The Power of Mentorship

December 18, 2014

By Mahari A. McTier

I am who I am because of those who poured time, discipline, and love into me. Many of us can think back over our lives and identify those individuals who played instrumental roles both big and small. For some of us it was the teacher who told you that the sky was the limit, the mother who told you that you were beautiful regardless of what the world had to say, and the mentor who pushed you beyond your comfort limits to be great.
Having grown up without my father, having male surrogates and mentors was invaluable in teaching me how to be a man. Although my mom was superwoman, there are simply limitations that single moms face when raising young men. At each pivotal point in my life God sent the right person for that time to guide and advise me. From my Grandma Sadie to College Advisors and U.S. Congressmen, they all pushed me to be great.
Mentor relationships are one of the most powerful tools that can be used to transform our communities and save some of our young Black men and women. Programs like the Big Brother Big Sister Program and the strong work done by The 100 Black Men of America are changing lives. Many of our kids simply need to be exposed to things outside their closed environment. If each one of us reached back and became actively, I said actively, involved in the life of a young person we will see transformative change in the lives of our future generations. This commitment takes work, but the return on your investment of time is astronomical.
Let’s look at mentorship at work. I am blessed to be a part of an active mentorship triangle that encompasses myself and two other individuals, one 89 years old and the other 18. We all meet and talk several times a week. My mentor is Dr. Jesse Lewis, Sr. and my mentee is John Pitts of Ramsay High School.
I met John Pitts through a mentorship program. The City of Birmingham has a phenomenal program through JCCEO called the ‘Shadow an Executive Program’. I volunteered for the program and had the opportunity to work with Mr. Pitts. I was so impressed with him, not only did I become his mentor, my firm hired him. Dr. Lewis did the same for me. Not only did he become my mentor, he hired me to be his Financial Advisor. We have as a team bought real estate, done business deals, made major investment decisions, and conversed over life’s challenges. We include John Pitts in all that we do. This is how he will become greater than Dr. Lewis and I. This only happens when people invest in each other. My learning curve is shortened by my relationship with Dr. Lewis and our expectations for Mr. Pitts is unimaginably high.
I encourage each of you to become a mentor. The rewards are unmatched. Be a blessing to a young “Black male or female who is crying out for a hand to hold, for advice to make the right life decisions, and exposure to unlock their greatness!
(Mahari A. McTier is a Financial Advisor with Tier 1 Advisors, LLC and can be reached at maharimctier.tier1@gmail.com.)

Good Ideas are Bigger Than Political Parties

Birmingham Times

December 18, 2014

Without question, the biggest issue facing our state legislature this spring will be funding our state budgets, and specifically addressing the crisis in the General Fund budget. While the Education Trust Fund is expected to be in decent shape, Gov. Bentley has projected a potential shortfall of anywhere between $250 million and $700 million in the General Fund budget.
Several solutions to this budget shortfall have been proposed. Last week, I announced my intentions to sponsor a state lottery, as well as a resolution calling on the governor to negotiate a compact with the Poarch Creek Indians. Both of these proposals have been suggested for years, mostly by Alabama Democrats. But in recent weeks, more and more Republicans have said they are considering these proposals.
Another solution that has been thrown out there is closing certain corporate tax loopholes. These loopholes have mostly only benefited out-of-state corporations, and are not given to Alabama businesses. For years, Democrats in the Alabama legislature have proposed closing these loopholes, but the legislature never brought these proposals up for consideration.
Now many Republican legislators and leaders have publicly said they are looking into the possibility of closing these loopholes.
I, for one, am glad to see our legislature take some of these issues more seriously. When Democrats first introduced these bills a couple of years ago, the Legislative Fiscal Office estimated that closing these loopholes could generate $60 million in new revenue. While that $60 million by itself won’t plug the hole in the budget, it would go a log way toward getting us there – especially if we successfully negotiate a compact with the Poarch Creek Indians.
I also strongly agree with Sen. Del Marsh, who said last week that, “We have to make sure the [tax] incentives we provide are actually creating new jobs.”
During the last legislative session, House Democrats introduced as a part of our platform the “Job Creation and Taxpayer Protection Act.” This bill would have required any businesses receiving a tax incentive from the state to commit to creating a number of jobs and keeping those jobs in the state for at least five years. If the business failed to create these jobs or did not maintain these jobs for five years, then the business would have been required to pay back the incentives it had received. This is known as a “clawback provision.”
Unfortunately, the “Job Creation and Taxpayer Protection Act” was never brought up for consideration – not even in committee. But after reading Sen. Marsh’s statement, I’m hopeful that maybe now the legislature will be more open to this Act or a similar bill.
The bottom line is that good ideas are bigger than political parties, and I am thrilled to see Republican legislators warming up to these proposals. Politics has become so partisan these days. And while it’s important to have competing visions and proposals in government, moderation is always preferable to extremism.
Partisanship should never come at the expense of statesmanship. The problems our state is facing are big. It will take big ideas, and men and women who are big enough to overcome their differences, to solve them.
Rep. Craig Ford is a Democrat from Gadsden and the Minority Leader in the Alabama House of Representatives.

