Alabama Big 10 Mayors say state will be safer thanks to Aniah’s Law
On Tuesday, Alabama voters went to the polls and overwhelmingly voted to ratify Amendment One -Aniah’s Law. The Big 10 Mayors had endorsed ratification of the bill to allow judges to deny mail to dangerous felons. After Tuesday’s victory, the Mayors said they will continue to collectively advocate for policy goals that make the state a better place for all Alabamians “We were proud to support this constitutional amendment and to have fought for its approval by Alabama voters,” the Mayors said. “This is a big win for public safety in Alabama and will honor Aniah’s memory for generations to come.” They thanked voters for making Alabama safer by showing up at the polls and voting for Aniah’s Law. “As mayors of Alabama’s ten largest cities, we understand the great responsibility we have to promote public safety in our communities,” the Mayors said. Early on, we identified Aniah’s Law as an issue in which we could use our collective influence to advocate for and make Alabamians safer. This amendment will give Alabama judges and District Attorneys the tools they need to keep violent criminals off the streets.” Under current Alabama law, judges have limited authority to deny bail to violent offenders unless the suspect is charged with a capital offense or poses a flight risk. Proponents say that means that dangerous criminals are often released back onto the streets, even when it is likely they will commit more violent crimes as soon as they make bail. Aniah Blanchard was a Southern Union student who was kidnapped off of the streets of Auburn at a gas station by a known violent kidnapper who was out on bond. She was brutalized, raped, and murdered by her attacker. Her parents were instrumental in Aniah’s law being passed by the Alabama Legislature. Now, after a majority of Alabama voters voted to pass Aniah’s Law, judges will be able to deny bail to dangerous offenders who are likely to re-offend when charged with serious felonies like murder, kidnapping, rape, sexual torture, domestic violence, human trafficking, burglary, arson, robbery, terrorism, or aggravated child abuse. “Far too often, these offenders – who are often charged with crimes such as murder, rape, and kidnapping – are released to re-commit more heinous crimes while they await trial. That flawed system led to the kidnapping and murder of 19-year-old Aniah Blanchard in October of 2019. Simply put, Aniah’s accused killer should have been in jail, and Aniah should still be alive. We were honored to help get this constitutional amendment across the finish line to protect Alabamians from suffering the same tragedy that befell Aniah and her family. We were proud to support this constitutional amendment and to have fought for its approval by Alabama voters. This is a big win for public safety in Alabama and will honor Aniah’s memory for generations to come.” Amendment one was also endorsed by Gov. Kay Ivey, Attorney General Steve Marshall, Secretary of State John Merrill, and unanimous votes by both Houses of the Alabama Legislature, where it was sponsored by State Rep. Chip Brown. “We will continue to collectively advocate for policy goals that make our state a better place for all Alabamians,” said the Mayors. The Alabama Big 10 Mayors include Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling, Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. All ten statewide constitutional amendments and the 2022 recompiled state constitution were ratified by voters on Tuesday. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Marshall urges voters to vote Yes for Aniah’s Law
Attorney General Steve Marshall released a video statement on Monday expressing his strong support for Statewide Amendment 1, Aniah’s Law. Marshall asked the people of Alabama to vote to adopt the amendment when they vote on Tuesday. “On Election Day, several proposed amendments to the state constitution will be on the ballot,” Marshall said. “One is vital for public safety. That would be Amendment 1, which creates what is known as Aniah’s Law.” “As you will recall, Aniah Blanchard was the young woman who, in 2019, went missing and was later found murdered,” Marshall said. “The man charged with Aniah’s abduction and murder was out on bond at the time he committed his heinous acts, despite already being charged with multiple violent crimes, including kidnapping.” “Aniah’s case was a terrible tragedy that drew national attention, but I am here to tell you that hers is not the only case of this kind—and it won’t be the last,” said Marshall. “That’s why we need Aniah’s Law. Aniah’s