As the world turns in Alabama politics, another year is fast coming to a close. Dr. Robert Bentley is completing his first year as governor. He inherited a ship of state in disrepair.

His predecessor, Bob Riley, did not do him any favors. Riley depleted every rainy day account available. In addition, the manna from heaven that came from Washington in the form of stimulus money has now run its course. The state coffers are in dire straits. The cupboard is bare, and the state is facing financial problems unseen in state history.

If the state’s financial crisis was not devastating enough, Bentley was awakened on April 27 with the worst natural disaster in Alabama history. A record number of killer tornadoes ravaged the state. Some of the worst damage occurred in Bentley’s hometown of Tuscaloosa.

Bentley has also seen a series of changes in his original cabinet that looks like a scene of musical chairs. David Perry was Bentley’s initial finance director. He became chief of staff after that post was vacated by Chuck Malone. Malone was appointed Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court following the resignation of Sue Bell Cobb. Gov. Bentley established a first for the state when he named Marquita Davis finance director to replace Perry. Davis, a 44-year-old Hoover resident, is the state’s first female finance director and only the second African-American to hold this coveted and powerful post. She was a surprising choice not because of her race or gender but because of her lack of experience in finance. She is an educator by training and has served as commissioner of children’s affairs in both Riley’s and Bentley’s cabinet.

Bentley has chosen another one of his legislative colleagues to serve in his Cabinet. His original choice for state development director was former House Speaker Seth Hammett. Hammett took this important job on a temporary basis. Bentley appointed Rep. Greg Canfield as his permanent ADO director. Canfield joins several of Bentley’s legislative buddies in the Cabinet. Mac Gipson and William Thigpen are heading the Alabama Beverage Control Board. Former Rep. Spencer Collier is Bentley’s Homeland Security chief.

Jefferson County declared bankruptcy in November. The state’s largest county defaulted on $4.23 billion of debt. It is the largest collapse and default in U.S. history. It has done irreparable damage to their reputation and will haunt them for decades on the bond market and in economic development. It will also more than likely reverberate with negative ratings for all state counties and municipalities.

Dr. Paul Hubbert, who transformed the Alabama Education Association from an ineffective entity to the most powerful political organization in Alabama, announced his retirement in October. Hubbert took the reigns of the AEA in 1969 at age 33. He rose to become arguably the most influential political figure of this generation. Over his 40-year reign, he was the King of Goat Hill. Hubbert turned 76 on Christmas Day. The state and AEA will never be the same.

The longtime director of Alabama’s legislative fiscal office, Joyce Bigbee, announced her retirement in October to be effective Jan. 1. Bigbee has been director of that office for 25 years. Her expertise will be difficult to replace.

State Sen. Scott Beason of Gardendale was removed as chairman of the powerful Senate Rules Committee in November by his Republican colleagues. Senate Majority Leader Jabo Wagoner of Vestavia Hills will replace him. Beason was booted out after numerous controversies embroiled him.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell and Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange were overwhelmingly reelected in municipal elections this year. Bell bested five challengers and garnered an amazing 89 percent of the vote. Strange scored an equally impressive victory with 81 percent of the vote over his opponent.

Three prominent political figures passed away late this year. Emory Folmar, who served as Mayor of Montgomery from 1977 to 1999 and played a major role in building the modern Alabama Republican Party, died at his home in Montgomery in November. He was 81.

Bessemer Circuit Judge Mac Parsons, 68, also died in November from a rare form of cancer. Parsons was the ultimate Yellow Dog Democrat. He was a colorful state senator for two decades prior to going on the Bench. 

Ethel Hall also passed away in November in Birmingham. She was the first African-American female to be elected to the state Board of Education where she served for 25 years.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers’ political column appears weekly in 72 Alabama newspapers. He may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.