Inside the Statehouse

Birmingham Times

December 18, 2014

by Steve Flowers

As we approach the end of the political year, a few thoughts and observations on 2014 political happenings in the Heart of Dixie.

Jim Sumner retired as Executive Director of the Alabama Ethics Commission in October. He had been Ethics Commission Chairman for 16 years. Jim had an outstanding career in state public service that spanned 35 years. Prior to heading the Ethics Commission, he worked as an Administrative Assistant to Bill Baxley, while Baxley was Attorney General and Lt. Governor. He also lobbied for the University of Alabama. The only other person in state politics as meticulous and detail oriented as Sumner is Seth Hammett. Jim’s proudest accomplishment as Ethics Chairman was his success in 2010-2012, in garnering more power for the commission by allowing them subpoena power.
Next year will not be completely void of politics. The Republican Party will have an election for Party Chairman. Bill Armistead, who had a four-year successful run as chairman, will not seek reelection.
Montgomery is looking at the probability of a lively mayor’s race. Incumbent Mayor Todd Strange has not said whether or not he will run. If he does, he will be challenged. One likely challenger may be former Birmingham Congressman Artur Davis. The nomadic politician moved to Virginia to run for Congress. He now wants to move back to his hometown to run for mayor.
The elections of John Merrill as Secretary of State and Jim Ziegler as State Auditor have cast a historical slant on this year’s elections. For well over a century there has been a “secret society” made up of fraternities and sororities at the University of Alabama known as the Machine. It is essentially a political party made up of Greek members at the Capstone.
The success of the Machine has been amazing. Many of the Machine alumni have gone on to become Alabama’s most renowned political leaders. Included in the list of Machine products are Senators Lister Hill and John Sparkman, Congressmen Carl Elliott, Jack Edwards, Walter Flowers, Armistead Selden and Bill Dickinson, Governor Don Siegelman, Lt. Gov. Bill Baxley and State Senator Roger Bedford.
In the past 100 years, there have only been seven University of Alabama students who beat the Machine to become SGA President on their own. Two of these seven are John Merrill and Jim Ziegler. They will be sworn in as constitutional office holders in January.
New 1st District congressman, Bradley Byrne, has taken to Congress like a duck to water. He has had a stellar first year in Washington. He maneuvered the Washington labyrinth to get the perfect committee assignments for his district. He has established excellent communication with and input from his constituents. He has assembled a capable staff. He has garnered the respect of his congressional colleagues with reasonable speeches on the floor all geared towards helping his district.
While this should come as no surprise given Bradley Byrne’s vast political experience, he had some big shoes to fill following Jo Bonner, who had represented Mobile/Baldwin and southwest Alabama counties bordering the Port City in excellent fashion for over a decade. The district has had a history of strong representation prior to Bonner. Byrne’s mentors, Sonny Callahan and Jack Edwards, were outstanding representatives and watchdogs for the old Mobile 1st District.
However, four years from now when Bradley realizes the pragmatism that the Washington seniority system limits his leadership in the U.S. House to a 20 year wait, he may wade into the 2018 gubernatorial waters.
As the Governor and Legislature await the beginning of the new quadrennium, gargantuan financial problems are looming in the state’s beleaguered General Fund. Medicaid is a money eating monster that has to be dealt with immediately. The same is true of prisons.
Shelby County State Senator Cam Ward has carved out a niche as an expert and go to guy when it comes to the Department of Corrections and prison overcrowding. His reasonable and statesman like approach has brought him high regard and respect among his colleagues and Goat Hill observers, despite his young age. Most observers see State Senator Cam Ward as a formidable candidate for either lieutenant governor or attorney general in 2018, if he chooses to run statewide. Both offices will be open and incumbent free next time.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His column appears weekly in 72 Alabama newspapers. Steve served 16 years in the state legislature. He may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

