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Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin's Corruption and Misuse of Public Funds: The Book Deal Ledger
Expenditures reasonably related to performing the duties of the office held.
The statute is clear: if an expenditure does not serve the purpose of influencing an election or fulfilling official duties, it is a prohibited "personal use" of funds. The Alabama Ethics Commission applies the "but for" test to determine if an expense would exist regardless of a person’s status as a candidate or officeholder. If the expense would exist "but for" that status, it is a personal expens
Christopher M Peeks
2 hours ago3 min read
The Lasting Legacy of Bill Baxley: A Conversation on Alabama Politics
Baxley shared insights into the shifting nature of Alabama politics, from his own early start as a District Attorney in his 20s to the current trend of older candidates dominating the ballot. The discussion covered several key historical moments:
Staff Writer
2 days ago2 min read
Election Interference: Tabitha Isner and the Alabama Democratic Party’s Reckless Play
Alabama Democratic Party Vice Chair Tabitha Isner is calling for crossover voting, a dangerous tactic reminiscent of the 1986 primary that crippled the state party.
Christopher M Peeks
2 days ago2 min read
Corruption and Misuse of Public Funds in the Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin Administration: Part 3 — The Dog That Wouldn’t Bark
Violation: When campaigns fail to disclose the "in-kind" value of taxpayer-funded labor or services provided through city-contracted vendors, they are filing materially inaccurate and deceptive reports, undermining the transparency mandated by the FCPA.
Christopher M Peeks
3 days ago3 min read
Corruption and Misuse of Public Funds in the Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin Administration—Part 2: The Architecture of Power
We are not viewing isolated instances of mismanagement; we are watching a self-sustaining cycle that appears to circumvent several core protections in Alabama law:
Public Sourcing: Government funds and city staff are directed toward strategic projects managed by outside companies.
Christopher M Peeks
7 days ago2 min read
Alabama Politics: A Candid Discussion on the State of the Race
In recent primary and runoff elections, low turnout has become the norm, with projections for the upcoming August 11 special elections likely struggling to break the 10-12% threshold. During the podcast, the group emphasized that this environment places a premium on hyper-local, personal campaigning—candidates who engage directly with voters rather than relying solely on airwave dominance may find more success.
Staff Writer
Jul 82 min read
Corruption and Misuse of Public Funds in the Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin Administration
The administration allegedly spent $250,000 of taxpayer money to facilitate the production of the film Goes in the South. Funds were reportedly funneled through a network of 501(c)(3) organizations, including Create Birmingham, the Sidewalk Film Center & Cinema, and the Penny Foundation. Furthermore, the administration is accused of leveraging city staff, city-owned facilities—such as Sloss Furnaces and the Birmingham Public Library—and taxpayer-funded work hours to promote t
Christopher M Peeks
Jul 72 min read
John Merrill’s Insights from the Alabama GOP Runoff
The race between John Wahl and Wes Allen served as a textbook example of campaign mismanagement. Merrill observed that the Wes Allen campaign relied heavily on negative attacks, which backfired by keeping John Wahl’s name in the spotlight while failing to define a positive message for Allen. The Wahl campaign's focus on integrity and character, highlighted by a successful testimonial from his pastor, proved more effective.
Staff Writer
Jun 282 min read
Challenging the Status Quo: Case Dixon’s Vision for Alabama’s 6th District
Dixon acknowledges the uphill battle of challenging a 14-year incumbent, especially in an election cycle dominated by open seats and heavy fundraising disparities. However, he views the upcoming runoff as a unique opportunity for voters to engage with the issues directly. With only one race on the ballot, Dixon is hopeful that the electorate will prioritize research and intention over mere name recognition, aiming for a turnout of knowledgeable voters who are closely monitor
Staff Writer
Jun 272 min read
