Fairhope, Alabama
 |
| October 25, 2021 council meeting. |
YEARLY ROTATION PLANNED
To mark its first year in office, the city council is expected to appoint a new council president during its next session on November 15th per city code of ordinances, Section 2-43: "An election for council president and council pro tempore will be held each November and/or at the pleasure of the city council."
The office is then to rotate to a different member yearly, each November.
In recent history, newly-elected councils have decided to appoint officers only at their first meeting after an election, every four years.
Place one councilman Jack Burrell was first-appointed council president in November of 2012 (click), then again in 2016 and 2020. Lonnie Mixon was council president from 2013 -2016; Debbie Quinn; 2012-2013; Bob Gentle from 2004-2008.
He addressed the impending change during the recent Oct 25th council meeting: "There will be and election for council president ... start a rotation ... like many other cities do ... appreciate the vote of confidence the past nine years ... ."
BURRELL'S TENURE CONTROVERSIAL
Burrell often points to the city's current excellent financial condition as the primary accomplishment of his tenure; but he clashed at times with both former mayors Kant and Wilson (especially) -- and has been criticized in recent years for his sometimes-abrasive demeanor and for apparent lack-of-transparency at times conducting meetings, often convening "informal" meetings early (before cameras go on or after they go off) for private "information gathering" sessions arguably exempt from state open meeting laws -- and for encouraging various city committees to similarly find ways around the laws as needed as well.
The Times' has often advocated privately and written several op eds over the years arguing for the opposite: that it is in the public interest to find ways to comply with transparency laws instead.
Sources say the front-runner for the coming year is Jimmy Conyers, current president pro tem.
 |
| Councilman Jimmy Conyers. |
Comments
There appears to be growing concern about growth and resulting traffic concerns in Fairhope and Baldwin County. The best thing we can do is support and vote for candidates that have integrity and slow growth policies. Can't wait for the next local elections.
Really? "Sneaked through" hikes at countless open meetings to which the press and public were invited, and for which agendas and minutes were published?
I guess that our Sun sneaks across the sky, too.
Paper Tiger Man, please. Try again.
That's right, never "personally" notified--except for every single bill you receive throughout the year.
Are you expecting phone call from your councilman after every meeting? Where's YOUR sense of civic responsibility to be informed and to exercise your right to petition your government for redress of your grievances?
Or even better, they could visit every house with the news--and then cut the lawn while they are there.
Why should citizens have to take responsibility for anything at all?
A final point: is there anywhere in Fairhope you are afraid to go ? I feel safe. That is worth something to me.