2017 Birmingham municipal election: Difference between revisions

From Bhamwiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
 
(38 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
The '''2017 Birmingham municipal election''' is planned for [[August 22]], [[2017]] to fill the positions of [[Mayor of Birmingham]] and all nine seats on the [[2017-2021 Birmingham City Council|Birmingham City Council]] and [[Birmingham Board of Education]].
The '''2017 Birmingham municipal election''' was a [[:Category:Birmingham municipal elections|municipal election]] held on  [[August 22]], [[2017]] to fill the positions of [[Mayor of Birmingham]] and all nine seats on the [[2017-2021 Birmingham City Council|Birmingham City Council]] and [[Birmingham Board of Education]].


This is to be the second concurrent election of Mayor and City Council after the election cycle for Mayor was changed by state law in [[2010]]. The official qualification period was between [[June 23]] and [[July 7]]. Runoff elections were held on [[October 4]], [[2017]]. Elected officials began their terms of office on [[October 24]].
It was the second concurrent ballot for Mayor and City Council after the election cycle for Mayor was changed by state law in [[2010]]. The official qualification period was between [[June 23]] and [[July 7]]. Runoff elections were held on [[October 3]], [[2017]]. Council members began their terms of office on [[October 24]] and the new mayor was sworn in on [[November 28]].


As of August 8, there were 120,241 registered voters in the city.<!--27,201 of those cast votes in the Mayoral race, giving the election a turnout rate of 20.9%. Only 8.5% of voters turned out for the runoff election. Results of the general election were certified by the City Clerk on [[September 3]].-->
There were 143,732 registered voters in the city. In the August election 38,483 ballots were cast, representing a turnout of 26.95 percent. In the runoff, 42,363 votes were cast, for a turnout of 29.47 percent. In the general election, the most active polling locations were [[Avondale Elementary School]], [[Bethel Baptist Church]] and the [[Brownsville Community Center]], where about 40% of voters took part in the election. The lowest turnouts were at the [[Birmingham Botanical Gardens]] and [[Birmingham Fire Station No. 32]] where fewer than 10% of voters cast ballots.
 
In the Mayoral race, challenger [[Randall Woodfin]] was the leading vote-getter, advancing to a runoff with incumbent [[William Bell]], which he then won by a margin of 59 to 41. Eight of the nine City Council members stood for re-election. Two of them advanced to runoffs against challengers, while six were returned to their seats without a runoff. None of the council incumbents won their respective run-offs.
 
In the school board election, five of the nine races were for open seats. In the other four, incumbents [[Daagye Hendricks]], [[Cheri Gardner]] and [[Sandra Brown]] won re-election, while [[Wardine Alexander]] lost to a challenger.


__NOTOC__
__NOTOC__
==Candidates==
==Mayor==
 
[[File:Randall Woodfin.jpg|right|thumb|Randall Woodfin]]
===Mayor===
* '''[[Randall Woodfin]]''', 15,668 votes (40.84%), 24,922 votes in runoff (58.95%), winner
* [[Randall Woodfin]], 15,656 votes (40.84%), runoff
* [[William Bell]] (incumbent), 14,025 votes (36.55%), 17,357 votes in runoff (41.05%)
* [[William Bell]] (incumbent), 14,011 votes (35.55%), runoff
* [[Chris Woods]], 6,961 votes (18.14%)
* [[Chris Woods]], 6,957 votes (18.15%)
* [[Frank Matthews]], 532 votes (1.39%)
* [[Frank Matthews]], 531 votes (1.39%)
* [[Patricia Bell]], 264 (0.69%)
* [[Patricia Bell]], 262 (0.68%)
* [[Randy Davis (supervisor)|Randy Davis]], 256 votes (0.67%)
* [[Randy Davis (supervisor)|Randy Davis]], 256 votes (0.67%)
* [[E. Philemon Hill]], 205 votes (0.53%)  
* [[E. Philemon Hill]], 205 votes (0.53%)  
Line 21: Line 24:
* [[Lanny Jackson]], 41 votes (0.11%)
* [[Lanny Jackson]], 41 votes (0.11%)
* [[Donald Lomax]], 29 votes (0.08%)
* [[Donald Lomax]], 29 votes (0.08%)
* [[Carlos Chaverst Jr]] (disqualified due to age)


