ASU president Quinton Ross named to White House advisory board
The president of Alabama State University has been appointed to a White House advisory board on historically Black colleges and universities. President Joe Biden’s administration says ASU President Quinton Ross is among 18 people tapped to serve on the panel. Four other members also are presidents of historically Black schools. The advisory board works with an initiative to improve and support historically Black institutions. Ross, a former state legislator, is entering his fifth year at Alabama State, which is located in Montgomery. “The work of the advisory board is extremely important to advancing the mission and vision of our institutions. I consider it an honor to serve the president in this capacity,” he said in a statement Friday. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
32 Powerful and Influential Alabamians to know
It’s true, the words “powerful and influential” can be vague and subjective. However, it’s fair to say among the universally accepted definitions within politics and policy is an individual’s ability to create change, start a conversation, influence the public or public officials, move an agenda forward or stop one in its tracks. There’s no doubt that a good number of people are moving Alabama forward in politics and business. Recently, Yellowhammer published its 2021 annual list of who they consider the most influential and powerful. They noted it was a “Peek behind the curtain.” That it always is – a peek into the mind of the editorial team, writers, and friends of the site. With the same people on it year after year, often in the same companies and offices and the standard members of the legislature and statewide offices. Dozens of whom certainly would belong on any list of power or influence: Jo Bonner, Katie Britt, Bob Geddie, Dax Swatek. No one can deny the influence any of them have. Others on the list begged the question “Why?” while others were glaringly missing. This list purposely does not duplicate any name already appearing on that list. Not all influencers within the public arena are lobbyists or lawmakers. Some within the media or in advocacy organizations can shape or change public opinion. In addition, some influencers have the ability to position themselves, loved ones, or friends to the front of the line for coveted appointments or jobs. There’s so much to power and influence; while it may hard to describe, you know when you see it, and you know who lacks it. It could be argued that 1-5 are no brainers and would be list repeats, but heck, I say repeat them until it changes. So with that, let Alabama Today offer 32 additional notable people who were nominated by a ragtag group of incredibly biased judges. Did I mention how incredibly biased we are? This, combined with the YH list, might give one a better view of the movers and shakers with power and influence in the state’s political world. Worth noting, some of them are the bosses, mentors, elders statesman, and wise counsel of many on the YH list, while a couple of others are up and comers. Jimmy “Yellow Fella” Rane, President/CEO at Great Southern Wood Preserving Not only is the Yellow Fella the wealthiest man in Alabama and Board of Trustee at Auburn, but there’s also no doubt he’s used his financial success to the betterment of the state, giving him great power and influence. His contributions are well documented, politically, economically, and through philanthropy. From 2013 to May 2021, his company has given 178 contributions totaling $2,079,316.40. He also has the Jimmy Rane Foundation, which has more than doubled his political donations with $4.7 million in scholarships. His influence is undeniable and unmatched, which is why he is number one on our list. Mark Crosswhite, CEO Alabama Power Crosswhite’s voice carries a lot of weight, so much so that multiple people on the YH list answer to him in one way or another. Which begs the question, how can anyone deny his place on any list of power and influence? He chaired the BCA board during a critical time when the organization’s future was in peril, saving a key organization critical to the state’s business development, growth and success, and ensuring a better economic future for the state. As the organization continues to grow and evolve, there’s no doubt he’s still helping steer the ship. 3. Fess St. John IV, Chancellor of The University of Alabama System Finis “Fess” St. John IV comes from a storied line of Alabama influencers, including his father and grandfather. He’s currently the Chancellor of The University of Alabama (UA) System. Which makes him the chief executive officer of Alabama’s largest employer with multiple school campuses and a massive healthcare system. According to the school’s website, “Total enrollment in the UA System achieved a new record this fall, with more than 70,400 students enrolled at UA, UAB, and UAH. The System’s annual economic impact surpasses $10 billion annually, and upwards of 1.7 million patients are served every year in the System’s hospitals and clinics.” 