Jump to content

Tommy Battle: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m →Mayor of Huntsville: spelling fixes
added newer, higher resolution photo
 
(39 intermediate revisions by 26 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|American politician and entrepreneur (born 1955)}}
{{advert|date=May 2017}}
{{advert|date=May 2017}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Tommy Battle
| name = Tommy Battle
| image = Tommy Battle.jpg
| image = Tommy Battle at Redstone Arsenal Center of Excellence 2022 Cropped 3x4.png
| office = 67th [[List of mayors of Huntsville, Alabama|Mayor of Huntsville]]<ref>Before 1916, the office was known as "President." Battle is the 11th to hold the title of "Mayor."</ref>
| office = 67th [[List of mayors of Huntsville, Alabama|Mayor of Huntsville]]<ref>Before 1916, the office was known as "President." Battle is the 11th to hold the title of "Mayor."</ref>
| term_start = November 3, 2008
| term_start = November 3, 2008
| term_end =
| term_end =
| predecessor = [[Loretta Spencer]]
| predecessor = [[Loretta Spencer]]
| successor =
| successor =
| office2 = Member of [[Huntsville, Alabama|Huntsville]] City Council<br>from District 1
| office2 = Member of [[Huntsville, Alabama|Huntsville]] City Council<br>from District 1
| term_start2 = 1984
| term_start2 = 1984
| term_end2 = 1988
| term_end2 = 1988
| party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| birth_name = Thomas Massengale Battle Jr.
| birth_name = Thomas Massengale Battle Jr.
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1955|12|3}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1955|12|3}}
| birth_place = [[Birmingham, Alabama]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Birmingham, Alabama]], U.S.
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| spouse = {{marriage|Eula Sammons|1988}}
| spouse = {{marriage|Eula Sammons|1988|2020|reason=her death}}
| children = 1
| children = 1
| alma_mater = [[University of Alabama|University of Alabama,<br>Tuscaloosa]]
| alma_mater = [[University of Alabama|University of Alabama,<br>Tuscaloosa]]
| religion =
| religion =
}}
}}
'''Thomas “Tommy” Massengale Battle Jr.''' (born December 3, 1955) is an American businessman and politician who serves as the 67th and current [[List of mayors of Huntsville, Alabama|mayor]] of [[Huntsville, Alabama]]. His first term began November 3, 2008, and he has since been reelected in 2012, 2016 and most recently in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tommy Battle - Mayor of Huntsville, AL|url=https://www.bamapolitics.com/alabama/alabama-government-officials/profiles/tommy-battle/|access-date=2020-08-26|website=Bama Politics|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=2020 Huntsville, AL Mayor Election Results|url=https://www.bamapolitics.com/alabama/alabama-elections/2020-alabama-elections/2020-huntsville-mayor-election/|access-date=2020-08-26|website=Bama Politics|language=en}}</ref>
'''Thomas Massengale Battle Jr.''' (born December 3, 1955) is an American businessman serving as the 67th [[List of mayors of Huntsville, Alabama|mayor]] of [[Huntsville, Alabama|Huntsville]], [[Alabama]]. His first term began November 3, 2008, and he has since been reelected four times.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tommy Battle - Mayor of Huntsville, AL|url=https://www.bamapolitics.com/alabama/alabama-government-officials/profiles/tommy-battle/|access-date=2020-08-26|website=Bama Politics|date=23 October 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|title=2020 Huntsville, AL Mayor Election Results|url=https://www.bamapolitics.com/alabama/alabama-elections/2020-alabama-elections/2020-huntsville-mayor-election/|access-date=2020-08-26|website=Bama Politics|date=20 November 2019|language=en}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Battle was born in [[Birmingham, Alabama]], on December 3, 1955. When he was 14 years old, he had his first job working for his father's restaurant. Battle went to [[Berry High School]] (now Hoover High) and spent his summers doing jobs in order to raise money for college. These jobs would range from working at [[shipyard]]s in [[Mobile, Alabama|Mobile]] to working on ovens in Birmingham. While working, Battle would usually reside in [[boarding house]]s{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}}.
Battle was born in [[Birmingham, Alabama]], on December 3, 1955. As a young man he worked for his father's restaurant and attended [[Berry High School]] (now [[Hoover High School (Alabama)|Hoover High]]).


Battle later attended the [[University of Alabama]], in [[Tuscaloosa]], to study business, as well participating in the [[Students' union|Student Government Association]] and Alabama's renowned debate team. Battle would later join the [[Alabama Republican Party]], where he would find his motivation to improve public service in Alabama. In 1975, Battle would become the chairman of the university's [[College Republicans]], and later the Alabama College Republicans{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}}.
Battle attended the [[University of Alabama]], in [[Tuscaloosa]], to study business, where he participated in the [[Students' union|Student Government Association]] and the debate team and joined the [[Alabama Republican Party]].


After graduating college and holding a [[Bachelor of Science|B.S. degree]] in business, Battle became a manager for Britling on the Highland in Birmingham, which he sold later on. Battle later moved to Huntsville in 1980, becoming a local [[real estate]] developer, and was elected and served one term on the city council as the council's finance chair from 1984 to 1988. During this time he met Jennifer and son Drew was born. Battle left the council to run for the mayor's office, falling just short of a win in a tight run-off against [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] candidate [[Steve Hettinger]] in 1988{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}}.
After graduating college with a [[Bachelor of Science]] in business, Battle became a manager for [[Britling]] on the Highland in Birmingham. Battle moved to Huntsville in 1980, where he became a [[real estate]] developer and was elected to one term on the city council from 1984 to 1988. During this time, Battle met Eula Sammons, and his son Andrew was born. Battle left the city council to run for mayor, losing in a run-off against [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] candidate [[Steve Hettinger]] in 1988.{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}}


After the election loss, Battle started Battle Real Estate and owned or became a management partner in several firms in the retail and real estate sectors.<ref name="ht080327" /><ref name="whnt04" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://tommybattle.com/meet-tommy/|title=Meet Tommy – Battle For Alabama|work=Battle For Alabama|access-date=2017-09-25|language=en-US}}</ref>
After this election loss, Battle started Battle Real Estate and owned or partnered in several retail and real estate firms.<ref name="ht080327" /><ref name="whnt04" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://tommybattle.com/meet-tommy/|title=Meet Tommy – Battle For Alabama|work=Battle For Alabama|access-date=2017-09-25|language=en-US}}</ref>