===City Council===
==City Council==
{|-
| valign="top" |
* [[Birmingham City Council District 1|District 1]]:
* [[Birmingham City Council District 1|District 1]]:
** [[Lashunda Scales]] (incumbent)
** '''[[Lashunda Scales]]''' (incumbent), 2,845 votes (68.65%), winner         
** [[Sherman Collins]]
** [[Sherman Collins]], 1,299 votes (31.35%)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 2|District 2]]:
* [[Birmingham City Council District 2|District 2]]:
** [[Kim Rafferty]] (incumbent)
** '''[[Hunter Williams]]''', 1,123 votes (29.31%), 3,098 votes in runoff (71.43%), winner
** [[Lawrence Conaway]]
** [[Kim Rafferty]] (incumbent), 665 votes (17.36%), 1,239 votes in runoff (28.57%)
** [[Kimberly Jeanty]]
** [[Deanna Reed]], 560 votes (14.62%)
** [[Stephen Murphy|Stephen L. Murphy]]
** [[Lawrence Conaway]], 447 votes (11.70%)
** [[Deanna Reed]]
** [[Tyrone Williams]], 361 votes (9.42%)
** [[Jordan Thompson]]
** [[Kimberly Jeanty]], 311 votes (8.12%)
** [[Hunter Williams]]
** [[Jordan Thompson]], 188 votes (4.91%)
** [[Tyrone Williams]]
** [[Stephen Murphy|Stephen L. Murphy]], 176 votes (4.59%)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 3|District 3]]:
* [[Birmingham City Council District 3|District 3]]:
** [[Valerie Abbott]] (incumbent)
** '''[[Valerie Abbott]]''' (incumbent), 2,548 votes (65.08%), winner
** [[Rowan Henderson]]
** [[Ryan Jones]],  1,256 votes (32.08%)
** [[Ryan Jones]]
** [[Rowan Henderson]], 111 votes (2.84%)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 4|District 4]]:
* [[Birmingham City Council District 4|District 4]]:
** [[William Parker]] (incumbent)
** '''[[William Parker]]''' (incumbent), 2,822 votes (74.28%), winner
** [[Mary Jean LaMay]]
** [[Mary Jean LaMay]], 427 votes (11.24%)
** [[Cory Pettway]]
** [[Cory Pettway]], 366 votes (9.63%)
** [[Sergio Williams]]
** [[Sergio Williams]], 184 votes (4.85%)
*** [[Robin Rains]] (dropped out)
** [[Robin Rains]] (dropped out)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 5|District 5]]:
* [[Birmingham City Council District 5|District 5]]:
** [[Johnathan Austin]] (incumbent)
** '''[[Darrell O'Quinn]]''', 1,104 votes (25.63%), 2,431 votes in runoff (51.68%), winner
** [[Charles Ball]]
** [[Johnathan Austin]] (incumbent), 1,358 votes (31.52%), 2,273 votes in runoff (48.32%)
** [[Dorothea Crosby]]
** [[Chris Davis (politician)|Chris Davis]], 770 votes (17.87%)
** [[Chris Davis (politician)|Chris Davis]]
** [[Dorothea Crosby]], 483 votes (11.21%)
** [[Darrell O'Quinn]]
** [[Jeremy Schatz]], 293 votes (6.80%)
** [[Erica Robbins]]
** [[Robert L. Walker]], 162 votes (3.76%)
** [[Jeremy Schatz]]
** [[Erica Robbins]], 138 votes (3.20%)
** [[Robert L. Walker]]
** [[Charles Ball]] (no result)
| valign="top" |
* [[Birmingham City Council District 6|District 6]]:
* [[Birmingham City Council District 6|District 6]]:
** [[Sheila Tyson]] (incumbent)
** '''[[Sheila Tyson]]''' (incumbent), 3,140 votes (79.49%), winner
** [[Keith Mims]]
** [[Keith Mims]], 600 votes (15.19%)
** [[Keith Williams]]
** [[Keith Williams]], 210 or (5.32%)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 7|District 7]]:
* [[Birmingham City Council District 7|District 7]]:
** [[Jay Roberson]] (incumbent)
** '''[[Jay Roberson]]''' (incumbent), 2,670 votes (58.06%), winner
** [[Titus Battle]]
** [[Lonnie Malone]], 962 votes (20.92%)
** [[Hosea Lewis]]
** [[Jeff Rowser]], 489 votes (10.63%)
** [[Lonnie Malone]]
** [[Hosea Lewis]], 291 votes (6.33%)
** [[Jeff Rowser]]
** [[Titus Battle]], 187 votes (4.07%)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 8|District 8]]:
* [[Birmingham City Council District 8|District 8]]:
** [[Steven Hoyt]] (incumbent)
** '''[[Steven Hoyt]]''' (incumbent), 2,319 votes (57.76%), winner
** [[Lynette Peters]]
** [[Gerri Robinson]], 743 votes (18.51%)
** [[Gerri Robinson]]
** [[Adlai Trone]], 539 votes (13.42%)
** [[Adlai Trone]]
** [[Lynette Peters]], 414 votes (10.31%)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 9|District 9]]:
* [[Birmingham City Council District 9|District 9]]:
** [[Angene Coleman]]
** '''[[John Hilliard]]''', 1,071 votes (21.74%), 2,713 votes in runoff (50.57%), winner
** [[Eric Hall]]
** [[Roderick Royal]], 1,522 votes (30.90%), 2,652 votes in runoff (49.43%)
** [[John Hilliard]]
** [[Reginald Swanson]], 637 votes (12.93%)
** [[Wendell Major]]
** [[Wendell Major]], 478 votes (9.70%)
** [[Roderick Royal]]
** [[Angene Coleman]], 412 votes (8.36%)
** [[David Russell]]
** [[James Williams]], 312 votes (6.33%)
** [[Reginald Swanson]]
** [[Eric Hall]], 273 votes (5.54%)
** [[James Williams]]
** [[David Russell]], 221 votes (4.49%)
|}


