With all the hot-button issues that went unresolved when the Alabama Legislature left town in May, very few would have predicted that crime in the state's major cities, primarily Montgomery, would be the main topic during the body's hot stove league season.
State Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road) pre-filed legislation last month for next year's legislative session allowing the governor or attorney general to appoint an interim police chief in municipalities where public safety was not meeting certain standards.
The legislation has gotten backing from some Republicans, and its backers have an unlikely ally in State Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham).
However, State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) is among those who are cold to the idea.
During an appearance on Friday's broadcast of Huntsville radio WVNN's "The Dale Jackson Show," Orr questioned the logistics and cost of such a proposal.
However, he also said that, ultimately, it was up to the voters of Montgomery, who reelected Mayor Steven Reed last year.
“Well, I do know the citizens of Montgomery just voted in Mayor Reed again for another term," Orr explained. "And the crime was just very high at that time, and the voters just let him skate. That's where a lot of the accountability's got to be had because they're putting people in office that don't seem to really care. But maybe he's had a change of heart.”
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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