COLONY, Ala. – Two-term Colony Councilwoman and recent Mayor Pro Tem Ethel Alexander on Monday announced her candidacy for the mayor’s seat in the southwest Cullman County town, challenging incumbent Mayor Curtis Johnson. Alexander made her decision after Johnson and others on the current council voted her out as mayor pro tem last week, saying that she was elected to that position illegally.
Alexander and Johnson have been at odds since the previous administration under former Mayor Donnis Leeth, and the situation became worse when Alexander was elected mayor pro tem in Johnson’s absence at the council’s first administrative meeting following the 2020 election. According to the Alabama League of Municipalities’ Council Meeting Procedure guide, “Members elected to the municipal council are required to assemble and organize the council on the first Monday in November after their election.”
After arriving that morning and finding Town Clerk Patricia Ponder – whom he had attempted to fire without council approval – present at Town Hall, Johnson announced that the required administrative meeting was canceled, and left. In his absence, the other council members present went ahead with the meeting and voted Alexander in as mayor pro tem.
Of last week’s vote to oust her, Alexander said, “I asked why this motion was made. Mayor Curtis Johnson replied I was voted as pro tem illegally. I asked how he came to that conclusion; he stated he was not there when the council voted to make me mayor pro tem.
“According to Official Alabama League of Municipalities Handbook, it is the first order of business for the council to elect a chairperson pro tempore. Also, the council can change and elect another council member to fill this position anytime. However, the problem I have is, Mayor Curtis Johnson stated I was an ‘illegal’ pro tempore. Mayor Curtis Johnson made that statement in front of the other council members. That statement is untrue.”
Alexander expressed anger over the controversy with Johnson, saying that the mayor “has on several occasions tried to degrade my name, character and position. His continued attack on me, the past administration and council continuously shed a negative light on our town.”
In announcing her candidacy, Alexander told The Tribune, “I have been living in the town of Colony for 17 years. I have grown to love and respect this beautiful and historical town. The history of this town deserves better. The town founded by ex-slaves and acquiring its township 1981, shows their determination and willpower to build a safe haven for people of color, along with leaving a beautiful and rich legacy to their descendants. Because of my love and concern for the direction of Colony I have decided to announce my bid for mayor of The Town of Colony.
“Some make ask why now, why make the announcement now. Our town is hurting, we need constancy, and stability within its realm. I feel the next mayor and council must have certain leadership qualities to move the town into the 21st century.
“My qualification as a community worker, mover and shaker, strong work history, love for God and my proven love for this fragile town, of Colony I feel I could move the town into a positive, significant and important light and take its rightful place as strong and stable community within the county and state.”
Alexander pointed to her credentials, which include Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Alabama A&M, 20 years as a teacher in Birmingham City Schools, serving as an engineering aide at Boeing Aerospace with Department of Defense Secret Clearance, membership and official positions in numerous cultural and heritage groups and activity in ministries of her local church and denominational agencies.
Alexander said, “My platform for my election will be establishing honesty, promoting stability of daily operations, open door policy to town residents, transparency, seek professional help when needed, build pertinent partnerships with other mayors throughout Cullman and the state of Alabama at large and represent Colony both in my action and dress code. I want to be a mayor and a woman the town could be proud to call their mayor. Finally, I want to continue supporting our children and seniors.
“I take it seriously, the mayor position, and feel whoever wants to be the next mayor of this beautiful and historic town of Colony, you have two and a half years to show yourself worthy of this prestigious position. The clock is ticking.”
The Tribune reached out to Colony Town Hall but was unable to reach Mayor Johnson for comment.
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