Bill Bradham Calls It Quits After 13 Years .......
The only remaining At-Large Republican City Councilman left in Florence has decided to retire... Bill Bradham, 81, has spent the last 13 years on Council, and he's decided that 13 is enough. I know him as more of a quieter member of council - but when you sit just a few feet from Ed Robinson, you're not going to get much chance to talk... I met him only a few times and not at many GOP functions, but he seemed nice.
Bradham, in his own words, stated that the time had come for a younger and talented person to take his place. Unfortunately, I can't serve at this time, so someone else will be there. The big question is, will it be a Republican? For those unfamilar with the Flotown Council setup, we have three set districts, and three At-Large seats, which are basically citywide elections. Before 2008, all three were Republican, but two were swept in the Obama Wave that November. the dynamics of it all are pretty interesting.....
Lots of questions: can the Democrats once again get their base to show up en masse? Is the tidal wave of discontent still against the GOP, Obama, or are there some unhappy with Mayor Stephen Wukela who see this as their first opportunity for retribution? Bradham was nice enough to bow out early, and let porspective candidates have time to organize. Who will run remains to be seen. On the GOP side my first obvious thought is for Glynn Willis, who just barely lost despite the Obama Factor, to run again, and take advantage of a statewide election year, where Republican voters are more likely to go to the polls. It's pretty important, because a GOP loss means that Buddy Brand will be the lone Republican on Council .... We'll see.
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3 comments:
You shouldn't have met him at many GOP functions, as Bradham was allegedly a "democrat." I don't think there's any question the Glynn Willis runs for that seat. Personally, I think Glynn wins it. Even if someone runs as a Democrat, I think Glynn wins. Given this election will lack the pull to the polls of a Presidential year, turnout will not be like it was.
FYI, Teresa Irvin (sp?) is announcing tomorrow morning to run for the District 2 seat, or as most folks know it, Billy D's seat. There is also at least one candidate who intends to run for that other seat up this year. Things will surely be interesting over the rest of the year at council meetings. But interesting aside, there will be turnover.
Not to announce anythig ahead of time, but Glynn appears to be a yes.. I'm pretty Teresa's last name is Ervin, because I used to work with her husband, Lavon, at Newsome Automotive, and he said she had run for city council.
Mike--before the political rancor proceeds, let's first take a moment to recognize Bill Bradham. Mr. Bill's service to this community stretches long before his time on city council. As a small business man he escribed to a reputation for honesty; helpfulness and a dedication to this community.
Mr. Bill's devotion and dedication to this community transcinded all lines. We have been fortunate to have a man of his quality, compassion,intergrity and his experience to serve on this city council and we are a better community for it. Thank you Mr. Bill, thank you...teg
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