Classifieds

Birmingham Times

December 18, 2014

Employment

Wanted Senior Citizen that
would like to supplement income
Housekeeper
For light housework every 2 weeks for 3
hours. Must have references. You may
contact the following number:
(205) 213-5824
BT12/18/14
____________________
Home Stager

The Assembly Doctor
Do you need your furniture arranged? (or)
Do you need your furniture or other items assembled?
Call the doctor 205-588-8111
BT12/18/14
___________________
DRIVERS

Drivers, CDL-A:
Home EVERY Weekend!
ALL Loaded/Empty Miles Paid! Dedicated Southeast!
Or Walk Away Lease, No Money Down.
For more information Call 1-855-971-8522
BT12/18/14
____________
AUTOMOBILE

2008 Ram Pick up
Quad Cab, Gold
Hemi 5.7 cruise
Call Sam at
205-815-6454

2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Power Train Factory Warranty
Leather, Sunroof
Unique paint Must See
Call Ladarius at
205-380-0593

2006 Chevy HHR
Red, Family fun
Call Sam at
205-815-6454

2011 Dodge Avenger
Leather Red cruise
Sharp Call Cynthia at
205-380-0593

2005 Mazda Tribute
Leather, Silver Cruise
Call Ladarius at
205-380-0593

2009 Honda Odyssey
White, Sunroof, Leather
Power rear and side doors
$1000.00 down and you drive
Ask for James Lewis
205-491-8484

2005 Toyota Highlander
Metallic Blue, Automatic
V-6 Leather,3rd row seat
$1,000 down ask for
James Lewis at 205-491-8484

2012 Honda Accord
V-6 Power sunroof
Leather, Hands free talking
$1,000.00 gets you in
Ask for James Lewis
205-491-8484
BT12/18/14
_________________________________
LEGAL

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION

The Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority will receive pre-qualification requests from Alabama Contractors for:

Forum Meeting Space Renovation

This will be for the use of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority, Birmingham, Alabama. Pre-qualified General Contractors will be required to make a good faith effort to include MBE and DBE companies in the execution of this project.

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by Jerry Nelms at 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N, Birmingham, AL 35203 until Friday, January 16, 2015 at 5:00 PM CST. The original and two (2) duplicates of submittals are required for pre-qualification approval.

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

The project consists of a complete architectural finish upgrade to the second and third floors of the BJCC Forum Building (approximately 56,000 SF), in addition to engineering modifications including lighting and AV upgrades, as well as minor plumbing, HVAC, fire alarm, and fire sprinkler work.

B. PRIME CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Prime contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal.

Only prime contractor bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and that have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. Prospective Bidder’s Pre-qualification Package must be received by Jerry Nelms no later than 5:00 PM CST on January 16, 2015 after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect upon written request.

The pre-qualification procedure is intended to identify responsible and competent prime contractor bidders relative to the requirements of the Project. Each prospective prime contractor bidder will be notified of the results of the pre-qualification, no later than 5:00 PM CST on January 21, 2015.

The Owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in applications, or abandon the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the Owner appear to be promoted thereby. Prime contractor bidders interested in submitting a proposal must apply for pre-qualification and must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, and Code of Alabama, 1975. A copy of current Alabama Contractors license is to be included in pre-qualification submittal.

Progress Design and Construction Documents:
Beginning January 07, 2015, a 90% review set will be available for examination by interested bidders at the following location:

Architect:
Ghafari Associates, LLC
2816 6th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233
1-205-585-5535
sheywood@ghafari.com

Questions concerning the specifications of this solicitation should be directed to Jerry Nelms, Facility Engineer, at (205) 458-8409 or email Jerry.Nelms@bjcc.org.
Sharon Proctor
Purchasing Coordinator
Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority
BT12/18/14
________________________
ADVERTISEMENT for BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATION
And NOTICE of INTENT to RECEIVE BIDS
from PREQUALIFIED BIDDERS

Pre-qualification submittals will be received by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, Jared Sparks, on behalf of Office of the Associate Vice President, Facilities & Capital Projects, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Alabama Board of Trustees at UAB Hospital Planning, 2020 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294 until 2:00pm local time on Monday, December 22, 2014. The original and two (2) duplicates, together with a PDF formatted electronic version, of submittals are required for pre-qualification approval; however, facsimile transmission copies may be transmitted to the Project Manager at (205) 975-7000 to expedite the review process with hard-copies of the submittals to be delivered within 24 hours.