===Board of Education===
==Board of Education==
* [[Birmingham City Council District 1|District 1]]: (13 of 14 boxes)
{|-
** [[Bennie Holmes]]
| valign="top" |
** [[Doug Ragland]]
* [[Birmingham City Council District 1|District 1]]:
** [[Keith Rice]]
** '''[[Doug Ragland]]''', 1,027 votes (25.45%), 2,319 votes in runoff (51.73%), winner
** [[Cedric Small]]
** [[Cedric Small]], 1,498 votes (37.12%), 2,164 votes in runoff (48.27%)
** [[Jerry Tate]]
** [[Jerry Tate]], 816 votes (20.22%)
** [[Keith Rice]], 418 votes (10.36%)
** [[Bennie Holmes]], 277 votes (6.86%)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 2|District 2]]:
* [[Birmingham City Council District 2|District 2]]:
** [[Brandon McCray]]
** '''[[Terri Michal]]''', 1,719 votes (50.15%), winner
** [[Terri Michal]]
** [[Brandon McCray]], 1,709 votes (49.85%)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 3|District 3]]:
* [[Birmingham City Council District 3|District 3]]:
** [[Mary Boehm]]
** '''[[Mary Boehm]]''', 2,763 votes (70.97%), winner
** [[Larry Contri]]
** [[Larry Contri]], 1,130 votes (29.03%)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 4|District 4]]: (35 of 36 boxes)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 4|District 4]]:
** [[Daagye Hendricks]] (incumbent)
** '''[[Daagye Hendricks]]''' (incumbent), 1,309 votes (34.28%), 2,185 votes in runoff (51.22%), winner
** [[Amber Courtney]]
** [[Edward Maddox]], 1,791 votes (46.91%), 2,081 votes in runoff (48.78%)
** [[Edward Maddox]]
** [[Amber Courtney]], 718 votes (18.81%)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 5|District 5]]: (35 of 36 boxes)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 5|District 5]]:
** [[Buford Burks]]
** '''[[Mickey Millsap]]''', 1,236 votes (30.16%), 2,571 votes in runoff (56.57%), winner
** [[Eloise Crenshaw]]
** [[David McKinney]], 631 votes (15.40%), 1,974 votes in runoff (43.43%)
** [[Martha McDowell]]
** [[Martha McDowell]], 567 votes (13.84%)
** [[David McKinney]]
** [[Aisha Muhammad]], 476 votes (11.62%)
** [[Mickey Millsap]]
** [[Angela Scoggins-Watson]], 376 votes (9.18%)
** [[Andrea Mitchell]]
** [[Andrea Mitchell]], 333 votes (8.13%)
** [[Aisha Muhammad]]
** [[Eloise Crenshaw]], 330 votes (8.05%)
** [[Angela Scoggins-Watson]]
** [[Buford Burks]], 149 votes (3.64%)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 6|District 6]]: (29 of 30 boxes)
| valign="top" |
** [[Cheri Gardner]] (incumbent)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 6|District 6]]:
** [[Lavon Beard]]
** '''[[Cheri Gardner]]''' (incumbent),  2,947 votes (79.22%), winner
** [[Ervin Hill]]
** [[Ervin Hill]], 773 votes (20.78%)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 7|District 7]]: (29 of 30 boxes)
** [[LaVon Beard]] (no result)
** [[Wardine Alexander]] (incumbent)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 7|District 7]]:
** [[Patricia McAdory]]
** '''[[Patricia McAdory]]''', 1,837 votes (40.21%), 3,055 votes in runoff (60.01%), winner
** [[Walt Wilson]]
** [[Walt Wilson]], 1,532 votes (33.53%), 2,036 votes in runoff (39.99%)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 8|District 8]]: (23 of 24 boxes)
** [[Wardine Alexander]] (incumbent), 1,200 votes (26.26%)
** [[Patricia Bozeman Henderson]]
* [[Birmingham City Council District 8|District 8]]:
** [[Tyrone Silman]]
** '''[[Sonja Smith]]''', 1,253 votes (31.46%), 2,837 votes in runoff (63.67%), winner
** [[Sonja Smith]]
** [[Patricia Bozeman Henderson]], 1,178 votes (29.58%), 1,619 votes in runoff (36.33%)
** [[Antwon Womack]]
** [[Tyrone Silman]], 1,093 votes (27.45%)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 9|District 9]]: (33 of 34 boxes)
** [[Antwon Womack]], 459 votes (11.52%)
** [[Sandra Brown]] (incumbent)
* [[Birmingham City Council District 9|District 9]]:
** [[Lawrence Jackson]]
** '''[[Sandra Brown]]''' (incumbent), 3,136 votes (68.10%), winner
** [[Lawrence Jackson]],  1,469 votes (31.90%)
|}


