February 26, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
April Odom
Mayor’s Office of Public Information
254-2823

MAYOR LARRY P. LANGFORD WANTS ALL AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN THE CITY TO “LEAP UP TO THE CHALLENGE”

With the success of the first summit for African American men: “Plan 10/30: Why am I dying, Do you care?” Mayor Larry P. Langford has called a second summit for African American Women in the City called: “Leaping Up to the Challenge.” This summit is part of a series to fully develop the Plan 10/30 initiative.

Speakers for the event will include: First Lady Melva Langford, Former First Lady Rachel Arrington and Councilwoman Carole Smitherman.

An estimated 5,000 African American men from across metro Birmingham gathered in Fair Park Arena for the men’s summit. Mayor Langford anticipates the same results this time.

"The women of this city have a fearless determination and we need their help and support to change our community. They are the key to change," said Mayor Larry P. Langford.

 The summit will be Friday, February 29, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at Fair Park.

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February 26, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
April Odom
Mayor’s Office of Public Information
254-2823

MAYOR CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE SENTENCING REFORM FOR NON VIOLENT OFFENDERS IN THE BIRMINGHAM CITY JAIL

During today’s City Council meeting the Mayor presented startling economic facts regarding the imprisonment of non-violent offenders in the Birmingham City Jail. For example, according to statistics provided by jail officials, 15 offenders owing a total of $23,241.50 in fines cost the City $307.85 per day to jail. After 1,020 days, the costs to the City total an astounding $314,007.00.

Mayor Langford added the average daily population in the city jail is 150 inmates. The cost to house all of them per day is $53,334.50 and over a 60-day time period, the cost escalates to more than $2 million.

 "This is money that could go to funding much-needed programs in the city," Langford said.

 “This starts a vicious circle for these offenders," explained Mayor Larry P. Langford. “They are in jail because they cannot pay the fines, and while there, [inmates] lose their jobs causing them further financial hardship and further costing the City when we jail them. These folks can’t get ahead. This must change.”

Mayor Langford called on Council President Carole Smitherman’s experience as a former Municipal Judge where she developed a creative sentencing program for non-violent offenders. Mayor Langford asked Smitherman to craft changes and work with the Mayor’s Office and the City’s Municipal Court officials to restructure the current sentencing structure for these non-violent offenders.

Smitherman accepted the challenge and will report back to the Mayor in the coming weeks, she said.

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MEDIA ADVISORY   
#2008-0006                                                                                    
February 25, 2008                                                                    

Jacqueline F. Gray
 205.908.7392
jacqueline.gray@birminghamal.gov

AIRPORT ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED AT SPECIAL MEETING

 Anyone experiencing hardships or inconvenience by the proximity of his or her home to the Birmingham Airport is advised to attend a special meeting on tonight, February 25, 2008 beginning at 6:00pm. The meeting will be held at Pleasant View Baptist Church located at 9000 17th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35206.

On hand to answer questions will be airport Director Al Denson, Airport Authority Board Member John Burke, Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper, Birmingham Public Works Director Rickey Kennedy and District 4 Birmingham City Councilor Maxine Herring Parker.

Direct media inquiries to City Council Senior Public Information Officer Karin Hopkins at 254.2036, karin.hopkins@birminghamal.gov, or Council Assistant Public Information Officer Jacqueline F. Gray at 254.2055, Jacqueline.gray@birminghamal.gov