CENTER FOR PSYCHIATRIC MEDICINE
UAB CPM 7th FLOOR PSYCHIATRY RENOVATION
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
UAB PROJECT # H155001

A. SCOPE OF WORK:

The scope of work consists of an interior renovation of the Seventh and Second Floors for use as outpatient office/clinical space for the UAB Department of Psychiatry. The renovation includes limited demolition and new construction of walls, limited mechanical reconfiguration and new electrical work. The Center for Psychiatric Medicine Building is located at 1713 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama, 35233. The work will be performed within an operating Hospital and care will be taken to limit disruptions. Work will be performed under strict infection control and security guidelines to ensure the safety of patients and staff. The contractor will be responsible for and should have experience in performing work in operating Hospitals and be experienced with the implementation of infection control requirements, interim life safety measures, constructing and maintaining required barriers, coordinating shutdowns, maintaining a clean and organized job site and generally with performing construction in a functioning Hospital.

B. PRIME CONTRACTOR BIDDER PRE-QUALIFICATIONS:

Only prime contractor bidders who have completed the pre-qualification process and that have been approved will be eligible to submit a bid for the Project. Prospective Bidder’s Pre-qualification Package must be received by the Owner’s Project Manager no later than 2:00pm local time on Monday, December 22, 2014 after which no further requests will be considered.

Pre-qualification Requirements Information Package may be obtained from the Architect upon letterhead request.

The Owner reserves the right to waive technical errors in applications, or abandon the pre-qualification process, should the interests of the Owner appear to be promoted thereby.

Progress Design and Construction Documents:
Prior to the pre-qualification deadline, project progress plans and specifications may be examined at the following location:

Architect:
POOLE & COMPANY ARCHITECTS, LLC
2 NORTH 20th STREET, SUITE 1610
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35203
(205) 326-2206
(205) 326-2201
jpoole@pooleandcompany.com

C. BIDS BY PRE-QUALIFIED PRIME GENERAL CONTRACTOR BIDDERS

Documents:
After notice to pre-qualified bidders is given, the pre-qualified prime contractor bidders may obtain bid documents for purchase through a DPR site at Alabama Graphics, 2801 Fifth Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233.

Bid documents will be available on Tuesday, January 6, 2014 at the following locations after notice to pre-qualified bidders is given. Drawings and specifications may be examined at the Office of the Architect; McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge, 3000 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233; at the AGC Internet Plan Room, 5000 Grantswood Road, Irondale, AL 35210; at the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority, 3600 Fourth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35222; and at the Reed Construction Data Office, 30 Technology Pkwy, South, Suite 500, Norcross, GA 30092-2912.

Bonds:
A certified check or bid bond payable to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Statutory Labor and Material Payment Bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract.

Bids:
Bids must be submitted on proposal forms or copies thereof furnished by the Architect. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject bids if such action is determined to be in the best interest of the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to revoke pre-qualification of any bidder in accordance with Section 39-2-12, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended in 1997 (by Act 97-225). The Bid Date is Thursday, January 29, 2014 at 2:00 PM CST at the UAB 2020 Building Large Conference Room.

Proposals may be hand delivered or received by mail on the date of the bid opening by the Owner’s Representative/Project Manager, Jared Sparks, 2020 Building, 20 University Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama, 35249, until 12:00 Noon. After 12:00 Noon of the date of the bid opening proposals must be hand delivered and presented at the bid opening. Sealed proposals shall be submitted in triplicate and shall be properly identified. All proposals received after 2:00 P.M. on January 29, 2014 will be returned unopened.

Nonresident Prime Contractor Bidders:
Under Section 39-3-5, Code of Alabama, 1975, nonresident prime contractor bidders must accompany any written bid documents with a written opinion of an attorney licensed to practice law in such nonresident prime contractor bidder’s state of domicile as to the preferences, if any or none, granted by the law of the state to its own business entities whose principal place of business are in that state in the letting of any or all public contracts. Resident prime contractors in Alabama, as defined in Section 39-2-12, are granted preference over nonresident prime contractors in awarding of contracts in the same manner and to the same extent as provided by the laws of the state of domicile of the nonresident.

