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IrondaleToday: There was a controversial vote at the last city council session. A resolution was brought forward that essentially mimics the recent Arizona law regarding illegal immigration. You and Councilman James Stewart were the only no votes. Why did you oppose the resolution?
Christopher Crews: Resolution 2010R23 called on the Irondale Police Department to do something that is already included in their mandate. As Chief Macintosh said in the council meeting, officers already have the authority to detain anyone who is unable to supply adequate identification. The resolution is redundant at best and in my opinion insulting to our professional police force. They don’t need a resolution to tell them how to do their jobs. We don’t need a resolution calling on the fire department to respond to fires or for the city inspectors to enforce building codes. It’s a political stunt and it’s classic big government overreach, creating a resolution that repeats existing law. When I talk to my constituents they’re worried about a lack of retail stores in our city. They’re worried about abandoned houses on their block. They’re worried about the recent string of thefts on 1st Ave North. Rubber stamping a law from another state hasn’t come up. Ironically, the same day that Resolution 2010R23 passed our council the U.S. Justice Department filed suit against the Arizona law it’s based on.
IT: The resolution isn’t the first controversy this council has faced. Last November, there was another resolution proffered to allow the Mayor special powers to declare Irondale bankrupt. When that news hit the press it rattled the city’s creditors and was ultimately voted down 5-1 with even Mayor Alexander himself voting no. Why do you think this council is particularly controversial?
CC: I think that both situations are examples of needlessly stirring up controversy for Irondale. As we try to bring new businesses and residents to the city I don’t see how stepping into the middle of another firestorm helps us. If you look at the reaction you’ll see how divisive this resolution is while serving no practical purpose. To be clear, again, the Irondale Police Department already has the authority to detain any person who cannot show proper ID. Frankly, this entire issue, as far as Irondale is concerned, has been manufactured so politicians can give TV interviews. It’s troubling how easily the work of our council can be hijacked by one issue or individual’s political agenda. We should be focusing on completing the sidewalks project, improving parks and roads and addressing the budget shortfall. But now this resolution is all people want to talk about. Is Irondale well served by this controversy? I think the answer is no and my point is proven right now. So far we’ve spent this entire interview discussing a topic, which as the author of the resolution himself said, is not responding to any problem in Irondale. If it’s not a problem facing Irondale then why are we involved? Alabama is not a boarder state and this council wasn’t elected to represent Arizona.
IT: The Norfolk Southern railroad cuts through Irondale’s historic district. Many residents are bothered by the noise caused by the trains. Is there any relief on the horizon for them from the noise?
CC: Councilman Bob Saunders and I recently met with Norfolk Southern. We discussed many issues including noise. Councilman Saunders and I are working on an ordinance that would implement a Quite Zone at the 20th street crossing between the North and South sides of Historic Irondale. We have just begun the process and it will take some time. However, there will be relief from train horns for residents as soon as possible.
IT: During these rough economic times the city has struggled to not cut services or lay off employees. What cost saving measures have been implemented in the last budget to achieve this balance?
CC: That budget is a great example of how well this council can function in the best interests of the city. The council as a whole went over the last budget with a fine tooth comb and squeezed out as much savings as possible to avoid major cuts. The next fiscal year will be another lean one. We’re looking at all our options for reducing costs with the least impact to services or city employees. It’s no secret that most of our revenue comes from sales tax. That’s why we must make our city and its government attractive to businesses. Our city government has to be efficient, expedient and smart when dealing with retailers and contractors. We also all must be aware of our overall image. Business doesn’t like controversy. I own a small business in Irondale. The last thing we need is for prospective retailers to believe locating to our city is risky or controversial.
IT: Several new stop signs have been installed on the North side. What was the reasoning behind their installation?
CC: I’d received multiple complaints from homeowners on 2nd Avenue North about speeding. 2nd Avenue is a popular cut-through to Trussville which adds more traffic to an already congested street. I know that some people don’t like them. I’m still getting used to them myself, but it’s a safety issue.
IT: Both the north side and Roebuck Plaza areas are in your district. Abandoned and dilapidated houses are a long standing nuisance in both neighborhoods. What is being done about these unsightly and often dangerous structures?
CC: Abandoned houses and unkempt property is a major concern of mine. There are two on my block alone. Unfortunately, house abatement is a city-wide problem that has only grown worse with the economic crisis and revenue falloff. Despite these challenges, this is an issue that needs more attention. Most of our residents work hard to maintain their homes and property. It’s unacceptable that some homeowners have rotting houses next door and have been, sometimes, for many years. I believe that even with our limited resources the city can do more to improve this process. Our city inspector, Roger Martin, works diligently but we need to back up his efforts with funding. Estimates show that it costs between $3,000 and $5,000 to demolish a dilapidated house. In most cases the cost can be offset by assessments placed on the property. It’s not only an issue for homeowners and their property values but it is also vital in attracting more retail to Irondale. Retailers do a lot of ground work before choosing where to locate. If it seems like we don’t care about our neighborhood’s appearance then we are less marketable to new business and as well as residents.
IT: What can you tell us about this year’s Whistle-Stop Festival? Has the date been announced?
CC: The 19th annual Whistle Stop Festival will be held on Saturday, September 25th, 2010. We’re building on last year’s success. There will be arts and crafts, children’s games and activities. The vintage fire engines will be back as well as a demonstration of fire safety and rescue techniques. There will be live music well into the evening. I’d also like to encourage local business to consider becoming a sponsor of the festival. We need local support to keep going. Please call 205-297-9897 for more information. All vendor applications can be downloaded from the website www.irondalewhistlestopfestival.com.
IT: How is the Irondale Community Farmer’s Market going?
CC: Very well! I want to thank Jim and Evan Dolan for their hard work in bringing the market to Irondale. The market is every Wednesday from 3:00 to 6:00 across from the Irondale Cafe. It’s really a great asset to the city.
IT: You’ve been in office for about eighteen months; what has surprised you about the job?
CC: That we can’t do more, faster. I knew government at any level moved slowly but I was surprised by how slowly. Sometimes it can be frustrating. Nonetheless, I’ve learned that no matter the pace it’s vitally important to keep moving forward, even if it’s only an inch at a time.
IT: Lastly, you founded IrondaleToday.com. Why did you create the site and what is your day to day involvement?
CC: The technical side of the site is powered by Irondale’s New Merkel Consulting Group. They do a great job. I don’t have any day to day control over the content, that’s the job of the managing editor. My involvement in IrondaleToday.com is like spinning a top. I started it going but now it has its own energy and momentum. The purpose in creating the site I think is obvious; it’s a clearing house of information about our city. I know that Councilman Saunders has conducted an interview with IrondaleToday and some of Councilman Bearden’s newsletters have been posted on the site. I hope more people will get involved.
IT: Is there anything you’d like to add?
CC: Yes, congratulations are in order for some of Irondale’s own. Public Works Director, Delan Davis was named the Best Public Works Director in the state. Delan and his crew work tirelessly to keep our city’s public face the best it can be. Secondly, I want to congratulate the students, faculty and staff of the Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School in Irondale for being selected the second top rated school in the nation by Newsweek magazine. It’s not the first time that JCIB has been listed among the elite schools in the country and I’m sure it won’t be the last. We’ve got a lot to be proud of.
Editor's Note: Councilman Christopher Crews is the brother of IrondaleToday's managing editor, Colin Crews.
