The secret appointment of Lee Boozer as Northport's new City Council member for District One is a total perversion of the democratic process.
I don't know Mr. Boozer and, based on Stephen Dethrage's excellent article in The Tuscaloosa News, I believe he may be a good choice. But, with three and a half years remaining before the next election, the citizens of District One should have had a say in this selection.
I understand that Alabama law allows city councils to choose a successor when a seat is vacated, but that doesn't make it democratic, which it certainly isn't.
I sincerely hope that Mr. Boozer will walk through his district, street by street, block by block, and house by house, to find out what the concerns are of the people who live here. Dennis Hambright, whose sad death set this selection process in motion, did just that. So did Hambright's predecessor, Judy Hayes. Mr. Boozer owes us the obligation to do the same. If he does this, he will enjoy the welcome and support of District One.