tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625Mon, 04 Jun 2012 21:32:51 +0000http://www.adamlbourne.com/noreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)Blogger1161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-8735724454788809811Fri, 25 May 2012 14:22:00 +00002012-06-02T14:27:37.908-05:00You may have read about redistricting of the Alabama legislature. You probably haven't yet seen how Chickasaw fared. As you may know, I worked very hard to protect our interests in the reapportionment process. As we have seen with water and education issues, the makeup of our legislative delegation is critical for our future as a city. I was in constant contact with legislators, and I even http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/05/reapportionment.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-1422239536632565495Wed, 09 May 2012 01:41:00 +00002012-05-08T20:41:15.735-05:00Summary from tonight's meeting: $25,333.16 in accounts payable approved. $3,313,118 in revenue, October through March, 2012. 0 fires reported for the second month in a row! I seconded a motion to send a letter of support for an upcoming dog park contest. Reappointed Diane Ingram to the City School Board. I seconded a motion to purchase new fencing for the city pool at a cost of only $800.http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/05/council-meeting.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-4423238752609164257Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:59:00 +00002012-04-24T21:59:48.956-05:00We discussed several public safety issues during the work session. Tough law enforcement continues to be a priority. On a related note, we commended three public safety officers for saving the lives of two men in Chickasaw. There is perhaps no higher calling than protecting friends and neighbors, and I am so thankful for our police and fire personnel, who do such a great job day in and day out. http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/04/council-meeting_24.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-4744353761355682239Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:05:00 +00002012-04-17T21:05:47.842-05:00http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/04/yesterdays-local-15-news_17.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-3275417289053192255Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:47:00 +00002012-04-15T10:35:33.252-05:00In reflecting on the recently finalized school split, I remembered the obstacles we have faced and overcome as a city.  We had to educate people and ourselves about Alabama's complicated, state-based education financing system, recognizing that the city school system is its own public entity with its own funding sources, with no relationship to the budget of the city government. We had to beat http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/04/thoughts-on-school-split.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-6315700657744340589Wed, 11 Apr 2012 02:52:00 +00002012-04-10T21:54:27.139-05:00I reported on $22,227.89 in accounts payable at this evening's meeting.  I also discussed financial aspects of the school separation. With the help of Councilman Mickey Day, we will soon paint the fence around the pool.  It will look much better. I seconded a motion to send two officers to internal affairs training. I moved to authorize repairs to the restrooms at Brooks Park.  We will soon be http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/04/council-meeting.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-7340260842017707765Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:23:00 +00002012-04-03T08:23:06.153-05:00http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/04/yesterdays-local-15-school-separation.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-6424703574614767692Wed, 28 Mar 2012 03:03:00 +00002012-03-27T22:03:17.474-05:00Productive Council meeting this evening.  We took the following actions: 1 - Approved rezoning four lots from commercial to residential, allowing for the construction of four new houses in the city. 2 - Passed an ordinance allowing expanded hours at the fireworks shop on Lee Street, removing an unnecessary restriction on a local business. 3 - Approved an NRA-based firearms course for citizens,http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/03/council-meeting.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-3428298759245403484Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:26:00 +00002012-03-18T16:26:31.080-05:00One of the reasons I ran for countywide office was to increase the representation of Chickasaw and all of north Mobile County at the courthouse.  We made a strong run, but ultimately came up short.  I learned there are a lot of votes in the south part of the county, which may explain why there are virtually no north Mobile County officials in countywide office.  Thankfully, I never lost sight of http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/03/chickasaw-first.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-5609712486302031505Wed, 14 Mar 2012 04:43:00 +00002012-03-14T01:55:52.795-05:00Some of the results of today's election are still out, but it appears safe to say that I did not prevail. I am thankful to all my family and friends that worked so hard with me. I am grateful for the confidence shown in me by the people of Chickasaw, who honored me with about 72.6% of the vote. I have never wavered in my commitment to the City of Chickasaw and its people. This is a special place,http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/03/results.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-3933679050048230168Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:07:00 +00002012-03-13T00:07:45.084-05:00Thank you for following my blog during this campaign.  The polls open at 7 AM this morning.  With your vote in the Republican primary, we can bring a new level of transparency and efficiency to the Mobile County Treasurer's office.  Thanks again for your help and support.  I am concluding perhaps the toughest job interview of my life, and I am hoping for a "call back" tonight after the polls http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/03/please-vote-today.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-5236337111894801901Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:48:00 +00002012-03-08T18:48:05.703-06:00As I have said many times on the campaign trail, this race is unique on this year's ballot, as it has primarily been a campaign about issues and experience, and not about personality.  That is how our democracy should operate.  In anticipation of the March 13 GOP primary, there are several things to consider as you make your decision.  There are three people vying for the treasurer's office in http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/03/march-13-clear-choice.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-5361384608360705297Sun, 04 Mar 2012 18:15:00 +00002012-03-04T12:50:48.287-06:00 Councilman · Nov 2008 to present · Chickasaw, Alabama Along with my colleagues, I am responsible for policymaking and constituent service for our municipality of about 6100 people. Notable accomplishments include the following: Prichard Water Board 2010 to 2012 Worked with legislators to pass a Water Board dissolution bill. The issue will come up for a public vote in 2012. Please vote to http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/03/selected-accomplishments-for-chickasaw.