Birmingham City Council: Difference between revisions
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The Council was originally composed of nine at-large members. In the [[1963 Birmingham City Council election| first election]] the four candidates with the most votes won four-year terms, with the rest serving for two years before the next election. Each two years following five seats would come up for election with the top four vote-getters winning four-year terms and the fifth place finisher serving for two years before the next election. | The Council was originally composed of nine at-large members. In the [[1963 Birmingham City Council election| first election]] the four candidates with the most votes won four-year terms, with the rest serving for two years before the next election. Each two years following five seats would come up for election with the top four vote-getters winning four-year terms and the fifth place finisher serving for two years before the next election. | ||
As a result of a lawsuit brought by [[Russell Yarbrough]] ([[Yarbrough et al v. City of Birmingham]]), the method of electing the City Council was changed by court order to district representation in [[1989]]. The purpose of the suit was to preserve minority (white) political representation in an increasingly African-American city. | As a result of a lawsuit brought by [[Russell Yarbrough]] (''[[Yarbrough et al v. City of Birmingham]]''), the method of electing the City Council was changed by court order to district representation in [[1989]]. The purpose of the suit was to preserve minority (white) political representation in an increasingly African-American city. | ||
Currently, the Birmingham City Council consists of nine members representing nine individual districts and facing elections every four years. City Council elections | Currently, the Birmingham City Council consists of nine members representing nine individual districts and facing elections every four years. Until [[2013]], City Council elections alternated with [[Birmingham mayoral elections|mayoral elections]], meaning that sitting council members could run for mayor while keeping their council seats. | ||
The council meets in the Council Chambers on the 3rd floor of [[Birmingham City Hall]], facing [[Linn Park]]. A slogan above the door quotes William Shakespeare's ''Coriolanus'', "The people are the city." (Act III, Scene i). | The council meets in the Council Chambers on the 3rd floor of [[Birmingham City Hall]], facing [[Linn Park]]. A slogan above the door quotes William Shakespeare's ''Coriolanus'', "The people are the city." (Act III, Scene i). | ||
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Technology improvements contracted from Granicus of San Francisco, California and installed in early [[2008]] allow a video record of council meetings to be indexed and published on the internet, along with electronically-recorded votes. | Technology improvements contracted from Granicus of San Francisco, California and installed in early [[2008]] allow a video record of council meetings to be indexed and published on the internet, along with electronically-recorded votes. | ||
==[[1963 Birmingham City Council election|1963]]== | ==Compensation== | ||
As recently as October [[2014]] Council compensation was $15,000 per year in salary plus a $10,000 annual allowance for expenses. That month the Council approved a proposal submitted by president [[Johnathan Austin]] to increase their expense allowance to $25,000 per year and to increase council salaries by $10,000 beginning in [[2017]], doubling members' overall compensation. The plan was approved by the committee of the whole then, and passed by a 7-1 vote on [[August 7]], [[2015]]. The council also advertised proposed state legislation that would expand total compensation for council members to $75,000 ($50,000 salary plus a $25,000 expense allowance). | |||
Sate legislator [[Jabo Waggoner Jr]] sponsored a bill, crafted by Council member [[Kim Rafferty]] that superseded the Council's resolution, setting base compensation for members at the median household income for the city, as calculated by the [[Alabama Personnel Department]] every four years. The bill was signed into law by [[Governor of Alabama|Governor]] [[Kay Ivey]] on [[May 12]], [[2017]]. When the [[2017-2021 Birmingham City Council|2017 Council]] took office in October, their pay was therefore set at $37,000 per year. | |||
==Members== | |||
The longest-serving members of the Birmingham City Council to date are [[William Bell]] (25 years, 1979–2001 and 2005–2008),[[Valerie Abbott]] (23 years, 2001–present), [[Nina Miglionico]] (22 years, 1963–1985), and [[David Herring]] (19 years, 1974–1993). | |||
===[[1963 Birmingham City Council election|1963]]=== | |||
[[Image:1963 Birmingham City Council.jpg|center|thumb|575px|Members of the Birmingham City Council in 1963: 1st row, (L-R) E. C. Overton, Nina Miglionico, M. Edwin Wiggins, George Seibels. 2nd row, (L-R) Alan Drennen, Tom Woods, Don Hawkins, John Golden. Not pictured: John Bryan]] | [[Image:1963 Birmingham City Council.jpg|center|thumb|575px|Members of the Birmingham City Council in 1963: 1st row, (L-R) E. C. Overton, Nina Miglionico, M. Edwin Wiggins, George Seibels. 2nd row, (L-R) Alan Drennen, Tom Woods, Don Hawkins, John Golden. Not pictured: John Bryan]] | ||
