Bell Wins Election, Maybe Office
Birmingham City Councilor William Bell was elected without a runoff in a six-person race for the Jefferson County Commission District 1 seat vacated by Larry Langford.
A federal panel has ruled that Gov. Bob Riley needed Justice Department approval before appointing current commissioner George Bowman to the empty seat.
The election [yesterday] came hours after Gov. Bob Riley notified a three-judge federal panel that he will seek federal approval of his appointment of George Bowman to the seat.
That action will extend Bowman’s term in the District 1 seat at least to mid-April. And that means both Bell and Bowman, a retired two-star general, could stake claims as the District 1 representative until a court rules which of the two will occupy the seat.
Two men in one seat; there are our “two trains going down two tracks.”
And of course if Riley successfully secures federal approval for his appointment then Bowman stays on.
Plus, there’s the U.S. Supreme Court ruling expected on a similar case in Mobile which could, if favorable to the Governor, be used to affirm Riley’s authority to appoint.
And even if Bowman doesn’t stay on, this election may possibly not be certified.
But Bell won. Something.
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Sounds like the Legislature needs to pass a law dealing with this issue for every county/municipality in the state. Spell it out once and for all everywhere whether vacancies are filled by governors or by special elections.
Comment by Anonymous — February 6, 2008 @ 7:55 am
Sounds like we need a new constitution. It’s the lack of home rule and the piecemeal approach to allowing municipalities control over issues like this that has caused such a mess.
Don’t worry, Danny. I’m not holding my breath. :)
Comment by Kathy — February 6, 2008 @ 12:36 pm
Or easily slap on another amendment to the current constitution, to address vacancies, when an office can be considered abandoned, impeachment procedures and so on, like was done with the Judicial amendment.
Comment by walt moffett — February 6, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
Yeah, that would bring the total to 800. Real workable document, that constitution.
It would be nice to have a uniform method to address situations like this.
Comment by Kathy — February 6, 2008 @ 6:24 pm
Like an government manual, with a good index, you can find what you want. Remember what they say about perfect and good.
Comment by walt moffett — February 6, 2008 @ 7:06 pm