Fire Alarm Work
In accordance with Title 34, Chapter 33A (the ACT), of the Code of Alabama 1975, bidders for fire alarm work of this project, if any, must include with their bid evidence of licensure as required by the ACT by including with the bid submittal a valid State Fire Marshall’s permit.

D. PRE-BID CONFERENCE
A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2014 at 10:00am local time at the UAB 2020 Building Large Conference Room. It is mandatory that all pre-qualified prime contractor bidders attend the Pre-Bid Conference.
BT12/18/14
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INVITATION FOR BIDS

The Jefferson County Commission will receive bids for the ROSEDALE SIDEWALKS – PHASE 2 PROJECT (CDBG12-03L-M05-RS2) at Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse until 9:00 a.m. local time on the 6th day of January, 2015 , at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Any bid to be delivered by hand or mail prior to the above time or at a different place shall be at the full risk of the bidder. Such bids may be delivered or mailed to the Jefferson County Office of Community and Economic Development, at 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203. If for any reason such bid does not reach Room 270 of the Jefferson County Courthouse prior to the opening, it may be rejected. No bids shall be accepted after the time stated for receipt of bids. This requirement shall not be waived.

All bids must be submitted on bid forms furnished, or copy thereof, and must be in a sealed envelope. The outside of the envelope should contain the following:

(1) “SEALED BID”; (2) “DO NOT OPEN”; (3) PROJECT NAME AND NUMBER;
4) PROJECT OFFICER: “FELICIA SMITH”; (5) CONTRACTOR’S NAME AND ADDRESS; (6) ALABAMA LICENSE NUMBER; (7) CONTRACTOR’S DUNS NUMBER.

Bids are invited upon the work generally described as follows:

The work includes, but is not limited to providing all necessary materials, labor, equipment, tools, transportation and services to construct various sidewalk improvements, including: clearing, grubbing and disposal of debris; approximately 20 C.Y. of earth grading and moving (cut and fill); approximately 900 LF of 5’ wide concrete sidewalks with compacted soil base; three (3) ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps; one (1) 6’ wide painted crosswalk; one (1) 9’ x 5’ covered bus shelter with 4’ integrated bench and 11’ x 6’ x 4” concrete slab with 4” compacted stone base; existing sidewalk modifications and signage relocations; various erosion control measures; site restoration; and other minor miscellaneous site work in accordance
with the plans and specifications.

Bids must be accompanied by a certified check payable to the order of Jefferson County, Alabama, negotiable U.S. Government Bonds (at par value), or a satisfactory Bid Bond executed by the bidder and an acceptable surety, in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total of the bid amount but not to exceed $10,000.00, for the ROSEDALE SIDEWALKS – PHASE 2 PROJECT (CDBG12-03L-M05-RS2).

The bid security is to become the property of the owner in the event that: (1) the bidder fails to meet any of the qualifications required in the bid specifications stated herein; (2) the bidder misrepresents or falsifies any information required to be provided by the owner; (3) for any reason that the bidder fails to qualify, causing his bid to be withdrawn or rejected and such withdrawal or rejection results in delay or substantial additional expense to the owner; (4) the contract and bond are not executed within the time set forth, as liquidated damages for the delay and additional expense of the owner caused thereby.

Bid documents are on file and will be available for examination at the JEFFERSON COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Suite A-430, Birmingham, Alabama 35203; the BIRMINGHAM CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AUTHORITY, 601 37th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35222, and through ALABAMA AGC – ISQFT PLAN ROOM, 2801 5th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

The bid package may be obtained by depositing $ 100.00 with ENGINEERING SERVICE ASSOCIATES, INC., 5300 Cahaba River Road, Suite 250, Birmingham, AL 35243 (205-970-0772) for each set of documents so obtained. Such deposit will be refunded in full on the first set issued to each general contract bidder submitting a bonafide bid, upon return of documents in good condition within ten days of bid date. Other sets for general contractors, and sets for subcontractors and dealers, may be obtained with the same deposit, which will be refunded as above, less cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution of the contract documents.

Bidders are advised that submitted bids bind the bidders to the “Bid Conditions Setting Forth Affirmative Action Requirements for all Non‑Exempt Federal and Federally‑assisted Construction Contracts to be awarded in Jefferson, Shelby and Walker Counties, Alabama, “also known as the Birmingham Hometown Plan.