==Campaign==
==Campaign==
Woodfin announced his intention to challenge Bell for the Mayor's office on [[August 27]], [[2016]] at the [[North Birmingham Recreation Center]]. Bell made his announcement at [[Katanya's Cafe]] in [[North Birmingham]] on [[February 3]], 2017. [[Chris Woods]] announced his candidacy at [[Hopewell Baptist Church]] in [[North Birmingham]] on [[March 19]]. [[Patricia Bell]] announced her intention to run on [[April 14]] at the [[Birmingham Civil Rights Institute]]. One prospective mayoral candidate, [[Carlos Chaverst Jr]], was disqualified due to not meeting the 25 year age requirement.
Woodfin announced his intention to challenge Bell for the Mayor's office on [[August 27]], [[2016]] at the [[North Birmingham Recreation Center]]. Bell made his announcement at [[Katanya's Cafe]] in [[North Birmingham]] on [[February 3]], 2017. [[Chris Woods]] announced his candidacy at [[Hopewell Baptist Church]] in [[North Birmingham]] on [[March 19]]. [[Patricia Bell]] announced her intention to run on [[April 14]] at the [[Birmingham Civil Rights Institute]]. One prospective mayoral candidate, [[Carlos Chaverst Jr]], was disqualified due to not meeting the 25 year age requirement.