[[John Bryan]], [[Don Hawkins]], [[George Seibels]], and [[M. Edwin Wiggins]] were elected to four year terms. [[Alan Drennen]], [[John Golden]], [[Nina Miglionico]], [[E. C. Overton]] and [[Tom Woods]] were elected to two-year terms. Wiggins was elected President of the Council. A review of roll-call votes indicated that Wiggins, Bryan, Miglionico, Seibels and Drennen represented a five-member moderate majority on race issues, while Overton, Golden, Woods and Hawkins opposed efforts to integrate public life. (Thornton-2002) | [[John Bryan]], [[Don Hawkins]], [[George Seibels]], and [[M. Edwin Wiggins]] were elected to four year terms. [[Alan Drennen]], [[John Golden]], [[Nina Miglionico]], [[E. C. Overton]] and [[Tom Woods]] were elected to two-year terms. Wiggins was elected President of the Council. A review of roll-call votes indicated that Wiggins, Bryan, Miglionico, Seibels and Drennen represented a five-member moderate majority on race issues, while Overton, Golden, Woods and Hawkins opposed efforts to integrate public life. (Thornton-2002) | ||
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* [[Tom Woods]] (1st term, 2 years) | * [[Tom Woods]] (1st term, 2 years) | ||
==[[1965 Birmingham City Council election|1965]]== | ===[[1965 Birmingham City Council election|1965]]=== | ||
Drennen, Miglionico and Overton were re-elected to four-year terms joined by [[Liston Corcoran]]. [[R. W. Douglas]] won the open two-year term. Wiggins position as council president was unchallenged. | Drennen, Miglionico and Overton were re-elected to four-year terms joined by [[Liston Corcoran]]. [[R. W. Douglas]] won the open two-year term. Wiggins position as council president was unchallenged. | ||
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* [[R. W. Douglas]] (1st term, 2 years) | * [[R. W. Douglas]] (1st term, 2 years) | ||
==[[1967 Birmingham mayoral election|1967]]== | ===[[1967 Birmingham mayoral election|1967]]=== | ||
Bryan, Hawkins, Wiggins and Woods were all re-elected to four-year terms. R. W. Douglas was also re-elected, but died in office. [[Arthur Shores]] was appointed in June [[1968]] to fill his unexpired term, becoming the first African-American to serve in the Birmingham City Council. Wiggins remained City Council president. | Bryan, Hawkins, Wiggins and Woods were all re-elected to four-year terms. R. W. Douglas was also re-elected, but died in office. [[Arthur Shores]] was appointed in June [[1968]] to fill his unexpired term, becoming the first African-American to serve in the Birmingham City Council. Wiggins remained City Council president. | ||
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* [[Arthur Shores]] 1968–1969 (1st term) | * [[Arthur Shores]] 1968–1969 (1st term) | ||
==[[1969 Birmingham City Council election|1969]]== | ===[[1969 Birmingham City Council election|1969]]=== | ||
[[Image:1969 City Council.jpg|right|thumb|275px|The newly-elected and re-elected members of the Council are sworn in in November, 1969. Nina Miglionico and Arthur Shores on front row, Liston Corcoran, E. C. Overton and Russell Yarbrough in back.]] | [[Image:1969 City Council.jpg|right|thumb|275px|The newly-elected and re-elected members of the Council are sworn in in November, 1969. Nina Miglionico and Arthur Shores on front row, Liston Corcoran, E. C. Overton and Russell Yarbrough in back.]] | ||
Corcoran, Miglionico, Overton and Shores were all re-elected to four year terms. [[Russell Yarbrough]] won the two-year Council seat. Wiggins remained City Council president. | Corcoran, Miglionico, Overton and Shores were all re-elected to four year terms. [[Russell Yarbrough]] won the two-year Council seat. Wiggins remained City Council president. | ||
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* [[Russell Yarbrough]] (1st term, 2 years) | * [[Russell Yarbrough]] (1st term, 2 years) | ||
==[[1971 Birmingham mayoral election|1971]]== | ===[[1971 Birmingham mayoral election|1971]]=== | ||
Hawkins and Yarbrough were re-elected to four-year terms. They were joined by [[Richard Arrington, Jr]], [[David Vann]], and [[Angi Proctor]]. Proctor took the two-year seat. Don Hawkins took over as City Council President. | Hawkins and Yarbrough were re-elected to four-year terms. They were joined by [[Richard Arrington, Jr]], [[David Vann]], and [[Angi Grooms Proctor]]. Proctor took the two-year seat. Don Hawkins took over as City Council President. | ||
Council: | Council: | ||
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* [[Liston Corcoran]] (2nd term) | * [[Liston Corcoran]] (2nd term) | ||
* [[Russell Yarbrough]] (2nd term) | * [[Russell Yarbrough]] (2nd term) | ||
* [[Angi Proctor]] (1st term, 2 years) | * [[Angi Grooms Proctor]] (1st term, 2 years) | ||
* [[Richard Arrington, Jr]] (1st term) | * [[Richard Arrington, Jr]] (1st term) | ||
* [[David Vann]] (1st term) | * [[David Vann]] (1st term) | ||
==[[1973 Birmingham City Council election|1973]]== | ===[[1973 Birmingham City Council election|1973]]=== | ||
Miglionico, Overton, Proctor and Shores were all re-elected to four-year terms ([[U. W. Clemon]] came in fourth). Liston Corcoran took the two-year seat. He died in office and [[David Herring]] was elected in February, [[1974]] to fill his unexpired term. Hawkins remained Council President. | Miglionico, Overton, Proctor and Shores were all re-elected to four-year terms ([[U. W. Clemon]] came in fourth). Liston Corcoran took the two-year seat. He died in office and [[David Herring]] was elected in February, [[1974]] to fill his unexpired term. Hawkins remained Council President. | ||
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* [[E. C. Overton]] (4th term) | * [[E. C. Overton]] (4th term) | ||
* [[Arthur Shores]] (3rd term), president pro tem | * [[Arthur Shores]] (3rd term), president pro tem | ||
* [[Liston Corcoran]] 1973–1974 (3rd term , 2 years) | * [[Liston Corcoran]] 1973–1974 (3rd term , 2 years), [[David Herring]] | ||
* [[Angi Proctor]] (2nd term) | * [[Angi Grooms Proctor]] (2nd term) | ||
* [[Russell Yarbrough]] (2nd term) | * [[Russell Yarbrough]] (2nd term) | ||
* [[Richard Arrington, Jr]] (1st term) | * [[Richard Arrington, Jr]] (1st term) | ||
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* [[David Herring]] 1974–1975 (1st term) | * [[David Herring]] 1974–1975 (1st term) | ||
==[[1975 Birmingham mayoral election|1975]]== | ===[[1975 Birmingham mayoral election|1975]]=== | ||
