Former Senate Pro Tem John Teague has died
Former Alabama State Senator John Allison Teague passed away Sunday following a long battle with cancer. The former Alabama Senate President Pro Tempore was 78 years old. Just days earlier, the Alabama Senate passed a resolution honoring Teague for his many career accomplishments. Teague represented the Senate and the State Alabama House of Representatives in his long, distinguished career. Senate Joint Resolution 64 (SJR64) was sponsored by all 35 members of the Alabama Senate. The Resolution was passed by the Alabama Senate on May 9 and passed by the Alabama House of Representatives on May 11. The Resolution reads, “HONORING MR. JOHN ALLISON TEAGUE, SR. FOR PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS. WHEREAS, with very special pleasure, we highly honor Mr. John Allison Teague, Sr. for his numerous professional achievements; and WHEREAS, Mr. Teague was born on July 9, 1944, in Childersburg, Alabama, to Mayburn and Ralph Teague; he is the father of Allison, Todd, and John; the husband of Tami Teague; and the brother of Ralph Judson Jr. and Ashley Teague.” “Mr. Teague graduated from Childersburg High School in 1962, attended Jacksonville State University from 1962-1963, and attended the United States Fidelity and Guaranty School of Insurance in 1976.” “Mr. Teague served as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives, representing District 55: Talladega, Childersburg, and Calhoun Counties from 1974-1976; he was elected through a special election to the Alabama Senate in 1976, where he was reelected for two full terms; he was elected as President Pro-Tempore of the Senate by his peers in 1983; as President Pro-Tempore, he was given a vote on every standing committee for the first time in Alabama history; he was elected as the Most Outstanding Senator by his peers in 1984 and 1986; served the State of Alabama Senate District 19: Talladega, St. Clair, and Calhoun Counties from 1976-1982; and served the State of Alabama Senate District 19: Talladega, Cleburne, Clay, Coosa, and Elmore Counties from 1982-1986.” “Mr. Teague has been the recipient of many profound awards and forms of recognition, including being a charter member of the Board of Trustees for the Alabama Motorsports Hall of Fame from 1975-1987; being a member of the Board of Trustees for Troy State University from 1980-1992, where he served on the Executive Committee and the Athletic Committee; being recognized on the cover of Alabama Magazine as The Most Effective Legislator in 1984; receiving the Lyndon Baines Johnson Political Freedom Award by the Alabama Democratic Conference in 1984; being granted a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Talladega College in 1984; receiving The University of Montevallo Area Public Official of the Year Award in 1985; being named Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Conservationist of the Year in 1986; and being the only person in the nation to receive the prestigious CIT Rebuilding America Award in 1988; in addition, Central Alabama Community College named its first ever scholarship award, The John Teague Scholarship Award, in 1984; the bridge over the Coosa River in Childersburg was named the John A. Teague Bridge in 1987; and the Alabama Legislature and Board of Trustees for the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind named the student center on the school’s campus the John A. Teague Student Center in 1989.” “A man of unwavering selflessness WHEREAS, a man of unwavering selflessness and diligence who is passionate about serving others, Mr. Teague has inspired many throughout his lifetime as a remarkable leader; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That Mr. John Allison Teague, Sr. is highly honored for his numerous professional achievements, and we hereby dedicate this resolution to him with warmest appreciation, admiration, and regard.” Teague lost the Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor to Jim Folsom Jr. in 1986 – otherwise, Teague would almost certainly have been governor – Folsom was later elevated to the role when then-Gov. Guy Hunt was convicted of misusing inauguration funds. Teague was the President of Government Affairs Strategies, LLC for decades. In that capacity, he was a fixture in the Alabama Statehouse up until 2022. There Teague was a friend to legislators, his fellow lobbyists, industry leaders, government officials, staff, and journalists alike. Teague served a six-month federal prison sentence that was the result of an investigation of state transportation grants. Teague was granted a full pardon by the Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole less than two years later. Former State Auditor Jim Zeigler said on Facebook, “Sad that long-time lobbyist and former State Senator John Teague has died on Mother’s Day. He fought gallantly against serious injury and illness. Prayers for Tami and his family.” Longtime friend and lobbyist former Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks said on Facebook, “I lost an amazing friend today. In the past 20 years there were not many days I was not with Teague or not talk to him. Teague and I traveled the world together and he was one of the smartest and wisest men I have ever known. My life changed forever today.” Teague’s son said on Facebook, “Memorial service for my dad will be held this next Wednesday, May 24th, at First Baptist Church in downtown Montgomery with visitation from 3-4 and service at 4.” To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: Marshall County and Enterprise emerging as Alabama political breeding grounds
