A Pack of Lies

Malignant tumors are no laughing matter, but the gallows humor of the exhibit When ‘More Doctors Smoke Camels’ . . . A Century of Health Claims in Cigarettes prompts more than a few paradoxical giggles. Featured in the display on the third floor of the Lister Hill Library for the Health Sciences at UAB are 25 print advertisements, all shameless tobacco promotions, which make the diabolical claim that good health and the pleasures of smoking are intertwined. And who more reliable to reassure generations of smokers of the vitality of cigarettes than the family physician?

The tobacco industry’s brilliant 20th-century marketing ploys are the essence of the exhibition. In the 1930s, cigarettes were touted for being “less irritating” to the throat due to having been “toasted.” Post-World War II Camel ads acknowledged the benefit of war-time cigarette shortages that forced smokers to light up what they normally might not, implying that coerced smoking of other brands made smokers realize how good Camels really were. By the 1950s, filter tips were invented as a “safer” method of smoking, although at one time asbestos was used in the filters. Low tar cigarettes were the rage in the ’60s and ’70s, but a 2001 ad heralds the latest creation of the tobacco industry, Omni cigarettes, which boast the world’s “first reduced carcinogen cigarette.” In a letter of endorsement from the producers of Omni, the CEO of Vendor Tobacco admits that there are no safe cigarettes, but claims that Omni is “destined to change the future of cigarettes” as the “best alternative.”

Dr. Alan Blum, professor of family medicine and director of the Center for the Study of Tobacco and Society at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, home of the tobacco ad collection, labels reduced carcinogen cigarettes as the “latest fraudulent gimmick.” Dr. Blum founded the National Tobacco Archive at the center in 1977. The ad exhibit is presently on a tour of medical and public health schools across the nation.

A 1942 Philip Morris ad in Good Housekeeping takes aim at the

sensitivity of the “feminine throat.” Women were often depicted with children in cigarette ads, as in a 1946 advertisement for Camels touting increased life expectancy. A young child tells her pediatrician, “I’m going to grow a hundred years old” as her mom looks on proudly. Another features a mother cradling a newborn, promoting a new cigarette that is “born gentle, then refined to special gentleness in the making.”

Ads for Old Gold cigarettes show an American Indian proclaiming, “No heap big medicine talk. Old Gold cures one thing: the world’s best tobacco.” A Chesterfield ad declares, “Science discovered it, you can prove it” as a scientist peers into a microscope, a burning cigarette propped between two fingers. Actor Robert Young is portrayed during his “Father Knows Best” days, asserting that his “voice and throat were important factors” in his decision to switch to Camels. And a seductive nurse puffs the same brand, purring, “You like them fresh? So do I!”

Finally, a penguin dressed as a doctor talking on the telephone offers advice to a patient, a stethoscope around his neck as he smokes a cigarette: “Tell him to switch to Kools and he’ll be all right!”

City Hall — Demon rum treads an inconsistent path

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City Hall

By Ed Reynolds

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December 4, 2001Demon rum treads an inconsistent path

Food Fair Market’s application for an off-premise beer and wine license in the Fountain Heights community is a prime example of the City Council not wanting to appear insensitive to residential neighborhood desires, especially when it comes to selling booze. Attorney Ferris Ritchey, who has appeared before the council on several occasions (successfully defending the Lakeview District’s notorious Cueball Lounge), is representing the Food Fair Market. He dismisses as “suppositions” neighborhood fears that alcohol sales would increase the frequency of drug-related activity in the area. Referencing three other stores in the area that sell alcohol, Ritchey says his client is at a disadvantage in attracting store traffic. “There is no valid, legal reason that this man should not be allowed to sell beer and wine,” pleads the attorney.Neighborhood residents are appalled that “economic revitalization” is a primary reason some in the community favor alcohol sales. Irate citizens argue that more alcohol sales nullify gains made by the community to change its “drug-infested” image. But a store employee, who also lives in Fountain Heights, differs: “We don’t sell drugs. We’re just a convenience store.” Another resident says what she tries to “install [sic] in her children is a sense of fairness.” The woman believes that the store should be allowed to sell alcohol if other stores in the area are doing so. The council is ready to refuse the store’s request until Mayor Kincaid warns that neighborhood protests are not enough to forbid alcohol sales; an applicant can take the city to circuit court, forcing the city to pay legal fees. The council agrees to a delay so that the issue can be studied further after City Attorney Tamara Johnson recites the three scenarios whereby an alcohol license can be denied according to state code: if a nuisance is created, if the circumstances are clearly detrimental to adjacent residential neighborhoods, or if there is a violation of applicable zoning restrictions and regulations.

Montgomery frowns on neighborhood and city vehicles

Councilor Joel Montgomery addresses complaints from constituents that people are “running garages out of their homes” in the eastern area of Birmingham. Montgomery has personally witnessed “motors dropped out of cars in driveways,” and promises residents that he is taking care of the problem.

Montgomery later raises more automobile objections when the usage of the seven-vehicle fleet available to the council is brought up. “I was elected to be a ward of the taxpayers’ dollars,” explains Montgomery as he rails against “any one person [having] exclusive use of a vehicle that is not a moderate vehicle.” He is not pleased that an expensive vehicle such as the city’s Ford Expedition is driven exclusively by the current council administrator. (Previously, the council administrator and council president have had personal city vehicles, with five other vehicles available for the rest of the council to share.) Councilors Valerie Abbott and Gwen Sykes join Montgomery in voting no.

December 11, 2001

Teen parties create mayhem

Recent applications for alcohol licenses are quickly focusing the spotlight on public safety chairperson Councilor Sykes. L.R. Hall Auditorium, located near the Civil Rights District, is the latest battleground. Efforts are underway to renovate the building for community events, with representatives of the facility defending its cultural contributions and viable economic benefits to the local business district. Though alcohol is the legal issue before the council, it soon becomes apparent that “teenage parties” are the real problem. Councilor Carole Smitherman is concerned about traffic problems resulting from teen events as L.R. Hall representatives quickly respond that a moratorium has been placed on “youth parties” until recent complaints can be addressed. They acknowledge that college-age students have attempted to join the parties but were denied access due to their ages. They then often refused to leave the area when told. “Throughout the history of time, there’s always been dirty old men that want to look at little girls, and they’ll sit there and ride all night and won’t leave, and we can’t make them leave,” says one representative. Facility officials say the teens cannot afford to pay for security, so police have been asked to “donate” patrol time, which is impossible due to limited manpower, according to L.R. Hall representatives.Opposing teen parties at the facility is attorney Arthur Shores Lee, who complains that his nearby office building “has sustained damages of epic proportions due to the juvenile events.” Lee says that not only has a gun been waved in his face, but that he also had to call police after seeing a security guard being beaten up by several youths one evening. The attorney urges the council not to allow any alcohol at the facility, explaining that he currently has a collection of bullets gathered from his office roof. However, the council approves alcohol sales for special events at L.R. Hall, with Councilors Loder and Smitherman abstaining.

