BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL SERVING CITIZENS THROCGH PERLIC POLICY = February 14, 2019 Mayor Randall Woodfin City of Birmingham City Hall, 710 North 20% Street Birmingham, AL 35203 Mr. Mayor, You and I both share the unique joy and responsibility that comes with representing the citizens of Birmingham, Alabama - a city that helped raise us both into the men we are today. As you know, the most vital part of our respective duties as public servants is to listen to the people who have entrusted us to make decisions on their behalf and in their best interests. Former Mayor Larry Langford had a tremendous vision for this city. His penchant for showmanship and turning big dreams into reality is something that cemented his place asa Birmingham icon, one who is revered by many, and whose efforts helped create tremendous assets like Railroad Park, Regions Field and the CrossPlex. That said, I have been receiving calls, emails and letters from my constituents who do not agree with the effort to rename the CrossPlex in honor of Mr. Langford. Respectfully, I too have some concerns about the message this sends, especially to the city’s youth. I think it’s vital that we lead by example and serve as role models, showing people that it is our mission to have a transparent, inclusive and morally sound city government that is working for the people. Ido not want to send the wrong message by renaming a facility that will house thousands of people - especially high school and college students ~ from all over the country, after a former public servant who was convicted on felony bribery and corruption charges. Of course, those actions eventually led to what was the largest municipal bankruptcy in the history of our country. Taxpayers are still feeling the aftershock of that and they deserve to know that their involuntary contributions to the city are being handled by good stewards. 7m, AL 35203 (205) 254-2294 www.birminghamalcitycouncil.org 710 N. 20th St. Birming)BIRMINGHAM $$ craic crass rmovcn renic rier CITY COUNCIL Itis my hope that we can find an amicable way to celebrate competent and honest leadership that has both vision, and the drive to achieve those goals in an ethical way. I understand that Mr. Langford has many relatives and friends in Birmingham and I am in no way trying to diminish his personal character or the positive contributions he made to this city. am merely expressing the concerns that my constituents and I share regarding the renaming of the CrossPlex, all things considered. His legacy will live on in Birmingham, Larry is legend. But as the current leaders of this city, I do not believe we need to be condoning corruption by renaming a public facility in his honor. Respey Hénter Williams Birmingham City Council District 2 Public Safety Committee, Chair 710N. 20th St. Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 254-2294 ‘www birminghamaleltyeouneil.org