Over the years, certain counties in Alabama have bred an inordinate number of governors and state political leaders. The three most prominent enclaves historically have been Tuscaloosa, Barbour, and Cullman. In the earlier years of statehood, Tuscaloosa was the most heralded county. They have continued, intermittently, throughout the years. The most prominent senator in Alabama history, Richard Shelby, who retired after 36 years in the Senate, calls Tuscaloosa home. Indeed, the state capital was in Tuscaloosa one time in the early years. They have had a fairly recent governor in Dr. Robert Bentley. Barbour County is called the “Home of Governors,” and for a good reason. They have had more governors than any county in state history. This sparsely populated Black Belt county has had six governors hail from there. George Wallace is, of course, the most prominent Barbour County Governor, but they also have Chauncy Sparks, John Gill Shorter, William Jelks, Braxton Bragg Comer, and Jere Beasley. Barbour County and Tuscaloosa both claim Lurleen Wallace. She was born and raised in Northport in Tuscaloosa County but married George Wallace and moved to Barbour County. This split county claim of governors also applies to legendary Governor James “Big Jim” Folsom. Big Jim was born and raised in Coffee County near Elba but moved to Cullman as a young man. So, Cullman gets bragging rights since he lived in Cullman when he was first elected in 1946. Cullman has indeed come on strong in the past few decades. They have had two governors in recent years, Jim Folsom Jr. and Guy Hunt. Today, we have two counties emerging as hotbeds for breeding state political leaders. Coffee County is percolating with political success. More particularly the growing City of Enterprise. Our new U.S. Senator, Katie Boyd Britt, was born and raised in Enterprise. She is only 40. The Congressman from the second district, Barry Moore, is from Enterprise although Dothan, Montgomery, and Elmore County have more population in that Congressional District. Moore is only 56. A rising popular star in the State House of Representatives, Rhett Marquis, 48, is from the Boll Weevil City. Enterprise is the home of the new state senator from that southeast Alabama hub. Josh Carnley just took the seat of retiring legend Jimmy Holley, thus keeping that seat in Coffee County. Carnley is a Coffee County farmer and insurance broker. Enterprise has a very good Mayor in William “Bill” Cooper. He has been in city politics for a good while. Coffee County also dominates all the judicial posts in this circuit. All three circuit judges hail from Coffee County in Enterprise. Sonny Reagan, Jeff Kelley, and Shannon Clark are all relatively young. The new District Attorney, James Tarbox, is very young. Jimmy Baker, who is Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, hails from Coffee County and lives in Enterprise. Enterprise has always laid claim to Ft. Rucker, which has been the impetus of their growth, but they are emerging as a political powerhouse. The other county that is set to be called an Alabama political spawning ground powerhouse is Marshall County. They currently have a cadre of the state’s most powerful and promising Alabama leaders. The most prominent is 41-year-old Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, who may be our next governor. State Senator Clay Scofield of Marshall County is only 42 and is Majority Leader of the State Senate. Attorney General Steve Marshall, 57, is in his second term as Attorney General. It is rare that two of the state’s highest-ranking officials, Will Ainsworth and Steve Marshall, are both from the same county. There are two rising stars in the Alabama House of Representatives from Marshall County. Young Wes Kitchens, an emerging leader in the House, is from Marshall. Also, the youngest member of the House of Representatives, Brock Colvin, has just been elected at the ripe old age of 26 and is catching people’s eyes on Goat Hill. Enterprise and Marshall County are emerging as new political breeding grounds for Alabama politicians. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Kay Ivey sworn in for her second full term
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and other state constitutional officers will be sworn in today in Montgomery. Gov. Ivey, Attorney General Steve Marshall, Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, and Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate will be sworn in for their second term. Secretary of State Wes Allen and State Auditor Andrew Sorrell will be sworn in for their first terms. State Treasurer Young Boozer returns for another term. The festivities began Sunday with the Made in Alabama Reception at the Alabama Governor’s Mansion. The traditional Morning Prayer Service was held at 8:15 am. The Governor began inauguration day with an early morning prayer service at her home church, First Baptist Church in Montgomery. The Swearing-in Ceremony followed at 10:00 am. With one hand on the Bible, Governor Ivey took the oath of office on the Alabama State Capitol steps and was sworn into her second term as governor. The investiture ceremony for new Associate Alabama Supreme Court Justice Greg Cooke was on Friday. All of Alabama’s Constitutional Officers are Republicans since Democrats have been able to field a competitive slate of candidates since 2008 as the state increasingly tends to vote overwhelmingly Republican. Following the swearing-in ceremony, there will be a celebratory parade to mark the inauguration and another peaceful transfer of power. The parade will follow up Dexter Avenue to the historic 1859 State Capitol Building. The parade will showcase and celebrate Alabama’s diverse communities and talent. Attendance at the parade is free for all Alabamians and their families. Ivey