Hiring of J.W. Brannen as lobbyist sparks debate at Phenix City Council

Phenix City Council had pointed discussion during Monday’s work session over the city manager’s recommendation to hire retired Russell County chief tax appraiser J.W. Brannen as a lobbyist for the city.

Brannen, a longtime political figure in Russell County and former city council member who lost a bid for mayor 12 years ago, was at the work session as council debated City Manager Wallace Hunter’s request to pay Brannen $15,000 plus direct expenses to lobby in Montgomery.

Saying he now understood the potential needs for a lobbyist, council member Chris Blackshear raised the most questions about the possible hiring of Brannen. It is expected to be voted on at Tuesday’s 9 a.m. meeting.

“If we are going to say we need this and I am not totally sold that we do then are we doing the best we can do?” Blackshear said. “Why would we not go to Montgomery and get somebody who does this for a living?”

Hunter was quick to respond.

“I think we are,” he said. “We have somebody who is familiar with the structure of our government and our elected officials. Why would you spend $50,000 or $60,000 when we can spend up to $15,000?”

Hunter pointed specifically to Brannen’s relationship with Republican state Rep. Lesley Vance, who wrote last week a letter to Hunter supporting Brannen.

“As you know, all cities need someone in Montgomery when the Legislature is in session keeping an eye on what affects their city,” Vance wrote. “In my opinion, if you chose J.W. Brannen to (be) the legislative liaison for the city of Phenix City, you could not do better.”

Mayor Eddie Lowe, who said he received a number of citizen calls expressing concern about the contract, asked Brannen on two different occasions if he had been in discussions with the Russell County Commission about lobbying for the county. Brannen, 77, said he has not talked to Russell County officials about lobbying this session, but said there were discussions a year ago.

“You don’t have a good name,” Lowe told Brannen. “And that amazes me.”

"At least I have an honest name,” Brannen responded.

Hunter said hiring Brannen could help the city if the county attempts to raise the sales tax by 1 percent. That would take the Phenix City’s sales tax to nearly 9.75 percent and the county’s to 9 percent. The county needs legislative approval to raise the sales tax. Hunter said Phenix City needed a person to protect its interest if the county’s desire to raise the sales tax became a serious proposal.

If the city contracts with Brannen, it will hire his firm, Scenic Properties LLC, to do the lobbying work.

Council member Arthur Day voiced support for Brannen, while council member Jim Cannon bristled at the pushback he has been getting to the hiring.

“I am not saying I am for it or against it, but I don’t think you are going to know until you try it,” Cannon said. “Ex-council members are trying to tell this council what to do today. Nobody is going to tell Jim Cannon what to do.”

Council also discussed hiring Edwards Economics LLC, a consulting firm run by Judson Edwards, dean of Troy University’s Sorrell College of Business. Edwards would be paid $20,000 to assist Hunter in the hiring of a city planner that would help lead Phenix City’s economic development efforts.

This story was originally published February 2, 2015 at 6:49 PM with the headline "Hiring of J.W. Brannen as lobbyist sparks debate at Phenix City Council."