Arrington, Hawkins, Herring and Yarbrough were each re-elected to four-year terms. [[Bessie | Arrington, Hawkins, Herring and Yarbrough were each re-elected to four-year terms. [[Bessie Estell]] joined the council in the two-year seat. Hawkins remained Council President. | ||
Council: | Council: | ||
* [[Don Hawkins]], president (4th term, 2nd as president) | * [[Don Hawkins]], president (4th term, 2nd as president) | ||
* [[Nina Miglionico]] (4th term) | * [[Nina Miglionico]] (2nd half of 4th term) | ||
* [[E. C. Overton]] (4th term) | * [[E. C. Overton]] (2nd half of 4th term) | ||
* [[Arthur Shores]] (3rd term) | * [[Arthur Shores]] (2nd half of 3rd term) | ||
* [[Richard Arrington | * [[Richard Arrington Jr]] (2nd term) | ||
* [[David Herring]] (2nd term) | * [[David Herring]] (2nd term) | ||
* [[Angi Proctor]] (2nd term) | * [[Angi Grooms Proctor]] (2nd half of 2nd term) | ||
* [[Russell Yarbrough]] (2nd term) | * [[Russell Yarbrough]] (2nd term) | ||
* [[Bessie Estell]] (1st term, 2 years) | * [[Bessie Estell]] (1st term, 2 years) | ||
==[[1977 Birmingham City Council election|1977]]== | ===[[1977 Birmingham City Council election|1977]]=== | ||
Estell, Miglionico and Overton were re-elected to four year terms, joined by [[John Katopodis]]. [[Larry Langford]] won the two-year seat. Council President Hawkins died in office. [[Pete Clifford]] was elected in November [[1978]] to fill his unexpired term and Nina Miglionico succeeded him as President, the first woman to hold that office. | |||
Council: | Council: | ||
* [[Don Hawkins]], president 1977 | * [[Don Hawkins]], president 1977-1978 (2nd half of 4th term, 2nd as president) | ||
* [[Nina Miglionico]], president 1978 | * [[Nina Miglionico]], president 1978-1979 (5th term, 1st as president) | ||
* [[E. C. Overton]] (5th term) | * [[E. C. Overton]] (5th term) | ||
* [[Richard Arrington | * [[Richard Arrington Jr]] (2nd half of 2nd term) | ||
* [[Bessie Estell]] (2nd term) | * [[Bessie Estell]] (2nd term) | ||
* [[David Herring]] (2nd term) | * [[David Herring]] (2nd half of 2nd term) | ||
* [[Russell Yarbrough]] (2nd term) | * [[Russell Yarbrough]] (2nd half of 2nd term) | ||
* [[John Katopodis]] (1st term) | * [[John Katopodis]] (1st term) | ||
* [[Larry Langford]] (1st term, 2 years) | * [[Larry Langford]] (1st term, 2 years) | ||
* [[Pete Clifford]] 1978–1979 (1st term) | * [[Pete Clifford]] 1978–1979 (1st term) | ||
==[[1979 Birmingham mayoral election|1979]]== | ===[[1979 Birmingham mayoral election|1979]]=== | ||
Cllifford, Herring and Yarbrough were each re-elected to four-year terms, joined by [[Jeff Germany]]. [[William Bell]] won the two-year seat. Miglionico remained Council President. | Cllifford, Herring and Yarbrough were each re-elected to four-year terms, joined by [[Jeff Germany]]. [[William Bell]] won the two-year seat. Miglionico remained Council President. | ||
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* [[William Bell]] (1st term, 2 years) | * [[William Bell]] (1st term, 2 years) | ||
==[[1981 Birmingham City Council election|1981]]== | ===[[1981 Birmingham City Council election|1981]]=== | ||
[[File:1981 City Council | [[File:1981 Bham City Council.jpg|center|thumb|575px|Members of the Birmingham City Council in 1981 (L-R): William Bell, Jeff Germany, David Herring, Russell Yarbrough, John Katopodis, Nina Miglionico, Pete Clifford, Bettye Fine Collins, and Bill Myers]] | ||
Katopodis and Miglionico were re-elected to four-year terms, joined by [[Bettye Fine Collins]] and [[Bill Myers]]. [[William Bell]] was re-elected to a second two-year term. John Katopodis succeeded Miglionico as Council President. | Katopodis and Miglionico were re-elected to four-year terms, joined by [[Bettye Fine Collins]] and [[Bill Myers]]. [[William Bell]] was re-elected to a second two-year term. John Katopodis succeeded Miglionico as Council President. | ||
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* [[Bill Myers]] (1st term) | * [[Bill Myers]] (1st term) | ||
==[[1983 Birmingham mayoral election|1983]]== | ===[[1983 Birmingham mayoral election|1983]]=== | ||
[[File:1983 Bham City Council.jpg|center|thumb|575px|Members of the Birmingham City Council in 1983: Back (L-R): Eddie Blankenship, Jeff Germany, John Katopodis, Russell Yarbrough, William Bell, Bill Myers. Front (L-R): Bettye Fine Collins, David Herring, Nina Miglionico]] | |||
Bell, Germany, Herring and Yarbrough were each re-elected to four-year terms. [[Eddie Blankenship]] won the two-year seat. David Herring succeeded Katopodis as Council President. | Bell, Germany, Herring and Yarbrough were each re-elected to four-year terms. [[Eddie Blankenship]] won the two-year seat. David Herring succeeded Katopodis as Council President. | ||
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* [[Bill Myers]] (1st term) | * [[Bill Myers]] (1st term) | ||
==[[1985 Birmingham City Council election|1985]]== | ===[[1985 Birmingham City Council election|1985]]=== | ||
Blankenship and Myers were re-elected to four-year terms, joined by [[Roosevelt Bell]] and [[Linda Coleman]]. Collins won the two-year seat. William Bell succeeded Herring as Council President and Jeff Germany was President Pro Tem. | <!--http://johnkatopodis.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/council-1985.jpg-->Blankenship and Myers were re-elected to four-year terms, joined by [[Roosevelt Bell]] and [[Linda Coleman]]. Collins won the two-year seat. William Bell succeeded Herring as Council President and Jeff Germany was President Pro Tem. | ||
Council: | Council: | ||
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* [[Bill Myers]] (2nd term) | * [[Bill Myers]] (2nd term) | ||
==[[1987 Birmingham mayoral election|1987]]== | ===[[1987 Birmingham mayoral election|1987]]=== | ||
