“Rumors and Rumblings” is a weekly feature that runs each Wednesday. It includes short nuggets of information that we glean from conversations throughout the week. Have a tip? Send it here. All sources remain confidential.
1. AEA already at it on day 1 of the session
Montgomery insiders were chirping on the first day of the session about AEA’s position against the “school flexibility” bill. The Montgomery Advertiser yesterday called AEA’s opposition to the bill a “preemptive strike” against a GOP proposal that would simply “allow local school systems more flexibility on budgets, curriculum, staffing and other issues.” Teachers union boss Henry Mabry insists the bill is a “backdoor to charter schools.”
Other education groups are supporting the legislation and think Mabry’s position is nonsensical.
“This is not a charter school bill, whatsoever,” said Sally Howell, executive director of the Alabama Association of School Boards. “It’s very frustrating when you try to look at innovation and reform and the same organizations consistently throw up hurdles and obstacles,”
The rumbling inside the State House on Tuesday was that AEA really has no reason to oppose the school flex bill, but they need a fight to look relevant keep their consultants and lobbyists busy.
And speaking of AEA, I hope you saw THIS…
2. Beyerle Joining BCA
Longtime Alabama Capitol Press Corp member Dana Beyerle is being brought on to the team at the Business Council of Alabama. Billy Canary‘s BCA behemoth continues their track record of bringing in top level talent. It’s unclear right now exactly what Beyerle’s role will be, but he brings a depth and breadth of Alabama political knowledge that is rivaled by few around the state.
3. Stimpson for Mayor
Well known south Alabama businessman Sandy Stimpson is finally launching his long-talked-about campaign for mayor of Mobile. Stimpson will be challenging Mobile Mayor Sam Jones who was first elected in 2005 and ran unopposed in the last election.
Sources close to the Stimpson campaign say they will be focusing on reinvigorating growth in Mobile’s small business community, improving transparency in city government and improving the quality of life for Mobile residents. Stimpson was a member of last year’s Yellowhammer “Local Leader 20.”
4. Rountree on the Hot Seat?
Sources close to the PSC say that Public Service Commissioner Terry Dunn’s Chief of Staff David Rountree has been in the doghouse since his shockingly poor performance on the Matt Murphy Show. Is he on the hot seat? Listen to the audio below and speculate for yourself…
Well…that escalated quickly.
5. On WAPI
I’ll be guest hosting on 100 WAPI, Birmingham’s Talk FM, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and Friday. Listen in the Birmingham area at 100.5 or stream the show live online HERE. Phone calls are welcome.
