Alabama Governor Robert Bentley has announced a special
election for Alabama House District 97, which covers areas of Downtown Mobile. The district has historically voted for
Democrats in past elections, and been held by long time State Representative
Dr. Yvonne Kennedy of Mobile. This race
is off to a partisan divide already.
A pack of seven has qualified with the Democratic Party of
Alabama to run for the now vacant seat in a special election to be held on Feb.
26, 2012. There is a wide range of candidates with many backgrounds, also with
different views on issues that matter the most. Here is a list of candidates
that has qualified.
Adline C. Clarke
Karlos Finley
Jeffery Ray Jones
Kimberly Williams Pettway
Ronnie L. Williams
Levi Wright, Jr.
Dr. Yvonne Kennedy has carried a legacy in Mobile and
Montgomery for many years fighting for the people and the disadvantaged citizens
of Mobile County and the State of Alabama. The question to be answered is who
will continue that legacy and carry a strong voice to Montgomery to represent
the people and not the select few?
Already partisan politics is taking its place in this
election, and it is believed by many over the past week, that the local
Democratic Party wants a hand-picked candidate and not a candidate elected by
the people. One thing here on the
Political Beacon, is that I have always and will continue to fight the status
quo and bring you informed information. This election is important to Mobile
and the African American community in general. However, we cannot afford to let
personal and partisan politics take control.
Several candidates have already come out claiming that they
have what it takes to carry on Dr. Yvonne Kennedy legacy in Montgomery, but do
they really? Over the next few weeks we will take a fine look at these
candidates and see what they really have to offer the voters and citizens of
District 97. There is an agenda, but is
it an agenda for the people?
I received a phone call this weekend from a couple of
concerned citizens about a recent posting on the popular social media site
(FaceBook), in regards to the House District 97 race by the Mobile County
Democratic Party Chairman also State Representative Napoleon Bracy in his view
of the candidates running. The statement reads as follows: “As the chairman of
the Mobile County Democratic Party... I wonder how some people think they can
run for HD97 without having enough respect to speak with me and the executive
board members of the party about this election?”
Well Mr. Chairman, in all due respect the seat belongs to
the people and not one individual. Whomever feels that they can and should or
want to run for public office, have the right to do so and should not have to
consult with anyone, unless they so choose to do so.
Whoever presents themselves to the people as best qualified,
and whomever the people elect is the people’s business and not that of partisan
politics and personal agendas.
This will be an interesting race to watch unfold as the
time counts down to Election Day. The Political Beacon will be here to keep you
informed on what’s happening and what matters the most in this election.