Train crossings

Residents of the Collegeville area are present to protest railroad trains blocking community streets, sometimes for as long as five hours. The neighborhood notes that 37 states have laws forbidding such blockage, and urge the council to adopt a resolution in accordance with an Alabama House of Representatives bill requiring trains to be moved in certain circumstances, placing a time limit on standing trains obstructing streets, and giving municipalities prosecution power, including setting penalties. School children are reportedly forced to crawl under standing trains to get to and from school.

Abbott forges lone path of dissent

Councilor Abbott is wasting little time inheriting predecessor Jimmy Blake’s position as a gauntlet-tossing insurgent, standing alone against the council on what she admits is an unpopular position. Raising eyebrows all around, Abbott stubbornly cautions that Mayor Kincaid’s recommendation providing $17,500 to each councilor to replenish last minute discretionary fund depletions by the previous council is nothing more than “pork.” Noting that she appreciates the Mayor working with the council to find more money, Abbott says she is “eminently qualified” to take the position, because only Councilor Sykes has less money than Abbott in remaining funds to be spent in respective councilors’ districts. “I know from the looks I’m getting up here, my comments are not popular,” laughs the councilor as she urges the passing of legislation that would forbid outgoing councilors from such action in the future. “I have a personal concern about our asking for, and receiving, additional ‘pork money’ to spend in our districts. I know ‘discretionary funds’ sounds better than ‘pork,’ but in reality, that is what this is,” argues Abbott. She urges the council to “suck it up and tough it out until the [new] budget comes in seven months, and then get the $30,000 that is allocated every year for us to spend.”

“I’ll do the heavy lifting on this one, since I was the one that recommended it,” says Mayor Kincaid as he prepares to defend his position, angrily denouncing recent press opinions, including a Birmingham News editorial, that the discretionary fund boost is “pork.” Referring to respective district projects as “worthy,” Kincaid explains: “These are taxpayer dollars, of which you are the stewards. But they provide an opportunity for you to address needs in your community, primarily. Sometimes council people give funds for city-wide projects, but it’s done at the discretion of the council. The whole $279 million budget is at your discretion. And the fact that you have dominion over $30,000, or any parts thereof, is part of the democratic process.” Those who label the funding as “pork” are “short-sighted,” concludes the Mayor.

“Any council person who wishes not to use theirs can give it to Roderick Royal in District Nine!” says Councilor Royal. The councilor regards the “small amount of money” as a vital asset to his community. Noting that there is no playground at South Hampton School, which he says will cost $5,000, Royal explains that such discretionary funding will enable children in his district to “enjoy a playground just like little kids in elementary schools in suburban areas.” Councilors take turns graciously thanking Kincaid, with Councilor Sykes saluting Abbott for “being courageous enough to deal with that.” Councilor Montgomery is appalled that the money has been called pork, and promises that neighborhood officers in his district will have the opportunity to vote on how the money will be spent. Noting that seven months is too long to make his constituents wait, Councilor Bert Miller, who has emerged as the council funnyman, tells the Mayor, “You can give me my check whenever you get ready!” As looks of uncomfortable amusement cross councilors’ faces, Miller hastily adds with a smile, “Nah, I’m just kidding.” &

Sky Boxes, Chitlins, and Committee Appointments

On Monday afternoon, December 3, the Birmingham City Council convened a “committee of the whole” meeting to discuss committee appointments, staff organization, and vehicle-use policy, among other issues. “How was y’all’s weekend?” Councilor Bert Miller asked as he greeted reporters seated at a table behind the council. Apparently, many on the council had a fine weekend at the SWAC championship game at Legion Field. Councilors laughed that they had to pilfer meatballs from the Mayor’s skybox at the stadium after running out of the delicacies in their own luxury box. A brief discussion about food resulted, prompting Councilor Valerie Abbott to admit that she had never had chitlins, pig ears, or pig’s feet. “There are some parts of an animal that I just will not eat,” noted Abbott as other councilors erupted in laughter.

Getting down to business, Councilor Joel Montgomery demanded to know why the council committee assignments have been scheduled for a vote at the December 4 council meeting since the council has not yet discussed the assignments as a group (Council President Lee Loder made committee assignments after the previous week’s meeting). Councilor Gwen Sykes, a middle-school assistant principal and vice-president of the Birmingham Education Association, reportedly had requested appointment to the Education Committee, which Loder had assigned to himself (Loder has headed the Education Committee for the past two years). “Why hire a plumber to do carpet work when building a house?” Sykes asked, noting that she has served “twenty years in the education arena.” City Attorney Tamara Johnson said that Sykes’ appointment to the Education Committee might appear to be a conflict of interest, so it is decided that the Ethics Commission should review the issue. Loder agreed to relinquish his position as chair of the Education Committee if the Ethics Commission rules in Sykes’ favor.

After requesting that she be removed from the Administration, Education, and Community Services Committee because the Birmingham Water Works falls under its purview, Councilor Carol Reynolds, a Water Works employee, swaps assignments with Councilor Montgomery, taking his place on the Planning and Zoning Committee. Worth noting is Council President Loder’s decision to separate Finance and Administration into two different committees. Four years earlier, former Council President William Bell created some controversy when he combined the two in a power grab that ensured him control of cash and legislative flow. Councilor Elias Hendricks has been appointed to head up the Finance Committee.

Councilor Montgomery was not pleased that upscale vehicles are part of the city’s seven-vehicle fleet available for council use, citing as an example the Ford Expedition currently used by Council Administrator Jarvis Patton. Councilor Hendricks disagreed. “It would be stupid to turn this [Ford Expedition] in to get a cheaper vehicle,” noted Hendricks, who sees nothing wrong with going “first class” when representing Birmingham in an official capacity. “We don’t have to drive Omnis,” said Hendricks. Refusing to budge on the issue, Montgomery voted against the present fleet, concluding that it’s unfair to taxpayers for the council to go “first class.”

City Hall — More money for Vulcan

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City Hall

By Ed Reynolds

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December 18, 2001

More money for Vulcan

A request for $431,000 in improvements to Vulcan Trail on Red Mountain near Vulcan Park is before the council this morning. The refurbishment has been on the books a long time, says Engineering and Planning departmental chief Bill Gilchrist. The funds are federal transportation dollars earmarked to encourage “alternate modes of movement,” including bicycle and pedestrian trails. Councilor Valerie Abbott, in whose district the trail lies, says her neighborhood is excited. “We’ve been walking on the old mineral railway for years and years, and it’s a big mud hole. So it’ll be refreshing to be able to walk up there without stepping in mud puddles,” beams Abbott, urging the council to support the trail. Councilor Elias Hendricks salutes Abbott for the work she’s done on the project, warning councilors about her intense passion for the project: “If you don’t vote for this, we’re gonna see a new Valerie.” Abbott laughs that she’s bigger than she looks. It passes unanimously.Roderick says council acting prematurely

Increased allocations for each councilor for committee assistants spark intense debate as Councilor Roderick Royal stands alone against the others. Councilor Joel Montgomery emphasizes that the increase is coming from the current council budget, with no petition for additional funds. According to Montgomery, the creation of council satellite offices in districts is a major reason for the increase. Citizens frequently complained in the past that phone calls were not returned by previous councilors, underscoring the need for more assistants, he adds. Montgomery notes that many believe council satellite offices will be the “greatest thing since the wheel.”

