Mac McCutcheon weighs-in: Kay Ivey ‘doesn’t really need to debate’ Walt Maddox
There’s been much discussion this year about Republican Gov. Kay Ivey avoiding her Democratic opponent Walt Maddox on the debate stage. Now Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon is offering his opinion on the entire situation, saying Ivey “doesn’t really need to debate” Maddox for the November 6 election. “When it comes to debates, in a campaign, every campaign is different,” McCutcheon told WHNT. “The candidates of those campaigns, they need to look at the polling, they need to look at the issues, they need to look at the opportunity they have.” For months, Ivey has side-stepped Maddox, just as she did with her Republican primary challengers. Earlier this month Ivey went on record saying she has no plans to debate her Democratic challenger as she seeks a full term in office. “Alabamians know my record” and “know what I stand for,” Ivey said. “There are only two people that ever bring up the subject. Y’all in the media and my opponent,” Ivey said in response to a question about debating from a reporter in July. McCutcheon agrees with Ivey, and thinks if Alabamians do have questions they can easily find the answers online. “If they’re listening to social media, if they’re looking at her job performance, if they’re looking at the issues and really digging deep into the issues, I think the answers are there for the public,” McCutcheon added.
Chip Hill: Kay Ivey ‘wrong on the law,’ says payments to Robert Bentley were appropriate
Last week, we were all disturbed to learn that our tax dollars are being used to pay Robert Bentley’s lawyers in a case that heaped national shame and embarrassment on Alabama – and resulted in Kay Ivey assuming the office of Governor. In an al.com article, Ivey’s said the payments to Bentley were “appropriate.” Kay Ivey is wrong! We are paying Robert Bentley’s lawyers when we don’t have to. The law cited by Kay Ivey clearly states that there are limits to what must be paid when legal action is brought about by a governor’s willful, criminal misconduct. Robert Bentley’s shameful conduct certainly qualifies as willful misconduct. To date taxpayers have shelled out nearly 300k for Robert Bentley’s legal fees and that total could increase quickly and drastically. The Alabama taxpayer has been paying Bentley’s legal fees when in fact those payment could have legally STOPPED in 2017. (See below) Kay Ivey either has a fundamental lack of understanding about the law, or she has gone out of her way to continue to pay the legal fees of Robert Bentley for immoral conduct that resulted in her being appointed Governor, when the state was not required to do so. At a minimum, Kay Ivey has not made any attempt to stop the payments to Bentley, nor has she made any effort to explain or address the law she incorrectly says forces the state to pay Bentley. “There are too many unanswered questions surrounding this entire situation,” said Walt Maddox. “If she won’t debate or face the people and answer their questions, Kay Ivey must address this, and explain why we have been paying Robert Bentley’s lawyers when we didn’t have to. The last time a governor refused to debate or be fully transparent, the state ended up in one of its worst political scandals. We are paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for what we didn’t know Robert Bentley was hiding then, and the Bentley payments she approved but failed to disclose, proves we don’t know what else Kay Ivey is hiding now.” Why Kay Ivey should stop defending Robert Bentley in court According to law, the State of Alabama should not be paying lawyers to defend former Governor Robert Bentley in the lawsuit filed by former Secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Spencer Collier. Collier was fired by Bentley in 2016 because he wouldn’t cover up Bentley’s affair with Rebecca Caldwell Mason. However, the State of Alabama is paying Bentley’s legal fees through a taxpayer funded self‐ insurance program called the General Liability Trust Fund, or GLTF, which provides liability coverage to state officials pursuant to Ala. Code §36‐1‐6.1 and Guidelines established by the Director of Finance. The GLTF provides defense and indemnity only for “acts or omissions committed by the covered employee while in the performance of their official duties in the line and scope of their employment.” (The GLTF treats elected and non‐elected officials as “employees” for purposes of coverage.) It excludes coverage for personal misconduct outside the line and scope of official duties. The lawsuit as originally filed against Bentley included nine counts, alleging wrongful termination, defamation, invasion of privacy, and conspiracy. On Nov. 9, 2017 the Court ruled on Bentley’s motion to dismiss, holding that the wrongful termination claims were based on official conduct occurring in the line and scope of Bentley’s duties as governor, and consequently would be dismissed on immunity grounds. That immunity determination depended on the same “official versus personal conduct” issue that determines coverage under GLTF. The Court order was very careful to say that the remaining claims that weren’t being dismissed were based on Bentley’s personal misconduct that occurred outside the line and scope of the governor’s official duties. Therefore, after the court’s ruling, the lawsuit now includes only claims based on Robert Bentley’s personal misconduct. Accordingly, Bentley should be required to defend himself like the rest of us would, availing himself would of any personal liability insurance he may have. Amazingly, however, even though the lawsuit has consisted only of personal misconduct claims ever since the 2017 ruling, and even though personal misconduct is not covered under GLTF, the state of Alabama continues to pay lawyers hundreds of thousands of dollars to defend Robert Bentley. And of course that’s on top of over $1 million it cost to investigate his wrongdoing in the first place. Gov. Kay Ivey should end this fiasco immediately, and pursuant to her powers in §121 of the Alabama Constitution demand a written explanation from the Finance Director and Attorney General as to why it went on this long. In Riley v. Cornerstone (2010), the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that the governor is the ultimate authority as CEO of state government to control the state’s legal interests, even over the Attorney General. In this case, the state’s only legitimate legal interest in the Bentley case is to get out of it and leave the former governor to defend himself. ••• Chip Hill is the Communications Director on the Walt Maddox for Governor campaign.