Law—which you will find on your ballot as Amendment 1—amends the state constitution to allow judges the discretion to deny bond to violent criminals like Aniah’s murderer. So, on Tuesday, be sure to vote “yes” on Amendment 1, which will keep dangerous criminals off the street and the public out of harm’s way. And thank you to Aniah’s family for leading the charge to make Alabama a safer place.” Aniah’s Law has also been endorsed by Governor Kay Ivey. “It is past time we fix those issues, but because of the unwavering dedication of Aniah’s family and the unanimous support by the Alabama Legislature, Amendment One, also known as Aniah’s Law, will be on the ballot this November,” Ivey said. “I encourage every Alabamian to join me in voting yes on Aniah’s Law to ensure no family would have to go through the pain of preventable tragedy.” Under current Alabama law, judges have limited authority to deny bail to violent offenders unless the suspect is charged with a capital offense or poses a flight risk. That means that dangerous criminals are often released back onto the streets, even when it is likely they will commit more violent crimes as soon as they make bail. Proponents argue that if the majority of Alabamians vote for Aniah’s Law, then judges will be able to deny bail to dangerous offenders who are likely to re-offend when they are charged with serious felonies like murder, kidnapping, rape, sexual torture, domestic violence, human trafficking, burglary, arson, robbery, terrorism, or aggravated child abuse. This legislation was sponsored by State Rep. Chip Brown. It passed unanimously by the state legislature in April 2021 and was named in memory of murdered 19-year-old Southern Union Community College student Aniah Blanchard. Her accused murderer was out on bail awaiting trial for charges of kidnapping, attempted murder, and robbery. Amendment One has also been endorsed by the Mayors of Alabama’s ten largest cities. “As members of the Alabama Big 10 Mayors, public safety is one of our top priorities,” the Mayors wrote in a statement. “And on the November 8 ballot, there will be a constitutional amendment that, if voted for by a majority of Alabamians, would give our state’s judges the tools they need to keep violent, repeat offenders off our streets and out of our communities, and in jail where they belong. In October 2019, 19-year-old college student Aniah Blanchard was tragically kidnapped. The suspect in her case was out free on bond, awaiting trial for charges of attempted murder and armed robbery. He should have been incarcerated, and Aniah Blanchard should still be alive.” “We urge all Alabama voters to vote for Amendment One on election day so what happened to Aniah and her loved ones will not happen again,” the Big 10 Mayors concluded. The Alabama Big 10 Mayors include Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling, Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. Polls will open Tuesday at 7:00 am and close at 7:00 pm. Voters need to bring a valid photo ID to the polls with them in order to vote. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Big 10 Mayors urge Alabama voters to vote Yes for Aniah’s Law – Amendment One
Aniah’s Law – Amendment One – will be on the November 8 general election ballot. If ratified by Alabama voters, it would allow judges to deny bail to dangerous criminals likely to re-offend. The Alabama Big 10 Mayors held a press conference in Auburn on Monday to express their support for the Aniah’s Law constitutional amendment. The mayors urged Alabama voters to support it on Election Day. “As governments, public safety is our number one responsibility,” said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. “Collectively, we have been working since 2019 on legislation to change our state constitution and give judges the option of denying pre-trial bail to the most violent offenders who are likely to re-offend. We know this will save lives in every community across the state.” Aniah Blanchard was a Southern Union student who was kidnapped off of the streets of Auburn at a gas station by a known violent kidnapper who was out on bond. She was brutalized, raped, and murdered by her attacker. Her parents were instrumental in Aniah’s law being passed by the Alabama Legislature. “Fall is an exciting time in Auburn, with new students, football, relationships, and classes,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “It has been a great fall here in Auburn, but it should have included Aniah Blanchard. On November 8, the citizens of Alabama have something they can do about this. By voting for amendment one, you will