Alabama Ethics Commission

By Susan Britt Alabama Political Reporter OPELIKA—James L. Sumner, Executive Director of the Alabama Ethics Commission for close to 18 years before his retirement last year, testified yesterday the legal protections afforded to public officials and employees who seek formal ethics opinions do not apply to people seeking what he termed “informal opinions.” Sumner appeared … Continued

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—On October 7, in a unanimous vote, the Alabama Ethics Commission approved an opinion that would end the practice of Executive On Loan, sort of, because future arrangements would be evaluated on a “case-by-case” basis. (See opinion here.) In an unusual move, the Commission unilaterally issued the opinion without … Continued

  By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter At its October 7 meeting, in a spectacle more reminiscent of a Soviet-era Troika, the Alabama Ethics Commission dismissed the request by the State’s Attorney General Luther Strange, and all of the State’s District Attorneys, to reconsider its opinion which effectively allowed Rep. Patricia Todd (D-Birmingham) to lobby … Continued

By Lowell Barron  The Alabama Ethics Commission in August issued an opinion that guts the Alabama ethics law. Attorney General Luther Strange and Alabama district attorneys immediately voiced their strong opposition. The Attorney General and DAs detailed how this opinion misinterprets Alabama law and makes a mockery of ethics in Alabama. It is no secret … Continued

  By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—In his latest motion to have the 23 felony changes again him dismissed, Speaker Mike Hubbard claims Attorney General Luther Strange is out to get him because he wants to eliminate as a rival for the Governorship in 2018. If this, “…sounds like deja vu all over again,” … Continued

  By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Recent opinions issued under the guidance of new Ethics Director Tom Albritton are increasingly facing criticism from the press and members of the State legislature. Ethics opinions written for Rep. Patricia Todd (D-Birmingham), Health Officer Dr. Don Williamson, and Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston), have all … Continued

  By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—In a 4 to 1 vote, the Alabama Ethics Commission approved an opinion that permits State Rep. Patricia Todd (D-Birmingham) to advocate for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community in the legislature, as well as sponsor a vote on legislation affecting the LGBT community, while serving … Continued

By Bill BrittAlabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—In 2012, Representative Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), along with other House members, sought to insert language into State law that would benefit private companies who provided solid waste management within certain counties and/or municipalities, including a company owned by Moore. HB274 would have “prohibit a county, municipality, or solid waste authority from providing … Continued

By Bill BrittAlabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn) and his attorney J. Mark White have said that Hubbard’s consulting contract with American Pharmacy Cooperative Inc. (APCI), was vetted and by the Alabama Ethics Commission. They have sought to portray Hubbard as an innocent bystander in events surrounding the arrest and plea bargain … Continued