==Political career==
==Political career==

=== Mayoral elections ===
=== Mayoral elections ===

==== 2008 election ====
==== 2008 election ====
Battle announced his mayoral candidacy against incumbent [[Loretta Spencer]] on March 26, 2008. Battle's policies were [[Balanced budget|fiscal responsibility]], a streamlined government that supported free enterprise, economic development, education, and creating jobs. In his campaign, he sharply attacked Spencer on several issues. Among these were cost overruns and delays on a city jail constructed in Spencer's term, the city's controversial involvement in the relocation of a downtown rescue mission into a residential neighborhood, and what Battle claimed was inequitable treatment of some city neighborhoods, particularly minority areas.<ref name="ht080702"/> Prior to the first round of voting, Spencer was endorsed by ''[[The Huntsville Times]]''.<ref name="ht080817"/> The Committee of 100, a group of businesspeople, issued a joint endorsement of Battle and Spencer.<ref name="ht080822"/>
Battle announced his mayoral candidacy against incumbent [[Loretta Spencer]] on March 26, 2008. Battle's policies were [[Balanced budget|fiscal responsibility]], free enterprise, education, and creating jobs. Prior to the first round of voting, Spencer was endorsed by ''[[The Huntsville Times]]''.<ref name="ht080817"/> The Committee of 100, a group of businesspeople, issued a joint endorsement of Battle and Spencer.<ref name="ht080822"/>


In the municipal election on August 26, 2008, Spencer led Battle by 14,871 votes to 14,486. However, two minor candidates received 673 votes, preventing Spencer from attaining a majority, forcing a runoff with Battle.<ref name="ht080827"/> During the runoff campaign, Battle sharpened his attacks on Spencer, and pointed to a "bridge to nowhere". The bridge in question was constructed by the city, and ended at an undeveloped empty lot. Spencer claimed the lot was expected to be developed at some point in the future.<ref name="ht080918"/> In the runoff, on October 7, 2008, Battle decisively defeated Spencer, by a vote of 21,123 votes or 56 percent for Battle, to 16,821 or 44 percent for Spencer.<ref name="ht081007"/>
In the municipal election on August 26, 2008, Spencer led Battle by 14,871 votes to 14,486. However, two minor candidates received 673 votes, preventing Spencer from attaining a majority, forcing a runoff with Battle.<ref name="ht080827"/> In the runoff, on October 7, 2008, Battle defeated Spencer, by a vote of 21,123 votes (56%) to 16,821 (44%) for Spencer.<ref name="ht081007"/>


==== 2012 election ====
==== 2012 election ====
Battle swept the polls in the mayoral election of 2012. On August 28, 2012, he beat out Loretta Spencer and Jackie Reed by gaining 81 percent of the vote, the largest margin of victory in a Huntsville mayoral election to date. The voting results were as follows:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.huntsvilleal.gov/elections.php|title=City of Huntsville, Alabama *** Huntsville *** Alabama *** HuntsvilleAL.gov|website=www.huntsvilleal.gov|access-date=2016-03-31}}</ref>
On August 28, 2012, Battle won with 81 percent of the vote, beating Loretta Spencer and Jackie Reed. The 2012 election had the largest margin of victory in a Huntsville mayoral election. The voting results were as follows:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.huntsvilleal.gov/elections.php|title=City of Huntsville, Alabama *** Huntsville *** Alabama *** HuntsvilleAL.gov|website=www.huntsvilleal.gov|access-date=2016-03-31}}</ref>
* Battle: 22,838 (80.7%)
* Battle: 22,838 (80.7%)
* Spencer: 4,312 (15.2%)
* Spencer: 4,312 (15.2%)
* Reed: 1,159 (4.1%)
* Reed: 1,159 (4.1%)


He won convincingly in all 44 precincts citywide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blog.al.com/breaking/2012/08/huntsville_mayor_tommy_battles_7.html|title=Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle's 81 percent vote total a modern-day record|website=AL.com|access-date=2016-03-31}}</ref>
He won in all 44 precincts citywide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blog.al.com/breaking/2012/08/huntsville_mayor_tommy_battles_7.html|title=Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle's 81 percent vote total a modern-day record|website=AL.com|date=29 August 2012|access-date=2016-03-31}}</ref>

Battle's successful campaign preached deliverance through the current recession while maintaining a balanced budget. Athens State University political science professor Jess Brown said Battle had a "boyish, quasi-Andy Griffith" charm that appealed to voters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blog.al.com/breaking/2012/08/huntsville_voters_have_spoken.html|title=Huntsville voters have spoken: Tommy Battle re-elected mayor in landslide (Updated)|website=AL.com|access-date=2016-03-31}}</ref>


==== 2016 election ====
==== 2016 election ====
On September 23, 2015, Battle posted a statement confirming his running for a third term as mayor in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2015/09/huntsville_mayor_tommy_battle_4.html|title=Huntsville mayor Tommy Battle will run for re-election in 2016|website=AL.com|access-date=2016-03-31}}</ref>
On September 23, 2015, Battle posted a statement confirming his running for a third term as mayor in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2015/09/huntsville_mayor_tommy_battle_4.html|title=Huntsville mayor Tommy Battle will run for re-election in 2016|website=AL.com|date=24 September 2015|access-date=2016-03-31}}</ref> Battle later won against his opponents with 80% of the votes cast for him.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Huntsville Election Results|url=https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/government/voting-elections/election-results/|access-date=2020-08-26|website=City of Huntsville|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

Battle later won against his opponents, with over 80% of the votes cast for him.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Huntsville Election Results|url=https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/government/voting-elections/election-results/|access-date=2020-08-26|website=City of Huntsville|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" />
* Battle: 13,896 (80.7%)
* Battle: 13,896 (80.7%)
* Spencer: 1,516 (8.8%)
* Spencer: 1,516 (8.8%)
Line 62: Line 57:
====2020 election====
====2020 election====


On August 25, 2020, Battle won reelection with 77.65% of the vote.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2020 Huntsville, AL Mayor Election Results|url=https://www.bamapolitics.com/alabama/alabama-elections/2020-alabama-elections/2020-huntsville-mayor-election/|access-date=2020-08-26|website=Bama Politics|language=en}}</ref>
On August 25, 2020, Battle won reelection with 77.61% of the vote.<ref name="auto"/>

*Battle: 21,589 (77.61%)
* Woloszyn: 2,894 (10.40%)
* Reed: 1,729 (6.22%)
* Shingleton: 1,607 (5.78%)


=== Mayor of Huntsville ===
=== Mayor of Huntsville ===
During his second term, Battle, working with the State of Alabama, began the Restore Our Roads campaign and received a $250 million roads package designed to pay for necessary roadwork as well as increase economic development. In order to help fund the development further, a one-cent sales tax increase was proposed by Battle. The city council unanimously approved the increase and Huntsville saw the $453 million construction project grow to fruition.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://whnt.com/2015/11/06/mayor-battle-to-present-2015-state-of-the-city-address-today/|title=Mayor Battle touts job creation, entrepreneurs and Huntsville’s quality of life in 2015 State of the City address|website=WHNT.com|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>
During his second term, Battle began the Restore Our Roads campaign and received a $250 million state roads package. To help fund the development, Battle proposed a one-cent sales tax. The city council approved the increase and Huntsville completed a $453 million construction project.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://whnt.com/2015/11/06/mayor-battle-to-present-2015-state-of-the-city-address-today/|title=Mayor Battle touts job creation, entrepreneurs and Huntsville's quality of life in 2015 State of the City address|website=WHNT.com|date=6 November 2015|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>

In 2015, Battle asked the city to buy body cameras for the Huntsville Police Department, at a cost of $1.2 million.

