Press Releases
Democratic Chairman Calls on Gov. Riley to Drop Jefferson County Suit
'Let the Will of the People Stand'
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Spearman 334-262-2221
Montgomery, AL - State Democratic Chairman Joe Turnham today called on Republican Governor Bob Riley to ask the Supreme Court of Alabama to allow the winner of the February 5th election to the vacant Jefferson County Commission, William Bell, to take office. "Today, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Scott Vowell issued his ruling that upholds the legitimacy of the election of February 5th. Gov. Riley should quit wasting taxpayer funds and denying the people of Jefferson County the right to have a county commissioner that they themselves elected. For Gov. Riley to continue this charade against democracy in Jefferson County calls into question his true intentions. The people have spoken, the judge has spoken - let it go Gov. Riley," stated Turnham.
Judge Vowell upheld the right of Jefferson County to fill the seat by way of a special election and says that Riley's appointment is illegal. "Gov. Riley has set a pattern in Mobile and Jefferson County of stifling democracy in two separate county commission seats held by democrats. He has illegally appointed judges to the bench in several Alabama counties. He is recklessly playing politics with democracy and the people's right to choose their own representation," continued Turnham.
Riley lost the suit for Mobile County and now Jefferson County. Riley has been sued over his appointment of a district judge in Morgan County. State Rep. Ronald Grantland has entered suit against the governor on that matter.
"Jefferson County in its current challenges needs a legitimate commissioner to be seated now. That person is William Bell." Turnham concluded.
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