Delta Regional Authority invests $1.1M to strengthen Alabama’s economy, infrastructure
Delta Regional Authority (DRA) — a federal-state partnership created by Congress in 2000 to help create jobs, build communities, and improve lives through strategic investments in economic development in 252 counties and parishes across eight states — Chairman Chris Caldwell along with Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced the DRA will invest $1.1 million to enhance workforce training and development, help create technology jobs and deliver safe drinking water to the Black Belt region. DRA’s investments, along with other public and private partners, will bring a total of $13.4 million in new investments to Alabama. “Our investments support vital infrastructure improvements that will strengthen economic development, lead to new jobs, boost workforce training and development, and deliver safe drinking water to improve the lives of folks in the Black Belt,” said Caldwell. “This is just one example of DRA’s commitment to building infrastructure that will make Alabama more competitive.” Summary of DRA’s statewide investments: 7 projects DRA investments: $1,157,066 Total investments: $13,421,555 Jobs created: 300 Workers trained: 100 Families affected: 3,052 “The Delta Regional Authority’s SEDAP program works hand in hand with the priorities of my Administration. Each day, with every decision, I am working to enhance the quality of life for all Alabamians,” Ivey added. “I am grateful for the partnership of the DRA and other public and private partners to invest $13.4 million to seven improvement projects in our Black Belt region. When we invest in infrastructure, workforce development and business projects, we are investing in our people.” Alabama economic development projects DRA investments are made through its States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP), the agency’s main federal funding program that invests in basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, workforce development, and small business and entrepreneurship projects. CITY OF BREWTON: New Technology Park. DRA Investment: $300,000. Total Investment: $5 million. Brewton is converting the former Dogwood Hills Golf Course, a city-owned property, into a new Brewton Technology Park to support its first project and tenant, an information technology company that is projected to bring 300 new jobs to the community. The business also will provide training for those workers. DRA’s investment will allow the purchase and installation of sewer mains, water lines and other infrastructure development to support a 30,000-square-foot facility. About 2,732 families will gain improved water and sewer service as a result of the investment. TOWN OF MIDWAY: Medical Clinic and Pharmacy. DRA Investment: $200,000. Total Investment: $302,165. Midway will revitalize and improve the old Merritt School, which has experienced significant deterioration since it closed in 2011. The 30,000-square-foot building will be renamed the Merritt Community Complex and include a medical clinic and pharmacy to increase access to healthcare and promote wellness. CITY OF MARION: Water Infrastructure. DRA Investment: $185,936. Total Investment: $6.1 million. DRA’s investment will be combined with a $5.9 million investment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to deliver safe drinking water to 125 families in the Perry County community. Area residents now get their drinking water from wells that are susceptible to contamination. TOWN OF AKRON: Wastewater Infrastructure. DRA Investment: $155,000. Total Investment: $161,565. DRA’s investment will provide sanitary sewer service to 185 families by upgrading deteriorating equipment and infrastructure. Improving wastewater treatment will help sustain a senior center, fire station, post office, local store and six churches that serve the community. CITY OF CAMDEN. Water Infrastructure. DRA Investment: $125,000. Total Investment: $184,661. To get safe drinking water today, families have to travel to neighbors’ homes or to a roadside faucet to fill up containers with water. This investment will deliver safe drinking water to the homes of these 10 Camden families who live along Willie Powell Road. CITY OF MONTGOMERY. Workforce Training and Development. DRA Investment: $105,050. Total Investment: $1,475,676. The Alabama Forestry Foundation’s continuing initiative to prepare, recruit and train rural students so they can gain jobs in the industry is being supported by DRA’s investment. The foundation is working with K-8 teachers to improve math and science skills for students and promote career opportunities. The foundation also is working on the high-school level to implement a certification program for students and to give them a basic understanding of the jobs available in the forestry industry. About 100 individuals are projected to be trained in programs that are being implemented in 20 of Alabama’s 67 counties. CITY OF SELMA. Infrastructure Improvements. DRA Investment: $86,080. Total Investment: $86,080. DRA’s investment will support the emergency removal and replacement of corrugated metal pipe along a drainage easement in the LaForet Estates subdivision. The deteriorating pipe has created five sinkholes, presenting a danger to families living in the area.