Councilor Royal is staunchly opposed to the increase, which will give each councilor four aides, pointing out that appropriations for assistants were raised to $50,000 per councilor in October 2000. “We’ve been here three weeks. I think we’ve had three meetings. Now, you’re telling me that in three weeks you somehow need four folks?” asks Royal in astonishment. The councilor says that when he was a committee assistant under the previous council [he worked for former Council President William Bell], he was able to get 90 percent of the work done by himself. Royal notes that the previous council didn’t need the extra personnel, and neither does the present council. “I don’t care if the money is already in the budget or not,” he says, as he points out that the remainder of the city staff will not get additional employees, thus making it unfair for the council to have additional help. “What we will do is end up having all these folks running around doing nothing,” surmises Royal.

Councilor Hendricks objects to Royal’s comments, noting that it’s “a bit unfair to characterize it as wasteful” before discussion takes place in an administrative committee meeting. Hendricks says the previous council did not return phone calls, and therefore obviously needed more personnel. He stresses that the council is a part-time job, and competent people are needed to “give full-time service.” Suggesting that Royal’s comments might make the public “prejudiced” against the idea, Hendricks reassures the public that they will see improved representation as a result.

“We do not want to put a negative spin on this,” objects Councilor Gwen Sykes as she praises the allocation increase for creating jobs. Sykes says that a satellite office has already been set up in her district. Councilor Royal interjects that he has an opinion and will not hesitate to state it. Urging the council to wait until March to examine the issue when mid-budget review takes place, Royal concludes, “I think it is overkill.”

Council President Lee Loder requests that the item be returned to committee discussion before being voted on, but Councilor Montgomery objects vehemently. Montgomery demands to know in advance if items previously discussed in committee are to be tabled before being voted on. He then takes issue with use of the word “overkill” by Royal. “If we’re really concerned about ‘overkill,’ as the councilor has stated, we need to start within the current council budget — which I’m going to do — looking at the $800,000 plus in consultant contracts that the previous council adopted here on this dais!” Loder withdraws his proposal that the item be sent back to committee, and notes that a $50,000 cap will be placed on any assistant’s salary so that no one can accuse the council of giving pay raises.

Councilor Carol Reynolds says that the city is a business that provides services, and she promises that a satellite office will be in operation soon in her district because “District Two is the size of a small country.” Reynolds explains: “We are raising the bar on what we require our personnel to do,” arguing that “good customer service” is to be conducted with dignity and “smiles.” Councilor Abbott agrees with Royal that increases in both central staff and council assistants are indeed “overkill.” However, Abbott supports the increase in council assistant money but urges the reduction of the council’s central office staff in the process. Loder smiles and asks, “Are we all still together?” as everyone but Royal approves the appropriation increase.

Déja Vu

Council President Loder invites Reverend Abraham Woods to address the upcoming Unity Breakfast held in conjunction with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday. Woods explains that he received the wrong information concerning the reason for his appearance this morning, because he wants to speak about the recent shooting of citizen Carlos Williams. Woods’ appearance prompts memories of former Council President William Bell’s frequently allowing Woods a forum to voice complaints at council meetings. Reverend Woods admits he is “a little behind on how you get before the council,” explaining that in recent times he had simply called the council president [Bell]. Woods complains that Loder did not return his phone calls, and the Council President insists he has been too busy. Loder finally concedes, “At any council meeting, like they [previous council] did, let me know that you want to address the council, and I’ll always allow you to do that.” Loder’s invitation to Woods prompts Mayor Kincaid to shake his head in anger.Woods begins, “I am not a police basher. Some people consider me to be that.” The reverend suddenly notes that it will take more than three minutes to address the issue of the police shooting, so Loder grants him extra time. The Mayor still is not amused. Woods readily admits that police work is dangerous but complains that citizens are “abused and brutalized” when police officers act less than professional. Woods says he has been to the shooting scene, and no evidence can be found that Williams fired a gun, invoking the name of Bonita Carter [shot and killed by police during a robbery, prompting the election of Richard Arrington in 1980] as he cites “miscarriages of justice” by police. Noting that the council respects the time needed by Kincaid to fully investigate the shooting, Loder tells the Mayor that the council “looks forward” to being briefed on the shooting as soon as Kincaid is ready. Kincaid is obviously not pleased as he exits the council chambers.

After the meeting, Kincaid declines to comment on Loder’s open invitation to Woods to speak any time, saying that this is the council’s issue. But Kincaid does say that he hopes other councilors will address Loder’s standing invitation to Woods with the council president.

December 26, 2001

Protecting the area’s water source

A $40,000 contract with the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham to provide technical information to study preservation of the Cahaba River watershed stimulates debate about the proper function of committee meetings. Councilor Hendricks, whose Finance Committee has examined the issue, says that Birmingham is the last municipality to commit to the watershed project. The city’s procrastination has reached “the point of embarrassment,” says Hendricks, quoting the city’s representative at watershed meetings. The purpose of the study is to develop a set of regulations that will balance land use and conservation within the watershed in an attempt to mitigate the harmful effects of development, according to Carol Clark of the mayor’s office. Councilor Montgomery asks if such a study has been undertaken before. Clark explains that this is the first opportunity for all surrounding municipalities to discuss the study in depth as a group. Montgomery says that he is not opposed to the watershed analysis but warns, “I think you can study anything to death.” Councilor Carol Reynolds interjects that watershed examinations have been conducted for years by the Cahaba River Coalition but that such studies must be acted upon. “This city is going to have to be very aggressive and very strong-armed in this policy of this watershed,” says Reynolds as she warns that other cities might try to circumvent watershed protection by exploring alternatives to conservation plans. The councilor suggests that the major participants not be limited to just developers, realtors, and bankers but include environmentalists as well.

The watershed analysis has been discussed at committee meetings, says Councilor Hendricks, and therefore the council is “doing double work” by hashing out issues in committee which are then argued in the council meetings. “I would like for all of us to be able to trust that what we’re doing in committee is in the best interest of the city,” requests Hendricks. “We’re being good stewards of the city’s resources.” The councilor says the $40,000 is justified based on the amount of land to be studied.