In June the [[Grassroots Coalition of Birmingham]] publicized a "Black Agenda", laying out goals for addressing economic disparities, affordable housing, education, criminal justice, public health, and government accountability. The same group also organized the first public forum for mayoral candidates forum was held on [[April 18]] at [[Avondale Brewing Company]], which was attended by seven candidates. The coalition later endorsed Woodfin for Mayor.
In June the [[Grassroots Coalition of Birmingham]] publicized a "Black Agenda", laying out goals for addressing economic disparities, affordable housing, education, criminal justice, public health, and government accountability. The same group also organized the first public forum for mayoral candidates forum was held on [[April 18]] at [[Avondale Brewing Company]], which was attended by seven candidates. The coalition later endorsed Woodfin for Mayor. Woodfin, who had been a student government president at his alma mater, Morehouse College, also enjoyed support from a network of fellow alumni, many of whom responded to a request for donations in the amount of $18.71, representing Birmingham's founding date.


A mayoral debate was hosted by [[I Believe in Birmingham]] at [[Woodlawn United Methodist Church]] on [[July 14]]. That event was attended by eight candidates; William Bell, E. Philemon Hill, Fernandez Sims, Randy Davis, Lanny Jackson, Patricia Bell, Randall Woodfin, Frank Matthews and Chris Woods.  [[Joseph Baker]] and [[T. Marie King]] served as moderators. William Bell touted his economic development efforts, both downtown and outside of downtown, and claimed to, "have the ability and experience to keep the city moving." Other candidates pointed out issues still plaguing the city, such as violence, poverty and lack of educational achievement. More than one candidate recommended investing in business incubators throughout the city's neighborhoods. Randall Woodfin recommended refocusing public investments that are going to major projects into more basic needs, such as maintenance of public buildings. Several candidates criticized the changes to the [[Mayor-Council Act]] which increased the powers of the Mayor's office, with Woods accusing Bell of acting "like a king, a dictator." Several candidates pledged to increase financial support for schools. Matthews recommended changing the election of school board members to an at-large system. With regard to economic development priorities, Woodfin recommended workforce training at city recreation centers and aggressive recruitment of auto suppliers. Woods emphasized the need for industrial training in schools. Hill discussed efforts to attract film and television productions and completion of a domed stadium. Asked about police relations, Davis said he would have all officers reach out to at least 10 residents a day to "build rapport". Jackson repeatedly called for getting guns "off the street," while Patricia Bell said that "guns were made to protect the innocent." Matthews summarized the issues as all having to do with poverty. All candidates voiced support for government transparency and respectful interaction with citizens. Many also referenced the reported physical fight between William Bell and [[Marcus Lundy]] in 2015.
A mayoral debate was hosted by [[I Believe in Birmingham]] at [[Woodlawn United Methodist Church]] on [[July 14]]. That event was attended by eight candidates; William Bell, E. Philemon Hill, Fernandez Sims, Randy Davis, Lanny Jackson, Patricia Bell, Randall Woodfin, Frank Matthews and Chris Woods.  [[Joseph Baker]] and [[T. Marie King]] served as moderators. William Bell touted his economic development efforts, both downtown and outside of downtown, and claimed to, "have the ability and experience to keep the city moving." Other candidates pointed out issues still plaguing the city, such as violence, poverty and lack of educational achievement. More than one candidate recommended investing in business incubators throughout the city's neighborhoods. Randall Woodfin recommended refocusing public investments that are going to major projects into more basic needs, such as maintenance of public buildings. Several candidates criticized the changes to the [[Mayor-Council Act]] which increased the powers of the Mayor's office, with Woods accusing Bell of acting "like a king, a dictator." Several candidates pledged to increase financial support for schools. Matthews recommended changing the election of school board members to an at-large system. With regard to economic development priorities, Woodfin recommended workforce training at city recreation centers and aggressive recruitment of auto suppliers. Woods emphasized the need for industrial training in schools. Hill discussed efforts to attract film and television productions and completion of a domed stadium. Asked about police relations, Davis said he would have all officers reach out to at least 10 residents a day to "build rapport". Jackson repeatedly called for getting guns "off the street," while Patricia Bell said that "guns were made to protect the innocent." Matthews summarized the issues as all having to do with poverty. All candidates voiced support for government transparency and respectful interaction with citizens. Many also referenced the reported physical fight between William Bell and [[Marcus Lundy]] in 2015.
Line 135: Line 145:


