One of Birmingham’s Longest-Serving City Councilors Announces Retirement

By Barnett Wright The Birmingham Times One of Birmingham’s longest serving elected officials has announced her retirement. City Councilor, Valerie Abbott, who has represented Birmingham’s District 3 since 2001, said she plans to step down after her current term ends next year. She has served 6 terms, with each term lasting four years, and worked with six mayors beginning with Bernard Kincaid in 2001 through Randall Woodfin, the current mayor. Her 24 years on the council at the end of this term is second only to William Bell’s 25 (1979–2001 and 2005–2008) as far as longevity in the City of Birmingham. “It’s time for me to step aside and let a younger person begin the public service journey,” she said. “It takes a couple of terms to really learn how the public sector functions, because it’s not like the private sector. I have been searching for a successor for several years now, because I can’t leave in good conscience unless District 3 is in capable, honest hands.” Abbott currently serves as chair of the Planning and Zoning Committee and a member of the Administration, Budget and Finance, Governmental Affairs and Public Information, Public Improvements and Beautification committees. She is a...