Councilor Royal says it’s important that issues be discussed on the dais for public consumption. But Councilor Montgomery defends committee discussions, adding that all committee meetings are open to the public. Montgomery argues that “to come up here and hash this out in this manner [at the council meeting] is not the appropriate place.” He adds that councilors should have attended the Finance Committee meeting, to which Royal replies that he did attend. Royal maintains that the watershed issue is important enough to be included in Tuesday’s council meeting. The council votes unanimously to pass the $40,000 contract. &

Holy Cow, It’s Good!

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Holy Cow, It’s Good!

By Ed Reynolds

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Promised Land Dairy in Floresville, Texas, is truly the land of milk and honey. On 1,300 acres of mesquite-covered countryside once occupied by honey bee hives, 1,100 Jersey cows graze in divine splendor, producing milk so hallowed that the dairy prints the words of Deuteronomy 26:9 on each bottle. Having sampled several flavors, we can attest to the fact that the milk is indeed richer and creamier than most brands. That’s because Promised Land milk flows from the supple, velvety teats of doe-eyed brown Jersey cows, rather than being jettisoned from the tough-nippled jugs of black-and-white spotted Holsteins, which are used by most dairies. Jersey cows produce milk with more calcium, protein, and nonfat milk solids.

Promised Land milk, a staple on Texas grocery shelves for 13 years and currently sold in 27 states, began appearing in Birmingham dairy cases at Super Target and Wal-Mart Super Centers a month ago. Glass quart bottles sell for about $2, and they are worth it. Homogenized white milk, 2 percent reduced fat, and fat-free milk are available, as are chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, banana, and peach flavors. The latter cries out for fresh peaches, vanilla ice cream, and a blender, ditto the strawberry flavor. As for the rich chocolate milk, Promised Land may have produced the current gold standard.

The Promised Land farm is an integrated independent dairy operation, an old-fashioned throwback to the days when a dairy controlled the herd and its diet, processed the milk, and supervised its distribution. “There are many dairies that have herds. But not many of them have cows and a creamery,” says Melody Campbell-Goeken, who handles public relations for the dairy. “It’s one of the last integrated independent dairies in Texas, and probably one of the few in the nation.”

The automation and biotechnology of the modern dairy industry has resulted in a bland product with little distinction between brands flavor-wise. Unlike its competitors, who inject cattle with artificial hormones to increase production, Promised Land refrains from the practice. “They tried using hormones with the product years ago, and the cows just would not produce the milk with the same flavor. So they decided not to use any more hormones,” explains Campbell-Goeken. The milk is available only in glass bottles, which add a nostalgic touch while keeping the product colder and fresher.

During the holiday season, the dairy offers its lavish egg nog, which tastes like melted ice cream. The egg nog is so distinctive that the label is adorned with its own Bible verse, Isaiah 11:6: “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the goat, and the calf and the lion and the yearling together, and a little child shall lead them.”

City Hall — Blake warns against police state

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City Hall

By Ed Reynolds

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November 20, 2001

Blake warns against police state

In the street outside City Hall, the police department and fire and rescue service exhibit the city’s emergency-response fleet, featuring a mobile command center and other SWAT vehicles. Councilor Jimmy Blake proudly lauds the efforts of law enforcement over the years, but cautions against what he calls the current trend of increased militarization of police forces. He’s concerned that police might develop a military mindset “through osmosis” by participating in joint training exercises with the military, which he warns is “dangerous to the public health.” Blake frowns on the sight of “soldiers with automatic weapons slung over their shoulders” at the airport, noting that militarization of American society is a victory for terrorists. Councilor Aldrich Gunn agrees. “Mind over matter, Dr. Blake. Whenever you get so you turn that person’s mind, or change its mind or change its way of livin’, you’ve already lost.”

Friends in low places

Councilor Sandra Little, impeccably dressed as usual, offers a series of resolutions honoring Helen’s Cafe, the Powderly Shell service station, and JC’s Beauty Supply, respectively. Little also salutes Council President William Bell for his “Bell Plan,” which provided money for schools from the projected proceeds of the Birmingham Water Works assets. Councilor Leroy Bandy then offers a resolution honoring Bell’s wife Sharon for 20 years of service to the Birmingham school system.

Hell no, I ain’t fergettin’!

Councilor Lee Loder offers eight resolutions recognizing the outgoing councilors for service to their districts. Councilors Blake and Don MacDermott request that their salutations be changed to honor their assistants. Blake interrupts Loder as commendations begin. “To me, words mean something. And resolutions that reflect on political activity mean something in particular,” objects Blake. “I’m not a hypocrite, and I believe one has to be truthful.” Blake states that if he agreed with the resolutions, he would have worked to get those councilors re-elected (Blake reportedly labored for incoming councilors Carol Reynolds, Gwen Sykes, Joel Montgomery, and Valerie Abbott, Blake’s District Three replacement). Blake adds that Loder would have worked to get those honored in the resolutions re-elected had he really believed that they had actually served their respective districts well. Admitting that he’s “quite fond personally of these people [fellow councilors],” Blake abstains from voting on Loder’s resolutions. “Words and resolutions have meaning. Those with legal training certainly should know that,” Blake says in a parting shot at Loder, an attorney.

Councilors toss insults back at Blake

When the resolution honoring Councilor Gunn comes up, the elderly councilor refuses to accept the honor. “The privilege of commendin’ and doin’ whatever it is, some things you don’t have to do. Your actions speak. And it’s not that I don’t appreciate it,” Gunn says in typically cryptic fashion as he requests that his honor be withdrawn. Councilor Bill Johnson joins Blake in abstaining from the resolution honoring Johnson. Blake approves the
resolution commending MacDermott’s assistant. A second resolution honoring Little is offered by Bandy, which is approved. Bandy takes aim at Blake: “In contrary to what Dr. Blake just stated, who cares? Councilwoman Little has done a great job for her district.” Blake tries to respond but Loder also fires away. “I don’t think I would challenge the intellectual giants of today [a parting shot at Blake, who is a medical doctor by trade] and the folks with good ol’ common sense to deny that every person on this dais has made some positive contribution to this city, and they are worthy of recognition for their positive contribution.” Blake agrees, but notes that if Loder’s resolution were focused on Little’s contribution to dedication of parks and commitment to the arts, he would have approved the recognition [Councilor Little can be heard giggling in the background]. Councilor Johnson chimes in: “I’ve sat here for four years and I’ve noticed that Dr. Blake never misses an opportunity to rain on someone else’s parade [Little is almost collapsing in laughter].” Councilor MacDermott takes his turn: “It’s good to see that nothing changes, even until the last minute [audience laughs]. At least we’re consistent.” MacDermott defends Loder’s resolutions as worthy, noting, “Everyone up here is dedicated to what they think is the
decision they should have made. And I don’t judge people’s motives.” Councilor Little can barely stop laughing as she thanks Loder for the commendations. “I think this is one of the most unified councils the city of Birmingham has ever seen in a long time,” says Little.