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-3763396017234972401Sat, 03 Mar 2012 23:00:00 +00002012-03-03T17:01:18.047-06:00Not only do I have municipal government experience, but I have also worked in volunteer capacities for Mobile County.  The County Commission appointed me to serve on the Mobile County Housing Committee, charged with coordinating long-term recovery from Hurricane Katrina.  In that role, I helped the county efficiently and accurately provide housing assistance to those whose lives and homes were http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/03/county-government-experience.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-6430098830731272397Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:15:00 +00002012-03-01T18:15:27.746-06:00The greatest honor of my professional life has been representing the people of Chickasaw on their City Council. With my colleagues on the Council, we have been able to accomplish a great deal without a lot of financial resources. I hope to do the same as your county treasurer. During this campaign, I have come to realize how blessed I am to have so many friends and family members throughout our http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/03/friends-and-family.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-5477672927305382060Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:00:00 +00002012-02-19T20:00:37.143-06:00A variety of people have held the treasurer's office over the years, including a retired state employee, a paralegal, and a career county official who later became the county's license commissioner. I bring a unique background to the position, having graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2004, subsequently serving as an assistant attorney general and as a city councilman http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/02/education-experience.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-7968750425127962037Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:48:00 +00002012-02-16T14:48:27.109-06:00I have always believed that the campaign process is important preparation for elected officials, allowing officials to learn about the areas they represent and how to be responsive to citizens.  Although I have been very active in county government, including stints on two boards appointed by the County Commission and a term as president of the Mobile County Municipal Association, I have learned http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/02/courting-voters.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-8124379525423223384Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:22:00 +00002012-02-10T18:23:10.119-06:00I have mentioned Baldwin County's financial transparency initiative a couple of times on the campaign trail.  Baldwin has done a good job of putting information online for the public to review.  The county even has a basic searchable database.  As your treasurer, I will work to create the same type of system for Mobile County. However, I would place the link in a more prominent place on the http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/02/open-checkbook.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-4923199464902320372Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:53:00 +00002012-02-07T09:53:46.377-06:00We are taught all through school that working effectively with others is critical to success, yet it is very easy to lose sight of that when serving in public office.  I have often wondered about the reasons for that, and I have come to a few conclusions.  First, elected officials are the only people I know of that cannot be fired by people higher up in government.  As such, there is little builthttp://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/02/working-with-others.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-6335429227631909906Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:15:00 +00002012-02-02T14:15:39.021-06:00The treasurer's office is fairly small, with 5 employees when fully staffed.  Given that, I thought I would discuss my management style.  Having been both a subordinate and a manager, I have learned that good managers make strong hires, provide guidance and general direction, while letting employees do their jobs.  Employees should feel free to be creative in handling problems and should be made http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/02/management-style.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-5367951847010134750Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:59:00 +00002012-01-30T09:59:28.402-06:00My background as a lawyer will help me apply the vast amount of laws and regulations pertaining to the management of public funds.  For example, in Alabama, public funds may only be invested in federal government-backed bonds.  At the same time, the funds must be liquid to allow for public needs to be handled as they arise.  The county has wisely hired a private contractor to handle the http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/01/regulations.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-3045367759549241300Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:01:00 +00002012-01-22T10:01:30.920-06:00 http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/01/12112-visit-with-sen-jeff-sessions.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-769573865627923322Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:26:00 +00002012-01-20T08:27:07.530-06:00Some say that we have to keep the treasurer's office to perform watchdog functions.  I certainly will do that during my term, as I have done so on the City Council.  However, that role can be served in the future by simply placing county revenue and expenditures online for citizens to see.  That will allow all taxpayers the ability to watch over the use of their money.  Additionally, the other http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/01/gatekeeper-role.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-7755542436699715820Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +00002012-02-07T09:13:55.138-06:00I thought I would write a bit about my time in public service prior to being elected to the Chickasaw City Council.  Several years ago, I worked as an assistant attorney general assigned to the State Elections Division.  There, I worked with registrars and probate judges throughout Alabama to ensure the proper conduct of elections. Along with another lawyer from the AG's office, I wrote a bill http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/01/past-public-service.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-971998568144991625.post-9114825672264136603Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:41:00 +00002012-01-17T09:43:59.211-06:00One thing I have learned by serving on the Chickasaw City Council is that roles in public office are important, and it is equally important to respect those roles.  For instance, it is well established law in Alabama that city employees answer to the mayor and that Council members are policymakers, not executives.  Respecting roles in public service allows for more efficient and orderly http://www.adamlbourne.com/2012/01/roles-in-public-office.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Adam Bourne)