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What happens next? When is there a special election?
From the B'ham News on the eve of the trial
According to the law that established Birmingham's mayor-council form of government, the Birmingham City Council president -- in this case, Carole Smitherman -- takes over immediately as interim mayor following a seated mayor's criminal conviction.
Under the law, the council president pro tempore, Valerie Abbott, would take over as council president.
Next, the City Council must, within five days of a vacancy in the mayor's office, set a special election to fill the seat, and the winner would serve out the roughly two years remaining in Langford's term. A special election would likely take place no later than 90 days from the time the council acts.
What is unclear, experts say, is how long Smitherman would serve as acting mayor when the new city council, which was elected Oct. 6 and will be seated Nov. 24, picks a council president for the coming four years.
Some experts on the law contend that Smitherman can hold the office of mayor only until a new president is selected by the new council. Then the new council president would replace Smitherman as acting mayor and Smitherman would return to her council seat.
So in short - Smitherman could be Mayor until the 24. Then the newly elected Council President, whoever that may be, could take her place until a special election which would likely be in late December or early January.
I would hope we would not see two transitions before the special election. I think within the next week we will get a better idea of who will be running for Mayor. Many names have been mentioned although those with highest name recognition would have an even greater than usual advantage due to a very narrow election period.
Some of those who I believe to be serious about running, some of those who probably won't run but have been mentioned:
Carole Smitherman - Barely re-elected to the City Council in a runoff a few weeks. However, her fading star could again rise if she continues to show the grace, humbleness and discipline that she did today in the midst of crisis and turmoil.
Patrick Cooper - The 2007 distant runner-up has strong vocal supporters. However, his challenge to Langford on the residency requirements after the election may have painted him in a negative light. Furthermore his name came up in the Langford trial as having bought an expensive rolex from the former Mayor. People I've talk to don't know what to make of that revelation although some blame Cooper for Langford's demise.
Richard Arrington Jr - The longtime former mayor failed miserably in his City Council endorsements in the most recent elections although fared better with school board choices. Arrington has instant name recognition. Most observers believe he will not run although Dr. Arrington did move back into the city last year.
William Bell - the once interim mayor when Arrington resigned early in his final term (and current County Commissioner) has seen his political star rise and fall a few times in the past decade. Still has a loyal base.
Emory Anthony Jr - a forgotten name in Birmingham politics to many ; has failed in every past attempt at public office; but in a short election anything could happen
other names mentioned
Deborah Vance Bowie - Langford Chief of Staff
(has three young triplets)
Steven Hoyt - Birmingham City Councilor - has not expressed interest
Roderick Royal - Birmingham City Councilor - rumored to be running for Earl Hilliard Jr.'s house seat
Daryl Perkins - Artur Davis former District Director - may prefer to stay behind the scene
Cedric Sparks - Director of Birmingham Division of Youth Services - very popular although has declined to run in elections previously -
Bernard Kincaid - unlikely former Mayor will get back in the mix
If anyone has heard any other names or ideas chime in |