allow judges to keep violent offenders in jail, so in the future, we will not have other stories like Aniah Blanchard’s to remember.” “When Aniah was taken from us, it was extremely unsettling,” said Anders. “It was unnerving. It rocked our world.” “The thing is, when you talk to our men and women in the police department, they do great work – they do a lot of hard work. One of the most dispiriting things that happen is that when they arrest someone, especially for a violent offense is when that person is back out before the community even settles down,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed. “We want to make sure that when people do wrong, when they commit a violent offense, that they have to pay for it.” Angela Harris – the mother of Aniah Blanchard – said, “Aniah’s Law will be on the ballot on November 8, and I encourage everyone to get out to vote for Amendment One. No family should have to go through such a tragedy. If this could happen to Aniah, it could happen to anyone. Please keep your family, your friends, and your community safe, and honor Aniah’s memory on November 8.” “This bill would change so that other parents would not have to go through the same tragedy that we have had to go through,” said Elijah Blanchard – Aniah’s father. “On November 8, vote yes for Amendment One because we are going to make a change.” Alabama judges have limited authority to deny bail to violent offenders unless the suspect is charged with a capital offense or poses a flight risk. This allows known dangerous criminals to be released back onto the streets, even when it’s likely they will commit more violent crimes as soon as they make bail. At one point, there were 300 accused murderers out on the streets of Mobile alone awaiting trial. If the voters ratify Aniah’s Law, judges will be able to deny bail to dangerous offenders who are likely to re-offend when they are charged with serious felonies like attempted murder, kidnapping, rape, sexual torture, domestic violence, human trafficking, burglary, arson, robbery, terrorism, or aggravated child abuse. This law passed both Houses of the Alabama Legislature unanimously in April 2021. Representing the largest cities in Alabama, the Alabama Big 10 Mayors include Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling, Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. These mayors meet quarterly to address the state’s most critical issues and to make Alabama a safer, better place for all of its residents. Voters will get to vote on Amendment one in the general election. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Inside the Statehouse: All politics is local. Most of Alabama’s mayoral races are this year.
“Folks, being mayor of a city is where the rubber meets the road.”
New report reveals relocating UAB Medical West to Hoover would have $100M annual impact
Earlier this summer, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato announced the city is pursuing the relocation of then-unnamed project, that he projected would bring more than 1,000 jobs to the city. At the time, Brocato asked the Hoover City Council to commit $20 million to provide land, building site preparation, utilities and traffic improvements to help lure then-unnamed $300 million project. Ultimately the council told him they needed to see an economic impact study before making a final commitment to invest that much money. It was later revealed Brocato who hoping to attract the UAB Medical West hospital from Bessemer to his city. On Monday night results of the impact study were presented to city council that asserts the relocation would likely lead to the “creation of 576 new jobs and have an economic impact of more than $100 million per year after five years of operation,” reported the Hoover Sun. UAB Medical West currently operates a 310-bed hospital in Bessemer and is actively seeking a replacement facility. “Medical West has proudly served the residents of West Jefferson County — including Bessemer, Fairfield, Hoover, Hueytown, McCalla, Midfield, Tannehill, Vance and other communities — for more than 50 years, and we remain committed to the people of these areas,” UAB said in a statement in June. “While we have made no secret of our long-term intention to construct a replacement hospital for the current Medical West facility, no decision has been reached on how, if, when or where that project might be undertaken. We will continue to evaluate our plans for the future of Medical West so we can best fulfill our mission, which is to provide the highest quality health care to all of our communities in a patient-focused environment.”
Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato proposes tax increases to help with budget crisis
When Hoover, Ala. Mayor Frank Brocato started looking at the city’s budget, he knew he wanted to make cuts to help to bring expenses in line with revenues, while still meeting the cities needs. But during the Hoover City Council meeting on Monday, June 4, the self-claimed fiscal conservative explained in addressing the city’s multi-million dollar budget deficit, he’s realized for the first time in almost a quarter century, a tax increase is needed. Brocato announced he would like to boost the city’s sales and use tax, as well as the lease/rental tax to 4 percent. He’d also like to increase the city’s lodging tax to 6 percent. The Mayor estimates this move would generate approximately $20 million in additional revenue for the cash-strapped city. “We can’t continue to be a great city unless we are willing to pay for the great things that we have and the excellent things we aspire to have,” Brocato explained. According to the HooverSun, here’s how Brocato proposes to spend the additional revenue: $11 million per year would go to eliminate future deficits, generate funds for routine capital improvements, and attract and retain quality employees. $4 million per year would go to Hoover schools, boosting total city contributions to the school system to $11.1 million per year, including $9 million cash and $2.1 million to pay for school resource officers. The additional money should cover $36.4 million in school capital projects, including classroom additions at Berry Middle School, Riverchase Elementary, Bluff Park Elementary and Gwin Elementary, demolition of parts of the old Bluff Park Elementary and renovation of other parts, plus $15 million in paving and roofing projects, Brocato said. The school system also could use the money to help cover operating costs, he said.$22 million would cover the city’s match needed to obtain $110 million in federal money to build a new interchange near South Shades Crest Road along Interstate 459 and improve the exit at John Hawkins Parkway. $22.3 million would go to build a new fine and performing arts center, and $1 million a year would go toward the center’s operating costs. $20 million would be spent to provide land, building site preparation, utilities, construction and traffic improvements for a $300 million project that will bring more than 1,000 jobs to Hoover. Brocato said confidentiality agreements prevent him from disclosing the company right now, but it is not a retail company. An announcement about the development should come in 30 to 60 days, he said. “It’s something that will fundamentally change Hoover for the better. We can’t afford to miss out on this opportunity.” $1.7 million would be used to build a Hoover Public Library branch in eastern Hoover, and $700,000 per year would go toward the branch’s operating costs. $500,000 per year would go to developing the city’s bicycle and pedestrian paths $450,000 per year would provide a tourism and cultural program to secure the future of Aldridge Gardens and assist with attracting major events to Hoover Brocato wants the city Council to vote his proposed tax increases July 2.
Hoover mayor draws two challengers for Aug. 23 municipal election
Hoover mayor Gary Ivey has drawn two challengers in the Birmingham suburb’s Aug. 23 municipal elections. Former Hoover City Fire Marshal Frank Brocato and Hoover City Schools Foundation President Steve McClinton will appear on the ballot, in what has become a highly contested race. Here is a quick review of each candidate and their proposed plans for the city, in alphabetical order: Frank Brocato Brocato, 63, served 42 years in the city’s fire department before retiring in 2015. With his background in public safety, Brocato has said he will make police and fire one of the top priorities for his administration, should he be elected. “My commitment to public safety will never be compromised,” Brocato told The Hoover Sun. “I think our city was built on providing a great public safety program.” Another issue for Brocato is increasing school funding. “Our school system is running a deficit every year and having to draw from their reserves,” said Brocato. “My fear is that if the school system begins to suffer, I believe it has just a domino effect,” causing property values and businesses to suffer. “I don’t think this city wants to see that happen.” Where to read more: https://frankbrocatoformayor.com https://www.facebook.com/frankbrocatoformayor Gary Ivey (I) Ivey, the owner of Hoover’s Crest Cadillac and the former city council president, has been mayor since his appointment to serve out the remainder of former mayor Tony Petelos‘s term in 2011. He was re-elected without a challenger in 2012. Ivey is seen as the establishment candidate in the race, and in a year where a plurality of Alabamians voted for anti-establishment presidential candidate Donald Trump, many incumbents are rightly taking extra precautions. Ivey began the campaign with more than $140,000 on hand, and is spending the money with alacrity. In the last several years he has bristled at increasing funding to the Hoover public schools, which has remained at around $2 million annually since a precipitous drop from around $8 million in 2008 — likely the main issue that brought his challengers. Where to read more: https://mayorivey.com https://www.facebook.com/MayorGaryIvey Steve McClinton On temporary leave from his volunteer position as president of the Hoover City Schools Foundation, McClinton, 47, a financial planner and father to three children in Hoover City Schools, has made no qualms about framing his entire campaign around the issue of school funding, which he believes Ivey must own. “The the schools go, so goes our city,” he proclaims in a video recently posted on his Facebook page. A late entry into the race, McClinton has a lot of ground to make up against the other two men, who have been campaigning since this spring, but he isn’t concerned. “Families, companies, and industries move to Hoover because they know it is an excellent place to raise a family. Once our schools start declining, so will our city, and I don’t believe the current administration is doing nearly enough to support Hoover City Schools.” Where to read more: www.OneHoover.com www.facebook.com/McClinton4Mayor Where to see them all speak The three mayoral candidates will meet for two forums before election day. The first event will be held Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. at Shades Crest Baptist Church, while the second is on Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m.at the Wynfrey Hotel in the Riverchase Galleria.
