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Black Lives Matter Birmingham co-founder running for city council in District 9
Eric Hall has declared his intent to run for Birmingham’s City Council in District 9. He’s president of the Central Pratt Neighborhood Association, an associate minister at Peace Missionary Baptist Church and a senior at Miles College. Hall also co-founded the Black Lives Matter Birmingham Chapter. Let’s find out why he’s running.
District 9
Your current councilor is Marcus Lundy. He is not seeking re-election.
Lundy represents these communities and neighbhorhoods:
In the North Birmingham community: Acipco-Finley, Fairmont, Harriman Park, Hooper City, North Pratt and North Birmingham neighborhoods.
In the Pratt community: Central Pratt, Sandusky, Smithfield Estates, South Pratt and Thomas neighborhoods.
In the Ensley community: Dolomite, Ensley, Oak Ridge, Sherman Heights, Tuxedo and Wylam neighborhoods.
In the Smithfield community: East Thomas and Enon Ridge.
Thanks to BHAM WIKI for the updated neighborhood and district information.
Other Candidates:
John Hilliard and James Williams are also running. We are looking forward to publishing their interviews.
Election Details
The city municipal elections are scheduled for August 22, but candidates are already making their rounds. Qualifying for the race begins on June 23rd and ends July 7th.
Please check out all of our weekly interviews featuring the city council and mayoral candidates here at Bham Now. We post them every week! It’s a great way to get involved with the upcoming city elections, and we hope you find them informative and helpful. Any questions or comments about these posts can be directed to me via a FB message @bhamnow.
Candidate Interview
When did you officially announce your candidacy and where/how did you do it?
“I officially announced my candidacy for the District 9 city council seat on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 9 AM via my personal social media outlets: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Subsequent to Councilor Lundy’s announcement of not running for re-election, I felt compelled to run to continue the great work of progressively putting our citizens first and moving District 9 forward.”
What is the name of your principal campaign committee?
“Committee to Elect Eric Hall City Council District 9.”
Why do you want to run for Birmingham City Council?
“To restore power back to the people. The people of Birmingham should not have to suffer because of the lack of leadership from their elected officials. Birmingham has its problems, like any other mid-major city. It is dealing with a rising crime rate, poverty, a poor educational system, lack of jobs and challenged communities. By putting the people of District 9 and the City of Birmingham first, I wholeheartedly believe that when elected, these problems will be resolved.”
More Questions And Answers
What is your background, education and experience?
- 2016, received the 12th Annual A.G. Gaston Community Service Award
- 2014-2016, served as Community Liaison for Birmingham City Council representing the following District 9 communities: Central Pratt, South Pratt, Sandusky, Tuxedo Heights Block Watch and Hooper City
- 2013, served as a legislative intern to the Alabama State House of Representatives
- 2012, recognized by former First Lady Michelle Obama and Congresswoman Terri Sewell for coordinating Camp Noah, a day camp assisting children
- 2000-2009 , enlisted in the Alabama Army National Guard, received Army Achievement Award Medal of the United States Department of Defense for serving in Operation Enduring Freedom
How will you foster a healthy, working relationship between the mayor’s office and the Birmingham City Council/city hall?
“If we are working with the interest of putting the needs of the people first, then I support that—that’s definitely healthy for all parties (mayor, council and citizens.) To be clear I will not support any initiatives, programs, bids, contractual agreements, ordinances, etc. that aren’t advantageous to the growth, expansion and overall well being of District 9 residents and the City of Birmingham.”
How will you accomplish transparency with the residents of Birmingham, if elected?
“Transparency and accountability are very important to me. People should be able trust their elected representatives. In my role as a council member, I will push for random fiscal/equipment audits; I will push for an evaluation staff to measure the effectiveness of programs and grants issued to the city and to partnering nonprofits. Most importantly, I’ll make sure the city has an open checkbook where residents can trace all city expenditures online.”