Germany, Herring and William Bell were re-elected to four-year terms, joined by [[Mike Graffeo]]. [[Antris Hinton]] won the two-year seat. Bell remained Council President. | Germany, Herring and William Bell were re-elected to four-year terms, joined by [[Mike Graffeo]]. [[Antris Hinton]] won the two-year seat. Bell remained Council President. | ||
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* [[Bill Myers]] (3rd term) | * [[Bill Myers]] (3rd term) | ||
==[[1989 Birmingham City Council election|1989]]== | ===[[1989 Birmingham City Council election|1989]]=== | ||
In the first district-based election in the wake of Russell Yarbrough's lawsuit, seven of the nine council members won re-election. Graffeo lost his re-election bid. William Bell, Linda Coleman, and Jeff Germany all lived in City Council District 9 at the time of the court order to move to district-based voting. Bell moved to District 5 and won re-election while Coleman and Germany competed for District 9, with Germany losing. | In the first district-based election in the wake of Russell Yarbrough's lawsuit, seven of the nine council members won re-election. Graffeo lost his re-election bid. William Bell, Linda Coleman, and Jeff Germany all lived in City Council District 9 at the time of the court order to move to district-based voting. Bell moved to District 5 and won re-election while Coleman and Germany competed for District 9, with Germany losing. | ||
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* District 9: [[Linda Coleman]] (3rd term) | * District 9: [[Linda Coleman]] (3rd term) | ||
==[[1993 Birmingham City Council election|1993]]== | ===[[1993 Birmingham City Council election|1993]]=== | ||
* District 1: [[Byron Davis]] (1st term) | * District 1: [[Byron Davis]] (1st term) | ||
* District 2: [[Pat Sewell]] (2nd term) | * District 2: [[Pat Sewell]] (2nd term) | ||
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* District 9: [[Linda Coleman]] (4th term) | * District 9: [[Linda Coleman]] (4th term) | ||
==[[1997 Birmingham City Council election|1997]]== | ===[[1997 Birmingham City Council election|1997]]=== | ||
* District 1: [[Don MacDermott]] (1st term) | * District 1: [[Don MacDermott]] (1st term) | ||
* District 2: [[Bill Johnson]] (1st term) | * District 2: [[Bill Johnson]] (1st term) | ||
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* District 6: [[Pat Alexander]] (1st term) | * District 6: [[Pat Alexander]] (1st term) | ||
* District 7: [[Sandra Little]] (1st term) | * District 7: [[Sandra Little]] (1st term) | ||
* District 8: [[Bernard Kincaid]] | * District 8: [[Bernard Kincaid]] 1997–1999 (1st term) / [[Frank Adams Jr]] (appointed) [[Lee Loder]] 1999–2001 (1st term, special election) | ||
* District 9: [[LeRoy Bandy]] (1st term) | * District 9: [[LeRoy Bandy]] (1st term) | ||
==[[2001 Birmingham municipal election|2001]]== | Five members of the council, Leroy Bandy; Sandra Little; William Bell, Aldrich Gunn, and Pat Alexander constituted a majority coalition that typically supported Mayor Arrington. | ||
===[[2001 Birmingham municipal election|2001]]=== | |||
* District 1: [[Joel Montgomery]] (1st term) | * District 1: [[Joel Montgomery]] (1st term) | ||
* District 2: [[Carol Duncan|Carol Reynolds]] (1st term) | * District 2: [[Carol Duncan|Carol Reynolds]] (1st term) | ||
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* District 9: [[Roderick Royal]] (1st term) | * District 9: [[Roderick Royal]] (1st term) | ||
==[[2005 Birmingham | ===[[2005 Birmingham municipal election|2005]]=== | ||
* [[Council District 1]]: [[Joel Montgomery]] | * [[Council District 1]]: [[Joel Montgomery]] | ||
* [[Council District 2]]: [[Carol Duncan]] (known as Carol Reynolds until March 2007) | * [[Council District 2]]: [[Carol Duncan]] (known as Carol Reynolds until March 2007) | ||
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* [[Council District 9]]: [[Roderick Royal]] | * [[Council District 9]]: [[Roderick Royal]] | ||
==[[2009 Birmingham City Council election|2009]]== | ===[[2009 Birmingham City Council election|2009]]=== | ||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 1|District 1]]: [[Lashunda Scales]] | * [[Birmingham City Council District 1|District 1]]: [[Lashunda Scales]] | ||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 2|District 2]]: [[Kim Rafferty]] | * [[Birmingham City Council District 2|District 2]]: [[Kim Rafferty]] | ||
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* [[Birmingham City Council District 9|District 9]]: [[Roderick Royal]] (President) | * [[Birmingham City Council District 9|District 9]]: [[Roderick Royal]] (President) | ||
==[[2013 Birmingham municipal election|2013]]== | ===[[2013 Birmingham municipal election|2013]]=== | ||
{{Main|2013-2017 Birmingham City Council}} | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 1|District 1]]: [[Lashunda Scales]] | * [[Birmingham City Council District 1|District 1]]: [[Lashunda Scales]] | ||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 2|District 2]]: [[Kim Rafferty]] | * [[Birmingham City Council District 2|District 2]]: [[Kim Rafferty]] | ||
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* [[Birmingham City Council District 5|District 5]]: [[Johnathan Austin]], President (December 3, 2013-) | * [[Birmingham City Council District 5|District 5]]: [[Johnathan Austin]], President (December 3, 2013-) | ||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 6|District 6]]: [[Sheila Tyson]] | * [[Birmingham City Council District 6|District 6]]: [[Sheila Tyson]] | ||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 7|District 7]]: [[Jay Roberson]], President Pro Tempore | * [[Birmingham City Council District 7|District 7]]: [[Jay Roberson]], President Pro Tempore (-May 10, 2016) | ||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 8|District 8]]: [[Steven Hoyt]] | * [[Birmingham City Council District 8|District 8]]: [[Steven Hoyt]], President Pro Tempore (May 10, 2016-) | ||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 9|District 9]]: [[Marcus Lundy]] | * [[Birmingham City Council District 9|District 9]]: [[Marcus Lundy]] | ||