A morning debate was held the [[Harbert Center]] with the three leading mayoral candidates: Bell, Woods and Woodfin. It was sponsored by the ''[[Birmingham Business Journal]]'' and [[WBHM-FM]] and broadcast live on [[FM 90.3]]. During that debate, Woodfin criticized the size of Bell's administrative staff and Woods accused Bell of "backroom deals". The mayor defended his record. Another televised debate, moderated by [[WBRC 6]] reporter and anchor [[Jonathan Hardison]], was held with five candidates in WBRC's studios on [[August 8]]. [[AARP Alabama]] sponsored that debate.
A morning debate was held the [[Harbert Center]] with the three leading mayoral candidates: Bell, Woods and Woodfin. It was sponsored by the ''[[Birmingham Business Journal]]'' and [[WBHM-FM]] and broadcast live on [[FM 90.3]]. During that debate, Woodfin criticized the size of Bell's administrative staff and Woods accused Bell of "backroom deals". The mayor defended his record. Another televised debate, moderated by [[WBRC 6]] reporter and anchor [[Jonathan Hardison]], was held with five candidates in WBRC's studios on [[August 8]]. [[AARP Alabama]] sponsored that debate.
During the mayoral runoff campaign, accusations against both Bell and Woodfin were shared widely on social media.
Bell discussed the election during a meeting with city workers on [[August 28]], warning them that many could lose their positions if he was not re-elected and complaining about Woodfin's out-of-state donors. Though he cautioned employees not to campaign on city time, Bell urged them to promote the administration's projects on social media and to participate on campaign events outside work hours. Concerns were raised about whether the meeting violated state ethics and campaign laws.
Also, during the runoff, Bell picked up endorsements from former mayors [[Richard Arrington]] and [[Bernard Kincaid]] and by U.S. Representative [[Terri Sewell]]. Meanwhile, Woodfin was endorsed by third-place candidate Chris Woods. Bell and Woodfin met in a televised debate for [[WVTM-TV]] on [[September 21]].


