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Wendell Mitchell (September 4, 1940 – February 4, 2012) was a Democratic member of the Alabama Senate, representing the 30th district from 1990 to 2010. He previously represented the 28th district from 1974 to 1978, and again from 1982 to 1983.[1][2]
Wendell Mitchell | |
|---|---|
 Portrait of Senator Wendell Mitchell painted by Joel Sidney Kelly | |
| Member of the Alabama Senate | |
| In office November 6, 1990 – November 2, 2010 | |
| Preceded by | Foy Covington, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Bryan Taylor |
| Constituency | 30th district |
| In office November 2, 1982 – November 8, 1983 | |
| Preceded by | Cordy Taylor |
| Succeeded by | Danny Corbett |
| Constituency | 28th district |
| In office November 5, 1974 – November 7, 1978 | |
| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | Cordy Taylor |
| Constituency | 28th district |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 4, 1940 Montgomery, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | February 4, 2012 (aged 71) Montgomery, Alabama, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Rosalind |
| Profession | Professor of Law at Faulkner University |
Biography
editMitchell was a conservative Democratic senator who was known for working across party lines to build better schools, recruit industry, and fund important projects in his district. In 2007, Mitchell’s colleagues in the Senate voted him to the position of Deputy President Pro Tempore.
Mitchell ran in Alabama's 2nd congressional district in 1978, against the incumbent Republican William L. Dickinson. He was defeated with 46.0% of the vote.[3]
Mitchell was chairman of the standing committee on Governmental Affairs in the Senate and chairman of the Joint House–Senate Committee on Energy. He also served as a voting member of every Senate committee by virtue of his position as Deputy President Pro Tempore.
Mitchell earned a bachelor's degree from Auburn University and a law degree from the University of Alabama. He was a past Dean of Jones Law School at Faulkner University and was still active as a Professor of Law at the institution until his death.
He died of congestive heart failure in February 2012.[4]
Accomplishments
editA champion for economic development, Mitchell used his experience to create new job opportunities in our area. His efforts included helping land new industries including Hyundai and SMART, as well as providing assistance to keep existing businesses growing.
As Senator for District 30, Mitchell fought for and won more than $36 million in funding for local projects that improved our community. These included the new vocational wing at Greenville High School, the new Health and Fitness Center in Prattville, the Agricultural Pavilion in Autauga County, the Miracle Field for handicapped individuals in Troy, a new baseball complex in Brantley, and equipment for various local fire departments.
Mitchell was a strong supporter of Troy University and Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, which are in his district, as well as being a champion for all educational programs throughout the six counties he represents.
He led the fight to bring prescription drug relief to seniors and to make sure that dollars for education aren’t spent on non-education items. Mitchell also authored the Alabama Religious Freedom Act to protect the free exercise of religion and sponsored a bill to protect teachers who present alternate points of view concerning human origins in the classroom.
References
edit- ^ Alabama Legislature (1975). Journal of the Alabama Senate, 1975 (organizational and first, second, and third special sessions). Alabama Legislature. p. 4.
- ^ Alabama Legislature (1983). Journal of the Alabama Senate, 1983 (organizational, first and second special sessions). Alabama Legislature. p. 4.
- ^ "Complete, Official 1978 Election Results". CQ Almanac. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- ^ "Former Alabama Senator 'Walking' Wendell Mitchell dies | The Montgomery Advertiser". montgomeryadvertiser.com. Retrieved February 5, 2012.