===[[2017 Birmingham municipal election|2017]]=== | |||
{{Main|2017-2021 Birmingham City Council}} | |||
[[File:2017-2021 Bham City Council.jpg|center|thumb|575px|Members of the Birmingham City Council in 2017: Back (L-R): John Hilliard, Darrell O'Quinn, Sheila Tyson, William Parker, Hunter Williams. Front (L-R): Steven Hoyt, Valerie Abbott, Jay Roberson, Lashunda Scales]] | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 1|District 1]]: [[Lashunda Scales]] (third term), resigned November 2018. [[Clinton Woods]] appointed to fill vacancy on [[December 18]] | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 2|District 2]]: [[Hunter Williams]] (first term) | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 3|District 3]]: [[Valerie Abbott]] (fifth term), President | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 4|District 4]]: [[William Parker]] (first full term) | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 5|District 5]]: [[Darrell O'Quinn]] (first term) | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 6|District 6]]: [[Sheila Tyson]] (second term), resigned November 2018. [[Crystal Smitherman]] appointed to fill vacancy on [[December 18]] | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 7|District 7]]: [[Jay Roberson]] (third term), President Pro Tempore, resigned September 2018. [[Wardine Alexander]] appointed to fill vacancy on [[October 30]] | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 8|District 8]]: [[Steven Hoyt]] (fourth term) | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 9|District 9]]: [[John Hilliard]] (first term) | |||
===[[2021 Birmingham municipal election|2021]]=== | |||
{{Main|2021–2025 Birmingham City Council}} | |||
[[File:2023 Birmingham City Council.png|center|thumb|575px|2021–2025 Birmingham City Council]] | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 1|District 1]]: [[Clinton Woods]] (first full term) | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 2|District 2]]: [[Hunter Williams]] (second term) | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 3|District 3]]: [[Valerie Abbott]] (sixth term) | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 4|District 4]]: [[J. T. Moore]] (first term) | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 5|District 5]]: [[Darrell O'Quinn]] (second term), President (2023–) | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 6|District 6]]: [[Crystal Smitherman]] (first full term) | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 7|District 7]]: [[Wardine Alexander]] (first full term), President (2021–2023) | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 8|District 8]]: [[Carol Clarke]] (first term) | |||
* [[Birmingham City Council District 9|District 9]]: [[LaTonya Tate]] (first term) | |||
----- | ----- | ||
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* Thornton, J. Mills III (2002) ''Dividing Lines: Municipal Politics and the Struggle for Civil Rights in Montgomery, Birmingham, and Selma.'' Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press. ISBN 9780817311704 | * Thornton, J. Mills III (2002) ''Dividing Lines: Municipal Politics and the Struggle for Civil Rights in Montgomery, Birmingham, and Selma.'' Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press. ISBN 9780817311704 | ||
* Bryant, Joseph D. (February 18, 2008) "Birmingham City Council to start using electronic voting system." ''Birmingham News'' | * Bryant, Joseph D. (February 18, 2008) "Birmingham City Council to start using electronic voting system." ''Birmingham News'' | ||
* Carlisle, Don. (April 29, 2010). "[http:// | * Carlisle, Don. (April 29, 2010). "The worst City Council of all time." ''The Birmingham Times'' - accessed May 13, 2010. | ||
* Bryant, Joseph D. (October 7, 2014) "Birmingham council endorses giving themselves $15,000 expense increase plus more pay for next council." {{BN}} | |||
* Archibald, John (August 7, 2015) "Birmingham City Council pulls big check scam, triples its own salary." {{BN}} | |||
* Archibald, John (December 11, 2015) "This city council may be the worst ever." {{BN}} | |||
* Edgemon, Erin (May 12, 2017) "Law blocks Birmingham City Council's 233 percent pay increase." {{BN}} | |||
* Johnson, Roy S. (October 16, 2017) "Birmingham city council hears news on pay raises, good news for city?" {{BN}} | |||
* Prickett, Sam (August 19, 2018) "[http://birminghamwatch.org/filling-blanks-birmingham-council-fine-tuning-process-find-replacements-three-councilors/ Filling in the Blanks: Birmingham Council Fine-Tuning Process to Find Replacements for Three Councilors]" ''BirminghamWatch'' | |||
==External link== | ==External link== | ||
* [http://www. | * [http://www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org/ Birmingham City Council] website | ||
[[Category:Birmingham City Council|*]] | [[Category:Birmingham City Council|*]] | ||
Latest revision as of 12:43, 24 February 2024
The Birmingham City Council is the legislative body for the City of Birmingham. It was formed in April 1963 by the passage of the Mayor-Council Act, which replaced the former Birmingham City Commission. After they are sworn in, council members vote on a council president who assigns members to ten Birmingham City Council Committees. The council president also acts as mayor in the event the current mayor resigns or is forced from office.
The Council was originally composed of nine at-large members. In the first election the four candidates with the most votes won four-year terms, with the rest serving for two years before the next election. Each two years following five seats would come up for election with the top four vote-getters winning four-year terms and the fifth place finisher serving for two years before the next election.