Kay Ivey awards $1.89M to help victims of domestic violence, elder abuse
The Alabama Governor’s Office announced $1.89 million in grants funding to support organizations and programs that help victims of domestic violence and elder abuse throughout the state. Gov. Kay Ivey made the announcement on Friday. “No one should ever have to experience the horrors of domestic violence or elder abuse, but there is hope for those who unfortunately do become victims,” Ivey said. “The programs supported by these grants will help ensure that professional assistance is available and that justice is obtained for the survivors.” The grants breakdown $1.56 million grant: awarded to the Alabama Department of Human Resources to support their Adult Protective Services division that provides emergency in-home services and temporary placement option for victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Two grants, totaling $250,781: given to support the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence as they serve their member programs and shelters throughout the state. The organization provides training, education and outreach on domestic violence issues, and their member shelters provide counseling, support groups and other vital services. $80,000 grant: allotted to help the Alabama Office of Prosecution Services to train law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, domestic violence shelter staff and other criminal justice agencies that investigate and prosecute abusers or assist victims of domestic violence. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the grants from multiple funding sources, including the U.S. Department of Justice, the state’s General Fund and the Domestic Violence Trust Fund, which was created through the state marriage license fee. Those funds are used to provide shelter for victims and to conduct educational and prevention programs. “Gov. Ivey understands the important roles these agencies play in helping domestic violence and elder abuse victims,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join her in supporting these programs that provide important assistance to victims at a time they need it the most.”
Gov. Kay Ivey deploys personnel, resources to N.C. ahead of Hurricane Florence
Ahead of Hurricane Florence’s expected landfall late Friday, Gov. Kay Ivey announced the State of Alabama is deploying state personnel and resources to assist with hurricane response efforts in North Carolina. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) received requests for assistance from North Carolina and South Carolina as Hurricane Florence approaches the East Coast. Currently AEMA has one mobile communication site vehicle, one AEMA staff member and one Mobile County responder in route to a staging area in North Carolina. “As the East Coast makes preparations ahead of Hurricane Florence, Alabama will also be prepared to aid in any way we can. I spoke with the governors of North and South Carolina and offered our support,” Ivey said. “Alabama EMA will continue working with their counterparts in the Carolinas. Taking the necessary precautions ahead of time and having all hands-on deck to respond is of the utmost importance. Alabama stands ready to help.” The Mobile Communication Site Team will support North Carolina in maintaining critical communication links for public safety radio communications. Their primary role will be to support their North Carolina counterparts as they experience an overwhelming need to coordinate their state response efforts. “We are leaning forward to support those states that may be impacted by Hurricane Florence” said AEMA Director Brian Hastings. “We are a close-knit team in FEMA Region IV, and when one state is threatened, we all stand ready to assist our incredible neighbors to prepare, respond and recover to save lives and mitigate human suffering. Alabama is always ready to assist when there is a need.” Additional support currently under consideration for states forecasted for impact by hurricane Florence includes: Nurse strike team Emergency Operations Center personnel Damage assessment teams and debris management personnel Mental health professionals Volunteer services personnel Maxwell Incident Support Base Electrical line maintenance crews Additionally, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is prepared to expedite passage of vehicles for disaster response through Alabama to affected areas on the East Coast.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey: ‘Don’t need a debate’
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey says she has no plans to debate her Democratic challenger as she seeks a full term in office. Speaking to reporters Wednesday after a speech in Montgomery, Ivey responded to Walt Maddox’s repeated calls for a debate before the November election. Ivey says that “Alabamians know my record” and “know what I stand for.” Ivey did not debate her Republican primary challengers and easily won the nomination. Maddox is the mayor of Tuscaloosa. He has criticized Ivey’s refusal to debate, saying voters deserve to hear candidates’ ideas. Ivey is seeking office in her own right after becoming governor last year when her predecessor resigned in a cloud of scandal. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Kay Ivey encourages tech savvy students to participate in her App Challenge
