Mayor Reed, Others, Oppose HB 147

An Alabama Mayors' Association-----including Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed--- has written to the Governor opposing HB 147, legislation that blocks cities from imposing occupation taxes on people working in their cities, regardless of whether they live in those cities or not. Here's the letter: 

Without strong cities and towns, it is impossible to have a vibrant Alabama. 65 percent of Alabama residents live in municipalities, 25 percent in our ten largest cities alone. 

These communities are led by mayors and councils who were elected to move their cities forward, to identify problems and challenges and then search for and implement the best solutions. 

HB147 denies duly elected municipal officials the full ability to do their jobs.

Our opposition to the bill extends beyond a possible ban on new occupational taxes. We are opposed to the bill's assault on local governance. No municipal official desires to irresponsibly raise taxes. 

As local leaders, we pursue policies and strategies to deliver crucial services, grow our economies and protect residents and visitors alike. We must have the flexibility to exercise our best judgment and uphold our oaths of office.

Alabama faces multiple challenges which the Legislature alone is empowered to address. There are important issues in which mayors ad city councils have neither influence nor control.

However, identifying and solving problems on the local level is best suited for city leaders who have been given that responsibility by the voters. Placing legislative restrictions on our cities as we search for answers to the complex issues is an unnecessary overreach. 

We recognize the need to have strong relationships between the Legislature and city governments, but we are troubled by the hasty manner in which HB147 is being reviewed. This legislation should be tabled to allow for sufficient engagement in a productive dialogue. 

Together, we can achieve a brighter future for Alabama, its cities and the great people who call our state "home." 

Mayor Ron Anders, Auburn

Mayor Randall Woodfin, Birmingham

Mayor Tab Bowling, Decatur

Mayor Mark Saliba, Dothan

Mayor Frank Brocato, Hoover

Mayor Tommy Battle, Huntsville

Mayor Paul Finley, Madison

Mayor William S. "Sandy" Stimpson, Mobile

Mayor Steven Reed, Montgomery

Mayor Walt Maddox, Tuscaloosa

Mobile Mayor William S. "Sandy" Stimpson is the chairman of Alabama’s Big 10 Mayors group