⚫
In 2016, Battle supported the arrival of [[Google Fiber]] to Huntsville.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2016/02/google_fiber_is_bringing_its_u.html|title=Google Fiber is bringing its ultra-fast Internet service to Huntsville|website=AL.com|date=22 February 2016|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>


⚫
Battle favored the city-wide of expansion of [[ridesharing companies]] like [[Uber]] and [[Lyft]] in the city, and rewrote the [[vehicle for hire]] ordinance to allow their operation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2015/03/uber_balks_at_new_guidelines_f.html|title=Uber ridesharing service not coming to Huntsville anytime soon|website=AL.com|date=31 March 2015|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2015/06/huntsville_mayor_tommy_battle_1.html|title=Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle extends olive branch to Uber|website=AL.com|date=12 June 2015|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2016/02/huntsville_city_council_approv.html|title=Huntsville City Council approves Uber ordinance|website=AL.com|date=12 February 2016|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>
⚫
Im 2016, Battle announced that [[Google Fiber]] was coming to Huntsville, a move Battle strongly supported.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2016/02/google_fiber_is_bringing_its_u.html|title=Google Fiber is bringing its ultra-fast Internet service to Huntsville|website=AL.com|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>


⚫
In the [[2017 United States Senate special election in Alabama|December 2017 special election for the Senate]], Battle endorsed former State Supreme Court Judge [[Roy Moore]], saying "As a Republican, we were going to support whoever the Republican party nominated during our primary. The Republicans nominated Roy Moore."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.waff.com/story/36648123/huntsville-mayor-endorses-moore-for-senate|title=Huntsville mayor endorses Moore for Senate|last=|first=|date=21 October 2017|website=Waff.com|language=en-US|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2017/10/tommy_battle_getting_pushback.html|title=Tommy Battle responds to pushback at home for endorsing Roy Moore|last1=Roop|first1=Lee|date=27 October 2017|accessdate=15 December 2017|publisher=AL.com}}</ref>
⚫
Battle favored the expansion of [[ridesharing companies]] such as [[Uber]] and [[Lyft]] into the city, and rewrote the [[vehicle for hire]] ordinance to make clear that such companies could operate there.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2015/03/uber_balks_at_new_guidelines_f.html|title=Uber ridesharing service not coming to Huntsville anytime soon|website=AL.com|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2015/06/huntsville_mayor_tommy_battle_1.html|title=Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle extends olive branch to Uber|website=AL.com|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2016/02/huntsville_city_council_approv.html|title=Huntsville City Council approves Uber ordinance|website=AL.com|access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>


⚫
In April 2018,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Beachum |first1=Lateshia |title=Alabama police officer convicted of murder for shooting suicidal man in 2018 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/05/08/alabama-police-murder-parker-darby/ |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=The Washington Post |date=8 May 2021}}</ref> a rookie<ref>{{cite news |title=Huntsville Police Officer William Darby takes stand in his murder trial |url=https://www.cbs42.com/news/huntsville-police-officer-william-darby-takes-stand-in-his-murder-trial/ |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=CBS 42 |date=6 May 2021}}</ref> Huntsville Police officer, William Darby, shot and killed a suicidal man within 11 seconds<ref>{{cite news |title=Huntsville Police Officer William Darby found guilty of murder |url=https://whnt.com/news/huntsville-police-officer-william-darby-found-guilty-of-murder/ |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=WHNT News 19 |publisher=Nexstar Media Inc. |date=7 May 2021}}</ref> of arriving at a call. In August 2018, Mayor Battle urged the Huntsville city council to pay or assist with paying for Darby's defense. The city paid $89,000 for his defense.<ref>{{cite news |title=Huntsville says it has paid $89,000 for William Darby's murder defense, disciplinary hearing on indefinite hold |url=https://whnt.com/news/huntsville-says-it-has-paid-89000-for-william-darbys-murder-defense-disciplinary-hearing-on-indefinite-hold/ |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=WHNT News 19 |date=20 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Torres-Perez |first1=Alex |title=City won't say how it's paying for legal fees of Huntsville police officer convicted of murder |url=https://www.waaytv.com/content/news/City-wont-say-where-funding-for-Huntsville-officer-legal-fees-is-coming-from-574447351.html |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=WAAY 31 ABC |date=18 May 2021}}</ref> In May 2020, Darby was found guilty of murder.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Remkus |first1=Ashley |title=Huntsville police officer William Ben Darby convicted of murder for shooting Jeffery Parker |url=https://www.al.com/news/2021/05/huntsville-police-officer-william-ben-darby-convicted-of-murder-for-shooting-jeffrey-parker.html |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=The Huntsville Times |publisher=AL.com |date=7 May 2021}}</ref> After the verdict, Battle released a statement<ref>{{cite news |title=Police Chief, Mayor release statements on Murder conviction of Officer Darby |url=https://whnt.com/news/police-chief-mayor-release-statements-on-murder-conviction-of-officer-darby/ |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=WHNT News 19 |date=7 May 2021}}</ref> that he "disagree[d] with the verdict" and that "Officer Darby followed the appropriate safety protocols in his response on the scene." Darby was cleared of wrong-doing by the city police review board.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jury convicts Alabama officer of murder in 2018 shooting |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/alabama-officer-convicted-murder-2018-shooting |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=FOX News |date=7 May 2021}}</ref> As a result, Darby was still paid by the city of Huntsville until late July.<ref>{{cite news |title=Officer convicted of murder still gets paid in Alabama |url=https://apnews.com/article/alabama-shootings-2c3d3342a5024c2305702e5ff9979880 |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=The Associated Press |date=11 May 2021}}</ref> On August 20, 2021, Darby was sentenced to 25 years in jail for the murder.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Remkus |first1=Ashley |title=William Ben Darby, Huntsville officer convicted of murder, sentenced to 25 years for shooting Jeff Parker |url=https://www.al.com/news/2021/08/william-ben-darby-huntsville-officer-convicted-of-murder-sentenced-to-25-years-for-shooting-jeff-parker.html |access-date=20 August 2021 |work=The Huntsville Times |publisher=AL.com |date=20 August 2021}}</ref> Battle pushed to prevent the bodycam footage from being released.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gattis |first1=Paul |title=Huntsville city council, mayor's office at odds over police body cam video |url=https://www.al.com/news/2021/06/huntsville-city-council-mayors-office-at-odds-over-police-body-cam-video.html |access-date=28 August 2021 |work=The Huntsville Times |publisher=AL.com |date=Jun 10, 2021}}</ref> However, the footage of the murder was released on August 27, 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Remkus |first1=Ashley |title=Judge releases video of Alabama police officer shooting and killing suicidal man |url=https://www.al.com/news/2021/08/judge-releases-video-of-alabama-police-officer-shooting-and-killing-suicidal-man.html |access-date=28 August 2021 |work=The Huntsville Times |publisher=AL.com |date=28 August 2021}}</ref>
⚫
In the hotly-contested [[2017 United States Senate special election in Alabama|December 2017 special election for the Senate]], Battle endorsed former State Supreme Court Judge [[Roy Moore]], stating "As a Republican, we were going to support whoever the Republican party nominated during our primary. The Republicans nominated Roy Moore."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.waff.com/story/36648123/huntsville-mayor-endorses-moore-for-senate|title=Huntsville mayor endorses Moore for Senate|last=|first=|date=|website=Waff.com|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2017/10/tommy_battle_getting_pushback.html|title=Tommy Battle responds to pushback at home for endorsing Roy Moore|last1=Roop|first1=Lee|date=27 October 2017|accessdate=15 December 2017|publisher=AL.com}}</ref>