==References==
==References==
Line 150: Line 166:
* Hardison, Jonathan (August 1, 2017) "[http://www.wbrc.com/story/36025927/exclusive-poll-indicates-bell-in-strong-position-to-win-re-election Poll indicates Bell in strong position to win re-election]" WBRC.com
* Hardison, Jonathan (August 1, 2017) "[http://www.wbrc.com/story/36025927/exclusive-poll-indicates-bell-in-strong-position-to-win-re-election Poll indicates Bell in strong position to win re-election]" WBRC.com
* Edgemon, Erin (August 10, 2017) "Heated Birmingham mayoral debate: Candidates say Bell wastes tax dollars; mayor denies." {{BN}}
* Edgemon, Erin (August 10, 2017) "Heated Birmingham mayoral debate: Candidates say Bell wastes tax dollars; mayor denies." {{BN}}
* Edgemon, Erin (August 22, 2017) "Birmingham 2017 municipal election: Woodfin, Bell headed to runoff." {{BN}}
* Wright, Barnett (August 24, 2017) "[http://www.birminghamtimes.com/2017/08/voters-sent-clear-message-to-mayor-council-president/ Voters sent clear message to Mayor, Council President]" {{BT}}
* Stewart, Sherrel (August 24, 2017) "[http://news.wbhm.org/feature/2017/how-randall-woodfin-won-round-one-in-the-birmingham-mayors-race/ The Breakdown: How Woodfin and Bell Fared Around the City]" WBHM.org
* Edgemon, Erin (August 27, 2017) "How Randall Woodfin won place in runoff with incumbent Birmingham mayor." {{BN}}
* Edgemon, Erin (August 29, 2017) "Birmingham municipal election: Final numbers are in, winners declared." {{BN}}
* Prickett, Sam (September 5, 2017) "[http://birminghamwatch.org/bell-encourages-staff-campaign-city-hall-meeting-raises-ethical-concerns Bell Encourages Staff to Campaign for Him; City Hall Meeting Raises Ethical Concerns]" ''BirminghamWatch''
* Prickett, Sam (September 10, 2017) "[http://birminghamwatch.org/contributions-bell-woodfin-highlight-campaign-differences/ Contributions to Bell and Woodfin Highlight Campaign Differences]" ''BirminghamWatch''
* Prickett, Sam (September 12, 2017) "[http://birminghamwatch.org/woodfin-bells-fundraising-allegations-false-misleading/ Woodfin: Bell’s Fundraising Allegations Are ‘False and Misleading’]" ''BirminghamWatch''
* Johnson, Roy S. (September 22, 2017) "William Bell vs. Randall Woodfin: And the debate winner was ...." {{BN}}
* Edgemon, Erin (October 1, 2017) "Birmingham election preview: Mayoral, city council, BOE runoffs." {{BN}}
* Patterson, Nick (October 5, 2017) "Randall woodfin’s winning mayoral campaign benefited from strategy and a desire for change." {{BT}}
* Johnson, Roy S. (October 5, 2017) "Randall Woodfin vows to create 'best team this city's ever seen'." {{BN}}
* Edgemon, Erin (October 8, 2017) "How Morehouse College alumni powered Randall Woodfin's campaign for Birmingham mayor." {{BN}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.birminghamal.gov/download/city_clerk/2017-Elections-Calendar-Qualification-Info.pdf City of Birmingham Regular Municipal Elections schedule for Mayor, City Council and School Board] at birminghamal.gov
* [http://www.birminghamal.gov/download/city_clerk/2017-Elections-Calendar-Qualification-Info.pdf City of Birmingham Regular Municipal Elections schedule for Mayor, City Council and School Board] at birminghamal.gov
* [http://www.birminghamal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Box-by-box-report-canvass-August-22.pdf Mayoral Election Official Report] at Birminghamal.gov
* [http://www.birminghamal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2017-October-3-Mayor-Council-School-Board-Runoff-Election.pdf General Municipal Runoff Official Report] at Birminghamal.gov
* [http://ironcity.ink/topics/city-council-elections/ City Council Elections] at ironcity.ink
* [http://ironcity.ink/topics/city-council-elections/ City Council Elections] at ironcity.ink
* [http://www.bhamdebates.org/ The Bham Debates] website
* [http://www.bhamdebates.org/ The Bham Debates] website

Latest revision as of 11:47, 11 October 2017

The 2017 Birmingham municipal election was a municipal election held on August 22, 2017 to fill the positions of Mayor of Birmingham and all nine seats on the Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Board of Education.

It was the second concurrent ballot for Mayor and City Council after the election cycle for Mayor was changed by state law in 2010. The official qualification period was between June 23 and July 7. Runoff elections were held on October 3, 2017. Council members began their terms of office on October 24 and the new mayor was sworn in on November 28.

There were 143,732 registered voters in the city. In the August election 38,483 ballots were cast, representing a turnout of 26.95 percent. In the runoff, 42,363 votes were cast, for a turnout of 29.47 percent. In the general election, the most active polling locations were Avondale Elementary School, Bethel Baptist Church and the Brownsville Community Center, where about 40% of voters took part in the election. The lowest turnouts were at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Birmingham Fire Station No. 32 where fewer than 10% of voters cast ballots.

In the Mayoral race, challenger Randall Woodfin was the leading vote-getter, advancing to a runoff with incumbent William Bell, which he then won by a margin of 59 to 41. Eight of the nine City Council members stood for re-election. Two of them advanced to runoffs against challengers, while six were returned to their seats without a runoff. None of the council incumbents won their respective run-offs.

In the school board election, five of the nine races were for open seats. In the other four, incumbents Daagye Hendricks, Cheri Gardner and Sandra Brown won re-election, while Wardine Alexander lost to a challenger.


Mayor

Randall Woodfin

City Council

Board of Education

Campaign

Woodfin announced his intention to challenge Bell for the Mayor's office on August 27, 2016 at the North Birmingham Recreation Center. Bell made his announcement at Katanya's Cafe in North Birmingham on February 3, 2017. Chris Woods announced his candidacy at Hopewell Baptist Church in North Birmingham on March 19. Patricia Bell announced her intention to run on April 14 at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. One prospective mayoral candidate, Carlos Chaverst Jr, was disqualified due to not meeting the 25 year age requirement.

