Event will kick off statewide effort to reform constitution
The Times Daily
By Bernie Delinski
Staff Writer
October 11, 2009

FLORENCE - Alabama has the longest state constitution in the nation

A group calling for its reform says it also has one of the worst.

That organization, Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform, kicks off a statewide campaign Oct. 18 in Florence.

The event called "Bring It Back Home!" is set for 1 p.m. at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library. It is free and open to the public.

"We're trying to make people really understand the problem," said Joan Hudiburg, a Florence resident and member of the reform group. "We have the largest constitution in the United States and very limited home rule. We have a bad tax situation."

She said, for example, college funding is based on sale and income taxes. "Other states use property tax."

Jim Nash, president of the reform group's foundation, said the state's constitution was created in 1901 and is archaic.

"The whole statewide proration situation is a product of our constitution," he said. "Our children are suffering from this governmentally challenged state."

The Oct. 18 meeting is the first in what reform members hope will be many gatherings. They hope to have one in every county.

"Our ultimate desire is to get a new constitution," Hudiburg said.

She said a goal is to explain the history of the state in connection to the six constitutions it has had throughout the years. Organizers want to highlight amendments and articles to the 1901 constitution.

They also want to talk with state officials to learn how Alabama's executive and legislative branches are working. At the same time, they want to talk with local elected officials to find out how government is working on regional, county and city levels.

Nash said the group is pleased with the judicial aspect of the constitution, so the focus is on the other aspects.

Hudiburg said it makes no sense that a state law must be passed for certain city regulations to change.

"We want to allow people to vote on having a constitutional convention," she said.

Nash notes the reform group held a mock convention that was successful, so that's evidence it can be done.

"Let the people vote," Nash said. "Nothing can happen unless the Legislature passes a bill allowing people to vote on the law."

The group plans to ask every candidate for any state office in 2010 about their positions on constitutional reform, he said.

The reform group has been around since the early 1990s, Nash said. Thus far, efforts for a convention have failed, but he believes the 2010 election cycle could bring change. He said, for example, U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, who is running for governor, has come out in favor of reform.

Nash expects opposition. He said some opponents claim special-interest groups would influence a convention. His response is special-interest groups have "Alabama by the throat" and the existing constitution isn't stopping that.

The lineup for the Oct. 18 meeting includes:

1 p.m.: Introduction by foundation board member Bob Jones.

1:15 p.m.: Alabama's history up to 1900, presented by Kenneth Johnson, history professor emeritus at the University of North Alabama.

2 p.m.: 1901 Alabama Constitution, by local attorney Stewart O'Bannon and retired Lauderdale Circuit Court Judge Leslie Johnson.

3 p.m.: Presentations by state Rep. Tammy Irons and Lauderdale Commissioner Rhea Fulmer.

4 p.m.: Citizens' panel by University of Alabama law student Laura Morgan; Allen Tomlinson, of Tomlinson/Sims Advertising; local resident Harriett Edwards, who is active in civic issues; and William R. Dean, retired Brooks High School teacher and retired U.S. Army major.

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 740-5739 or bernie.delinski@TimesDaily.com

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