Tag Archives: President

Election 2012: Remember Dale Peterson? Well, meet Kathy.

Kathy Peterson ad screenshotFrom the sometimes lightning can strike twice category: Some folks may remember the viral phenomenon that was Dale Peterson’s campaign ad as he attempted to secure the Republican nomination for Alabama’s agriculture commissioner in 2010.

He didn’t win, but the video turned him into an Internet sensation; the folks at Funny or Die even created a spoof of the spot, which was covered by both The Huffington Post and New York magazine.

Well, earlier today a Birmingham resident found a video that had already been posted online via various news outlets (including The Gadsden Times and the Montgomery Advertiser). He also just happened to share with the folks at Videogum.

It seems that Perterson’s wife, Kathy, is running to become the state’s Public Service Commission president. That image up and to your left is a still from the two-minute piece that’s currently on YouTube.

We figure a spoof is coming – we’re just waiting to find out when. This is a great excuse though to remind folks that this year’s primary vote will be held on March 13, so don’t forget to register before March 2 (and to vote).

ONB announcement means Main Street Birmingham changes

Fleming and TaskerThe news became official this morning as Operation New Birmingham (ONB) announced they’d named a new president and CEO. David Fleming, the founding executive director of Main Street Birmingham (MSB), will take the reigns of the downtown revitalization organization effective November 1.

It can be viewed as a homecoming of sorts for Fleming, who left ONB as its vice president for planning and urban development in 2004 to launch MSB. He was one of four candidates considered for the position which has been vacant since the departure of Michael Calvert earlier this year.

MSB released its own statement later in the day naming Elizabeth Barbaree-Tasker as the organization’s interim executive director. The seven year-old neighborhood revitalization organization has been enjoying success recently, including an arts incubator in Woodlawn that hosted an open house this past weekend as part of the WOODLAWNx after-party for TEDxBirmingham.

Incidentally, I’ve got some thoughts on Fleming, his new job and what it means for The Magic City over on Dear Birmingham.

Photo: left, David Fleming; right, Elizabeth Barbaree Tasker.

Gen. Charles Krulak named new BSC president

Gen. Charles Krulak. Courtesy of Birmingham-Southern CollegeThe board of trustees at Birmingham-Southern College (BSC) unanimously approved the selection of Gen. Charles “Chuck” A. Krulak as its thirteen president earlier this morning. According to BSC he will assume the duties of president effective June 1 though he will be available as his schedule allows before then.

A press conference called for 12 p.m. Monday afternoon and was live streamed. was scheduled to be live streamed and can be viewed via the college’s website.

The 69 year old Quantico, VA native has requested that he not receive a salary for the first twelve months of employment. Gen. Krulak served as the 31st commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps; he has also worked as chairman and CEO of MBNA Europe Bank and vice chairman and chief administrative officer for MBNA American Bank, N.A. He currently serves on

Krulak was presented with the National Veterans Award at the 63rd National Veterans Day celebration here in Birmingham last November, giving him his first opportunity to visit the college. The Birmingham News reported on Krulak’s visit to BSC to interview for the position two weeks ago, with Kyle Whitmire posting yesterday that Krulak may be offered the position today on Second Front.

UPDATE: 12:35 p.m.the official BSC press release about the announcement is now available to view on their website.

Photo: Gen. Charles Krulak. Courtesy of BSC

Former President Clinton campaigns for Hillary at Miles

Bill Clinton in Birmingham

Chris “Mojo” Denbow/PhotoMojo.info

A large crowd gathered on the campus of Miles College to hear a speech from former President Bill Clinton earlier this afternoon. It was one of two public appearances that Clinton made in support of his wife’s campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Click on the image to view more from the event.