Randall Woodfin sworn-in as Birmingham’s 30th mayor
It was a picture-perfect day on Tuesday as Randall Woodfin, 36, was sworn into office as the 30th mayor of the City of Birmingham, Ala. by Judge Nakita Blocton making him the city’s youngest mayor in modern history. Woodfin took the oath of office before thousands of onlookers in downtown Birmingham’s Linn Park where there was not a cloud in the sky. With a giant American flag backdrop, Woodfin was flanked by banners which, according to the Birmingham Times., listed the names of all 99 neighborhoods in the city. “I am so honored for this moment. It is hard to put this moment into words as relates to this opportunity to serve my hometown,” Woodfin told the crowd. “I am so proud and so eager to get to work.” He continued, “ this is not my inauguration. This is our inauguration. What stands behind us is not just a building, it’s not just city hall, but it’s a symbol that reflects the voice of the people of all 23 communities and all 99 neighborhoods.” Woodfin’s October victory On Oct. 3, Woodfin handily bested Birmingham’s seven-year incumbent mayor, William Bell, in the city’s contentious runoff mayoral race. Woodfin — a city attorney and member of the Birmingham Board of Education — took home 24,910 votes, 58 percent, over Bell’s 17,353, 41 percent. Woodfin’s team Two weeks ahead of his inauguration, Woodfin announced the six members of his executive leadership team during a press conference at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. “I could not be more proud of the team we are putting together to help transform our city,” Woodfin said. “Each of these men and women are true public servants. They reflect my core beliefs in integrity, efficiency and concern for each resident of Birmingham. We look forward to continuing to complete our executive team as well as department heads as we near the administration beginning in two weeks.” His executive team includes: Cedric Sparks: chief of staff. He is a longtime leader of Birmingham’s Division of Youth Services dating back to 2002. He is a graduate of West End High School, the University of Alabama and Miles Law School. Kevin Moore: chief operating officer. He has worked for the city of Birmingham for 22 years, most recently as director of the Birmingham Parks and Recreation Department. He has also served as the director of the Birmingham CrossPlex. Moore is a 1992 graduate of Samford University. Ed Fields: senior advisor and chief strategist. He led Woodfin’s campaign for mayor and has a long history as a local businessman and civic activist. He received his undergraduate degree in business Administration from Alabama State University and his MBA from University of Alabama’s Manderson School of Business. Kelvin Datcher: director of intergovernmental affairs. He previously served as director of investor relations at REV Birmingham. He is a graduate of Gettysburg College and previously worked at Southern Poverty Law Center, Alabama State University and for the Birmingham City Council. He has been active in economic development initiatives for the City of Birmingham. Nicole King: city attorney. She began her legal career with the city of Birmingham Law Department in 2006. A native of Birmingham and graduate of Ramsay High School, King is also a University of Alabama and Texas Southern University Law School graduate. She has successfully handled cases before the Alabama Supreme Court, Alabama Court of Civil Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. Sylvia Bowen: executive administrator. She has worked as the Birmingham City Council District 8 chief of staff and served as executive assistant to the dean of academic affairs and as an instructor at Lawson State Community College. She is a graduate of Tuskegee University and holds an MBA from Johnson and Wales University. Watch Woodfin’s inauguration ceremony below:
Donald Trump inaugural attracts record $107 million in donations
President Donald Trump raised $107 million for his inaugural festivities, nearly double the previous record set by President Barack Obama eight years ago. Trump’s inaugural committee is due to file information about those donors with the Federal Election Commission and said it would do so Tuesday. The committee doesn’t need to publicly disclose how the money was spent. Trump placed no restrictions on the amount of money donors could give. Obama limited contributions to $50,000 in 2009 but lifted that cap four years later. After raising about $55 million in 2009, Obama used excess funds to help pay for the White House Easter egg roll and other events, his former inaugural committee chief executive officer said. Trump promised to give any extra money to charity, but didn’t specify which ones. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Watch live: Donald Trump’s inauguration as 45th president of the United States
The eyes of the world will be on the U.S. Capitol as Donald Trump formally replaces President Barack Obama as the President of the United States. On Friday, Trump takes the oath of office and becomes America’s 45th president. Official proceedings, which begin at noon ET on the West Lawn of the Capitol, will conclude Trump’s inaugural address to the nation. Trump’s inauguration speech will be “personal” and “philosophical,” his spokesperson has said. “It’s going to be a very personal and sincere statement about his vision for the country,” incoming Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Thursday. You can watch it all below.
Bill and Hillary Clinton to attend Donald Trump inauguration
Falling in line with tradition, Bill and Hillary Clinton plan to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration. It’s a decision that will put Hillary Clinton on the inaugural platform as her bitter rival from the 2016 campaign assumes the office she long sought. The Clintons announced their decision to attend the Jan. 20 inauguration shortly after former President George W. Bush’s office said Tuesday he would attend along with former first lady Laura Bush. The Bushes are “pleased to be able to witness the peaceful transfer of power — a hallmark of American democracy — and swearing-in of President Trump and Vice President Pence,” Bush’s office said in a statement. It is traditional for former presidents and their spouses to attend the inauguration. But the decision to attend was fraught for the Clintons, given Hillary Clinton’s bitter campaign against Trump. The 2016 Democratic presidential nominee has largely avoided public appearances since Trump defeated her in November. Bush, too, has had a difficult relationship with Trump. His brother Jeb ran against Trump in the GOP primaries. George and Laura Bush let it be known they voted for “none of the above” for president rather than cast a ballot for Trump, but the ex-president did call to congratulate Trump after his victory. Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, earlier said they plan to attend Trump’s inaugural. Former President George H.W. Bush, 92, and his wife, Barbara, do not plan to attend the inauguration due to the former president’s age and health, his office said. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
