William Bell
William A. Bell, Sr was first elected to the Birmingham City Council in 1977, representing District 5. He was elected City Council president in 1985, becoming the first African-American to hold that seat. He was re-elected to that position in 1987 and again in 1997. He served briefly as interim Mayor of Birmingham after the retirement of Richard Arrington in 1999, but was narrowly defeated in the ensuing election by Bernard Kincaid. He returned to the position of City Council President, but was upset in the 2001 Birmingham City Council election by Elias Hendricks. Bell successfully challenged Hendricks for the seat in 2005 and is currently running for mayor.
Bell serves on the Council's Transportation and Communication Committee and the Public Safety Committee.
Bell earned his Master's degree in psychology and guidance counseling from UAB and a Juris Doctorate from Miles College in Birmingham.
Bell is married to the former Sharon Carson and has two children, both graduates of Ramsay High School and the University of Alabama.
Bell claims the following accomplishments in her official biography:
- Intstrumental in implementing the council consent agenda for expediting approval of non-controversial initiatives.
- Assisted in funding development of a fitness track and mini-park at Legion Field.
- Responsible for Park Place, the first Hope VI project in downtown Birmingham.
- Generated more than $197 million for Birmingham schools and $87 million for UAB capital improvements through the council.
External link
- Bell's council bio at informationbirmingham.com