As a result of a lawsuit brought by Russell Yarbrough (Yarbrough et al v. City of Birmingham), the method of electing the City Council was changed by court order to district representation in 1989. The purpose of the suit was to preserve minority (white) political representation in an increasingly African-American city.
Currently, the Birmingham City Council consists of nine members representing nine individual districts and facing elections every four years. Until 2013, City Council elections alternated with mayoral elections, meaning that sitting council members could run for mayor while keeping their council seats.
The council meets in the Council Chambers on the 3rd floor of Birmingham City Hall, facing Linn Park. A slogan above the door quotes William Shakespeare's Coriolanus, "The people are the city." (Act III, Scene i).
Technology improvements contracted from Granicus of San Francisco, California and installed in early 2008 allow a video record of council meetings to be indexed and published on the internet, along with electronically-recorded votes.
Compensation
As recently as October 2014 Council compensation was $15,000 per year in salary plus a $10,000 annual allowance for expenses. That month the Council approved a proposal submitted by president Johnathan Austin to increase their expense allowance to $25,000 per year and to increase council salaries by $10,000 beginning in 2017, doubling members' overall compensation. The plan was approved by the committee of the whole then, and passed by a 7-1 vote on August 7, 2015. The council also advertised proposed state legislation that would expand total compensation for council members to $75,000 ($50,000 salary plus a $25,000 expense allowance).
Sate legislator Jabo Waggoner Jr sponsored a bill, crafted by Council member Kim Rafferty that superseded the Council's resolution, setting base compensation for members at the median household income for the city, as calculated by the Alabama Personnel Department every four years. The bill was signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey on May 12, 2017. When the 2017 Council took office in October, their pay was therefore set at $37,000 per year.
Members
The longest-serving members of the Birmingham City Council to date are William Bell (25 years, 1979–2001 and 2005–2008),Valerie Abbott (23 years, 2001–present), Nina Miglionico (22 years, 1963–1985), and David Herring (19 years, 1974–1993).
1963
John Bryan, Don Hawkins, George Seibels, and M. Edwin Wiggins were elected to four year terms. Alan Drennen, John Golden, Nina Miglionico, E. C. Overton and Tom Woods were elected to two-year terms. Wiggins was elected President of the Council. A review of roll-call votes indicated that Wiggins, Bryan, Miglionico, Seibels and Drennen represented a five-member moderate majority on race issues, while Overton, Golden, Woods and Hawkins opposed efforts to integrate public life. (Thornton-2002)
Council:
- M. Edwin Wiggins, president (1st term, 1st as president)
- John Bryan (1st term)
- Don Hawkins (1st term)
- George Seibels (1st term)
- Alan Drennen (1st term, 2 years)
- John Golden (1st term, 2 years)
- Nina Miglionico (1st term, 2 years)
- E. C. Overton (1st term, 2 years)
- Tom Woods (1st term, 2 years)
1965
Drennen, Miglionico and Overton were re-elected to four-year terms joined by Liston Corcoran. R. W. Douglas won the open two-year term. Wiggins position as council president was unchallenged.
Council:
- M. E. Wiggins, president (1st term, 1st as president)
- Alan Drennen (2nd term)
- Don Hawkins (2nd term)
- Nina Miglionico (2nd term)
- E. C. Overton (2nd term)
- John Bryan (1st term)
- Liston Corcoran (1st term)
- George Seibels (1st term)
- R. W. Douglas (1st term, 2 years)
1967
Bryan, Hawkins, Wiggins and Woods were all re-elected to four-year terms. R. W. Douglas was also re-elected, but died in office. Arthur Shores was appointed in June 1968 to fill his unexpired term, becoming the first African-American to serve in the Birmingham City Council. Wiggins remained City Council president.
Council:
- M. E. Wiggins, president (2nd term, 2nd as president)
- John Bryan (2nd term)
- Alan Drennen (2nd term)
- R. W. Douglas 1967–1968 (2nd term)
- Don Hawkins (2nd term)
- Nina Miglionico (2nd term)
- E. C. Overton (2nd term)
- Tom Woods (2nd term)
- Liston Corcoran (1st term)
- Arthur Shores 1968–1969 (1st term)
1969
Corcoran, Miglionico, Overton and Shores were all re-elected to four year terms. Russell Yarbrough won the two-year Council seat. Wiggins remained City Council president.
Council:
- M. E. Wiggins, president (2nd term, 2nd as president)
- Nina Miglionico (3rd term)
- E. C. Overton (3rd term)
- John Bryan (2nd term)
- Liston Corcoran (2nd term)
- Don Hawkins (2nd term)
- Arthur Shores (2nd term)
- Tom Woods (2nd term)
- Russell Yarbrough (1st term, 2 years)
1971
Hawkins and Yarbrough were re-elected to four-year terms. They were joined by Richard Arrington, Jr, David Vann, and Angi Grooms Proctor. Proctor took the two-year seat. Don Hawkins took over as City Council President.
Council:
- Don Hawkins, president (3rd term, 1st as president)
- Nina Miglionico (3rd term)
- E. C. Overton (3rd term)
- Arthur Shores (2nd term)
- Liston Corcoran (2nd term)
- Russell Yarbrough (2nd term)
- Angi Grooms Proctor (1st term, 2 years)
- Richard Arrington, Jr (1st term)
- David Vann (1st term)
1973
Miglionico, Overton, Proctor and Shores were all re-elected to four-year terms (U. W. Clemon came in fourth). Liston Corcoran took the two-year seat. He died in office and David Herring was elected in February, 1974 to fill his unexpired term. Hawkins remained Council President.