4. Chris England, House of Representatives, District 70 While many have tried over the last couple of decades, England was able to stop the further deterioration of the Democrat party (with a reputation that was nationally marred by chaos, a lack of structure, oh, and that one toilet story) and begin its rebuilding. One long-time democrat described the infrastructure as stronger now than it has been since the days of Bill Baxley. England is a graduate of Howard University and the University of Alabama School of Law. His father grew up in Circuit Court Judge John H. England Jr., who served as a justice on the Alabama Supreme Court in 1999-2000. To leave him off the Top 5 of any influential list is to deny reality. 5. Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO for the Poarch Creek Indians No one should question the top female on this list. It’s no coincidence that she heads one of the biggest political powerhouses in the state of Alabama. PCI has capitalized on the shift in public attitudes towards a more tolerant attitude towards gaming and lottery to push for changes in the law that would allow their tribe’s operations to grow. This session’s gaming proposal wasn’t successful, but it got further than expected and may come up again in a special session. She is a political player that many say could be the most powerful over the next couple of campaign cycles. 6. Tom Coker, The Southern Group Rare can someone survive with the longevity and respectability of Tom Coker. His strength is the state senate, but he can get things done. His firm’s website names him as President of Tom Coker & Associates since 1982. Tom Coker offers a full range of governmental
David Burkette resigns from Alabama Senate with no explanation why
The Montgomery Democrat submitted his one-sentence resignation Tuesday to Ivey and Senate leadership.
Dr. Quinton Ross inaugurated as ASU’s 15th president
Dr. Quinton Ross has been officially inaugurated as the 15th president of Alabama State University (ASU). Ross was inaugurated Thursday following the Alabama State University Board of Trustees Sept. 2017 decision, which named him as president as a replacement for Gwendolyn Boyd whom the Board fired in December for “failure to maintain the confidence of the board.” He is a graduate of ASU, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 1992, a Master of Arts degree in Education in 1995 and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, Policy and Law in 2010. Prior to becoming President of his alma mater, he had begun his fourth term in the Alabama State Senate after having been elected to his first term in 2002. While serving in the Senate, Ross distinguished himself as a true statesman and was one of seven African Americans serving in the Alabama State Senate. In 2015, he was elected as the first African American male Senate Minority Leader and the first Minority Leader elected to a four-year term. During his service, Ross was an established legislative leader and an advocate for public education, issues dealing with child safety and the general welfare of all Alabamians. Throughout his legislative tenure, Ross served on numerous committees, including Bank and Insurance, Confirmation, County and Municipal Government, Transportation and Energy, Military Affairs and the powerful Finance and Taxation Education Committee. He also was Vice-Chair of the Education Youth Affairs Committee. Born in Mobile, Alabama, and raised in Pontiac, Mich., Ross has been a resident of Montgomery, Ala. for more than two decades. “I’m thrilled to join the entire Alabama State University family as they induct Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr. as the 15th president of ASU,” said Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, who attended the inauguration. “Today, ASU begins writing a new chapter in its rich and deep-rooted history by welcoming Dr. Ross. His passion for education and his desire to strengthen and grow this amazing university are undeniable, and I am certain his positive leadership will create a lasting legacy at ASU for generations to come. Congratulations to Dr. Ross and to the ASU community as they set out together to grow and strengthen this historic university.”
