public officials

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter New legislation in the Alabama House of Representatives would alter the definition of lobbyist and lobbying in such a way as to open the floodgates for public officials to use their office for personal gain under the guise of economic development. Behind HB317 is Republican Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield, … Continued

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter Results from the Alabama Political Reporter‘s first Influentials Poll are in, and some of the state’s most prominent political minds believe the state needs to chart a course for growth that doesn’t neatly fit into either party’s public persona. APR asked its exclusive list of lawmakers, public officials, consultants, … Continued

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter “Somebody should do something.” After nearly five years of being rebuffed for his common-sense stance on the Ethics Commission, Dr. Stewart Hill Tankersley is doing something significant: Exposing institutional corruption and the particular failings of the Commission, sworn to hold every public official to the letter of the law. … Continued

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter In a unanimous vote on September 1, 2016, the Alabama Ethics Commission issued advisory opinion 2016-24, which it believed clarified the question regarding public officials soliciting lobbyists and principals for contributions to a charitable organization, operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The issue was raised by the nonprofit group, Friends … Continued

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—In a Supplemental Brief in support of a sentencing recommendation filed Friday, the State is asking that disgraced former Speaker Mike Hubbard be ordered to pay, $1,125,000.00 in restitution for his criminal acts. SEE BRIEF HERE In July, Hubbard was convicted on 12 felony counts of public corruption, sentenced … Continued

  By Jack Campbell When recording artist Cher released the hit “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves” in 1971, she never envisioned that song would characterize the leadership of the GOP in Alabama some 45 years later. Even the people who are not historically tuned in to current affairs realize our state Party is headed for a … Continued

By Bill Britt Alabama Political Reporter MONTGOMERY—Recently, the Alabama Political Reporter obtained a copy of a fund-raising letter sent from Acting Finance Director Bill Newton to a registered lobbyist. Newton is the Chair of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. (See Letter Here.) Newton, who serves as chair for the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, … Continued