Birmingham, Ala-- Mayor Larry Langford's federal indictment this week could have a negative ripple effect on business recruiting and the area's image, according to some local elected leaders.
The case against the mayor comes as Jefferson County leaders face possible bankruptcy blamed on a multi-billion dollar debt, and it comes as Birmingham sees climbing violent crime rates.
"Within a few days time, we were announced to be in the top 10 for murders, and then we have our mayor indicted and although he is innocent until proven guilty, it still casts a pall over the city," said Valerie Abbott, a Birmingham City Council member.
Some elected leaders worry what message this sends to investors and the business community.
“It certainly didn't help any. It didn't help the county or the city. It didn't help our image, my son lives in Denver. He saw it on national television, wanted to know what's going on, and so this is certainly not something we need at this point in time," said Jefferson County Commissioner Jim Carns.
“Any time there is an allegation of wrong-doing, it effects all elected officials and we have to be about the process of assuring the county that the electorate will provide the type of leadership that is competent, honest and effective in moving the county or any elected organization forward," said Jefferson County Commissioner, William Bell.
Mayor Langford discounts the public impact of his case, arguing that news of his possible indictment has been public for months.
“You know, you can paint this picture any way you want to paint it. At the end of the day, the court situation will play itself out. The mayor's job will play itself out. I can assure you, people wanting to do business with the city are here to do business and we will do business," Langford said.
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