Governor Kay Ivey is encouraging tech savvy students from every corner of the state to participate in her App Challenge — a statewide contest that encourages students K-12 to build their own app technology and put it into practice. The goal of the Challenge is to give more students the opportunity to gain recognition for their mastery and application of computer programming and design. “Since establishing my Advisory Council for Computer Science Education last year, we have been hard at work to make my vision of giving every Alabama student a 21st Century education into a reality. I’m encouraging students to become a part of this emerging technology economy and participate in the Governor’s App Challenge,” Ivey said. “This contest allows students from every corner of the state to get creative and build their own app while putting into practice computer science principles they are learning in the classroom.” New details about the Challenge On Monday Ivey announced new details of the challenge, which she launched in March at the inaugural Alabama Computer Science Summit. Students will create an application in a language of their choosing, respond in writing to specific prompts about the application and submit a video of their application running. Student submissions will be judged in one of three grade bands: Elementary: K-5 Middle School: 6-8 High School: 9-12 Apps will be judged at various levels, with only the winning entry in each grade band advancing to the next level. The first level of competition will be at the individual school. The winner(s) from each school will advance to the Local Education Agency (LEA) level. The winner(s) from the LEA level will advance to the State Board of Education district level and the winners from each of the State School Board districts will enter the state championship. The State School Board district winners will compete at the Alabama Computer Science Summit in April 2019, with winners announced at the conclusion of the summit. Participants must register by November 1, 2018. Watch Ivey’s announcement of the App Challenge below:
Alabama Power prepared for Tropical Storm Gordon
Alabama Power is preparing for Tropical Storm Gordon as it strengthens this afternoon and heads toward the Gulf Coast. Alabama Power crews and personnel are ready to respond, if needed. Current forecasts predict Gordon will make landfall on the central Gulf Coast overnight Tuesday. The forecasts suggest Gordon could intensify to hurricane-strength before arriving on shore in Alabama, Mississippi or Louisiana. The storm is expected to drop between 4 and 12 inches of rain in the western Florida panhandle, southwest Alabama, central Mississippi, eastern Louisiana and into southern Arkansas. Alabama Power crews are preparing for any damage or outages that may come when Tropical Storm Gordon makes landfall in the state later today. [Photo Credit: file/Alabama Newscenter] Forecasters say southwest Alabama, including the metro Mobile area, will be affected by high winds and heavy rainfall, with the possibility of flash flooding. Downtown Mobile also faces potential flooding. Gov. Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency at 7 a.m. Tuesday for Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe and Washington counties. “All coastal Alabama residents need to prepare now ahead of tonight’s potential landfall near Alabama,” Ivey said. “I have directed essential state agencies to be on the ready should they be needed over the next couple of days.” Localized flooding is possible across the southern portion of the state. Dangerous wind gusts of up to 45 mph will be an issue as the storm makes landfall. Tornadoes also are possible. Based on current forecasts, the Mobile area will see the greatest impact from this storm in Alabama before it moves north and west on its forecasted track through Mississippi, Louisiana and toward Arkansas. Heavy rain and gusting winds could cause trees to fall. As always, safety is a top priority for all Alabama Power. Individuals, families and businesses in the projected path of the storm should take precautionary measures and make sure they have a hurricane plan, including a fully stocked emergency supply kit. Click here for specific tips related to hurricane preparedness. Alabama Power customers who experience storm-related outages can report them online via mobile devices at www.alabamapower.com. Customers also can call the company’s automated outage reporting line at 1-800-888-APCO (2726). Republished with the permission of the Alabama Newscenter.