Tears of joy

As president of the City Council, William Bell traditionally has the final word. In bittersweet tones, Bell reflects on his 22 years as a council member, but is suddenly unable to speak as he begins to sob. “[The crying] is not out of sadness, it’s out of joy, for the blessings I’ve received.” The Council President praises his children for maintaining fine character despite having to “grow up in a spotlight.” Bell continues, apparently reading from a prepared text. “Some people have said I was arrogant. I take pride in uplifting black people, but I do not do so to the detriment of white people.” Noting the importance of future generations working together, Bell defends his convictions, stating, “But that doesn’t mean that I have to bow down to someone simply because of the color of their skin. It doesn’t mean that I have to hold my tongue simply for being perceived as an uppity black.” Refusing to name names, he observes that current city politics have involved more character assassination than any council he’s worked with in his years of service. As the tears continue to flow, Bell savors the emotional goodbye as he tries to end his final council meeting with dramatic flair. But suddenly Gunn interrupts the downward motion of Bell’s gavel, much to the Council President’s exasperation, and leads the council in an off-key rendition of “God Bless America.” Refusing to be outdone, Bell ends the meeting with prayer as councilors join hands.

November 27, 2001

Mayor shares visions of the future

Mayor Bernard Kincaid can’t stop smiling this morning as the new Birmingham City Council is sworn in. Kincaid uses the occasion to present his vision for boosting the city’s viability as a major, progressive metropolis, focusing on mass transit, increased pay for police and fire fighters, retention and expansion of city automobile dealerships, and a “world-class” school system. Referencing the previous council’s habit of stripping funds designed to implement his goals, the Mayor proudly notes that his vision “comports very well” with the issues on which councilors campaigned. He then walks over to individually embrace each councilor.

Love is all around

As predicted, today’s meeting is indeed a lovefest. Newly elected council president Lee Loder, who received a standing ovation when he entered the packed council chambers, praises Kincaid for presenting plans to revitalize the city. The more the Mayor shares ideas, the easier the council’s job will be, says Loder. The rest of the meeting is relatively uneventful, with the council finally approving payment for the February 2001 referendum on the fate of the Water Works. The previous council had repeatedly refused to pay for the referendum.

Matthews continues to rant

During the citizens forum, local community activist and former District Two council candidate Frank Matthews criticizes the council for “tossing out the Sunshine Rule” during this morning’s pre-council meeting when the council convened in executive [private] session for an item on the agenda. The item in reference is the payment of up to $3,000 for an attorney to represent former Council President Bell. Bell’s deposition has been requested by parties in a lawsuit against the city over a $6.9 million contract with Johnson Controls that Bell signed while interim mayor in July 1999. Johnson Controls is suing the city for allegedly not paying for installation of heating and cooling equipment. During the pre-council meeting, Council President Loder admitted to misgivings about meeting in executive session, saying that he didn’t recall any participation in such meetings during his 18-month tenure on the council.

Matthews also complains about paying for the February 2001 Water Works referendum with salary surplus from Information Management Services. “Well, if you’re going to throw out the Sunshine Law, then I guess you would take money from the Information Management Service to further keep this city in the dark,” adds Matthews. Mayor Kincaid’s perpetual smile turns to laughter as Matthews continues. “I hope that this council — great intellectual minds, great debaters, some are even scholars — will not allow this mayor to become a dictator by using manipulation and deception to deceive you.” As members of the audience boo loudly, Matthews pledges to remain a vigilant watchdog, promising, “Frank Matthews will be here to keep you on your toes and in a row like dominoes.”

Smitherman gloats

The new councilors address the public at meeting’s end. Councilor Bert Miller says, “There are no problems, there will only be situations. And situations will be handled!” Miller then gives out his telephone number. Councilor Valerie Abbott, seated next to Miller on the dais, admits that it’s difficult to speak after him. “It’s Miller time all the time,” Abbott laughs. “I’m very thankful to the people who put me in, and the people who didn’t put me in, it’s O.K. I’m here now. And I’m here for everybody.” Councilor Roderick Royal says that someone told him outside the council chambers that he appears taller on his campaign literature. Councilor Carol Reynolds notes that she is proud to be an American, and is thrilled to “restore this city’s pride, this city’s integrity, this city’s dignity.” Councilor Joel Montgomery says he wants to see the city retain ownership of the Water Works, and calls the expenditure of money to council lobbyists “a disgrace.” Councilor Gwen Sykes quotes the late soul crooner Sam Cooke: “It’s been a long time comin’, but I do believe a change is goin’ to come.” Councilor Elias Hendricks notes that he is especially proud to be a councilor since his father ran for the council in 1977. Council President Pro Tem Carole Smitherman, apparently ruffled by Nation of Islam minister William Muhammad’s earlier references to the Koran during the citizens forum, tells Muhammad that the first thing given to councilors by the city was a Bible, and they intend to use it as a guideline to steer the city in the proper direction. Smitherman, whom many suspect will be a candidate for mayor in two years, bragged, “I like to serve people. And I’m glad to have been given that opportunity by the voters of District Six with an overwhelming victory, and having received the highest percentage of votes in the runoff election.” Council President Loder promises that the council will not be marked by its failures, but rather by how high it sets the bar for the city of Birmingham. &

For Insomniacs Only

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For Insomniacs Only

By Ed Reynolds

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	Peter Noone (far left), the one-time lead singer for Herman’s Hermits, opens the holiday shopping season at The Galleria on November 23.

Patience may be a Christmas lesson drilled into wide-eyed kids yearning daily for Santa, but for salivating holiday shoppers, it’s merely an old-fashioned term at which they scoff. Christmas bells officially begin ringing at the ungodly hour of 1 a.m. on Friday, November 23, at the Riverchase Galleria. So much for the long winter’s nap. Thanksgiving leftovers won’t even be cold by then.

The only thing remotely old-fashioned about this yuletide shopping spree is the presence of Peter Noone, more famously known as Herman, one-time lead singer for the 1960s hit-makers Herman’s Hermits. With 23 Top 10 hits and 52 million records sold, the band was among the monarchy of the British invasion that included The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Dave Clark Five, and a host of other limeys.

Herman’s Hermits’ classics such as “I’m Into Something Good,” “Mrs. Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter,” and the frivolous “I’m Henry the VIII” glued a generation of teens to AM radio and television shows such as “Hullabaloo” and “Shindig.” Along with their repertoire of irresistibly catchy pop hits, Herman’s Hermits were renowned for being one of the few British acts that sang in a heavy British dialect. “You had to have your own sound back then. You couldn’t sound like The Beatles or The Dave Clark Five. That’s why we did the first English accents on rock ‘n’ roll records,” Noone explains on his website.

Noone was 15 years old when Herman’s Hermits began topping the record charts. The squeaky clean Hermits image that alienated more serious, worldly teenagers was apparently no put-on, according to Noone in a 1999 interview with the Globe Correspondent. An admitted innocent, Noone recalls, “I hung out with the guys that knew what was going on, like The Beatles and The Stones. They were much more fun than the guys in my band.”