Steve Flowers: Birmingham election recap and the impact of Pat Dye
There have been quite a few political happenings in the Heart of Dixie during October. Birmingham has elected a new mayor. 36-year-old Randall Woodfin defeated two-term mayor William Bell. I never got to know Bell that well; however, the few times I visited with him he seemed to be an affable fellow. He surely looked like a mayor. His distinguished demeanor and exquisite diction and appearance gave an elegant impression for Birmingham. He looked like he came out of Hollywood central casting. Woodfin beat Bell the old-fashioned way. He went door-to-door with shoe leather and diligence. He met most of Birmingham’s voters one-on-one and it paid off. He beat Bell convincingly, 58 to 41. At 36 Woodfin will be the youngest Birmingham mayor in modern history. In addition to changing mayors, Birmingham voters also ousted two longtime city council leaders, Johnathan Austin and Kim Rafferty. Austin was City Council President. Alabama State University did a good days work when they selected State Senator Quinton Ross as their new president. Senator Ross is a gentleman of impeccable character and ability. Ross has served 15-years in the Alabama Senate with distinction. He is very well respected among his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Even though being in the Democratic minority in the Senate, he has been able to work with the Republican majority to get an immense amount of things accomplished for his Montgomery district. His legislative and governmental experience will be invaluable in unlocking fundraising doors for the university. Quinton Ross is an educator by profession with undergraduate and graduate degrees from his beloved Alabama State. He grew up in Montgomery, went to public schools and then continued his education degrees in his hometown. He is only 48-years old. He can build quite a legacy at Alabama State. He has the proper pedigree and love for his alma mater to make his tenure special. The legendary coach, Pat Dye, worked diligently on behalf of Roy Moore in the U.S. Senate race. It did not hurt Moore any. Coach Dye is an icon in Alabama. He is a man’s man. I love to visit with him. Even though he grew up on a farm in Georgia, he is a true Alabamian through and through. He reminds me some of our great folksy senator, Howell Heflin. Heflin was a true Alabamian. However, his daddy was a Methodist minister. As you may know, Methodist ministers are moved often. His daddy was serving a stint in Georgia when Heflin was born. Judge Heflin was always a little embarrassed by this fact being as he was a U.S. Senator from Alabama. He would often say that his daddy was doing missionary work among the heathen. Pat Dye grew up in Georgia and was an All American guard for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. He became a coach for Bear Bryant 45 years ago. He became Bryant’s most renowned recruiter. He was the mainstay of Bryant’s last decade. His recruiting was relentless. He learned every corner of the state. When Alabama took the field for the national championship game against Notre Dame in 1973, 24 of the 72 players were signed by Dye. He went on to become one of Auburn’s greatest coaches. His decade at the helm was some of Auburn’s glory years. He enjoys his life on his magnificent farm in East Alabama. He spends most of his time on his land hunting and fishing. However, he has gotten riled up about the fact that Alabama is losing an immense amount of money to our neighboring states of Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee because the powers that be will not let Alabamians vote on a lottery. Those powers that be are the Indian/Las Vegas gambling interests that want to continue to buy control of certain political offices that will allow them to continue their monopoly. Our interim acting Attorney General, Steve Marshall, has shown his hand. Marshall, even though totally unknown, is running for a full term. The gambling interests have put their money on him. He has done their bidding and has filed suit against the Alabama owned casinos to allow his new bosses, the Indian gambling casinos, a monopoly. You will be able to follow the money in the AG race. You can bet your bottom dollar that Pat Dye will be against Marshall. The Indian Gambling syndicate needs to hedge their bet. Marshall will not win that race. Alabamians will know that the gambling syndicate backs this unknown charlatan and his claim to the office was that he was Robert Bentley’s appointee. 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 calls special election to fill Quinton Ross’ vacated Senate seat
Governor Kay Ivey on Monday set the special election dates for Alabama Senate District 26, which was previously held by Quinton Ross. Ivey set the primary for Tuesday, December 12, 2017, runoff Tuesday, February 27, 2018 and the general election Tuesday, May 15, 2018. If there is no need based on number of qualifying candidates for a primary, the general election will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2018. If a runoff is not necessary, the general election will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2018. Last month the Alabama State University Board of Trustees named Ross to be the next president of the University. “As we look forward to Dr. Quinton Ross taking his experience to Alabama State University, I also want to ensure that the people of Montgomery have the opportunity to select their representative,” Ivey said. “Elected representation is a central component of our government, and I encourage all those that live in Senate District 26 to participate in this special election.” The deadline for qualifying with major political parties is Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. The deadline for all independent candidates and/or minor parties is December 12, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Senate District 26 represents a portion of Montgomery County.