⚫
Fifteen Huntsville-area organizations,<ref>{{cite news |title=Coalition of Huntsville-area groups respond to Mayor's statement on protest |url=https://www.rocketcitynow.com/article/news/local/coalition-huntsville-groups-respond-mayor-battle-statement-protest/525-31e201b2-1912-4125-8cba-5244b70df774 |access-date=30 August 2021 |work=WZDX-TV FOX 54 |agency=Fox News |date=5 June 2020}}</ref> including the Alabama chapters of [[Southern Christian Leadership Conference]] and [[NAACP Youth Council]], have denounced Mayor Battle's handling of the [[George Floyd protests|George Floyd protest]] that occurred in and around [[Big Spring Park (Huntsville, Alabama)|Big Spring Park]] on June 3, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=UPDATED: Downtown Huntsville protest ends with riot gas, arrests |url=https://www.waff.com/2020/06/03/downtown-huntsville-protest-ends-with-riot-gas-arrests/ |access-date=30 August 2021 |work=WAFF 48 News |agency=NBC |publisher=Gray Media Group, Inc |date=4 June 2020}}</ref> Huntsville Police along with [[SWAT]] and [[Incident Response Team]]<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Lightfoot, Franklin & White, LLC |title=Report by Independent Counsel to The Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council |date=22 April 2021 |page=50 of 248 |url=http://huntsvillepolicereview.com/documents/HPCAC_Comprehensive_Report.pdf |access-date=29 August 2021}}</ref> used tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets to end the protest.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Klapp |first1=Caroline |title=Breakdown of 248 page report on Huntsville Police response to June 2020 protests |url=https://www.waff.com/2021/04/23/breakdown-page-report-huntsville-police-response-june-protests/ |access-date=30 August 2021 |work=WAFF 48 News |agency=NBC |publisher=Gray Media Group, Inc. Station |date=23 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Remkus |first1=Ashley |title=Protest review finds 'unprofessional' behavior, policy violations by Huntsville police |url=https://www.al.com/news/2021/04/protest-review-finds-unprofessional-behavior-policy-violations-by-huntsville-police.html |access-date=29 August 2021 |work=The Huntsville Times |date=23 April 2021}}</ref>
⚫
In April 2018,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Beachum |first1=Lateshia |title=Alabama police officer convicted of murder for shooting suicidal man in 2018 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/05/08/alabama-police-murder-parker-darby/ |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=The Washington Post |date=8 May 2021}}</ref> a rookie<ref>{{cite news |title=Huntsville Police Officer William Darby takes stand in his murder trial |url=https://www.cbs42.com/news/huntsville-police-officer-william-darby-takes-stand-in-his-murder-trial/ |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=CBS 42 |date=6 May 2021}}</ref> Huntsville Police officer, William Darby, shot and killed a suicidal man within 11 seconds<ref>{{cite news |title=Huntsville Police Officer William Darby found guilty of murder |url=https://whnt.com/news/huntsville-police-officer-william-darby-found-guilty-of-murder/ |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=WHNT News 19 |publisher=Nexstar Media Inc. |date=7 May 2021}}</ref> of arriving at a call. In August 2018, Mayor Battle urged the Huntsville city council to pay or assist with paying for Darby’s defense.<ref>{{cite news |title=Huntsville says it has paid $89,000 for William Darby’s murder defense, disciplinary hearing on indefinite hold |url=https://whnt.com/news/huntsville-says-it-has-paid-89000-for-william-darbys-murder-defense-disciplinary-hearing-on-indefinite-hold/ |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=WHNT News 19 |date=20 May 2021}}</ref> Tax payers ended up paid nearly 90,000 for the defense.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Torres-Perez |first1=Alex |title=City won't say how it’s paying for legal fees of Huntsville police officer convicted of murder |url=https://www.waaytv.com/content/news/City-wont-say-where-funding-for-Huntsville-officer-legal-fees-is-coming-from-574447351.html |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=WAAY 31 ABC |date=18 May 2021}}</ref> In May 2020, Darby was found guilty of murder.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Remkus |first1=Ashley |title=Huntsville police officer William Ben Darby convicted of murder for shooting Jeffery Parker |url=https://www.al.com/news/2021/05/huntsville-police-officer-william-ben-darby-convicted-of-murder-for-shooting-jeffrey-parker.html |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=The Huntsville Times |publisher=AL.com |date=7 May 2021}}</ref> After the verdict, Battle released a statement<ref>{{cite news |title=Police Chief, Mayor release statements on Murder conviction of Officer Darby |url=https://whnt.com/news/police-chief-mayor-release-statements-on-murder-conviction-of-officer-darby/ |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=WHNT News 19 |date=7 May 2021}}</ref> that says he "disagree with the verdict" and that "Officer Darby followed the appropriate safety protocols in his response on the scene", and Darby "was doing what he was trained to do in the line of duty." Darby was cleared of wrong-doing by the city police review board<ref>{{cite news |title=Jury convicts Alabama officer of murder in 2018 shooting |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/alabama-officer-convicted-murder-2018-shooting |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=FOX News |date=7 May 2021}}</ref> and as a result was still being paid by the city of Huntsville until late July.<ref>{{cite news |title=Officer convicted of murder still gets paid in Alabama |url=https://apnews.com/article/alabama-shootings-2c3d3342a5024c2305702e5ff9979880 |access-date=5 June 2021 |agency=The Associated Press |date=11 May 2021}}</ref> On August 20th, 2021, Darby was sentenced to 25 years in jail for the murder. <ref>{{cite news |last1=Remkus |first1=Ashley |title=William Ben Darby, Huntsville officer convicted of murder, sentenced to 25 years for shooting Jeff Parker |url=https://www.al.com/news/2021/08/william-ben-darby-huntsville-officer-convicted-of-murder-sentenced-to-25-years-for-shooting-jeff-parker.html |access-date=20 August 2021 |work=The Huntsville Times |publisher=AL.com |date=20 August 2021}}</ref> Battle pushed to prevent the bodycam footage from being released.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gattis |first1=Paul |title=Huntsville city council, mayor’s office at odds over police body cam video |url=https://www.al.com/news/2021/06/huntsville-city-council-mayors-office-at-odds-over-police-body-cam-video.html |access-date=28 August 2021 |work=The Huntsville Times |publisher=AL.com |date=Jun 10, 2021}}</ref> The footage of the murder was released on August 27, 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Remkus |first1=Ashley |title=Judge releases video of Alabama police officer shooting and killing suicidal man |url=https://www.al.com/news/2021/08/judge-releases-video-of-alabama-police-officer-shooting-and-killing-suicidal-man.html |access-date=28 August 2021 |work=The Huntsville Times |publisher=AL.com |date=28 August 2021}}</ref>


