Birmingham, AL - The outcome of Birmingham's mayoral race could spawn a shake up for the Jefferson County Commission.  The district one seat will become vacant if Commissioner William Bell becomes mayor.

Most commissioners agree it will probably take a run-off to learn who will serve as Birmingham's next mayor.  If bell wins, the seat will see its fourth commissioner in just three years.

"He's been good to work with. We haven't agreed on everything but he's been a good commissioner," said Commissioner Bobby Humphryes.

When Bell took the oath of office last November, his colleagues could not have fathomed he would try to make a move back to the city this quickly.

The last few weeks, they have closely monitored polling, curious if the commissioner could become the next mayor of Birmingham.

"It doesn't matter what the polling is, it all depends on who goes and votes today in the rain," said Commissioner Jim Carns.

Vacating the seat could disrupt the dynamics of the commission.  It would mean assigning new committees and forming new alliances. 

Over the past year, the group faced losing its occupational tax, a multi-billion dollars sewer debt and a money shortage so sever the county could not pay its workers.

"It would be a huge change," said Carns.  "One out of five is a huge change really."

A win for Bell could be bad news for Sheriff Mike Hale.  Bell and Humphryes are working on a resolution to restore a portion of the sheriff's budget.  The hoped to present it next week.

"Maybe we can get this vote before he gets to be mayor and get these people back to work," Humphryes said.

If Bell won Tuesday without a runoff, he would immediately be sworn in as mayor.  His commission seat would sit vacant for up to two months.  That could leave commissioners struggling to find a majority among the four remaining officers. That's IF Bell can beat 12 other candidates.

"I wouldn't want to put odds on that," said Commissioner Bettye Fine Collins.  "Just like the people who bet against Alabama in the SEC bowl."

If Bell vacates the seat, his replacement will have to run in a special election.  That person could win the seat then immediately have to launch a campaign for the June primary.

 

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