Christy Bobo Ascends To Council Presidency As Northport Looks To Fill Vacant Seat

NORTHPORT, AL — District 1 Councilwoman and Council President Pro Tempore Christy Bobo has ascended to the role of council president following the resignation of former District 5 Councilman Jeff Hogg on Thursday.

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As Patch previously reported, Hogg abruptly resigned amid backlash after news broke that the city was moving forward on a public-private partnership for a $350 million resort-style water park.

Hogg cited threats to his personal safety and the impact of the backlash on his private-sector job selling commercial insurance as the reasons for stepping down near the end of his second term in office.

"While so much input to me has been incredibly positive, over the last 6 months, my family and I have encountered physical threats, death threats, and harassing communications," Hogg said in his letter of resignation. "These actions have also had an adverse effect on my career and future with my employer, who has also encountered these negative communications. This has the potential to negatively affect my family's livelihood, as well as the livelihood of all the people I work with on a daily basis."

Elected to the Council in October 2020, Bobo is a lifelong Northport native and graduate of both Tuscaloosa County High School and the University of Alabama. Prior to winning her first term in office, Bobo was the first woman in the city's history to be appointed to a council seat.

In an announcement on Friday, the city said the council will now begin the process of selecting a new pro tempore from among its members.

What's more, the city cited Alabama law in saying that the City Council now has 60 days to fill any vacant council seat for the remaining term.

As was seen during the process that saw Karl Wiggins appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey to the District 3 seat vacated by Mayor John Hinton, if the vacancy is not filled by the City Council within 60 days, then each council member and the mayor may submit a name to the governor for consideration.

Those requesting additional information are asked to City Administrator Glenda Webb at (205) 339-7000 or via email at gwebb@cityofnorthport.org.

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