Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama
Stranger things have happened …
A well-known political player in Alabama was recently overheard speculating what he believes could be coming in the months ahead. Speaking on Gov. Kay Ivey and Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, the knowledgeable source pointed to a little-known state code that sets the retirement for outgoing governors. If a governor retires after serving four years, they are entitled to half pay. If they serve eight years, they get full pay in retirement. Because Ivey took over for Bentley with two years left in his term, she’s already getting close to that eight-year mark. Health concerns have dogged Ivey for years, the source maintains it would be perfectly understandable for her to step down, leaving Ainsworth sitting in the top spot for the remainder of the term. As we all know, an incumbent running for reelection has a way of clearing an otherwise crowded field.
Huntsville polls
Polling data for local races like the Huntsville City Council is typically scarce but at least two sets of local polls are making the rumor circuit with local politicos. While specifics have not been revealed, incumbent Devyn Keith is reported to be behind Michelle Watkins in this three-way race that also includes Reggie McKenzie. In the District 5 race, Councilman John Meredith is rumored to have a small lead on his opponent Kim Lewis but insiders say don’t count her out. Regardless of the polling the winner in both races will be the campaign that can get their supporters to the polls on Aug. 27 – a tough task in a municipal race with no mayor’s race on the ballot.
BCA wants to win 2026
Last weekend, a record-breaking number of Alabama’s business, political and elected officials attended the Business Council of Alabama’s annual governmental affairs conference in Point Clear, where they reached a big consensus on a central question: “Is it too early to start talking about 2026?” The answer to that, still more than six months until fundraising can begin, is decisively: “Absolutely not.” BCA Executive Vice President Clay Scofield delivered a wartime-like address to announce Campaign 2026, an aggressive, sophisticated, ultra-targeted, pro-business political strategy that will recruit, retain, finance and elect candidates from the bottom of the ticket to the very top – starting now. From a U.S. Senate seat, to the entirety of both Alabama’s executive and legislative branches, to judicial races and every office in between, ProgressPAC is mobilizing now to emerge in November 2026 as the dominant political force in the state.
New development on the way?
The Madison Planning Commission approved a rezoning request that paves the way for another mixed use style retail and residential development for the city. The site, on County Line Road close to I-565, has long been zoned for industrial or commercial uses. However, the new owners requested the change in zoning to Urban Center which would allow a variety of commercial and residential options. As to how much residential and commercial might be included in the 60-acre development has not been revealed.
A new coffee fix
The rapidly expanding coffee drive-thru 7 Brew will be opening its 13th Alabama location in Athens on Aug. 26. Known for their quick service and customizable coffees, the Arkansas-based chain now has more than 250 locations throughout the South, Midwest, and eastern United States. The newest 7 Brew will be on Flinders Lane off U.S. 72.
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