Councilman Objects to Political Forum

Fairhope, Alabama

FEARS "POLITICAL AGENDA"                            

Councilman Mike Ford objected to the requested free use (usual fees waived) of the civic center for a candidates' political forum (tentatively scheduled for Aug. 16th) on the grounds that the organization, Citizens for Responsible Government, may have a clandestine political agenda.

Ford: "The last election (2008) that organization had an agenda ... supporting certain candidates ... we're talking about being fair ... they want it for free.  If they are going to use a public forum to support certain candidates ... I object to that ...  needs a lot more looking into."

Council President Mixon asked Administrator Mims and City Clerk Lisa Hanks to contact the organization for more information: who will moderate, types of questions, etc.; and recommended the matter be brought up at the next council meeting for a final vote.

Mixon "... contact the organization ... tell them its on the agenda for the next meeting ... get us the information we require."

Ford still objected: "I think its an advocacy group ... its a dangerous precedent."

The current President of the non-profit Citizens for Responsible Government, Phil Brady, ran against Ford for Council Place 4 in the 2008 election.

Publisher's Note: In August of 2008, then-candidate Brady raised questions after it was revealed by the Mobile Register ("Candidates Clash Over Land Deal") that Ford had sold a piece of his property to the county commission for over twice its appraised value (for county courthouse expansion). Ford explained the property was extra-valuable to him, since his son-in-law was then in law school and planned to build a law office there (at the corner of Faihope Ave. and Bishop Rd.). Ford still owns the remainder of the property there.

FORMED IN 2003

According to its Articles of Incorporation, the non-profit corporation was formed in 2003 "to permit citizens to become involved in efforts to achieve more responsible government." Its Directors were then listed then as Katherine Thomas, Harvey Joaning and Edward Lawrence.

No more-current information about the organization is available from online government records.


Comments

Anonymous said…
time for Mike Ford to step down. he lives in the past as he said so himself at a council meeting. he said he wished the meetings were held at jim's house, sitting around and the agenda only took 30 minutes or less.
Anonymous said…
Brady definitely has an agenda ... always has.
Anonymous said…
It is time for Mike Ford to get a real job.
Anonymous said…
Brady's a Warner for mayor man.
Anonymous said…
"Brady's a Warner for mayor man"

I'm afraid he's going to be disappointed then...
Anonymous said…
I wish Mike would knock down that old house. Its a real eyesore.
Anonymous said…
"...clandestine political agenda"?? I fear that with each and every city council meeting. Thank goodness we have Debbie Quinn on the council, serving the true interests of the people of Fairhope.
Anonymous said…
If you trust Debbie Quinn - you need to check your back for a knife.
Anonymous said…
So true about Debbie Quinn and the knife in the back. Also, Mike objects to everything that might threaten his soft seat that he sleeps in most of the time.
Anonymous said…
Who knew that Mr Debbie Quinn read this blog...
KI4HBS said…
Hobbs act ???
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