Bar’s Legislative Task Force and Panel of Neutrals Receive Praise from the Governor

Immediate Past President Mark White, during his term in office, appointed a Legislative Task Force, co-chaired by Boots Gale and me. Our mission included providing support to the legislature in any matter which is of general interest to the bar, as well as matters directly affecting the administration of justice in Alabama.

To provide the best possible support for the legislature, a panel of neutrals was appointed. This panel includes former Governor Albert Brewer, former Governor John Patterson, former Mayor and President of UAB Dr. Scotty McCallum, former Congressman Jack Edwards, former Congressman Ronnie Flippo, and former state Senator Butch Ellis.

Both the Legislative Task Force and panel of neutrals were well received in the last legislative session, so President Tom Methvin wholeheartedly accepted the concept and continued both the task force and the panel. Former presidents Mark White, Sam Crosby and Boots Gale have continued to serve, as well as Ray Crosby. Commissioner LaBarron Boone has joined the task force. All neutrals continue to serve.

Recently, the presiding judge in Jefferson County, Scott Vowell, requested assistance from the state bar in dealing with the potential adverse impact on the court system in Jefferson County caused by the occupational tax issue. President Methvin readily agreed to provide assistance and instructed the task force to assist in any way possible. In order to work with the governor, the legislative delegation in Jefferson County and the County Commission, Mark White and I, along with former Chief Judge U.W. Clemon and former Chief Justice Drayton Nabers (both of whom were added to the panel of neutrals) worked with all interested and involved parties to promote dialogue and to seek a constructive resolution of the problem.

As a result of our efforts, Governor Bob Riley wrote President Methvin, acknowledging the contribution of the bar to the citizens of Jefferson County, as well as the executive and legislative branches of government. The members of the task force and panel are proud to have been given the opportunity to serve, so we are particularly appreciative of the governor's acknowledgment of that service.

--James Pratt is a partner at Hare Wynn Newell & Newton, LLP in Birmingham, a current bar commissioner from Jefferson County and chair of the ASB Legislative Task Force.

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