Mayor William Bell
What is the Mayor-Council Act of 1955?
The power struggle between Birmingham Mayor William Bell and the Birmingham City Council is escalating. Last week, Bell suggested changes to the Mayor-Council Act to state legislators. But what exactly is The Mayor Council act of 1955, and how did the city council and the mayor get to this point? Nick Patterson, editor of the weekly newspaper WELD, says it’s a long battle that precedes this mayor and this council. Patterson told WBHM’s Rachel Lindley about the history behind the conflict.
Birmingham Mayor/Council Power Struggle Reaches State Level
A war of words and political posturing is escalating between the Birmingham City Council and Mayor William Bell. The mayor vetoed two ordinances last week, one of which would have granted the city council access to city equipment and facilities when the want it. The other would force the mayor to present budgets on time. Now the fight is rising to the state level with two bills that could be introduced in the legislature. We talk about the situation with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
Does ALDOT Just Do What They Want?
As a federal judge considers a lawsuit seeking to block a planned rebuilding and expansion of Interstate 20/59 through downtown Birmingham, opponents of road projects often contend state transportation leaders ignore local concerns. They say the Alabama Department of Transportation does what it wants or that ALDOT doesn’t listen.
Birmingham Becomes First City in Alabama to Ban the Box
The mayor of Birmingham announced today new hiring practices aimed at curbing discrimination against those with past criminal convictions. Birmingham now joins the ranks of other states and cities banning the box. Mayor William Bell said too often, those with past criminal convictions are automatically rejected by employers. “And it’s all because of that box […]
Birmingham Mayor Delivers State of the City Address
Birmingham Mayor William Bell says the city is experiencing a renaissance. That’s the message Bell offered Tuesday in his State of the City address given to the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham.
Birmingham Council President Racks Up $18,000 in Cell Phone Fees
Birmingham City Council President Johnathan Austin has taken many trips to conventions and meetings on the taxpayers' dime, but city coffers haven't just paid for his hotel rooms. Austin has racked up more than $18,000 in international roaming fees on his cell phone and other electronic devices. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald talks about the situation.
Birmingham City Council Back to Business as Usual After Bell-Lundy Altercation
Following last week’s fight between Mayor William Bell and Councilman Marcus Lundy, it was business as usual today in the chambers of the Birmingham City Council.
Fallout from Tuesday’s Fight at City Hall far from Over
Birmingham City Councilman Marcus Lundy no longer faces arrest following a physical altercation with Mayor William Bell during Tuesday's city council meeting. The Mayor's Office said in a statement Wednesday night Bell is withdrawing his complaint for the good of the city. Lundy's attorney says the councilman regrets the negative impact the incident had on the city. But that doesn't mean Tuesday's fight can simply be forgotten. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald offers his reaction.
Bell Withdraws Complaint Against Lundy
Birmingham Mayor William Bell has withdrawn his complaint against City Councilman Marcus Lundy after a fight at city hall left both men hospitalized with minor injuries. In a statement Wednesday evening Bell says he is withdrawing his complaint against the councilman for "the good of the city." A warrant had been issued for Lundy’s arrest on an assault charge.
Fight at City Hall Not Craziest Thing to Happen in Alabama
A fight broke out at Birmingham City Hall between the mayor and a council member, Alabama is now under investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation for closure of driver license offices and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) prepares for active shooter scenarios. The latest conversation with Kyle Whitmire, political columnist for The Birmingham […]
Warrant Issued for Arrest of Birmingham City Councilman
Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Birmingham City Councilman Marcus Lundy following an altercation between Lundy and Birmingham Mayor William Bell during Tuesday's council meeting. A police report says Lundy attacked Bell as the two talked behind closed doors.
Birmingham Mayor, Councilman Involved in Altercation
Details are still coming in, but Birmingham Mayor William Bell and City Councilman Marcus Lundy reportedly had a physical confrontation in a back room during the council's meeting this morning. Both men received medical treatment.