Council:
- Don Hawkins, president (3rd term, 1st as president)
- Nina Miglionico (4th term)
- E. C. Overton (4th term)
- Arthur Shores (3rd term), president pro tem
- Liston Corcoran 1973–1974 (3rd term , 2 years), David Herring
- Angi Grooms Proctor (2nd term)
- Russell Yarbrough (2nd term)
- Richard Arrington, Jr (1st term)
- David Vann (1st term)
- David Herring 1974–1975 (1st term)
1975
Arrington, Hawkins, Herring and Yarbrough were each re-elected to four-year terms. Bessie Estell joined the council in the two-year seat. Hawkins remained Council President.
Council:
- Don Hawkins, president (4th term, 2nd as president)
- Nina Miglionico (2nd half of 4th term)
- E. C. Overton (2nd half of 4th term)
- Arthur Shores (2nd half of 3rd term)
- Richard Arrington Jr (2nd term)
- David Herring (2nd term)
- Angi Grooms Proctor (2nd half of 2nd term)
- Russell Yarbrough (2nd term)
- Bessie Estell (1st term, 2 years)
1977
Estell, Miglionico and Overton were re-elected to four year terms, joined by John Katopodis. Larry Langford won the two-year seat. Council President Hawkins died in office. Pete Clifford was elected in November 1978 to fill his unexpired term and Nina Miglionico succeeded him as President, the first woman to hold that office.
Council:
- Don Hawkins, president 1977-1978 (2nd half of 4th term, 2nd as president)
- Nina Miglionico, president 1978-1979 (5th term, 1st as president)
- E. C. Overton (5th term)
- Richard Arrington Jr (2nd half of 2nd term)
- Bessie Estell (2nd term)
- David Herring (2nd half of 2nd term)
- Russell Yarbrough (2nd half of 2nd term)
- John Katopodis (1st term)
- Larry Langford (1st term, 2 years)
- Pete Clifford 1978–1979 (1st term)
1979
Cllifford, Herring and Yarbrough were each re-elected to four-year terms, joined by Jeff Germany. William Bell won the two-year seat. Miglionico remained Council President.
Council:
- Nina Miglionico, president (5th term, 2nd as president)
- E. C. Overton (5th term)
- Russell Yarbrough (3rd term)
- Pete Clifford (2nd term)
- David Herring (2nd term)
- Bessie Estelle (2nd term)
- Jeff Germany (1st term)
- John Katopodis (1st term)
- William Bell (1st term, 2 years)
1981
Katopodis and Miglionico were re-elected to four-year terms, joined by Bettye Fine Collins and Bill Myers. William Bell was re-elected to a second two-year term. John Katopodis succeeded Miglionico as Council President.
Council:
- John Katopodis, president (2nd term, 1st as president)
- Nina Miglionico (6th term)
- Russell Yarbrough (3rd term)
- Pete Clifford (2nd term)
- David Herring (2nd term)
- William Bell (2nd term, 2 years)
- Jeff Germany (1st term)
- Bettye Fine Collins (1st term)
- Bill Myers (1st term)
1983
Bell, Germany, Herring and Yarbrough were each re-elected to four-year terms. Eddie Blankenship won the two-year seat. David Herring succeeded Katopodis as Council President.
Council:
- David Herring, president (3rd term, 1st as president)
- Nina Miglionico (6th term)
- Russell Yarbrough (4th term)
- William Bell (3rd term)
- Jeff Germany, (2nd term)
- John Katopodis (2nd term)
- Eddie Blankenship (1st term, 2 years)
- Bettye Fine Collins (1st term)
- Bill Myers (1st term)
1985
Blankenship and Myers were re-elected to four-year terms, joined by Roosevelt Bell and Linda Coleman. Collins won the two-year seat. William Bell succeeded Herring as Council President and Jeff Germany was President Pro Tem.
Council:
- William Bell, president (4th term, 1st as president)
- Jeff Germany, president pro tem (2nd term, 1st as president pro tem)
- Roosevelt Bell (1st term)
- Eddie Blankenship (2nd term)
- Linda Coleman (1st term)
- Russell Yarbrough (5th term)
- David Herring (4th term)
- Bettye Fine Collins (2nd term)
- Bill Myers (2nd term)
1987
Germany, Herring and William Bell were re-elected to four-year terms, joined by Mike Graffeo. Antris Hinton won the two-year seat. Bell remained Council President.
Council:
- William Bell, president (5th term, 2nd as president)
- Roosevelt Bell (2nd term)
- Eddie Blankenship (3rd term)
- Linda Coleman (2nd term)
- Jeff Germany (3rd term)
- Mike Graffeo (1st term)
- David Herring (5th term)
- Antris Hinton (1st term, 2 years)
- Bill Myers (3rd term)
1989
In the first district-based election in the wake of Russell Yarbrough's lawsuit, seven of the nine council members won re-election. Graffeo lost his re-election bid. William Bell, Linda Coleman, and Jeff Germany all lived in City Council District 9 at the time of the court order to move to district-based voting. Bell moved to District 5 and won re-election while Coleman and Germany competed for District 9, with Germany losing.
- District 1: Bill Myers (4th term)
- District 2: Pat Sewell (1st term)
- District 3: David Herring (6th term)
- District 4: Aldrich Gunn (1st term)
- District 5: William Bell (6th term)
- District 6: Eddie Blankenship (4th term)
- District 7: Antris Hinton (2nd term)
- District 8: Roosevelt Bell (3rd term)
- District 9: Linda Coleman (3rd term)
1993
- District 1: Byron Davis (1st term)
- District 2: Pat Sewell (2nd term)
- District 3: Jimmy Blake (1st term)
- District 4: Aldrich Gunn (2nd term)
- District 5: William Bell (7th term)
- District 6: Eddie Blankenship, president (5th term, 1st as president)
- District 7: Antris Hinton, president pro tem (3rd term, 1st as president pro-tem)
- District 8: Roosevelt Bell (4th term)
- District 9: Linda Coleman (4th term)
1997
- District 1: Don MacDermott (1st term)
- District 2: Bill Johnson (1st term)
- District 3: Jimmy Blake (2nd term)
- District 4: Aldrich Gunn, president pro tem (3rd term, 1st as president pro tem)
- District 5: William Bell, president (8th term, 3rd as president)
- District 6: Pat Alexander (1st term)
- District 7: Sandra Little (1st term)
- District 8: Bernard Kincaid 1997–1999 (1st term) / Frank Adams Jr (appointed) Lee Loder 1999–2001 (1st term, special election)
- District 9: LeRoy Bandy (1st term)
Five members of the council, Leroy Bandy; Sandra Little; William Bell, Aldrich Gunn, and Pat Alexander constituted a majority coalition that typically supported Mayor Arrington.