Attention is called to the fact that not less than the minimum salaries and wages as set forth in the contract documents must be paid on this project, and that the contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

All bidders be advised that this contract is subject to Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development act of 1968, as amended, (12 USC l701U) which if it is in excess of $100,000, requires that to the “greatest extent feasible”, opportunities for training and employment be given lower income residents of the project area and contracts for work in connection with the project be awarded to business concerns which are: (1) 51 percent or more owned by section 3 residents; or (2) Whose permanent, full-time employees include persons, at least 30 percent of whom are currently section 3 residents, or within three years of the date of first employment with the business concern were section 3 residents; or (3) That provides evidence of commitment to subcontract in excess of 25 percent of the dollar award of all subcontracts to be awarded to business concerns that meet the qualifications set forth in paragraphs (1) or (2) in this definition of “section 3 business concern.”

All bidders must be licensed by the State of Alabama Licensing Board of General Contractors, as required by Chapter 8 of Title 34 of the Code of Alabama 1975 as amended.

The Jefferson County Commission reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to waive any informalities in the bidding.

This project will be funded in its entirety (100%) with Federal Community Development Block Grant Funds.

No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of Sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of bids to allow the Jefferson County Commission to review the bids and investigate the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding the contract.
BT12/18/14
________________
FAIRFIELD ALABAMA HOUSING AUTHORITY
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFPs)
FOR
FORENSIC FINANCIAL AUDIT SERVICE

I. SCOPE OF SERVICES:
Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority (FAHA) will accept competitive sealed proposals for an organization, firm and/or individual to conduct Forensic Financial Audit Services in accordance with the United States Department of Housing and Development’s Regulations for Public Housing Authorities. The Financial Audit Services will be conducted at FAHA’S Central Office located at 6704 Avenue D, Fairfield, Alabama 35064.
II.    PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
The period of performance for conducting Forensic Financial Audits of FAHA Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program will be FYE 2008-2009 through FYE 2013-2014 to confirm the Net Restricted Assets (NRA) and any monies owed between the Public Housing and HCV Program accordance to the 24 CFR 225 and any other Federal Regulation and Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority’s Cost Allocation Plan.
III.   SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Interested proposers must respond with the following:
A.      Description of how the Financial Audit will be conducted, including time frames. A detailed description must include an explanation of:
1.      The methods used to conduct the financial audit.
2.      Thorough description of respondents proposed system of conducting financial audits.
3.      List of the specific deliverables the FAHA will receive.
4.      Written description of proposers understanding of the required Forensic Financial Audit for FAHA.
5.      Written evidence of proposers Financial Audit experience.
6.      Written summary profiles of proposers firm’s principles, staff and associates who may be assigned to this project with job titles/ descriptions.
7.      Fixed price cost estimate.
8.      Statement of proposer’s provision of Equal Opportunities, without regard to race, sex, color, religion, age or national origin.
9.      Statement of proposers ability of firm to conform to all applicable Codes, Regulations and Executive Orders with respect to prohibitions against wage kickbacks, or rebate, rates of compensation, workplace safety and health standards of compensation, and applicable Laws set forth in the Copeland Anti-Kickback, Davis-Bacon Act Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and the Byrd Amendments.
Deadline to submit one (1) proposal and credential is 4:00 PM on December 22, 2014 at the address listed below. RFP(s) can be obtained Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at:

Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority
6704 Avenue D
Fairfield, Alabama 35064

ALL PROPOSALS MUST BE DELIVERED ONLY TO THE ADDRESS REFERENCED ABOVE. For more information contact Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority’s Executive Director 205-923-8017 ext 225 or seady@fairfieldha.org . The Fairfield Alabama Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Contracting Agency.
BT12/18/14

Finance and High School

Birmingham Times

December 18, 2014

By: John Pitts
Special To The Times

Have you ever asked a high school student a question about finances? The probable response is a barrage of information about what they have purchased. Since students spend more time at school than any other place, why does high school not teach students about money management? Do not get me wrong it is highly helpful in life to be able to explain how cells reproduce, know that the Louisiana Purchase was one of the best land deals of all times, write an essay in 40 minutes about a random unknown article, and be able calculate the derivative of a reciprocal function in less than 2 minutes. After you master these useful skills how do you use them to say, balance a checkbook? Write a resume, correctly? Invest in assets? Or even differentiate between a checking and a savings account. How can students know to start saving as soon as they get their first job? How can students learn not to spend their money on liabilities? How can students be prepared for life after the enclosure of high school? Beats me, the current high school curriculum only prepares students for four years of college, not a lifetime.

