Vote 2009: Let’s do something (like select another mayor)
By Wade KwonWith the conviction of Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford, a vacancy has emerged at City Hall. (Well, two, but we’ll get to that.)
The city’s election commission has set a special mayoral election for Dec. 8, just 36 days away. Candidates must file by Nov. 18 to qualify.
Who’s on the possible short list? Patrick Cooper, Emory Anthony, Carole Smitherman, Stephen Hoyt, even Richard Arrington. The Birmingham News and Birmingham-Southern political science professor Natalie Davis weigh in.
Meanwhile, several other post-Langford headlines caught our eye today …
- Langford appointee Steve Sayler resigned today. He was the city’s finance director, and was Jefferson County’s finance director under Langford. Acting Mayor Smitherman, who said Sayler didn’t keep the council or the mayor’s office fully informed on city finances during his tenure, has ordered a comprehensive review of the books.
- Langford testified after his election as mayor in 2007 that he’d move to Birmingham. He lied, as unsealed court documents show he maintained two residences, but lived at his Fairfield address. See his full financial disclosure statement.
- A “Free Larry” campaign? Yes, as brought to you by Langford appointee/God’s Gangster Frank Matthews.
More Vote 2009 coverage.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 8:20 pm
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