=== Controversy ===
⚫
15 Huntsville-area organizations,<ref>{{cite news |title=Coalition of Huntsville-area groups respond to Mayor's statement on protest |url=https://www.rocketcitynow.com/article/news/local/coalition-huntsville-groups-respond-mayor-battle-statement-protest/525-31e201b2-1912-4125-8cba-5244b70df774 |access-date=30 August 2021 |work=WZDX-TV FOX 54 |agency=Fox News |date=5 June 2020}}</ref> including the Alabama chapters of [[Southern Christian Leadership Conference]] and [[NAACP Youth Council]], have denounced Mayor Battle's handling of the [[George Floyd protests|George Floyd protest]] that occurred in and around [[Big Spring Park (Huntsville, Alabama)|Big Spring Park]] on June 3, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=UPDATED: Downtown Huntsville protest ends with riot gas, arrests |url=https://www.waff.com/2020/06/03/downtown-huntsville-protest-ends-with-riot-gas-arrests/ |access-date=30 August 2021 |work=WAFF 48 News |agency=NBC |publisher=Gray Media Group, Inc |date=4 June 2020}}</ref> The protested ended with Huntsville Police along with [[SWAT]] and [[Incident Response Team]]<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Lightfoot, Franklin & White, LLC |title=Report by Independent Counsel to The Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council |date=22 April 2021 |page=50 of 248 |url=http://huntsvillepolicereview.com/documents/HPCAC_Comprehensive_Report.pdf |access-date=29 August 2021}}</ref> using tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets to end the protest.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Klapp |first1=Caroline |title=Breakdown of 248 page report on Huntsville Police response to June 2020 protests |url=https://www.waff.com/2021/04/23/breakdown-page-report-huntsville-police-response-june-protests/ |access-date=30 August 2021 |work=WAFF 48 News |agency=NBC |publisher=Gray Media Group, Inc. Station |date=23 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Remkus |first1=Ashley |title=Protest review finds ‘unprofessional’ behavior, policy violations by Huntsville police |url=https://www.al.com/news/2021/04/protest-review-finds-unprofessional-behavior-policy-violations-by-huntsville-police.html |access-date=29 August 2021 |work=The Huntsville Times |date=23 April 2021}}</ref>
⚫
Following the murder conviction of William Darby, political groups<ref>{{cite news |last1=Divers |first1=Bridget |title=Civic group again calls for Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle's resignation |url=https://www.waaytv.com/content/news/Civil-group-calls-for-Mayor-Battles-resignation-again-574457191.html |access-date=29 August 2021 |work=WAAY 31 |agency=ABC |publisher=Allen Media Broadcasting, LLC |date=19 May 2021}}</ref> and politicians<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moon |first1=Josh |title=State lawmakers, civil rights group renew calls for Huntsville mayor's resignation |url=https://www.alreporter.com/2021/05/20/state-lawmakers-civil-rights-group-renew-calls-for-huntsville-mayors-resignation/ |access-date=29 August 2021 |work=Alabama Political Reporter |date=20 May 2021}}</ref> called for mayor Battle to resign.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rosa Parks Day Committee again calls for Mayor Battle's resignation after statements made in support of convicted HPD officer |url=https://whnt.com/news/huntsville/rosa-parks-day-committee-again-calls-for-mayor-battles-resignation-after-statements-made-in-support-of-convicted-hpd-officer/ |access-date=29 August 2021 |work=WHNT News 19 |agency=CBS |publisher=Nexstar Media Inc |date=19 May 2021}}</ref> Locals also made an online petition calling for the resignations of Battle and the Huntsville Police Chief Mark McMurray.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}


In May 2021, a Huntsville civil rights group, Rosa Parks Day Committee, also called for the resignations of Battle and McMurray. This came after both men publicly supported Huntsville Police Officer William Darby after his conviction for murder.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Levenson |first=Michael |date=2021-08-20 |title=Former Alabama Officer Is Sentenced to 25 Years for Murdering Suicidal Man |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/20/us/alabama-william-darby-jeffrey-parker.html |access-date=2022-04-06 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Mark McMurray announced his retirement in Feb 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Montgomery |first=Charles |title=HPD Chief Mark McMurray announces retirement |url=https://www.waff.com/2022/02/18/hpd-chief-mark-mcmurray-announces-retirement/ |access-date=2022-04-06 |website=waff.com |date=18 February 2022 |language=en}}</ref><!-- will find a new source in future -->
====Calls for resignation====
⚫
Following the murder conviction of William Darby, political groups<ref>{{cite news |last1=Divers |first1=Bridget |title=Civic group again calls for Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle's resignation |url=https://www.waaytv.com/content/news/Civil-group-calls-for-Mayor-Battles-resignation-again-574457191.html |access-date=29 August 2021 |work=WAAY 31 |agency=ABC |publisher=Allen Media Broadcasting, LLC |date=19 May 2021}}</ref> and politicians<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moon |first1=Josh |title=State lawmakers, civil rights group renew calls for Huntsville mayor’s resignation |url=https://www.alreporter.com/2021/05/20/state-lawmakers-civil-rights-group-renew-calls-for-huntsville-mayors-resignation/ |access-date=29 August 2021 |work=Alabama Political Reporter |date=20 May 2021}}</ref> have called for Battle to resign.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rosa Parks Day Committee again calls for Mayor Battle’s resignation after statements made in support of convicted HPD officer |url=https://whnt.com/news/huntsville/rosa-parks-day-committee-again-calls-for-mayor-battles-resignation-after-statements-made-in-support-of-convicted-hpd-officer/ |access-date=29 August 2021 |work=WHNT News 19 |agency=CBS |publisher=Nexstar Media Inc |date=19 May 2021}}</ref> Locals have also started an online petition calling for Battle's resignation along with Huntsville Police Chief Mark McMurray.{{cn|date=August 2021}}<!-- will find a new source in future -->


=== 2018 gubernatorial election ===
=== 2018 gubernatorial election ===
{{Main|2018 Alabama gubernatorial election}}
Battle unsuccessfully ran for the Republican nomination for [[governor of Alabama]] in [[2018 Alabama gubernatorial election|2018]] as an "outsider" candidate; he lost in the Republican primary to incumbent [[Kay Ivey]].<ref>https://www.waaytv.com/content/video/484652971.html</ref><ref>https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2018/04/16/tommy-battle-stresses-outsider-status-race-against-kay-ivey/503846002/</ref>
Battle unsuccessfully ran for the Republican nomination for [[governor of Alabama]] in [[2018 Alabama gubernatorial election|2018]] as an "outsider" candidate; he lost in the Republican primary to incumbent [[Kay Ivey]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.waaytv.com/content/video/484652971.html|title=Battle loses primary}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2018/04/16/tommy-battle-stresses-outsider-status-race-against-kay-ivey/503846002/|title=Tommy Battle stresses outsider status in race against Kay Ivey|first=Brian|last=Lyman|website=Montgomery Advertiser}}</ref>


