and native of Camden. Political offices held: Alabama governor, 2017-present, having ascended to governor in April 2017 when then-Gov. Robert Bentley resigned; lieutenant governor, 2014-2017; state treasurer, 2002-2014. Professional experience: Assistant director of Alabama Development office; reading clerk of the Alabama House of Representatives; bank officer;
Tensions continued through the week between a Birmingham City Council member and Mayor Randall Woodfin over the council’s Tuesday decision not to contribute $1 million over five years to the Firehouse Ministries Homeless Shelter. That proposal is no longer on the table; the council voted it down at its Oct. 23 meeting. But Woodfin and District 8 Councilor Steven Hoyt continued to trade barbs in one of the most high-profile public disagreements between the mayor and council since Woodfin took office nearly a year ago. Read more.
Despite the city’s rising homicide rate and a recent rash of highly publicized violent crimes, Birmingham-area law enforcement officials say they are optimistic about the city’s long-term crime-fighting prospects, due in part to an array of government agencies working together. After a violent start to September, which saw seven homicides in its first eight days, Birmingham is on track to have its deadliest year in decades. As of Sept. 20, there have been 86 reported homicides this year, compared to the 79 counted at this point last year, which was the deadliest year for the city since 1994. “It’s too high for sure,” said Jay Town, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, which is centered in Birmingham. “It makes you wonder if we weren’t putting all of this effort … I shudder to think where those numbers might be.” Town, who has been on the job for roughly 13 months, said he has worked to develop a “vertical” model of law enforcement that includes federal, state, county and local departments. It’s a model, he said, that can serve as a crime-fighting method going forward. “The only promise I can make is that we are establishing long-term processes, and it takes time,” he said. “As much as we would like in the Magic City to have crime disappear overnight, we are taking the painstaking efforts to make sure that there are systems and methods and processes in place that are going to last a lot longer than any of us.” Read more.
The Jefferson County Commission waded back into the issue of small cities’ providing for their residents after learning that the air conditioners at Brighton’s senior center were not working and seniors were being subjected to 90-degree temperatures. Read more.
Balch & Bingham attorney Joel Gilbert and Drummond Vice President David Lynn Roberson were found guilty this afternoon on all counts in a trial over allegations former Rep. Oliver Robinson was bribed to oppose the expansion of an EPA clean-up site in north Birmingham. Both men had been charged with conspiracy, bribery, money laundering and three counts of wire fraud. A third defendant was dismissed from the case earlier this week. Robinson has pleaded guilty and agreed to work with prosecutors. His sentencing date had been set or next month but earlier today was extended until September. This story will be updated as events develop.
DEMOCRATIC RUNOFF Jacqueline Gray Miller Neil Rafferty There is no Republican runoff in this race.
REPUBLICAN RUNOFF Will Ainsworth Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh Campaign funding, with lists of contributors Cavanaugh Maintains Contribution Lead Against Ainsworth in Lt. Gov. Race There is no Democratic runoff in this race.
REPUBLICAN RUNOFF Troy King Steve Marshall Campaign Financing AG Marshall Pulls in Half a Million This Month Alone; King Reports Almost $80K There is no Democratic runoff in the race.
Office: Lieutenant governor Party: Republican Age: 52 Residence: Montgomery Political experience: Alabama Public Service Commission, 2010-present. Professional experience: Cavanaugh is co-owner of Cavanaugh Bradley Animal Hospital and co-owner of Conservative Solutions. She previously was deputy chief of staff/senior advisor in the office of Gov.Bob Riley and has served as executive director/chair of the Alabama Republican Party. Education: Auburn University, bachelors degree.
Incumbent Steve Marshall has raised almost $600,000 more than challenger Troy King in contributions as the two campaign for the July 17 Republican runoff for attorney general, according to financial reports filed this week with the Secretary of State’s Office. Marshall, whose wife, Bridgette Marshall, died June 24, reported that he did not raise any money during the reporting period of June 23-29. But he reported a $25,000 contribution on Tuesday, after the latest weekly reporting period was over, from the Automobile Dealers Association of Alabama Inc. in Montgomery. Marshall has raised $2.41 million so far during the campaign and has spent $2.14 million, leaving a balance of $287,783 in his campaign account. King, who is seeking nomination for the job he held from 2004 to 2011, reported contributions of $39,605 during the last week of June, bringing his total for the campaign to $1.81 million. He has spent $1.72 million and has a balance of $86,870. Read more.