Peter Noone’s last show in Birmingham was 10 years ago at the Alabama State Fair, with local players enlisted as Hermits for the evening. Noone was every bit as enthusiastic and endearing as his showbiz persona, though the choirboy image took a couple of blows. Local drummer Leif Bondarenko recalls that Noone personally delivered a case of beer to the band before the show. Don Tinsley played bass that night, and recalls Noone’s penchant for cursing. “A very good-natured cuss word every other word,” Tinsley laughs.

City Hall — Live at the Apollo

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City Hall

By Ed Reynolds

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November 6, 2001

Live at the Apollo

The Apollo Entertainment Center on Bessemer Superhighway seeks a special retail license (including alcohol sales) to operate for specified events. Donald Blankenship, representing the Apollo, says that Bessemer Superhighway carries over 100,000 vehicles per day, thereby making it a “major arterial street.” Opposing the license is Robert Beard of the Green Acres Neighborhood Association, who outlines his objections to the Apollo.Beard is an elderly man who has lived 100 yards from property now occupied by the Apollo since 1963. “I was born and reared in West End. Lived there, will die there, and be buried there!” Beard says as Councilor Aldrich Gunn bellows, “Amen!” Beard suggests that the Apollo, which he calls a “whiskey outfit,” might be a parasite on the community. “We used to have an all-white community, and now it’s practically all-black except for the few of us that are still there. And we have good neighbors,” Beard says. In an apparent attempt to make clear that his grievance against the Apollo is not racially motivated, Beard adds that he wishes that “some [less desirable] white folks” in the area would move out and some “good black ones would move in!” Beard continues: “Who is the Apollo going to entertain? That’s a community group down there and we don’t particularly go in there to be entertained the way they want to entertain!”

Defending the facility’s location on a “major arterial artery,” Apollo attorney Donald Blankenship explains that the venue will attract private parties, receptions, and small concerts. Blankenship emphatically tells the council that they have no public safety reason to deny the request, “I think all the fears that have been placed before you are unfounded. And whether the folks there are black or white or good or bad [laughs], the fact remains that there is no public safety reason to deny this application.”

“If a state store can be there, anything can be there!” thunders Councilor Leroy Bandy who points out that the grocery store that used to occupy the Apollo space sold beer and wine. Admitting that he generally defers to the neighborhood, Councilor Lee Loder remains opposed to the Apollo due to his commitment to allow only businesses that enhance neighborhoods. “That will be the only way we can put our neighborhoods back to the condition that the community wants us to be,” he explains, referencing past problems at the Apollo under different ownership. Council President Bell says that Loder’s logic of siding with neighborhoods would have kept out a nearby YMCA opposed by some area residents. Bell lauds the entertainment facility as well run and properly maintained, with good security. Councilor Jimmy Blake urges Loder to remember that he has taken an oath as councilor to follow the law and not bow to neighborhood associations. Blake says that no danger to public health, safety, or morality is evident in the case of the Apollo, and condemns the neighborhood for opposition to every liquor store and dance facility in the area. Noting that empty buildings attract blight, Blake explains, “Business drives out crime. More accurately put, crime drives out business.” Loder thanks Blake for his comments, but responds that he’s seen the council “do whatever it wants to do whenever it wants to do it,” regardless of the law. Loder promises to be consistent and challenge laws that are not beneficial to neighborhoods. The Apollo license is approved.

Council passes the buck on Serra Chevrolet proposal

Annexation of Serra Chevrolet property by the city prompts councilor Sandra Little to express relief that she will no longer be on the hot seat. Serra will lease the property for 10 years, with an agreement to repurchase the property after that time. Today’s resolution is not a binding agreement, but serves as a good-faith support for Serra from the council. The purchase includes undeveloped parcels, which will eventually have retail operations. Councilor Don MacDermott is concerned about neighborhood preservation, especially reductions in property values. MacDermott wants assurance that the property will be developed, or that it does not languish until the city tries to “pawn it off and can’t get rid of it a few years from now.”

“Mr. MacDermott, we won’t have to be blamed anymore. Thank God for that one. Hallelujah!” laughs Councilor Sandra Little. Little says she hopes the issue will be delayed until the new council comes in. Councilor Blake continues to criticize what he defines as government favoring one business entity over another. Highly critical of “giving dirt away” to attract business, Blake complains, “One municipality is at war with another as to who can offer the biggest bribe to private business.” Blake says the Mayor should not be blamed when business leaves for a better deal. Rather, the blame should be directed at the federal and state level for allowing such practices, which he calls “fascism.”

Noting that the city must be competitive when surrounding municipalities are trying to lure away businesses, Mayor Kincaid argues the economic benefit to Birmingham. “Until the laws are changed, it’s the American way,” says Kincaid as he stresses that the deal does not ask for tax abatement. The city stands to reap an $8.5 million to $11 million profit. Councilor Little says the issue should be in the hands of the incoming council, and the council votes to delay the issue for three weeks, at which time the new council will be sworn in.

November 13, 2001Worm in the apple Blake

Councilor Blake grumbles that the city has no business acting on a 20-year $2 million HUD Section 108 loan to Heavy Metal Birmingham LLC (interest rate to be determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). “We are putting the council and the city in the business of being banks. I don’t think that’s the proper function of government,” says Blake, adding, “We’re playing with other people’s money, and frankly, we’re not qualified to do it.” Blake is the only councilor to oppose the measure.Blake opposes other loans on today’s agenda for the same reason, stressing the unfairness that “regular folk” and small businesses “don’t have the clout to pull off these kind of operations.” The councilor presses for change. “We ought to be going to the Alabama legislature and saying we need to make it against the law for a governmental entity to use tax dollars to lure a business from one Alabama location to another Alabama location. It’s common sense,” urges Blake, condemning government for pretending to be investment bankers. “I’m going to vote ‘no’ on every special interest deal.”

Mayor Kincaid responds that businesses receiving HUD loans must meet certain standards. Kincaid emphasizes that the money has specific designations, and admonishes Blake for suggesting that the federal funds be used for infrastructure. The Mayor says that it’s not fair for Blake to insinuate that the city is not acting within the law regarding the HUD loan expenditure. Blake again is the lone dissenting councilor. &

Sticky Fingers

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Sticky Fingers

By Ed Reynolds

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Krispy Kreme doughnuts must be indulged with caution. The irresistible urge to lick one’s fingers after fumbling through a box while driving makes them more dangerous than cell phones. But for a couple of generations of Southerners, Krispy Kreme doughnuts have been indispensable staples of hearty breakfasts, after-school treats for car-pooled kids, or late-night gratification for bar-hoppers. Yet once the fabled doughnuts began migrating north to Wall Street, Krispy Kreme assumed a new aura, transformed into a national delicacy as Yankees first gawked, then giddily embraced cravings for fried shortening, flour, and sugar. Metaphors poured forth like sparkling waterfalls of sugary glaze as stockbrokers, jet-setters, and glamorous patrons of the arts compared the doughnut’s craftsmanship to manicured stock portfolios and Stradivarius violins. Krispy Kreme’s praises have been sung in publications as diverse as Elle, Forbes, and The New Yorker.

