Press Release: Concerns Rise Over SB330’s Impact on Birmingham Water Works
BIRMINGHAM, AL – Recent legislative efforts to overhaul the Birmingham Water Works Board through SB330 have sparked significant controversy, raising concerns about local control and representation. Critics argue that the bill is less about improving water services and more about a political power grab, stripping authority from Birmingham to benefit surrounding suburbs.
SB330 proposes to hand control of the Water Works Board to suburban legislators, despite the fact that over 90% of the utility’s customers reside in Jefferson County. Lawmakers, including Rep. Jim Carns of Mountain Brook, have justified this move by referencing water crises in cities like Jackson, Mississippi, and Flint, Michigan. However, these examples are criticized as misleading since those crises stemmed from systemic failures, not local management issues.
Birmingham’s Water Works meets federal standards and has made strides in addressing billing concerns. Yet, the legislation would allow politicians to appoint themselves to the board and double their salaries, raising questions about accountability and transparency. Furthermore, it eliminates public comment at board meetings, undermining local participation in decision-making.
Many see this as a continuation of a historical pattern where Birmingham, a majority-Black city, faces challenges from predominantly white suburban leaders. The bill’s defenders claim it promotes "transparency," yet their actions suggest otherwise.
“This isn’t about reform; it’s a strategic move to consolidate power while silencing the voices of the community members most affected,” said a local activist.
As disenfranchisement looms, Birmingham residents are urged to stay vigilant and vocal about their control over essential local services. The stakes are high, with many accusing lawmakers of neglecting the real issues facing Alabama, opting instead for political posturing that disproportionately impacts minority communities.
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