Crowded Field of Eight Battle For District 2 Council Seat
There’s only one seat for the Birmingham City Council in District 2, and eight people want it – including the incumbent.
The district, which includes the east Birmingham communities of East Lake, Roebuck Springs, Liberty Highlands, Crestwood South, Huffman, and several others, has attracted a combination of young professionals and community leaders.
Friday night, all eight candidates faced off in a debate at East Lake United Methodist Church. Among the top issues: the district’s crumbling infrastructure and the need for more funding to support Ruffner Mountain.
Candidates talked about the repairs needed on Oporto-Madrid Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in the district. Others questioned why Ruffner Mountain, a 1,038-acre urban nature preserve in the middle of the district, does not get government attention and dollars comparable to other parks.
The debate, hosted by I Believe in Birmingham, drew more than 80 people. The organization grew out of an internet Facebook group focused on civic engagement and activities.
City Councilwoman Kimberly Rafferty has represented District 2 almost eight years. Her competition includes:
- Crestline Neighborhood Association President Hunter Williams
- Jordan Thompson, a recent law school graduate
- Deanna Reed, a marketing professional
- Stephen Murphy, a social worker and manager at a behavioral center
- Lawrence Conway, founder of a non-profit serving youth and adults
- Tyrone Williams, a former Birmingham City Schools hearing officer
- Kimberly Jeanty, a nonprofit program director who was once a council assistant to Rafferty
District 2 candidates say voter turnout is key in this election. In some District 2 polling locations, less than 20 percent of voters turned out in city elections.
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