Krispy Kreme doughnuts were either invented or discovered in 1933, depending on how one interprets history. That year, Krispy Kreme founder Vernon Rudolph bought a Paducah, Kentucky, doughnut shop and a secret yeast-raised doughnut recipe from a New Orleans chef. The shop eventually relocated to Nashville in search of a larger market, where it was primarily a supplier for grocery stores. In 1937, Rudolph moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The alluring aroma of hot, fresh doughnuts drew locals to Rudolph’s doughnut emporium; endless requests for a dozen, which sold for 25 cents, convinced him to open the first sit-down Krispy Kreme doughnut shop.

Vince McAleer, owner of the Birmingham franchise, which includes stores in East Lake, Midfield, and now Hoover, started working at Krispy Kreme in Birmingham in 1975 at age 14, following in the footsteps of his father and uncle, who went to work for the company in 1953. There was no automated, mass production in those days. A cookie-cutter stamped out the circles of dough, which were tossed into frying kettles where they were flipped with chop sticks. McAleer brags that his father could put seven doughnuts on his thumb while operating two hand-fryers with a co-worker, turning out 400 dozen an hour. “It took 13 big-haired ladies to box them up,” McAleer laughs. “Hot glazed is number one, chocolate glazed is number two, the chocolate creme-filled is number three, and the creme-filled is number four. Ninety percent of our sales are those four items. But if you go up North, some of the stores sell more cake doughnuts than they do yeast doughnuts. I think we make the perfect glazed doughnut.”

In less than two minutes, Krispy Kreme’s national stores can make enough doughnuts to stack as high as the Empire State Building. In one year, the company produces enough doughnuts to encircle the Earth twice. And the recent induction of Krispy Kreme’s 60-year history into the Smithsonian officially anoints the doughnut as American as credit card debt and apple pie.

Kid’s Day at the new Hoover Krispy Kreme (1990 New Patton Chapel Road at Highway 31) will be Saturday, November 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Brave New World

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By Ed Reynolds

Hailed by local political observers as the greatest revolution in Birmingham politics since Bull Connor and his oppressive pals were chased out of City Hall 38 years ago, voters finished the job they started October 9 by eliminating almost every incumbent from the City Council during the October 30 runoff election. Only Councilor Lee Loder, an easy victor in the general election, was unaffected. A happy Mayor Bernard Kincaid bragged more than once during runoff night that he had been seeking a “council that would work with me.” Kincaid has been preaching public revolt for two years, ever since the council assumed many of the Mayor’s powers in order to bolster its control over city government.

Like most revolutions, it all started at the top. Elias Hendricks defeated Council President William Bell in a District Five landslide, lauding the “quality and caliber” of campaign workers that secured his victory. “My people were dedicated. They cared about what we were doing, and they also could articulate how I felt about certain issues because they took the time to listen,” Hendricks gushed. He defined his campaign as “the way politics really should be. It doesn’t have to be cutthroat, it does not have to be name-calling. It can be issue-driven. It can be conducted like ladies and gentlemen.”

When asked if he anticipated any butting of heads with Mayor Kincaid, Hendricks replied, “I hope we’re all dancing to the same page. I’m hoping that all the butting heads can happen in pre-council when people can explain their position and we can all come out with a goal that is for the greater good of the city.”

As expected, Hendricks side-stepped queries on his interest in replacing Bell as council president. “I think it’s a little premature for that. I think that what we should be concerned about is not necessarily who’s the head of it, but who’s going to be over Street and Sanitation, who’s going to be over the parks. That’s the work that has to be done. Who ends up being the person that conducts the meeting is kind of showboating,” he explained. “How do we work through those kind of things as a council, the real meat and potatoes of government. Who gets to be in Hollywood every Tuesday night [laughs] is not as important as who gets the real work done.”

At Jake’s Pit Bar-B-Q, where Carol Reynolds celebrated her lopsided runoff victory over District Two incumbent Bill Johnson, homemade paper signs touted reynolds’ attributes: “Honor,” “Integrity,” “Very Smart,” and “Trustworthy.” “We went out there with a vision about Birmingham: Returning accountability to government,” said Reynolds. “We talked it the whole time, and we never strayed off of it. We committed to a vision to rebuild Birmingham, to restore pride. We stuck to it. We never did any negative campaigning. We’re very excited.” Reynolds laughed as she admitted her main concern, now that the runoff results were in, was that the Yankees win the World Series.

Responding to a question about her interest in being council president, Reynolds explained, “We’re going to have four female councilors. Women look at things differently than men do. We want the basic services and the basic dignity returned to Birmingham. I’m not jockeying for any position. We just have to see when we all sit down and start talking about who needs to be where. At that time we’ll make the decision. I want the very best person, male or female, as council president. We have an all new council. This truly is the beginning of the millennium. It truly is.”

A funeral pall loomed over the headquarters of ousted Council President William Bell. A subdued, defeated Bell searched for a silver lining as he admitted that he could relax now that the council runoff was over. “I’ll get a chance to sleep a little bit later,” he said with resignation. Standing next to a pair of “Vote William Bell” vans plastered with signs that offered free rides to the polls, Bell recalled the lesson learned after 22 years in office: “The human spirit will always rise. I really believe that.” When asked if former mayor Richard Arrington’s failure to include him in a list of Jefferson County Citizens Coalition incumbents that Arrington wanted to see re-elected had prompted his defeat, Bell replied, “I don’t speculate on what helps or what hurt. This is fate, this is God’s will. We gave it our all, but the people of Birmingham decided something different, and I’m at peace with that.”

Apparently, Bell was not the only councilor God wanted removed from office. Councilor Sandra Little told local television newscameras, “Some things are gonna happen now, and God don’t [sic] want me to be a part of that.” Little went on to explain that serving her constituents “is like a ministry, and you’re always more concerned about other people than yourself. So now I don’t have to have the weight of the city on my shoulders.”

Bert Miller, who defeated Little in the District Seven bid, flashed across television screens later that evening with some subtle but funky dance moves as he entered his campaign headquarters on runoff night. When asked by Channel 33/40 News reporter Kevyn Stewart if there is any credibility to Sandra Little’s claims that Mayor Kincaid is hard to work with, Miller adamantly declined to respond. “I don’t even wanna discuss that. That’s her thing. That campaign is over!” Miller promised that there’s “a new Birmingham coming up in November.”

At Gwen Sykes’ Boutwell Auditorium headquarters, supporters surrounded her as they lined up to dance in unison, pausing long enough to allow Sykes to lead them as they simultaneously turned their backwards campaign caps to the front, chanting, “Since we have straightened it out, then we’ll turn our hats around!” Sykes promised Channel 33/40′s Pam Huff that there will be no more bickering between the Mayor and City Council.

