2016 Primary Election

Jim Bonner (R)

Maggie Andrews,
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Alabama Board of Education, District 7

Jim_BonnerName: Jim Bonner

Date of birth: June 8, 1953; age 62

Residence: Marion County

Political experience: Ran for Alabama House of Representatives District 17, 2014; ran for Alabama Senate District 6, 2010; delegate to RNC for Gingrich, 2012.

Professional experience: 30-year classroom teacher.

Education: Master’s, University of North Alabama,; bachelor’s, Athens State University.

Civic experience: Shriner

Contributors: None reported.

Qualifications: Bonner has been an educator in Alabama for 30 years and said he is running a one-issue campaign, “Why Johnny can’t read.” Bonner said he is dedicated to increasing reading levels for children in Alabama. He believes low reading levels hurt the quality of educators willing to work in the state.

 

  Education

  About News

  • Did a reporter really ask that question?

    It’s about five hours after a cargo ship hit the Key Bridge in Baltimore, collapsing it and sending six construction workers on the bridge into the water. The city’s mayor is holding a press conference when a reporter asks him: “How long is it going to take to rebuild the bridge?”

    Calmly and immediately, the mayor responds: “We shouldn’t even be having that discussion right now. The discussion right now should be about the people, the souls, the lives that we’re trying to save. There will be a time to discuss about a bridge and how we get our bridge back up but right now there are people in the water that we have to get out.”

    On social media, the mayor got mostly applause. The reporter got mostly ripped apart. One X poster wrote: “Shoutout to our mayor Brandon Scott for focusing on the people and showcasing empathy, because the nerve of that reporter to ask about the bridge repair. Like, sir read the (expletive) room.”

    I understand why many people saw the reporter’s question as disrespectful to the victims. But I don’t have a problem with it. How about you? Read more.

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  Birmingham Southern College

  • Neighbors Worry About Future of BSC Land as Officials Discuss Redevelopment Options

    The mood was somber in the auditorium at A.H. Parker High School Monday night as neighbors of Birmingham-Southern College expressed their concern about the announced closing of the liberal arts college as of May 21.

    State Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, hosted a town hall to field questions about the school. Of particular concern was what will happen to the 192-acre campus. More than one compared BSC to the old Carraway Hospital property, which deteriorated for years north of downtown. Read more.