Battle has touted strong job growth under his tenure, as well as the city's top credit rating from [[credit rating agencies]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kiplinger.com/article/business/T012-C000-S002-no-1-huntsville-alabama.html|title=No. 1: Huntsville, Alabama|website=www.kiplinger.com|language=en-US|access-date=2016-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2016/05/touting_16000_new_jobs_huntsvi.html|title=Touting 16,000 new jobs, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle kicks off reelection campaign|website=AL.com|access-date=2016-05-23}}</ref>
Battle has touted strong job growth under his tenure, as well as the city's top credit rating from [[credit rating agencies]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kiplinger.com/article/business/T012-C000-S002-no-1-huntsville-alabama.html|title=No. 1: Huntsville, Alabama|website=www.kiplinger.com|language=en-US|access-date=2016-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/index.ssf/2016/05/touting_16000_new_jobs_huntsvi.html|title=Touting 16,000 new jobs, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle kicks off reelection campaign|website=AL.com|date=19 May 2016|access-date=2016-05-23}}</ref>


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Battle married Eula Sammons, a [[kindergarten]] teacher at Monrovia Elementary, in 1988; they have one son, Andrew "Drew" Battle, and two grandsons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/government/mayors-office/meet-mayor-battle/|title=About Mayor Battle|website=City of Huntsville|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref> Sammons died on October 20, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Roop|first=Lee|date=2020-10-20|title=Eula Battle, wife of Huntsville mayor, dies at 65|url=https://www.al.com/news/huntsville/2020/10/eula-battle-wife-of-huntsville-mayor-tommy-battle-dies-at-65.html|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-10-21|website=The Huntsville Times/AL.com|language=en}}</ref>
Battle married Eula Sammons, a [[kindergarten]] teacher at Monrovia Elementary, in 1988 they had one son, Andrew Battle.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/government/mayors-office/meet-mayor-battle/|title=About Mayor Battle|website=City of Huntsville|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-11}}</ref> Sammons died on October 20, 2020, from [[breast cancer]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Roop|first=Lee|date=2020-10-20|title=Eula Battle, wife of Huntsville mayor, dies at 65|url=https://www.al.com/news/huntsville/2020/10/eula-battle-wife-of-huntsville-mayor-tommy-battle-dies-at-65.html|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-10-21|website=The Huntsville Times/AL.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.alreporter.com/2020/10/21/eula-battle-wife-of-huntsville-mayor-tommy-battle-has-died/|title=Eula Battle, wife of Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, has died|first=Brandon|last=Moseley|date=October 21, 2020|website=Alabama Political Reporter}}</ref>


Battle is a member of the [[United Methodist Church|Trinity United Methodist Church]].<ref name=":1" />
Battle is a member of the [[United Methodist Church|Trinity United Methodist Church]].<ref name=":1" />
Line 94: Line 99:
<ref name="whnt04">{{cite news |url=http://www.whnt.com/Global/story.asp?s=8709443 |publisher=[[WHNT-TV]] |title=Candidate Profile: Tommy Battle}}</ref>
<ref name="whnt04">{{cite news |url=http://www.whnt.com/Global/story.asp?s=8709443 |publisher=[[WHNT-TV]] |title=Candidate Profile: Tommy Battle}}</ref>
<ref name="ht080327">{{cite news |title=Former Councilman Battle Seeking Mayor's Job |newspaper=[[The Huntsville Times]] |date=March 27, 2008 |page=2B}}</ref>
<ref name="ht080327">{{cite news |title=Former Councilman Battle Seeking Mayor's Job |newspaper=[[The Huntsville Times]] |date=March 27, 2008 |page=2B}}</ref>
<ref name="ht080702">{{cite news |title=Battle Pitches Platform to Bring Change |newspaper=[[The Huntsville Times]] |date=July 2, 2008 |page=6B}}</ref>
<!-- <ref name="ht080702">{{cite news |title=Battle Pitches Platform to Bring Change |newspaper=[[The Huntsville Times]] |date=July 2, 2008 |page=6B}}</ref> -->
<ref name="ht080817">{{cite news |title=For Huntsville Mayor |newspaper=[[The Huntsville Times]] |date=August 17, 2008 |page=20A}}</ref>
<ref name="ht080817">{{cite news |title=For Huntsville Mayor |newspaper=[[The Huntsville Times]] |date=August 17, 2008 |page=20A}}</ref>
<ref name="ht080822">{{cite news |title=Committee of 100 Endorses Spencer, Challenger Battle |newspaper=[[The Huntsville Times]] |date=August 22, 2008 |page=2B}}</ref>
<ref name="ht080822">{{cite news |title=Committee of 100 Endorses Spencer, Challenger Battle |newspaper=[[The Huntsville Times]] |date=August 22, 2008 |page=2B}}</ref>
<ref name="ht080827">{{cite news |title=Spencer, Battle to Meet in Oct. 7 Runoff for Mayor |newspaper=[[The Huntsville Times]] |date=August 27, 2008 |page=1A}}</ref>
<ref name="ht080827">{{cite news |title=Spencer, Battle to Meet in Oct. 7 Runoff for Mayor |newspaper=[[The Huntsville Times]] |date=August 27, 2008 |page=1A}}</ref>
<ref name="ht080918">{{cite news |title=Battle Decries Bridge to Nowhere |newspaper=[[The Huntsville Times]] |date=September 18, 2008 |page=1A}}</ref>
<!-- <ref name="ht080918">{{cite news |title=Battle Decries Bridge to Nowhere |newspaper=[[The Huntsville Times]] |date=September 18, 2008 |page=1A}}</ref> -->
<ref name="ht081007">{{cite news |first=Lee |last=Roop |title=Battle's Victory over Spencer Decisive |newspaper=[[The Huntsville Times]] |url=http://blog.al.com/breaking/2008/10/battles_victory_over_spencer_d.html |date=October 7, 2008}}</ref>
<ref name="ht081007">{{cite news |first=Lee |last=Roop |title=Battle's Victory over Spencer Decisive |newspaper=[[The Huntsville Times]] |url=http://blog.al.com/breaking/2008/10/battles_victory_over_spencer_d.html |date=October 7, 2008}}</ref>
}}
}}
Line 107: Line 112:


{{Mayors of Huntsville Alabama}}
{{Mayors of Huntsville Alabama}}
{{Alabama cities and mayors of 100,000 population}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Battle, Tommy}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Battle, Tommy}}
Line 115: Line 119:
[[Category:Alabama Republicans]]
[[Category:Alabama Republicans]]
[[Category:Mayors of Huntsville, Alabama]]
[[Category:Mayors of Huntsville, Alabama]]
⚫
[[Category:21st-century American politicians]]
[[Category:Politicians from Birmingham, Alabama]]
[[Category:Politicians from Birmingham, Alabama]]
⚫
[[Category:21st-century mayors of places in Alabama]]

Latest revision as of 22:37, 12 November 2024

Tommy Battle
67th Mayor of Huntsville[1]
Incumbent
Assumed office
November 3, 2008
Preceded byLoretta Spencer
Member of Huntsville City Council
from District 1
In office
1984–1988
Personal details
Born
Thomas Massengale Battle Jr.

