Criticism of Montgomery Leadership Amid Rising Crime
On Friday morning, State Senator Arthur Orr voiced his discontent with Montgomery’s city leaders and the overall state response to increasing crime. During an appearance on WVNN’s “The Dale Jackson Show,” he labeled Mayor Stephen Reed as failing to uphold law and order in the city.
Orr’s comments came prior to a recent weekend marked by violence in Montgomery, where he was asked about Reed’s remarks regarding state gun laws.
He suggested that the mayor’s criticisms are a diversion from the more pressing issues facing the city. “This is Stephen Reed, clutching at straws, trying to say something, anything, just to distract people,” Orr said, representing Decatur.
“I’ve been speaking with Montgomery residents across the board. People are clearly unhappy; many are ready for him to resign, along with Mayor Reed. The frustration with his administration is evident. It’s really quite something.”
Orr continued, pointing out that the support Reed gets from his father, Joe Reed, a veteran figure in the Alabama Democratic Party, may not shield him from voter backlash.
“The folks I engage with are fed up and are coming to realize just how ineffective our mayor is,” he stated. “Time is running out for Mayor Reed in this term.”
Moreover, Orr took issue with the substantial amounts of state taxpayer money allocated to bolster Montgomery’s law enforcement presence near the Capitol.
“It’s frustrating that tax money from cities like Huntsville and Mobile is being used for what should be the responsibility of Montgomery,” he remarked. “Millions are being sent out for this, while the city can’t even ensure the safety and security of its own citizens. It’s disheartening.”