An answer to the dilemma would be to incorporate a real financial literacy program in Birmingham Public Schools. An exclusive academic-based partnership with a bank or organization would be a great idea that could diminish the ignorance of money management among high school students. Becoming financially literate is a must in today’s world. Whether high school students go to the military, the work force, or college, academics will only prepare graduates for a few years but money management and financial literacy will excel them throughout a lifetime.

(John Pitts is a senior at Ramsay High School and is an Executive Assistant at Tier 1 Advisors, LLC. He can be reached at johnpitts1996@gmail.com)

Jenkins Era Begins at Alabama State

Birmingham Times

December 18, 2014

MONTGOMERY – “During this entire process the name of Brian Jenkins is the one that continued to come up,” Interim Athletic Director Melvin Hines said. “Everywhere I turned, everyone I talked to, everyone kept mentioning Brian Jenkins.” And with that the Brian Jenkins era has started at Alabama State University.
After five years at Bethune-Cookman University where he won an incredible 76 percent of his games and before a standing-room only crowd in the Club Lounge at New ASU Stadium, Jenkins has become the 26th head football coach at Alabama State.
“The opportunity is now, the opportunity is here and it’s time for us, not I, but us to get it done,” Jenkins said. “We have enough in place. There’s some work that can still be done, but we have to do it. I don’t want anyone to look at me as the answer; you have to first look at yourself and then come together and get it done.”
In his five years as a head coach at BCU, he had a 46-14 record, and that includes a 34-6 conference record in the MEAC. He led BCU to three NCAA FCS playoff appearances and had two wins over FBS teams.
After all of the accomplishments of his teams at BCU over the past five years, he was asked what intrigued him about coming to the SWAC to become a head coach. His answer was, “What intrigued me the most was ASU,” Jenkins said. “ASU is a phenomenal university. I think it is a hidden gem, I really do.”
“When you walk around town and get greeted by genuine people who enjoy each other, when you have leadership like you have here, when you have the facilities that you have, when you still have the potential for growth, when you have people who have a vision and have determination and who are never satisfied and want more, that should intrigue you enough and because of that it is a major attraction to me.”
Jenkins is looking to put a staff together over the next few days and to hit the recruiting trail. “Alabama is a powerhouse football state and a lot of people don’t know that,” Jenkins said. “People say Florida, California, Texas, but they don’t come to Alabama like they should. If we recruit 100 miles north, south east and west, we can attract enough players to build a program. I have some work to do, I’m unfamiliar with the territory of Alabama, but I’m not unfamiliar with recruiting.”
“We will hit the road running. We are in the process of recruiting some guys right now. I will take some of the consideration from the staff members that are on board and there are some Florida players and some out-of-state players that I think will fit as well, but I think the number one thing we need to do is sell ASU to Alabama. If we can do that in the right manner, I think we will be successful. So I’m going to put our ground roots of recruiting in the state of Alabama.”
Jenkins first official day at Alabama State will be January 1.

BET Celebrates The Reason For The Season with “The Bobby Jones Gospel Christmas Special”

Birmingham Times

December 18, 2014

NEW YORK, N.Y. – The longest running original series on cable television, “Bobby Jones Gospel,” will present a Christmas special on Sunday, December 21, at 9 a.m. ET/PT.
“The Bobby Jones Gospel Christmas Special” stars gospel legend Pastor Shirley Caesar as she sets the tone of the show performing “What You Gonna Name Your Baby.” To bring in the Christmas cheer, gospel icon Vickie Winans adds some soul to “Jingle Bells” while Erica Campbell puts her twist on “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” Young gospel sensation Jonathan McReynolds sings “Mary Did You Know”, while the soulful Howard University Gospel Choir performs “Celebrate the Wonder.” The Christmas special is topped off with a performance from Bobby Jones & the Nashville Super Choir singing “Go Tell It On the Mountain” and Christmas favorite “Silent Night.”
Tune in every Sunday morning for joyous performances and riveting interviews from gospel music’s most talented entertainers, choirs, evangelists, and others. Guests include Yolanda Adams, Hezekiah Walker, Karen Clark Sheard, Deitrick Haddon, Tye Tribbett, LeAndria Johnson, Byron Cage, Dorinda Clark Cole, Donald Lawrence, Tamela Mann, James Fortune & FIYA plus new artists every week just to name a few. New episodes air every Sunday at 9 a.m. on BET.