(1955-12-03) December 3, 1955 (age 69)
Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse
Eula Sammons
​
​
(m. 1988; died 2020)​
Children1
Alma materUniversity of Alabama,
Tuscaloosa

Thomas Massengale Battle Jr. (born December 3, 1955) is an American businessman serving as the 67th mayor of Huntsville, Alabama. His first term began November 3, 2008, and he has since been reelected four times.[2][3]

Early life and education

[edit]

Battle was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on December 3, 1955. As a young man he worked for his father's restaurant and attended Berry High School (now Hoover High).

Battle attended the University of Alabama, in Tuscaloosa, to study business, where he participated in the Student Government Association and the debate team and joined the Alabama Republican Party.

After graduating college with a Bachelor of Science in business, Battle became a manager for Britling on the Highland in Birmingham. Battle moved to Huntsville in 1980, where he became a real estate developer and was elected to one term on the city council from 1984 to 1988. During this time, Battle met Eula Sammons, and his son Andrew was born. Battle left the city council to run for mayor, losing in a run-off against Democratic candidate Steve Hettinger in 1988.[citation needed]

After this election loss, Battle started Battle Real Estate and owned or partnered in several retail and real estate firms.[4][5][6]

Political career

[edit]

Mayoral elections

[edit]

2008 election

[edit]

Battle announced his mayoral candidacy against incumbent Loretta Spencer on March 26, 2008. Battle's policies were fiscal responsibility, free enterprise, education, and creating jobs. Prior to the first round of voting, Spencer was endorsed by The Huntsville Times.[7] The Committee of 100, a group of businesspeople, issued a joint endorsement of Battle and Spencer.[8]

In the municipal election on August 26, 2008, Spencer led Battle by 14,871 votes to 14,486. However, two minor candidates received 673 votes, preventing Spencer from attaining a majority, forcing a runoff with Battle.[9] In the runoff, on October 7, 2008, Battle defeated Spencer, by a vote of 21,123 votes (56%) to 16,821 (44%) for Spencer.[10]

2012 election

[edit]

On August 28, 2012, Battle won with 81 percent of the vote, beating Loretta Spencer and Jackie Reed. The 2012 election had the largest margin of victory in a Huntsville mayoral election. The voting results were as follows:[11]

  • Battle: 22,838 (80.7%)
  • Spencer: 4,312 (15.2%)
  • Reed: 1,159 (4.1%)

He won in all 44 precincts citywide.[12]

2016 election

[edit]

On September 23, 2015, Battle posted a statement confirming his running for a third term as mayor in 2016.[13] Battle later won against his opponents with 80% of the votes cast for him.[14][6]

  • Battle: 13,896 (80.7%)
  • Spencer: 1,516 (8.8%)
  • Reed: 1,799 (10.5%)

2020 election

[edit]

On August 25, 2020, Battle won reelection with 77.61% of the vote.[3]

  • Battle: 21,589 (77.61%)
  • Woloszyn: 2,894 (10.40%)
  • Reed: 1,729 (6.22%)
  • Shingleton: 1,607 (5.78%)

Mayor of Huntsville

[edit]

During his second term, Battle began the Restore Our Roads campaign and received a $250 million state roads package. To help fund the development, Battle proposed a one-cent sales tax. The city council approved the increase and Huntsville completed a $453 million construction project.[15]

In 2015, Battle asked the city to buy body cameras for the Huntsville Police Department, at a cost of $1.2 million.

In 2016, Battle supported the arrival of Google Fiber to Huntsville.[16]

Battle favored the city-wide of expansion of ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft in the city, and rewrote the vehicle for hire ordinance to allow their operation.[17][18][19]

In the December 2017 special election for the Senate, Battle endorsed former State Supreme Court Judge Roy Moore, saying "As a Republican, we were going to support whoever the Republican party nominated during our primary. The Republicans nominated Roy Moore."[20][21]

In April 2018,[22] a rookie[23] Huntsville Police officer, William Darby, shot and killed a suicidal man within 11 seconds[24] of arriving at a call. In August 2018, Mayor Battle urged the Huntsville city council to pay or assist with paying for Darby's defense. The city paid $89,000 for his defense.[25][26] In May 2020, Darby was found guilty of murder.[27] After the verdict, Battle released a statement[28] that he "disagree[d] with the verdict" and that "Officer Darby followed the appropriate safety protocols in his response on the scene." Darby was cleared of wrong-doing by the city police review board.[29] As a result, Darby was still paid by the city of Huntsville until late July.[30] On August 20, 2021, Darby was sentenced to 25 years in jail for the murder.[31] Battle pushed to prevent the bodycam footage from being released.[32] However, the footage of the murder was released on August 27, 2021.[33]

Fifteen Huntsville-area organizations,[34] including the Alabama chapters of Southern Christian Leadership Conference and NAACP Youth Council, have denounced Mayor Battle's handling of the George Floyd protest that occurred in and around Big Spring Park on June 3, 2020.[35] Huntsville Police along with SWAT and Incident Response Team[36] used tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets to end the protest.[37][38]

Controversy

[edit]

Following the murder conviction of William Darby, political groups[39] and politicians[40] called for mayor Battle to resign.[41] Locals also made an online petition calling for the resignations of Battle and the Huntsville Police Chief Mark McMurray.[citation needed]

In May 2021, a Huntsville civil rights group, Rosa Parks Day Committee, also called for the resignations of Battle and McMurray. This came after both men publicly supported Huntsville Police Officer William Darby after his conviction for murder.[42] Mark McMurray announced his retirement in Feb 2022.[43]

2018 gubernatorial election

[edit]
Main article: 2018 Alabama gubernatorial election

Battle unsuccessfully ran for the Republican nomination for governor of Alabama in 2018 as an "outsider" candidate; he lost in the Republican primary to incumbent Kay Ivey.[44][45]

Battle has touted strong job growth under his tenure, as well as the city's top credit rating from credit rating agencies.[46][47]

Personal life

[edit]

Battle married Eula Sammons, a kindergarten teacher at Monrovia Elementary, in 1988 they had one son, Andrew Battle.[48] Sammons died on October 20, 2020, from breast cancer.[49][50]

