Community Concerns Reshape Northport’s City Council

It is relatively easy for community activism to vote out incumbents when only 20+% of the registered voters in the city turn out to the polls on election day. That was the case in Northport's September municipal elections when all but two of the incumbent council members were defeated.

Tonight, the beneficiaries of Northport's election will be sworn in as the new city council during the 5:30 meeting at city hall.

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With incumbent John Hinton deciding to not run in the mayor's race, Dale Phillips, easily out distanced three other candidates to assume the mostly figurehead mayor's role. He will be sworn in by Northport Municipal Court Judge Paul Patterson.

The election hinged largely on issues of transparency surrounding the controversial University Beach Resort construction just off U.S. 82 West. The council actions on the $350 million dollar project on 77-acres, along with several other controversial projects, motivated a vocal group to oppose the incumbent council at meetings and the polls. As a result, only two incumbents will be sworn-in Monday night.

• In District One, Turnley Smith more than doubled the vote of incumbent Christy Bobo. Tuscaloosa County Circuit Judge Bradley Almon will conduct the swearing-in.
• The District Two battle returned incumbent Woodrow Washington to the council by less than 100 votes over a strong second place challenge by Zach Stone. Notary Public Ashley Thomas will re-inaugurate Councilman Washington.
• Appointed incumbent Karl D. Wiggins was easily defeated by Jamie Webb Conger in District Three. Conger will receive the oath from retired Tuscaloosa County Circuit Judge John H. England, Jr.
• The only other incumbent to retain office was District Four's Jamie Dykes who won by just over 200 votes. Judge Patterson will administer her oath of office.
• And with no incumbent in District Five, Danny Higdon ran unopposed. Attorney Mr. Raymond Ward will sear-in new Councilman Higdon.

After the inauguration ceremonies, the new council will elect a council president and president pr tempore before getting down to city business.

The new mayor and council will inherit a strong city economy, construction of several new businesses and a future ALDOT project to give a well needed facelift to Lurleen Wallace Blvd.