Clean Up Alabama is calling for accountability after claiming a member of the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) does not live in the district he represents.
Ronald Snider has been critical of strengthened guidelines pulling funding from libraries that allow sexually explicit material in juvenile sections, a quest widely led by Clean Up Alabama.
Snider represents the people of Congressional District 1. However, Clean Up Alabama provided voter registration records showing he lives in Mobile, which, since redistricting, is in Congressional District 2.
"He was redistricted out of District 1 after new federal court–mandated maps took effect for the 2024 elections," Clean Up Alabama stated. "Another APLS board member affected by the same change acted ethically and stepped down from their district-specific seat. Mr. Snider, however, chose not to do so."
According to Alabama code, all seven members of the executive board of APLS are appointed by the governor for a term of five years. There is one member from each congressional district, and they "shall live in the congressional district which he or she represents."
Snider told 1819 News that the law also allows a member to continue representing the district in which he is appointed in the event of redistricting.
The law states, "Provided, however, present members of the executive board shall continue in office until the first expiration of the term of any member, at which time and thereafter each board member shall represent the congressional district in which he or she resides with no two members residing in the same district, and any vacancies, for whatever reason, shall be filled accordingly."
Snider said that means he is allowed to represent District 1 until his term expires.
"The statute's clear that you continue in all until your term expires," Snider told 1819 News.
Snider said APLS board member Andrea Stokes, who represents District 2 and lives in Dothan, is in the same boat. She represents District 2 but lives in District 1.
Still, the nonprofit is calling for accountability on ethical grounds.
"This situation raises serious ethical concerns," said a Clean Up Alabama spokesperson. "Board members must meet legal residency requirements, and the information now available raises substantial questions about whether those requirements are being met. If Mr. Snider knowingly misrepresented his residency, it would be a clear ethical violation that undermines public trust and the integrity of his service. Alabamians deserve clarity—not a cloud of uncertainty hanging over a public board."
Clean Up Alabama further claims Snider "listed his business office address on APLS documents to conceal his home address."
Snider told 1819 News his business address was used because that is where he receives his mail.
"I clearly live in Mobile, but you know, my business address is where I get my mail," he said. "I don't think it's ever been hidden. You can, you know, it's listed in the phone book. Mobile is my home address, but the statute is clear, so there's no basis for any of that."
Snider has accused APLS chairman John Wahl of using his political position as chairman of the Alabama Republican Party to garner support for stricter guidelines.
SEE: APLS board meeting attendees clash over proposed amendment to protect youth from gender ideology
Clean Up Alabama was formed following controversy over materials in the Prattville-Autauga Library. The group has been focused on similar issues statewide and has served as a counter-organization to Read Freely Alabama.
Wahl has not responded to Clean Up Alabama's claims regarding Snider's residency.
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