Personnel note: Quinton Ross named President of Alabama State University
The Alabama State University Board of Trustees named state Sen. Quinton Ross to be the next president of the University. The Board chose Ross over three other finalists for the job on Friday, pending the verification of his background check. The initial vote was 12 to 2, but a later recommendation by Trustee Darrell Hudson led to a change in the initial tally. “It’s going to take all of us to ensure that our next President is successful,” said Hudson. “Therefore, I would like to see the vote be unanimous.” Trustees Joe Whitt and Robert Gilpin ultimately conceded and changed their votes to “yes,” drawing applause from Board members and the audience. Ross, a state senator from Montgomery since 2002 and the current Senate minority leader, replaces Gwendolyn Boyd whom the Board fired in December for “failure to maintain the confidence of the board.” “Dr. Quinton Ross is a true public servant. He has a heart for Alabama and for Alabama State University. His wealth of experience in higher education and in state government will serve him well as he takes on the mantle of ASU President,” said Governor Kay Ivey who participated in the vote as president of the board. “Alabama State University is a historic institution and is integral to our state’s college and university system. Having received three degrees from ASU, I know my friend Quinton Ross will lead this fine school with distinction and vigor. I look forward to working with him to guide ASU to its brightest days yet.” Anniston-Republican Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh congratulated Ross on his selection. “I would like to congratulate my friend Quinton Ross on being chosen as the next President of Alabama State University. Along with his professional qualifications, he is a man of integrity that ASU will be proud to have as its leader,” said Marsh. “While we will miss his leadership in the Senate, there is no doubt that our loss is ASU’s gain. I look forward to working with President Ross in his new capacity.” Born in Mobile, Ala., Ross holds three degrees from ASU — the Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 1992, a Master of Arts in Education in 1995 and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, Policy and Law in 2010.
Alabama political leaders react to Robert Bentley’s resignation
Political leaders across the Yellowhammer State are reacting to the news of Robert Bentley resigning as Governor of Alabama Monday afternoon. Here’s what they’re saying: Alabama Attorney General Steven Marshall: I appreciate the work of Ellen Brooks, supernumerary district attorney, as well as the Attorney General’s Office Special Prosecutions Division in conducting the investigation of Governor Bentley which today led to his guilty pleas and resignation from office. I told the people of Alabama that I would recuse if there was an investigation and I did. I have allowed experienced and professional prosecutors to handle this matter and I have provided all the resources related to the performance of their work. I will fully support Kay Ivey’s transition as the next governor of the State of Alabama and I look forward to working with her to address the pressing issues that face our state. Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon: I’m grateful that Governor Bentley has seen the writing on the wall and made what must have been a difficult decision. When I met with him on Friday, I told him I would be praying for him. I will continue praying for him as he adjusts to the next chapter in his life and reflects upon the legacy he leaves behind. I’ll pray, as well, for Governor Kay Ivey, who has had an awesome burden placed upon her shoulders, but as someone who knows her talents and abilities and the values that guide her moral compass, I’m confident she will lead our state well. The attention of the House and Senate can once again fully focus on the real problems facing our state. We can now turn our attention to our most fundamental task of passing our state’s budgets. We can once again devote our every effort to doing the important work that our constituents – the families, neighbors, friends, and hardworking men and women in each of our districts – sent us to Montgomery to do. I have faith that with God’s grace and His guidance, we can put this difficult chapter in Alabama’s history behind us and work toward providing our children, our grandchildren, and their children after them a better and more prosperous Alabama. Alabama Senate Leader Greg Reed: The people of Alabama deserve and expect for their political leaders to be men and women of integrity. The state can move forward now under the honorable and trustworthy leadership of Governor Kay Ivey, and I look forward to working with her administration. Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh will now serve as the presiding officer over the Alabama Senate. Senator Marsh is a very capable public servant, and I will continue to work closely with him to advance an agenda that puts the people of Alabama first. Alabama Senate Minority Leader Quinton Ross: Today, Gov. Robert Bentley did what was in the best interest of the State of Alabama by resigning. For the past two years, the Alabama Legislature has been plagued by distractions that have threatened to derail our legislative system. Former House Speaker Mike Hubbard, former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, and now, former Gov. Robert Bentley have all caused embarrassing headlines for our great state on a local, regional and national level. Therefore, moving forward from today, it is critical that we do not allow anything else to distract us from the job at hand which is providing solutions to the many problems our citizens face. Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels: The Governor’s resignation is long overdue. If it had not been for the few brave citizens who put our state first and doing the right thing above everything else, this saga might still be continuing. We owe them a debt of gratitude. Unfortunately, the astounding revelations of the past few days are just part of a pattern of abuses by those at the highest levels of power in our state. First, it was the former Speaker, then the former Chief Justice of our Supreme Court and now the former Governor — all of whom have fallen short of the standards of service in the public interest and adherence to the law. From the agreement reached today, it’s clear that there is still much work to be done to stop this cycle of cronyism and abuse of power that has a stranglehold on our state government. These politicians recklessly put themselves, their bank accounts, and their egos before their duty — working on behalf of the people of Alabama. This abuse of power has consumed our state government for far too long and wasted money that could have been used for any number of vital state needs. We must turn the page on this ugly and shameful chapter in our state history. I sincerely hope the new Governor represents a departure from what we have seen for too long. I look forward to working with Governor Ivey and hope she will work across the aisle to get our state government working for the people of Alabama again. Dothan-Republican state Rep. Paul Lee: I think Governor Bentley’s resignation is best for the entire state. This will allow us to move forward with our business such as getting our budgets passed as they should be. We need to work on the redistricting we are charged to do by the courts and we have other everyday business including what we are going to do with the prison system. Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party Terry Lathan: In the best interest of our state, it was the correct action of Governor Robert Bentley to resign. Ozark-Republican state Rep. Steve Clouse: I think (Bentley) made the right decision. It was evident after last Friday’s report that he had misused state personnel for private purposes. That was the smoking gun the Legislature was looking for, some type of financial irregularity. Kay Ivey will be a breath of fresh air. I have know her for a long time and worked very closely with her. I think it will be
Alabama law firm starts petition demanding payday loan reform
An Alabama law firm launched a petition Wednesday calling on state lawmakers to pass a bill to put more stringent regulations on payday lenders. Bond & Botes, which has offices statewide, says payday lenders “skillfully set” traps for borrowers that see them taking out loans with interest rates and fees far higher than traditional loans and that Alabamans are being disproportionately hurt by these lenders. “We believe that payday loan reform would be a significant, positive step for the citizens of Alabama,” firm partner Bradford Botes said. “Our state does not have a good track record on this issue; interest rates for payday loans can be more than 450 percent, among the nation’s highest. By population, we also have a higher concentration of payday lenders than any other area of the United States. The firm’s petition, found on Change.org, is directed at Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh, Sen. Slade Blackwell who chairs the Banking and Insurance Committee, Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed, and Senate Minority Leader Quinton Ross. “These companies work hard to convince us that they provide a needed service in lending to people unable to participate in traditional options for loans,” the firm said in the petition. “But the truth is that payday lenders enrich themselves at the expense of those who can least afford it.” The Alabama Legislature has taken up bills to regulate the payday loan industry in the past, though none have made it into law. A bill that would have required reasonable payment terms and interest rates failed to make it through its committee references last year, and a 2017 version is currently waiting for a House vote after passing the full Senate. The House version of the bill, HB 321, is sponsored by a bi-partisan group of 45 legislators and would add a cap to the interest rate on payday and other types loans at 36 percent.
Alabama Senate Minority Leader gives Jeff Sessions thumbs up as AG
The minority leader of the Alabama State Senate has come forward in support of Republican U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions’ nomination as Attorney General. Montgomery Sen. Quinton Ross said he has been in close contact with Sessions since he was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump and that he looks forward to working with Sessions if he is confirmed as the next Attorney General. “We cannot ignore the fact that he is on the winning team. No matter what side of the political spectrum you are on,” Ross said. Ross was high school student in Pontiac, Mich., when Sessions failed to be confirmed to a federal judgeship in the 1980s due to allegations of racism, though as an education administrator and an elected official Ross said he has had a positive working relationship with Sessions over the past 20 years. “I have worked with Sen. Sessions on education policy and securing federal funding for our schools,” Ross said. “Additionally, I have spent time with him at the Magic City Classic and at Heritage Barbershop in Montgomery. I know him personally and all of my encounters with him have been for the greater good of Alabama.” Ross added that he didn’t think Sessions’ application of the law would be biased and that he sees value in having a person in Washington who will be accessible to his constituents. “We’ve spoken about everything from Civil Rights to race relations and we agree that as Christian men our hearts and minds are focused on doing right by all people,” Sen. Ross said. “We both acknowledge that there are no perfect men, but we continue to work daily to do the right thing for all people.”
