Bessemer’s New Mayor Faces Tense First Council Meeting

TL;DR: Bessemer’s new mayor faced an early dispute over city attorneys while laying out cleanup, contract review and downtown renewal plans.

Bessemer Mayor Louise Alexander’s first City Council meeting brought an early clash over city attorneys as she outlined plans for cleaner neighborhoods and a fresh look at a major data center project.

Alexander, the city’s first female Mayor, met with the Council Tuesday, Oct. 6. She defeated Kenneth Gulley in September’s runoff, ending his 16 years in office.

According to ABC 33/40, Councilman Cleophus King said the full council should have discussed the legal representation issue before acting.

“I’m disappointed in my colleagues,” King said. “It was some things I was blindsided [by] that came before us.”

Alexander chose a new legal team rather than retain city attorney Aaron Killings. She defended that choice and urged officials to put election disputes aside.

The tension followed a separate fight over when Alexander’s term began. Gulley had argued he could remain until November. A Monday agreement cleared the transition and preserved his retirement benefits. WBRC reported that Judge David Hobdy’s order found Gulley had met the required service period.

Alexander’s plans include a neighborhood cleanup during her first 90 days and a review of Project Marvel contracts. She wants to assess those data center agreements for transparency and bring concerns before the public if needed.

Downtown renewal is another goal. Alexander plans to seek input from residents, bankers and investors to draw new businesses. King said cooperation will be needed as city leaders begin budget work.