Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford has filed a complaint with the Alabama Ethics Commission, asking for an investigation of Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange, according to a report Friday on the Alabama News Network. The complaint contends that the AG has filed amicus (friend of the court) briefs in cases for the benefit of companies that are not related to business in Alabama. The Mayor also has reportedly asked the US Attorney General’s office to investigate.
In mostly unrelated matters, House Speaker Mr. Hubbard was convicted on Friday on 12 felony ethics charges. Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore has been suspended for multiple ethics code violations, including abuse of authority, and Alabama Governor Robert Bentley is under an impeachment investigation.
All but Hubbard have played a role in the closure of Victoryland. Hubbard’s only recent mention in regards to Victoryland was his lawyer invoking Judge William Shashy’s ruling last fall, which was overturned by the supreme court, that said the state shouldn’t “cherry pick” whom to prosecute.
The closure of the Shorter, Alabama bingo casino and racetrack cost the people of Tuskegee and Macon County as many as 2,000 jobs.
Victoryland owner, Milton McGregor has said that Victoryland will reopen despite the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling that it is an illegal gambling business. Mayor Ford expects the venue to be open by end of summer.