2001
- District 1: Joel Montgomery (1st term)
- District 2: Carol Reynolds (1st term)
- District 3: Valerie Abbott (1st term)
- District 4: Gwen Sykes (1st term)
- District 5: Elias Hendricks (1st term)
- District 6: Carole Smitherman (1st term)
- District 7: Bert Miller (1st term)
- District 8: Lee Loder, president (2nd term, 1st as president)
- District 9: Roderick Royal (1st term)
2005
- Council District 1: Joel Montgomery
- Council District 2: Carol Duncan (known as Carol Reynolds until March 2007)
- Council District 3: Valerie Abbott, (chosen President Pro Tempore May 2009)
- Council District 4: Maxine Parker
- Council District 5: William Bell (2005 - January 2009) / Johnathan Austin (January 2009 -)
- Council District 6: Carole Smitherman, President
- Council District 7: Miriam Witherspoon, President Pro Tempore (died April 21, 2009) / Jay Roberson (October 2009 -)
- Council District 8: Steven Hoyt
- Council District 9: Roderick Royal
2009
- District 1: Lashunda Scales
- District 2: Kim Rafferty
- District 3: Valerie Abbott
- District 4: Maxine Parker
- District 5: Johnathan Austin
- District 6: Carole Smitherman (vacated in January 2013) / Sheila Tyson (appointed September 17, 2013)
- District 7: Jay Roberson
- District 8: Steven Hoyt (President Pro Tempore)
- District 9: Roderick Royal (President)
2013
- District 1: Lashunda Scales
- District 2: Kim Rafferty
- District 3: Valerie Abbott
- District 4: Maxine Parker, President (died November 2013) / William Parker (appointed to fill vacant seat)
- District 5: Johnathan Austin, President (December 3, 2013-)
- District 6: Sheila Tyson
- District 7: Jay Roberson, President Pro Tempore (-May 10, 2016)
- District 8: Steven Hoyt, President Pro Tempore (May 10, 2016-)
- District 9: Marcus Lundy
2017
- District 1: Lashunda Scales (third term), resigned November 2018. Clinton Woods appointed to fill vacancy on December 18
- District 2: Hunter Williams (first term)
- District 3: Valerie Abbott (fifth term), President
- District 4: William Parker (first full term)
- District 5: Darrell O'Quinn (first term)
- District 6: Sheila Tyson (second term), resigned November 2018. Crystal Smitherman appointed to fill vacancy on December 18
- District 7: Jay Roberson (third term), President Pro Tempore, resigned September 2018. Wardine Alexander appointed to fill vacancy on October 30
- District 8: Steven Hoyt (fourth term)
- District 9: John Hilliard (first term)
2021
- District 1: Clinton Woods (first full term)
- District 2: Hunter Williams (second term)
- District 3: Valerie Abbott (sixth term)
- District 4: J. T. Moore (first term)
- District 5: Darrell O'Quinn (second term), President (2023–)
- District 6: Crystal Smitherman (first full term)
- District 7: Wardine Alexander (first full term), President (2021–2023)
- District 8: Carol Clarke (first term)
- District 9: LaTonya Tate (first term)
| Preceded by: Birmingham City Commission |
Legislative Body for the City of Birmingham 1963 - present |
Succeeded by: n/a |
References
- Franklin, Jimmie Lewis (1989) "Appendix: Birmingham Mayors and Council Members, 1963-Present," p. 333-36 in Back to Birmingham: Richard Arrington, Jr., and His Times. Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press. ISBN 0817304355
- Haeberle, Steven H. (1997) "Exploring the Effects of Single-Member Districts on an Urban Political System." Urban Affairs Review. Vol. 33, No. 2, pp. 287-97
- Norton, Bertha Bendall (1970) Birmingham's First Magic Century: Were You There?. Birmingham: self-published/Lakeshore Press
- Thornton, J. Mills III (2002) Dividing Lines: Municipal Politics and the Struggle for Civil Rights in Montgomery, Birmingham, and Selma. Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press. ISBN 9780817311704
- Bryant, Joseph D. (February 18, 2008) "Birmingham City Council to start using electronic voting system." Birmingham News
- Carlisle, Don. (April 29, 2010). "The worst City Council of all time." The Birmingham Times - accessed May 13, 2010.
- Bryant, Joseph D. (October 7, 2014) "Birmingham council endorses giving themselves $15,000 expense increase plus more pay for next council." The Birmingham News
- Archibald, John (August 7, 2015) "Birmingham City Council pulls big check scam, triples its own salary." The Birmingham News
- Archibald, John (December 11, 2015) "This city council may be the worst ever." The Birmingham News
- Edgemon, Erin (May 12, 2017) "Law blocks Birmingham City Council's 233 percent pay increase." The Birmingham News
- Johnson, Roy S. (October 16, 2017) "Birmingham city council hears news on pay raises, good news for city?" The Birmingham News
- Prickett, Sam (August 19, 2018) "Filling in the Blanks: Birmingham Council Fine-Tuning Process to Find Replacements for Three Councilors" BirminghamWatch
External link
- Birmingham City Council website