will host an exclusive donor reception at 6:00 pm for her donors to thank those supporters who went above and beyond to keep Alabama working. The Inaugural Gala will follow at 7:00 pm. A formal gala will be held to commemorate Alabama’s first Republican female governor and celebrate Governor Ivey’s dedication to keep Alabama growing. Ivey was born on a cattle farm in Wilcox County during World War II on October 15, 1944. She is the oldest governor in the country. She graduated from Auburn University, where she served in the school’s student government association. She worked as a teacher in California before returning to Alabama, where she has held several posts in state government, including serving in Gov. Fob James’ cabinet and working for Speaker of the House Joe McCorquodale. Ivey served two terms as State Treasurer from 2003 to 2011. In 2010 she shocked the political world by unseating Lieutenant Governor Jim Folsom Jr. in the 2010 Republican wave election that gave the GOP undivided control of the Alabama State government. Ivey was re-elected Lt. Gov in 2014. She was elevated to governor in April 2017 when then-Governor Robert Bentley resigned rather than be impeached. Ivey was elected in 2018 and then re-elected last November. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: The McMillans of Baldwin County
Alabama has a treasured history of famous political families. Many of the legacies are of father and son dynasties. The most prominent being the famous and powerful Bankheads of Jasper, which included a U.S. Senator, John Hollis Bankhead, and sons, Senator John H. Bankhead and Speaker of the U.S. House William Bankhead. There is a long line of fathers and sons who both served in the state senate. We have had one father-son governor legacy. James E. “Big Jim” Folsom was governor in the 1940s and 1950s. His son, Jim Folsom, Jr., was governor in the 1990s. Little Jim was literally born in the Governor’s Mansion during his daddy, Big Jim’s first term as governor, 1946-1950. During this generation, there are two brothers from Baldwin County who have made history. John and Steve McMillan have left a mark on Alabama’s political history. Decades from now, people will look at these twin brothers and say they have contributed a lot to Alabama. Yes, John and Steve are twins, born on July 6, 1941. Steve and John McMillan have deep family roots in Baldwin County. Before Alabama was even a state, their ancestors settled in the Stockton Community near Bay Minette, which is where they call home. Their family is in the timber business. Steve represented his home area in the Alabama House of Representatives for 43 years. The Baldwin County we see today as the fastest growing suburban county in the state was not the same Baldwin County they were born into 81 years ago. It was a large, sparsely populated, agricultural county. As fourth graders, we would read that it was the potato-growing county of the state. John remembers getting out of school for almost a month in the fall to help harvest potatoes when he was in high school. John and Steve’s ancestors were not only the early leaders of Baldwin County but also the state. Their great-grandfather, John Murphy, was Governor of Alabama. John was named for him. John M. McMillan, Sr., John and Steve’s father, was an outstanding civic and church leader and also served 30 years on the Baldwin County school board. Our current John Murphy McMillan graduated from high school in Bay Minette and then went to Rhodes College in Memphis, where he graduated with honors. John was serving as county commissioner when he was elected to the state legislature in 1974. He was reelected in 1978. However, two years later, Governor Fob James chose John to serve in Fob’s cabinet as Alabama’s Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources. It was under his watch that the state created the Alabama Trust Fund, a plan that saved all revenues from leases on offshore oil operations. This fund has grown from the original investment of just over $400 million to a sum approaching $4 billion. In 1985, John McMillan became the Chief Executive Officer of the Alabama Forestry Association. He served as head of that powerful statewide association for 20 years. In 2010, John was elected the 29th State Agriculture Commissioner. He was reelected overwhelmingly in 2014. He served eight successful years from 2011-2019 in this very important statewide office. In 2018, he was elected Alabama State Treasurer. He served successfully in this post through late 2021, when he left to become the head of the newly created Cannabis Commission. Steve McMillan, being John’s twin brother, had pretty much the same childhood as John. They grew up together in Stockton and worked on their uncle’s farm and family sawmill. Steve went on to Auburn University, where he graduated with honors. He came back home and started a real estate business, along with overseeing their family timberland. When John became Conservation Director, Steve was elected to the House seat John vacated. Steve served in that seat for 43 years. Steve was a quiet effective voice for his beloved Baldwin County. He passed away in April. Steve was a very diligent and well-prepared legislator. He was extremely conservative and was always on the side of the business community. He was dignified, but if you got to know him, very witty. He was not flamboyant and would seldom go to the well and speak. Yet, when he did, people listened. He exuded class and epitomized the term gentleman. The McMillan brothers of Baldwin County have made their mark on Alabama political history. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. Steve served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.