In June the Grassroots Coalition of Birmingham publicized a "Black Agenda", laying out goals for addressing economic disparities, affordable housing, education, criminal justice, public health, and government accountability. The same group also organized the first public forum for mayoral candidates forum was held on April 18 at Avondale Brewing Company, which was attended by seven candidates. The coalition later endorsed Woodfin for Mayor. Woodfin, who had been a student government president at his alma mater, Morehouse College, also enjoyed support from a network of fellow alumni, many of whom responded to a request for donations in the amount of $18.71, representing Birmingham's founding date.

A mayoral debate was hosted by I Believe in Birmingham at Woodlawn United Methodist Church on July 14. That event was attended by eight candidates; William Bell, E. Philemon Hill, Fernandez Sims, Randy Davis, Lanny Jackson, Patricia Bell, Randall Woodfin, Frank Matthews and Chris Woods. Joseph Baker and T. Marie King served as moderators. William Bell touted his economic development efforts, both downtown and outside of downtown, and claimed to, "have the ability and experience to keep the city moving." Other candidates pointed out issues still plaguing the city, such as violence, poverty and lack of educational achievement. More than one candidate recommended investing in business incubators throughout the city's neighborhoods. Randall Woodfin recommended refocusing public investments that are going to major projects into more basic needs, such as maintenance of public buildings. Several candidates criticized the changes to the Mayor-Council Act which increased the powers of the Mayor's office, with Woods accusing Bell of acting "like a king, a dictator." Several candidates pledged to increase financial support for schools. Matthews recommended changing the election of school board members to an at-large system. With regard to economic development priorities, Woodfin recommended workforce training at city recreation centers and aggressive recruitment of auto suppliers. Woods emphasized the need for industrial training in schools. Hill discussed efforts to attract film and television productions and completion of a domed stadium. Asked about police relations, Davis said he would have all officers reach out to at least 10 residents a day to "build rapport". Jackson repeatedly called for getting guns "off the street," while Patricia Bell said that "guns were made to protect the innocent." Matthews summarized the issues as all having to do with poverty. All candidates voiced support for government transparency and respectful interaction with citizens. Many also referenced the reported physical fight between William Bell and Marcus Lundy in 2015.

Another mayoral forum, hosted by the #StandAsOne Coalition, was held at 16th Street Baptist Church on July 27. Art Franklin moderated the discussion.

A telephone poll of 214 registered voters was conducted by WBRC 6 between July 28 and July 31. It indicated that 54% of voters favored Bell, with 17% supporting Woods and 14% preferring Woodfin.

A morning debate was held the Harbert Center with the three leading mayoral candidates: Bell, Woods and Woodfin. It was sponsored by the Birmingham Business Journal and WBHM-FM and broadcast live on FM 90.3. During that debate, Woodfin criticized the size of Bell's administrative staff and Woods accused Bell of "backroom deals". The mayor defended his record. Another televised debate, moderated by WBRC 6 reporter and anchor Jonathan Hardison, was held with five candidates in WBRC's studios on August 8. AARP Alabama sponsored that debate.

During the mayoral runoff campaign, accusations against both Bell and Woodfin were shared widely on social media.

Bell discussed the election during a meeting with city workers on August 28, warning them that many could lose their positions if he was not re-elected and complaining about Woodfin's out-of-state donors. Though he cautioned employees not to campaign on city time, Bell urged them to promote the administration's projects on social media and to participate on campaign events outside work hours. Concerns were raised about whether the meeting violated state ethics and campaign laws.

Also, during the runoff, Bell picked up endorsements from former mayors Richard Arrington and Bernard Kincaid and by U.S. Representative Terri Sewell. Meanwhile, Woodfin was endorsed by third-place candidate Chris Woods. Bell and Woodfin met in a televised debate for WVTM-TV on September 21.

References

External links

Retrieved from "http://bhamwiki.com/w/index.php?title=2017_Birmingham_municipal_election&oldid=141648"