Alabama Ethics Commission
EPA Southeast Administrator, Former ADEM Commissioner Indicted on State Ethics Charges
A former director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, who’s now the regional administrator for the EPA, has been indicted on state ethics charges related to the case in which an executive of Drummond Corporation and a partner in the Balch and Bingham law firm were convicted earlier this year.
Legislative Wrap-Up: State Ethics Law Revisions and the Ten Commandments
The Alabama legislature considers tightening up the state ethics law and a bill that would allow the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public buildings, including schools. The bill's sponsor says it can deter a school shooter from carrying out an attack.
Outgoing State Ethics Commissioner Takes Aim at Fellow Commissioners
An outgoing member of the Alabama Ethics Commission says the panel has been lax in upholding rules to keep state government in line.
What to Expect From Bentley Impeachment Hearings
The Alabama House Judiciary Committee begins Impeachment proceedings for Gov. Robert Bentley today. On Friday, Bentley’s attorneys tried to stop the proceedings, and a Montgomery Circuit Judge ruled in their favor. But on Saturday the Alabama Supreme Court allowed the Judiciary Committee to move forward with the impeachment process. WBHM’s Gigi Douban talked with University […]
Ethics Commission Sends Complaints Against Bentley to Prosecutors
Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald discusses the the Alabama Ethics Commission's decision to forward complaints against Gov. Robert Bentley to prosecutors.
State Auditor’s Book Part of Emerging Race for Governor
Alabama state auditor Jim Zeigler has self-published book about his fictitious governorship. Alabama Media Group columnist says despite Zeigler's claim otherwise, it's a campaign announcement.
A Private Gym For Birmingham Airport Leader Raises Questions
High-profile positions often come with perks. But with public positions involving public money, perks can drift into illegal ethics violations. Those are the concerns around Birmingham's airport authority CEO and what's been called his private gym. We talk about the controversy with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald. We also hear about the unanswered questions around the firing of a high-raking employee of the State Department of Finance.
South Alabama Lawmaker’s Job Raises Ethics Questions
Alabama has a part-time legislature meaning lawmakers have jobs and careers outside of their time in Montgomery. That means conflicts of interest can arise depending on how state laws are written or public money spent. One case involving a Baldwin County Republican, Representative Randy Davis, has caught Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald's attention. He talks about the situation and the Birmingham City Council's failure to resend a pay increase.
Hubbard Pre-trial Hearing Ends Without Much New Revealed
Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard isn't scheduled to go on trial on felony ethics charges until March, but Alabama political watchers received an early helping of the courtroom fireworks this week with a pre-trial hearing. Lawyers for Hubbard are arguing the case should be thrown out because of selective prosecution and prosecutorial misconduct. Prosecutors say it's all a distraction. We hear more about it from Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
What Ever Happened to Artur Davis?
What ever happened to former Congressman Artur Davis? Once seen as a rising star in the Democratic party, he’s now struggling to get back to the Democratic party itself, after briefly defecting to the Republican party. Also, is the Alabama Ethics Commission relevant anymore? WBHM’s Michael Krall talked about all this with Kyle Whitmire, state political columnist […]
Legislator or Lobbyist
State lawmakers wrapped up a second special session Wednesday night, one that resolves a more than $200 million shortfall in the general fund budget. Despite the extra meeting time Alabama does have a part-time legislature and sometimes a lawmaker’s professional life conflicts with his or her public service. Governing bodies draft rules to mitigate those conflicts. But Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald says the way the state is apply some of those rules makes for open season on the very idea of ethics.
Reward or Waste? Contracts Bring Controversy In Vestavia Hills Schools
If you could keep your six-figure salary but work only "as needed," mainly from home, advising the person doing your old job, would you take that deal? After 14 years as Vestavia Hills schools superintendent, that's exactly what Dr. Jamie Blair is doing now. And that's raised some questions in this highly regarded school district. Some support the school board's decision, but others say it's just wrong. WBHM's education reporter Dan Carsen has much more.
