The arguement could be made that the conflict provision, Article X would suggest that the statute should be read as working with Alabama law. And since there is no local law thanks to the 1901 Constitution, this would support that arguement as well.

The Mayor-Council Act was passed by AL Legislature; it is not a local law.

Cooper’s complaint is pretty compelling and well researched.

Langford’s response is a bit thin relying solely on the 1965 act as justification. He never addresses the question of residency and offers no other facts to support his claim to office than his voter ID card. The last mention of the fact that voters elected him really should have no bearing, though I fear it will.

I think the question will turn on whether the 1965 act carved out an exception to the residency requirements of state law. Without researching it, I doubt it did otherwise counsel for Langford would have mentioned it i their motion.

I, for one, am glad that Cooper is challenging Langford. It certainly sounds like the rental of the loft by Langford was an attempt to deceive. I am glad he got called on it (though I do wish it had come before the election – now it sounds like sore losing). I don’t think he’s the right guy to move the city forward, either. He’s entertaining, and has wild ideas, but he’s got to play it straight and fair, and he doesn’t seem willing to do that yet.

If you are applying to be mayor (or any public servant!) of this city, invest in it. Buy a house. Live here. Spend your time and money here. Don’t make it contingent upon winning the election. Jump in with both feet and say, Mayor or not, I care about this city, I want to live here, I want to be part of the Birmingham community, and I want to make it better. We do that, every day. We live here, we face the problems of Birmingham daily, and we stay and fight. We don’t need “maybe I’ll buy a house here if I get to be the mayor.” You’re either with us or you’re not.