District Nine councilor-elect Roderick Royal told Fox 6 News reporter Cynthia Gould that everything in his district needs to be addressed. “The district is in such a mess that anywhere is a good place to start.” District One’s Joel Montgomery minced few words expressing what is owed the people of Birmingham. “The people deserve to have a city council that people don’t laugh at — and that people don’t consider a circus act,” Montgomery told Fox 6 News. “We’re gonna do the taxpayers’ business and we’re gonna do it in a respectful manner.”

Inside Councilor Aldrich Gunn’s East Lake headquarters, the hum of a tiny space heater interrupted the silence while the defeated councilor, standing near a painting of Christ, reflected on his future after 12 years of council service. “I got a little bitty Aldrich Gunn that high (gesturing two feet off the floor). And to be as old as I am and to have a little grandson like that, two years old, named Aldrich — cause I never thought I would have someone to carry my name on . . .” Gunn still believes that the weakened Jefferson County Citizens Coalition that voted him into office in three council elections is a viable entity. “I think it’s wise to have a coalition,” he noted as he elaborated on the importance of political alignment. “Playing ping-pong or yo-yo are the only things you can play by yourself.”

When told that his malapropisms had added an irresistible charm to council meetings, Gunn recited a poem, as he frequently did during sessions. “‘A wise old owl lives in the oak. The more he saw, the less he spoke. The less he spoke, the more he heard. Why can’t you be like that wise old bird?’ Now that applies to me,” smiled Gunn. “I can say that. That’s called colloquialism. People talk about me splitting a verb. You do that for psyche things. You say something and they say, ‘Oh, he split a verb,’ or you say ‘peoples.’ Put an ‘s’ on ‘people’ and they get all excited, but you be done got what you want back there, and they be focusing on that!” laughed Gunn. “Just to be able to serve on that council means a lot to me.” When asked to comment on possible reasons for defeat, Gunn sighed, “I still believe if I had my old district, I would have prevailed. That just cut me down, the way they drew the lines. But I have no complaint. I’m content.”

Former mayor Richard Arrington sat down with Fox 6 News anchor Scott Richards in the days after the runoff election to offer opinions about the three main figures on the Birmingham political scene for the past two years. Admitting that he and William Bell fought out of the public eye over the years, Arrington said it was Bell’s idea to take over as interim mayor four months before Arrington’s 20-year tenure ended. “I felt I owed it to him,” the former mayor said of his agreement to step down early so that Bell could run against Kincaid as a semi-incumbent mayor. “Quite frankly, the corporate community was really pressuring me. And while they weren’t all that excited about William, I couldn’t give them anybody better than William that I thought could be elected. I still don’t know today how he lost that race. I have never been able to forgive him for losing that race to Bernard Kincaid,” Arrington laughed.

Arrington said that Kincaid was “a disciple of mine” when Arrington was a dean at Miles College. Arrington said he invited Kincaid to work on his team, but Kincaid felt that some members of Arrington’s organization were “incompetent,” even to the extent of “not liking the way they express themselves.” The former mayor called Kincaid a “bright guy, but he’s a nitpicker.”

Finally, Arrington offered an assessment of Councilor Jimmy Blake, who kept a promise eight years ago not to seek his council seat after two terms. “I consider Jimmy to be the most controversial, most dishonest individual I ever met. Jimmy brought a style of politics to City Hall that nobody was accustomed to,” said Arrington. “My perception of Jimmy Blake is a politician who’s a demagogue, who is very, very bright. He’s very good at handling people and winning them over, and Jimmy is always there. I grew old being very proud of the fact that I never met a person that I didn’t like, and then I met Jimmy Blake.” &

Former President Bush Addresses Business Leaders

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Former President Bush Addresses Business Leaders

By Ed Reynolds

Flanked by a pair of giant video screens and an enormous American flag, former President George Bush addressed the Business Council of Alabama’s annual Chairman’s Dinner October 18 at the Richard M. Scrushy Conference Center. Security was tight but not suffocating. At 6:55 p.m., a voice requested that everyone in the corridor enter the conference room because “the doors will be secured in five minutes.”

As Foxxy Fatts and his four-piece jazz combo effortlessly lounged through a breezy version of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” an audience of approximately 1,600, including politicians, lobbyists, and corporate executives, clutched cocktail glasses and bottles of beer as they meandered into the huge banquet area. The sudden entrance of Bush diverted conversation to the front of the room as the band smoothly shifted to a saxophone-heavy version of “Hail to the Chief.”

Attendees ($100 a head, $5,000 per corporate table) sipped wine and poked at tangerine salads. Suddenly, all conversation stopped and the room grew dark as the video screens flashed identical images of airliners flying into the World Trade Center towers. Lee Greenwood’s “I’m Proud to be an American” provided the soundtrack as images of firefighters picking through rubble drew tears from many in attendance.

Governor Don Seigleman and two of his top challengers for the state’s number one elected position, Representative Bob Riley and Lieutenant Governor Steve Windom, were introduced, along with other Alabama congressmen. Riley easily got the biggest round of applause. Senator Jeff Sessions then introduced Bush, recounting the ex-president’s heroic World War II exploits and praising him for “fixing the CIA.”

Lauding Alabama as a “Bush-friendly state,” the 77-year-old former president was surprisingly adept at humor, delivering one-liners effortlessly as he impersonated comedian Dana Carvey, whom he noted was the “one guy that misses me in Washington.” Admitting that he doesn’t yearn for presidential press conferences, Bush bragged that the Florida recount drove him to join “press-haters anonymous.”

Bush addressed the World Trade Center attack, comparing the current war on terrorism with the military effort that removed Saddam Hussein from Kuwait. He acknowledged that the enemy was obvious during his term, and that public opinion regarding our involvement was more divided at the time. Joking that it was “unfair” that Hussein still had a job and he didn’t, Bush defended his controversial decision not to kill the Iraqi president because it would have made Hussein a martyr. He added that if American forces had killed retreating Iraqi troops as some had urged, it would have been immoral. Bush praised America’s intelligence network as “the best in the world,” emphasizing that they must not be forced to fight “with one hand tied behind their back.”

Recounting a visit to San Francisco as a “real character-builder,” the former president told of a woman that he described as in need of a bath jumping in his face and screaming, “Stay out of my womb!” With perfect timing, Bush replied, “No problem, no problem,” as the audience erupted in laughter. He then acknowledged that his two biggest regrets while president were “throwing up on the prime minister of Japan and saying, ‘Read my lips.’”

Bush concluded on a sentimental note as he acknowledged how proud he and Barbara are to have sons in positions of great power and influence. His voice shaking with emotion, the former president choked back tears, softly concluding, “We’re the luckiest parents in the whole world. Thank you very much.”