Rep. DeMarco Addresses LWVGB Members & Guests

Dec. 6, 2008, Birmingham, AL -- State Representative Paul DeMarco, as guest speaker at the 2008 Holiday Luncheon at the Birmingham Ronald McDonald House on December 6, shared his expectations for the coming 2009 General Session of the Alabama Legislature which convenes on February 3. He specifically discussed a county manager proposal for Jefferson County. At this time the proposal is for a statute that would create a county manager for Jefferson County. DeMarco is working with several of the county delegation legislators to work out a bill that they can collectively agree will work. A statute will allow the legislation to be approved by the local delegation and voted on by the Legislature but not require the vote by the citizens of the entire state as constitutional amendments require. The Greater Birmingham League has a long held position (1986) in favor of the use of a professional county manager and is preparing to advocate for League positions during the upcoming session.

At the Spring 2008 Member Business Meeting, the Birmingham League set as one of it highest action priorities participation in activities to enable state legislation that would put a professional county manager in place for Jefferson County. LWVGB will review such bills with respect to LWVGB's position on county government. The League has developed a strategy to seek opportunities to lend support and advocate for such legislation.

We thank Rep. DeMarco for his support for professional management in Jefferson County.