Battle is a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church.[6]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Before 1916, the office was known as "President." Battle is the 11th to hold the title of "Mayor."
  2. ^ "Tommy Battle - Mayor of Huntsville, AL". Bama Politics. 23 October 2018. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  3. ^ a b "2020 Huntsville, AL Mayor Election Results". Bama Politics. 20 November 2019. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  4. ^ "Former Councilman Battle Seeking Mayor's Job". The Huntsville Times. March 27, 2008. p. 2B.
  5. ^ "Candidate Profile: Tommy Battle". WHNT-TV.
  6. ^ a b c "Meet Tommy – Battle For Alabama". Battle For Alabama. Retrieved 2017-09-25.
  7. ^ "For Huntsville Mayor". The Huntsville Times. August 17, 2008. p. 20A.
  8. ^ "Committee of 100 Endorses Spencer, Challenger Battle". The Huntsville Times. August 22, 2008. p. 2B.
  9. ^ "Spencer, Battle to Meet in Oct. 7 Runoff for Mayor". The Huntsville Times. August 27, 2008. p. 1A.
  10. ^ Roop, Lee (October 7, 2008). "Battle's Victory over Spencer Decisive". The Huntsville Times.
  11. ^ "City of Huntsville, Alabama *** Huntsville *** Alabama *** HuntsvilleAL.gov". www.huntsvilleal.gov. Retrieved 2016-03-31.
  12. ^ "Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle's 81 percent vote total a modern-day record". AL.com. 29 August 2012. Retrieved 2016-03-31.
  13. ^ "Huntsville mayor Tommy Battle will run for re-election in 2016". AL.com. 24 September 2015. Retrieved 2016-03-31.
  14. ^ "Huntsville Election Results". City of Huntsville. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  15. ^ "Mayor Battle touts job creation, entrepreneurs and Huntsville's quality of life in 2015 State of the City address". WHNT.com. 6 November 2015. Retrieved 2016-03-30.
  16. ^ "Google Fiber is bringing its ultra-fast Internet service to Huntsville". AL.com. 22 February 2016. Retrieved 2016-03-30.
  17. ^ "Uber ridesharing service not coming to Huntsville anytime soon". AL.com. 31 March 2015. Retrieved 2016-03-30.
  18. ^ "Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle extends olive branch to Uber". AL.com. 12 June 2015. Retrieved 2016-03-30.
  19. ^ "Huntsville City Council approves Uber ordinance". AL.com. 12 February 2016. Retrieved 2016-03-30.
  20. ^ "Huntsville mayor endorses Moore for Senate". Waff.com. 21 October 2017. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
  21. ^ Roop, Lee (27 October 2017). "Tommy Battle responds to pushback at home for endorsing Roy Moore". AL.com. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  22. ^ Beachum, Lateshia (8 May 2021). "Alabama police officer convicted of murder for shooting suicidal man in 2018". The Washington Post. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  23. ^ "Huntsville Police Officer William Darby takes stand in his murder trial". CBS 42. 6 May 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  24. ^ "Huntsville Police Officer William Darby found guilty of murder". Nexstar Media Inc. WHNT News 19. 7 May 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  25. ^ "Huntsville says it has paid $89,000 for William Darby's murder defense, disciplinary hearing on indefinite hold". WHNT News 19. 20 May 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  26. ^ Torres-Perez, Alex (18 May 2021). "City won't say how it's paying for legal fees of Huntsville police officer convicted of murder". WAAY 31 ABC. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  27. ^ Remkus, Ashley (7 May 2021). "Huntsville police officer William Ben Darby convicted of murder for shooting Jeffery Parker". AL.com. The Huntsville Times. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  28. ^ "Police Chief, Mayor release statements on Murder conviction of Officer Darby". WHNT News 19. 7 May 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  29. ^ "Jury convicts Alabama officer of murder in 2018 shooting". FOX News. 7 May 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  30. ^ "Officer convicted of murder still gets paid in Alabama". The Associated Press. 11 May 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  31. ^ Remkus, Ashley (20 August 2021). "William Ben Darby, Huntsville officer convicted of murder, sentenced to 25 years for shooting Jeff Parker". The Huntsville Times. AL.com. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
  32. ^ Gattis, Paul (Jun 10, 2021). "Huntsville city council, mayor's office at odds over police body cam video". The Huntsville Times. AL.com. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  33. ^ Remkus, Ashley (28 August 2021). "Judge releases video of Alabama police officer shooting and killing suicidal man". The Huntsville Times. AL.com. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  34. ^ "Coalition of Huntsville-area groups respond to Mayor's statement on protest". WZDX-TV FOX 54. Fox News. 5 June 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  35. ^ "UPDATED: Downtown Huntsville protest ends with riot gas, arrests". WAFF 48 News. Gray Media Group, Inc. NBC. 4 June 2020. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  36. ^ Lightfoot, Franklin & White, LLC (22 April 2021). "Report by Independent Counsel to The Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council" (PDF): 50 of 248. Retrieved 29 August 2021. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  37. ^ Klapp, Caroline (23 April 2021). "Breakdown of 248 page report on Huntsville Police response to June 2020 protests". WAFF 48 News. Gray Media Group, Inc. Station. NBC. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  38. ^ Remkus, Ashley (23 April 2021). "Protest review finds 'unprofessional' behavior, policy violations by Huntsville police". The Huntsville Times. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  39. ^ Divers, Bridget (19 May 2021). "Civic group again calls for Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle's resignation". WAAY 31. Allen Media Broadcasting, LLC. ABC. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  40. ^ Moon, Josh (20 May 2021). "State lawmakers, civil rights group renew calls for Huntsville mayor's resignation". Alabama Political Reporter. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  41. ^ "Rosa Parks Day Committee again calls for Mayor Battle's resignation after statements made in support of convicted HPD officer". WHNT News 19. Nexstar Media Inc. CBS. 19 May 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  42. ^ Levenson, Michael (2021-08-20). "Former Alabama Officer Is Sentenced to 25 Years for Murdering Suicidal Man". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-04-06.
  43. ^ Montgomery, Charles (18 February 2022). "HPD Chief Mark McMurray announces retirement". waff.com. Retrieved 2022-04-06.
  44. ^ "Battle loses primary".
  45. ^ Lyman, Brian. "Tommy Battle stresses outsider status in race against Kay Ivey". Montgomery Advertiser.
  46. ^ "No. 1: Huntsville, Alabama". www.kiplinger.com. Retrieved 2016-03-31.
  47. ^ "Touting 16,000 new jobs, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle kicks off reelection campaign". AL.com. 19 May 2016. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
  48. ^ "About Mayor Battle". City of Huntsville. Retrieved 2019-12-11.
  49. ^ Roop, Lee (2020-10-20). "Eula Battle, wife of Huntsville mayor, dies at 65". The Huntsville Times/AL.com. Retrieved 2020-10-21.
  50. ^ Moseley, Brandon (October 21, 2020). "Eula Battle, wife of Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, has died". Alabama Political Reporter.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Tommy_Battle&oldid=1257040334"