Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed's online profile offering speaking engagements for up to $20,000 was abruptly removed from the internet after an 1819 News story highlighting the city's resistance to fulfilling public records requests related to Reed's travel expenses.
On Monday, 1819, News reported on months-long efforts to obtain public records from the City of Montgomery regarding Reed's spending, travel and other publicly funded activities.
Since July, 1819 News has been compelled to file multiple records requests with the city after numerous rejected requests and quibbling over what records the city believed the public was entitled to.
During several dramatic City events, including a mass shooting that injured 13, Reed wasn't even in the state. Reed's critics have often noticed his absences, especially from city council meetings where residents frequently express vehement criticism of crime in Montgomery. Most recently, Reed went on some national television programs, defending current President Joe Biden and shilling for Vice President Kamala Harris as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.
The City declined to share any planned out-of-town engagements or an official calendar, claiming the mayor didn't keep an official calendar. However, the records 1819 News requested sought to clarify the line between Reed's official and unofficial travel.
A talent booking agency called All American Entertainment listed Reed as a bookable live speaker for a fee of $10,000-$20,000. After the 1819 News' initial report, Reed's speaker profile was scrubbed from the site.
Using online software, you view precious iterations of the All American Entertainment site, which shows Reed's speaking fee and biography.
1819 News contacted Reed's communication manager to ask why his profile was removed. Reed's team did not immediately respond.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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