Lauderdale/Colbert Superintendent Races

As with state judges, county Superintendents of Education are elected in Alabama. This year both Lauderdale and Colbert races are hotly contested, each having independent candidates attempting to unseat the incumbents. While Lauderdale County has one city system, Colbert has three, and voters residing within these city systems may freely vote in the county elections. In other words, the system has been broken from day one and is not serving the needs of families living in rural areas.

In Lauderdale, the current superintendent has only a masters degree and has been accused of favoritism. His opponent has even less education and has been accused of riding on his semi-famous father's coat tails. The Colbert election has also garnered wide attention from the voters; rumors rampant on both sides, with the race issue adding fuel to the mix.

In the four local city systems, the practice of appointing superintendents has worked well for some time. These appointed officials are free from much of the political influence that dominates the county offices and serve much longer terms. Continuity in such offices is essential for efficiency.

Each registered voter should research his/her choice thoroughly before voting, but more importantly, the voter should write his/her state congressman and senator requesting a change in the manner of County Superintendent selection. Alabama's children deserve no less.


What's up with this: Responding to a recent question, former Franklin County District Attorney John Pilati is currently residing in Seagoville Federal Prison in Texas and is scheduled for release on March 24, 2011.