Birmingham Water Works Challenges Judge’s Recusal Amid Controversial Past
Frederic Bolling, now a Jefferson County Circuit Court judge, is facing calls for recusal from a case involving the Birmingham Water Works Board, following a contentious exchange of emails with a former colleague representing the utility. In a filing submitted on Thursday, the Birmingham Water Works requested Bolling step aside from a civil suit brought by business owner Sherry McCostlin, who is contesting significant water bill charges.
The email at the center of the dispute dates back to September 2021, when Bolling, then an attorney, sent a scathing response to Mark Parnell, the utility’s legal representative. Bolling accused Parnell of greed and unethical conduct, telling him to cease future communication. “You are not representing anyone but your own greed,” he wrote, ending his email with an ironic “Be blessed.”
This bitter communication has now been cited as a reason for Bolling’s recusal due to concerns of perceived bias stemming from their adversarial relationship. The Water Works’ filing noted that past conflicts, including Bolling’s 2024 lawsuit against the utility over board disputes, further complicate his impartiality.
While Parnell expressed regret over the public exposure of their private exchanges, he emphasized the necessity of addressing the potential conflict. “It’s unfortunate that this email is now part of the public record, but I have a duty to protect my client’s interests,” he stated.
The Birmingham Water Works, serving over 770,000 residents, is undergoing structural changes following a recent legislative shift in governance, which aims to enhance service delivery. As this legal challenge unfolds, the implications for both Bolling and the Water Works could significantly reshape the landscape for the utility’s governance and legal representation.
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