For video sneak peeks and first looks of “ BOBBY JONES GOSPEL” visit BET.com/bobbyjonesgospel. Viewers can also find series updates on Facebook by liking the fan page at facebook.com/BETgospel. Join the conversation by following the show on Twitter @BETGospel using #BobbyJonesGospel.

Integrity Bible Church to Present “A Christmas to Remember”

Birmingham Times

December 18, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Integrity Bible Church (IBC) Children’s Church Ministry will present “A Christmas to Remember” on Sunday, Dec. 21, in the sanctuary at 216 Roebuck Dr., in Birmingham. The event will be held during the 11 a.m. worship service. This Christmas pageant will feature a skit, music, praise dances and more. The event is free and open to the public. For more details, or for directions to IBC, visit the website at www.integritybiblechurch.org.

Vain Customs!

Birmingham Times

December 18, 2014

by Electra Adams

Happy Holidays! I love the days ahead, Christmas and the New Year season! I chuckle though, when I hear well-meaning Christians arguing their position on declaring the true meaning of our celebrations. It is most honorable that we are to the defense of “Christ” in these holidays; but let us not argue in vain. I am persuaded that whatever we do under the title and in the vein of Christianity, we must do according to the absolute truth. Jesus declared that those who worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth.
For a little history: The truth is that the Lord our Saviour, Jesus Christ was born in the month of April. However, there were many under- world or pagan gods born or re-born on December 25th. This celebration finds its roots in Babylonian culture. Their winter solstice is the day of the year where daylight is the shortest. December 25th was the date each year when days became noticeably longer. Thus, it was fitting for the early pagans to designate this as the date of the re-birth of the sun god. Thousands of years before Santa Claus, there was the god Nimrod who supposedly visited a tree and left gifts every December 25th. According to ancient Babylonian traditions, Semiramis (who eventually became known as the goddess Astarte/ Asherah/ Ashtoreth/Isis/Ishtar/Easter in their pagan religions) claimed that after the untimely death of her son/husband Nimrod (yes, she married her own son), a full grown evergreen tree sprang up overnight from a dead tree stump and left gifts celebrating the anniversary of his birth. This is the true origin of the Christmas tree. (We will finish this next week).
Jesus came to buy our liberty! Let no man therefore, judge you in meat, or in drink or in respect of a holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshy mind.
Christians, most often, error in two verbal wars, (1) keeping Christ in Christmas, (2) Declaring that Christmas has become all about money. Studies show that from the 12th century through 17th century, this holiday was all about money and selfishness; so much that it was banned in the 17th century. As its counterpart Halloween, this pagan culture permitted death, bloodshed and other acts of violence during this season of celebration, even by children, hence the toys emphasis (next week) . It was reborn late 17th to 18th century by the Catholic order; influenced by commerce. The Catholic Church cleaned it up for us, the church today.
My conclusion for this week: Let every man be persuaded by his own opinion. You must determine why you do what you do! If you find any holiday to be a hardship, remember, this is not a God-inflicted wound but a man made tradition.
Let’s talk about it. I value your opinion. This Christmas give the gift of self. Be a blessing to somebody in need! His Glory!

Motown Gospel Recording Artist Anita Wilson Receives Grammy Nomination for Her New Album “VINTAGE WORSHIP”

Birmingham Times

December 18, 2014

CHICAGO, Ill.— Motown Gospel Recording Artist Anita Wilson is having an amazing week as she has received her second Grammy nomination for her new album Vintage Worship in the “Best Gospel Album” category for the 57th Annual Grammy Awards taking place on February 8, 2015 at the Staple Center.
In addition, Anita has also been honored by the city of Fresno, California with a Proclamation declaring December 5th as “Anita Wilson Day.” Appearing at the Westside Church of God in Fresno, Anita’s music has a special meaning to one City Council member, as it was her music that Jesse Andrews listened to everyday while sick earlier this year and motivated him back to health.
“This has been such a remarkable week!” states Anita. “From receiving the Grammy nomination to receiving the proclamation…it really shows the power of music!”
Currently, Anita’s new single “Keep Doing What You’re Doing” is climbing up the radio charts as its currently in the Top 25 on the Gospel charts. Fans can check out the video for the single exclusively on her site www.msanitawilson.com.

For more information on Anita Wilson and her appearances log onto www.msanitawilson.com and follow her on Twitter/Instagram @MsAnitaWilson and her Facebook page Anita Wilson.

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