Almost every year, the Mobile City Council has discussions of “The Zoghby Act.” That is the difference-making legislation that changed the form and procedures of Mobile’s city government.
The bill’s creator and sponsor died on April 12. Former State Rep. Mary Zoghby’s legacy will continue in the Port City with her legislative achievements, community involvement and family leadership.
Prior to 1985, Mobile’s city government had many and varied problems. Zoghby and many Mobile citizens felt that the then-existing system of three elected city commissioners rotating as mayor every 16 months was awkward and not accountable. They wanted to elect a separate mayor and have a city council running in seven districts. That’s what the Zoghby Act did, and it passed. That mayor-council system has proven stable.
The Zoghby Act also required a supermajority vote of the council to pass budgets and certain other measures—it takes five votes of a seven-member council; otherwise, the measure fails. That provision has proven controversial.
Mary Stephens Zoghby’s political career spanned 15 years. She served as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives, representing Mobile from 1978 to 1994.
Beyond her political achievements, Mary served the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Alabama, working as executive director for 14 years.
Zoghby was selected Mobile's "First Lady" in 1986 and "Mobilian of the Year" in 1996.
The family will receive friends from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Immediately following, Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will be in the Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to St. Pius X Catholic Church, 217 South Sage Avenue, Mobile, Alabama 36606.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler writes about Alabama’s people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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