Ban the Box proposal approved by Alabama Senate committee
Proposed legislation meant to help convicted felons find work after they’re released from prison is moving forward in the Alabama Legislature. Senate Minority Leader Quinton Ross said in a statement Thursday that his proposal to create a ‘ban the box’ policy in Alabama has been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and may be added to the Senate calendar for debate. Ross’s proposal would prevent state departments and licensing boards from asking applicants about their criminal history during the initial stage of the application process. Advocates have said the policies help reduce recidivism by clearing an easier path for ex-convicts to find stable employment. Opponents have said the policies raise safety and liability concerns. According to the National Employment Law Project, 21 states have implemented policies similar to Ross’s proposal. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
Alabama legislative preview: March 21 – March 25, 2016
The Alabama House of Representatives will convene at 1 p.m. Tuesday, and the Senate an hour later, as state lawmakers gather for the 17th day of the regular session. This week, the Senate will take up SB89 from Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), which would require Alabama public school students to pass a civics test as a requirement for graduation. Orr’s legislation has been on the agenda for a while, but has likely been stalled due to a focus on more contentious issues. The body is also slated to take up SB148 from Sen. Jim McClendon (R-Springville), which would require all vehicle passengers to wear a safety belt, and SB114 from Sen. Paul Sanford (R-Huntsville), which would regulate fantasy contests and “exempt fantasy contests from certain criminal penalties associated with gambling activity.” The bill would increase spending by the Attorney General’s office, which would be responsible for overseeing such activities, by $1 million in the first year. Also on the Senate’s agenda this week are SB14 from Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa), which would allow citizens to carry a firearm in their vehicle without a permit, and SB205 from Sanford, which would bar the Alabama Department of Human Resources from renewing health center licenses for an “abortion clinic or reproductive health center” within 2,000 feet of a school. In the House, lawmakers will take up HB46 from Rep. Alan Boothe (R-Troy), which would allow Alabama spirit makers to sell fifths for off-premise consumption. The body is also slated to debate HB13 from Rep. Alan Harper (R-Northport), which would allow citizens to vote on whether or not to allow a lottery in the state – the legislation provides no details on how proceeds from such an operation would be used, which is likely why it hasn’t been discussed thus far. HB218 from Rep. Dickie Drake (R-Leeds) is also on the agenda and would require that all elementary school students be instructed in cursive writing before the end of their third grade year. HB244 from Rep. Connie Rowe (R-Jasper) will also be taken up this week – the bill prohibits law enforcement from requiring victims of a sexual offense to take a polygraph examination. Committee hearings get underway Tuesday, though the vast majority take place on Wednesday, beginning with the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will take up SB237 from Sen. Quinton Ross (D-Montgomery). Ross’s legislation would make it unlawful for employers to request information regarding arrests and convictions on employment applications. The committee will also take up Sanford’s SB115, the Senate version of “Leni’s Law” from Rep. Mike Ball (R-Madison), which would decriminalize possession of the marijuana-based medicine cannibidiol. The Senate Committee on Constitution, Ethics and Elections will debate SB360 from Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Auburn), which would require voters to register as a Democrat or Republican before voting in a primary. Voters who do not will not be allowed to vote on party candidates, only on ballot measures and nonpartisan issues. The House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry will take up HB393 from Rep. Ken Johnson (R-Moulton), which would allow for the growing of industrial hemp in the state for use in a variety of products. The House Committee on Mobile County Legislation will mull over HB248 from Rep. Napoleon Bracy (D-Mobile), which would establish a $10.10 minimum wage in Mobile County. At the close of business this week, legislators will adjourn for spring break.
