Background:
Montgomery, Alabama, the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, has never had a black mayor. Is this race about color -no. It’s hard to imagine how a majority black city hasn’t had a black mayor. Then again, Selma had its first black mayor in 2000. Former Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright was elected to Congress in November. This prompted the need for a special election in Montgomery Alabama. The filing deadline is January 27 for a March 10 special election. If needed, there will be a runoff on April 21 and the new mayor will take office on May 1. The City Council president Charles Jinright is acting as interim mayor and will not run for office. This special election has happened before and brings out quite a “diverse” bunch. Enjoy. (snippits from Left in Alabama with additions from us).
Developer and Phoenix Homes founder and President Byron Berry whose company specializes in renovation of downtown properties with a goal of reinvigorating the city center. His website states, “Byrons interests include studying new urban design, sustainable mixed-use development and affordable housing; working with new people and listening to their stories; and of course, Biscuits Baseball. “ http://www.renewmontgomery.us/ (There is no pictue of him on his campaign site).
Mayoral executive assistant Michael Briddell is outgoing Mayor Bobby Bright’s endorsed candidate. Briddell was a news anchor at WSFA for five years before becoming an assistant to Bright four years ago. He’s a Philadelphia native who has lived in Montgomery for about a decade. Overseeing public safety and information technology, Briddell spearheaded the red-light camera project and helped start a college incentive program that sends police officers to college tuition-free. As Bright’s hand-picked successor, I would expect Briddell to be the candidate most likely to keep Montgomery on the current path.
Soon to be 18 year old (and therefore eligible to run) Jamel Brown – no photo – who counts being ordained as a Baptist minister among his accomplishments, unlike graduation from high school.
This has quickly surfaced on youtube. This kid claims he is a”well known Republican and supporter of John McCain”
I found this remarkable clip on youtube.
Brown said the school system also needs the next mayor’s attention. Brown, who is working on his G.E.D., said he stopped attending high school because of the unnecessarily stringent graduation exams.
“In our public schools our students are suffering because of high school exams. … Every year, they change the exam. They make it tougher and change the questions. I believe in keeping it simple,” he said.
Brown says he is a “well known Republican and supporter of John McCain” and he is running to bring about real change. The change theme seems to be in vogue right now.
District 6 City Councilman Willie Cook has served in office for 9 years. Willie Cook’s website claims that he is the most qualified candidate in the race, touting his experience as a community organizer (where have we heard that lately?) and sponsorship of a crime free weekend resolution and a no smoking ordinance. A recent email from the campaign said “We want to remind you that we are the true Democratic campaign in the race.”
Department of Veteran’s Affairs employee Jon Dow who advocates community involvement to address the city’s problems. He promises to focus on better housing, safer neighborhoods, improved city services, and more effective schools in our community. Dow’s resume looks fairly progressive and community oriented, including 9 years with the Central Alabama Community Foundation and director of the BONDS program to improve neighborhood associations. He also supports a sales tax reduction.
Montgomery native and law enforcement officer Jay King who is interested in better utilization of vacant real estate, bringing more major artist events to Montgomery and instituting a “Back to Green” policy for the city, as well as lowering the sales tax by as much as half a percent. He has been with the Montgomery Police Department since 1994.
County Commission Chairman Todd Strange won his commission seat as a Republican but has hired Democratic pollster/consultant John Anzalone’s firm for his mayoral run. That should not be viewed as a move to the left for Strange, but as a decision to hire the best possible talent to try to move into the winner’s circle. Strange’s website says he want’s to grow the city’s economy and “fight crime with innovative approaches.” He also touts his business experience and the fact that he sits on the board of several financial institutions — perhaps not a great resume item just now.
Businessman and developer Scott Simmons, who has run before (he garnered 31% in 2003 and 33% in 2007 against Bright) and is in the hunt again. His website begins “We can have safer neighborhoods, a more vibrant downtown, stronger schools, and a growing economy that creates jobs. Together we will …” Why does that phrase seem familiar? He proposes free bus rides, “Rebirth Zones” starting with Montgomery Mall, “Common Sense Green” initiatives and email alerts to keep citizens informed of municipal functions.
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Very Interesting mix to say the least. Are your throwing your name in the hat?
Negative. lol
Seriously, the dude who didn’t finish high school is running. I mean, I can appreciate his heart and enthusiasm, but doesn’t he know how that is going to turn out?
I know right… saying thta you are an ardent supporter McCain isn’t the best tactic… he is in the wrong county for that one . . . de-emphasizing education isn’t exactly the direction the community is try to go either.
you should run. how about being someone’s campaign manager? are any of the candidates hiring? i think poor jamel could use your help.
I think Mr. Jamal has an intrepid spirit lol. He doesn’t need my help.
TODD STRANGE IS REALLY, REALLY STRANGE. HE DOESN’T CARE ABOUT ANYONE IN MONTGOMERY EXCEPT HIMSELF…JUST ASK PEOPLE WHO WORKED FOR HIM FOR YEARS…IT’S ALL ABOUT TODD AND HE COULD CARE LESS ABOUT YOU MONTGOMERY!!! HE HAS THE SAME EGO AS HIS GOOD BUDDY DON SEIGLEMAN…BOTH ARE FOR SELF. MONTGOMERY NEEDS NEW BLOOD…GET RID OF STRANGE POLITICS!!!
I feel like Mr. Jamal has a lot to learn when it come to being shown in a professional light. By the you tube video clip that was linked to the web… was childish. Im not an Alabama native; however, I am a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School and having to had take the graduation exam, which were NOT TOUGH as long a you applied yourself during the school year the teachers acutally reviewed daily as to what types of questions that were going to be on the exams. So that right there let you know that you decide to drop out of school because of a mandatory exam that each and every student who a getting a diploma has to do…it ridiculous. Mr. Jamal you stated in the Newspaper yeaterday that it isnt about “a piece of paper” it about the “knowledge that one has” and “common sense”…well it seemed that you lost all ot yours when you jumped all around and appeared so childish in the Eastdale Mall in your video and you are trying to run for a Political Office…. It just took away all of your creditability as to even becoming Mayor of Montgomery… I say find yourself…mature with knowledge and try again when your actions speak louder than words.
I know of a young man with the character and forward thinking to take Montgomery in a new direction. When the time comes, I would be elated if you would join his campaign by becoming one of the managers. You are very insiteful, or as I like to say, you have a third eye for politics.