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Ethics

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Bentley investigation not the first time Ellen Brooks cited gaps in law to let perps walk free

If the findings of a special grand jury empaneled to hear allegations of wrongdoings against former Gov. Robert Bentley and his cronies sound familiar, it should. In 2012, after an eight-month investigation, a Montgomery grand jury found that the state’s ethics and campaign finance laws were not specific enough to indict former Gov. Bob Riley … Continued
April 9, 2018

AG candidate Chess Bedsole criticizes lax ethics laws, results of Bentley investigation

On Wednesday, many Alabamians were surprised to learn that apparently using law enforcement personnel to intimidate witnesses and investigate family matters and potential political leaks is completely legal under Alabama law. At least that is the conclusion that many are drawing from the end of the Bentley investigation that found that there were no grounds under … Continued
April 6, 2018

Maddox says HB317 was not necessary

Monday, Tuscaloosa Mayor and Democratic candidate for governor, Walt Maddox claimed that passage of HB317 is not necessary to recruit jobs to the state and urged incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey to veto the bill. “Tuscaloosa recently worked with MBUSI (Mercedes Benz) on a $1 Billion expansion that will create 600 new jobs,” Maddox said. “To … Continued
April 3, 2018

Rep. Jack Williams, former ALGOP Chairman arrested on federal public corruption charges

On Monday, state Rep. Jack Williams, R-Vestavia Hills, and former Alabama Republican Party Chairman Marty Connors were arrested along with a California healthcare industry executive on charges of public corruption. United States Attorney Louis Franklin announced that Williams, 60, and Riley-era ALGOP Chairman Connors turned lobbyist Martin “Marty” Connors, 61, from Alabaster, Alabama, had been … Continued
April 3, 2018

Bill to exempt economic developers from registering as lobbyists passes Senate

Economic developers may soon be exempted from registering as lobbyist after a tense day in the Legislature characterized with delay tactics and a narrow Senate vote. House bill 314, which would exempt economic developers from registering as lobbyist, cleared the Senate on Wednesday, but it took many hours of delay tactics by opposing senators. Sens. … Continued
March 29, 2018

Debate over ethics is being watched nationally in the economic development community

On Wednesday, proponents of House Bill 317 argued before the Senate about passing the legislation that would exempt economic developers from Alabama’s landmark 2010 ethics bill. Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said that the bill is necessary so that economic developers can do their jobs and continue to bring jobs and investment to Alabama. That … Continued
March 20, 2018

Mike Huckabee campaigns for Scott Dawson

Monday, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee was in Pelham, Alabama, to campaign for his friend, Scott Dawson. Dawson is an evangelist who is running for governor in the Republican Primary. “What a joy to be here with the next governor of Alabama Scott Dawson,” Huckabee told the crowd. Huckabee also praised his daughter, White House … Continued
March 20, 2018

House OKs bill to clarify consulting contracts by state legislators

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter Tuesday, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill to try to clarify how legislators accept consulting contracts under Alabama’s 2010 ethics law. Some pundits have suggested that House Bill 387 is actually designed to weaken the existing ethics law. Sponsor state Rep. Rich Wingo, R-Tuscaloosa, argues that the … Continued
March 14, 2018

Bentley appointees trick lawmakers into passing dangerous ethics, economic development bill

By Bill Britt  Alabama Political Reporter The passage of HB317 by the Alabama House of Representatives could easily be labeled legislation by deception. Not that lawmakers were lying, but rather they were on the receiving end of a lie. In a press statement on Thursday, appointed Attorney General Steve Marshall inadvertently confirmed how he and … Continued
March 9, 2018

Gubernatorial candidates attend Vestavia Hills forum

By Brandon Moseley Alabama Political Reporter Saturday, February 10, 2018, the Mid Alabama Republican Club held the first Republican primary gubernatorial forum at their regular meeting in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. “This is what Alabama is about,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said. “We believe in starting meeting with prayer, with the pledge.  We have the fifth largest … Continued
February 13, 2018