As Birmingham heads into a pivotal municipal election on August 26, voters will have no shortage of concerns they hope candidates will work to address if elected.
The City of Birmingham released the full list of qualifying candidates for every race on the ballot, from mayor to school board. Meanwhile, residents attending a candidate forum hosted by the Alabama New South Alliance made clear their top priorities: reducing violence and repairing the city’s crumbling streets.
A crowded field for mayor, city council, and school board
Eight candidates have qualified to run for mayor: Jerimy Littlepage, Brian K. Rice, David Russell, Lashunda Scales, Juandalynn Givan, Marilyn James-Johnson, Frank Woodson, and incumbent Randall Woodfin.
Voters in all nine city council districts will also select their representatives:
- District 1: Tara Nix, Clinton Woods, Dr. Willie C. Goldsmith, Priscilla Edwards
- District 2: Hunter Williams
- District 3: Josh Vasa, Ryan Jones
- District 4: Darryl T. Williams, Brian Gunn, Joseph Jordan Holt, J.T. Moore
- District 5: Darell O’Quinn
- District 6: Keith O. Williams, Crystal N. Smitherman
- District 7: Lonnie Franklin Malone, Wardine Towers Alexander
- District 8: Eric Delk, David Rivers, Susan Palmer, April Myers Williams, Adlai M. Trone, Jonathan Hatten, Sonja Q. Smith, Justin M. Smith, Joe May
- District 9: Richard E. Franklin, Jr., Beatrice Collins, Latonya Tate, John Hilliard
Voters will also choose members of the Birmingham Board of Education in all eight districts:
- District 1: Patricia “Pattie” Reasor, “Brother Walter” Umrani, Sherman Collins
- District 2: Anthony Jones, Neonta Williams, Terri Michal
- District 3: Mary D. Boehm
- District 4: Rodney Huntley, Derrick L. Billups
- District 5: James A. Sullivan
- District 6: Leticia Watkins Harvill, Yancey Williams Sr.
- District 7: Walter “Big Walt” Wilson, Robert H. Young Sr.
- District 8: Antwon Bernard Womack, Pamela L. Bass, Sybil Y. Washington, Brandon E. Parnell, Yamika Foy, Eric Hall, Olivia T. McGaha
Voters call for safer streets and smoother roads
At Tuesday’s candidate forum, residents expressed a deep frustration with ongoing violence and poor infrastructure. According to interviews by CBS42, several attendees voiced fears about walking through neighborhoods plagued by gun violence, saying it has become far too common to hear of shootings every few days. One resident said it was no longer possible to enjoy a simple walk with children without worrying about their safety.
Others noted that while police are making an effort, addressing crime requires cooperation between law enforcement and the community, and some attendees called the current crime rate “out of control” and “ridiculous.”
Road conditions were another frequent complaint. Residents said the potholes and damaged streets were costing them time, money, and patience, with one describing local streets as being in nearly as bad shape as the interstate. Others singled out areas like Airport Hills as being in particular need of attention.
Candidates have just over a month to persuade Birmingham residents they are the right choice to tackle these long-standing issues.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