Kay Ivey issues State of Emergency ahead of Tropical Storm Gordon
In anticipation of the arrival of Tropical Storm Gordon, which the National Weather Service (NWS) says will soon be upgraded to a hurricane, Gov. Kay Ivey has declared a State of Emergency for several Alabama counties. Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe and Washington Counties are all included, effective at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 4. “I’ve issued a State of Emergency for #TSGordon directing essential state agencies to be on the ready should they be needed over the next couple of days. All coastal Alabama residents need to prepare now ahead of tonight’s potential landfall,” tweeted Ivey. I’ve issued a State of Emergency for #TSGordon directing essential state agencies to be on the ready should they be needed over the next couple of days. All coastal Alabama residents need to prepare now ahead of tonight’s potential landfall. Read–> https://t.co/aAzNF5G7ry pic.twitter.com/ythMpWwHAO — Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) September 4, 2018 “All coastal Alabama residents need to prepare now ahead of tonight’s potential landfall near Alabama. I have directed essential state agencies to be on the ready should they be needed over the next couple of days,” said Ivey. “As with any tropical weather event, being prepared is of utmost importance. Everyone should take the necessary precautions now and stay informed of the latest weather conditions for their area. This State of Emergency will ensure that all available state resources are ready when they are needed.” Gordon is expected to bring increased rain activity and storm surge, with the threat of flooding and isolated tornadoes, the risk of which is expected to dramatically increase over the next 12 to 36 hours. “Gordon is a tight, fast moving tropical storm. Alabama is postured for a coastal wind and water event, but the key will be the preparation of our citizens,” Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brian E. Hastings said. “If you live in the coastal counties, especially in surge and flood prone areas, it is imperative that you get to a safe place by early afternoon and stay there through Wednesday morning. With tropical storm force winds forecasted, we expect power outages concentrated in the coastal counties; so, make sure you have a 72-hour emergency kit ready.” Regardless of the final track and intensity of Gordon, it will produce heavy rainfall and flash flooding in several counties, and Ivey is encouraging Alabamians to prepare now. By declaring a State of Emergency, Ivey is directing the appropriate state agencies to exercise their statutory authority to assist the communities and entities impacted by Tropical Storm Gordon. For real-time road conditions, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is encouraging people to visit https://algotraffic.com/.
Finally, Alabama ranks #1 for something other than football
The Yellowhammer State has been selected as the nation’s top state for manufacturing in a new ranking. Global Trade, a publication focusing on international business, put Alabama in the top spot of a combination of factors — “like an existing industrial base, the availability of talent, investment incentives, and favorable tax and regulatory environments.” In addition, the publication credited the AdvantageSites program for the state’s success in the manufacturing industry. This program pre-certifies sites for development and is known for rapid permitting, which is coordinated by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) to accelerate projects. “Alabama has a strong heritage in manufacturing, which remains a key pillar in the state’s growing economy,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “Alabama workers have shown the world that they have the expertise to manufacture high-quality products that set industry standards, and this ranking is more confirmation of that fact.” “Alabama is open for business! We should all be proud of the strong workforce development initiatives that continue to help our state succeed,” Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby posted on Facebook after hearing the news. Open for business There are more than 270, 000 manufacturing workers in Alabama, representing over 13 percent of the state’s workforce. That’s the fifth highest concentration among the states, according to data from the National Association of Manufacturers. “Alabama’s manufacturing workers bring energy and passion to their jobs, and they’re always willing to learn new skills that will enhance productivity,” added Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “These qualities set them apart from their counterparts in other states and allow them to manufacture a sweeping variety of top-flight products that are in demand all over the world.” Global Trade’s selection of Alabama as the top manufacturing state comes one month after Business Facilities, a publication focused on economic development, named Alabama the No. 1 state in a business-climate ranking. “The state has seen a continued influx of manufacturing investment — much of it from the international auto industry — and it’s not hard to understand why,” Global Trade writes. A 2017 Gallup poll found that Alabama has the highest percentage of highly involved and enthusiastic workers among U.S. states. These rankings come at a time when Alabama is moving to streamline and improve its overall workforce development program, with many of these functions centralized in the Alabama Department of Commerce. New initiatives include AlabamaWorks and Apprenticeship Alabama.
2018 statewide election ad roundup: August 31 edition
The November 6 general election is less than 70 days away and Alabama’s candidates have taken to the internet and the airwaves with campaign ads in hopes of swaying Yellowhammer State voters to their side. For the third week in a row, Walt Maddox was the only statewide candidate to release a new ad; the latest in a series of ads where an invisible announcer addresses an empty debate podium labelled “Kay Ivey,” asking the podium a series of questions. The empty podium never answers; leaving the announcer to ask “Governor Ivey? Governor?” Maddox then responds to the question himself, securing his positions on issues from his pro-life stance, to Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh‘s confirmation. This week Maddox addresses the topic of school safety. Gubernatorial ads Democrat Walt Maddox: Title: Debate Topic #6: School Safety Published: August 27, 2018 Tone: Intense
Kay Ivey reports large campaign contributions
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has reported a string of large campaign contributions as she looks to reclaim fundraising dominance in the gubernatorial race. Campaign finance reports show the incumbent Republican has received $95,000 in large contributions over the last three weeks. Ivey received $25,000 each from the Alabama Builders Political Action Committee, the Trucking Association PAC and Georgia Crown Distributing Inc. She also received $20,000 from another political action committee. Ivey faces Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox in the November election. Maddox and Ivey had reported similar fundraising numbers and campaign balances in July. August fundraising reports are due Sept. 5 but candidates must report large contributions as they are made. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
