Little known law grabs attention of candidates

There's a little known law that has grabbed the attention of candidates trying to win superintendent of education elections in local counties.

The law requires candidates seeking the office to submit proof of their qualifications to the state superintendent's office and receive certification before qualifying for the party primaries.

It's a law that has caught most superintendent candidates in northwest Alabama by surprise.

"Because I had never run (for office) before, I didn't know about this law," said Lauderdale County Superintendent Bill Valentine, who was appointed in January 2006 to complete the term of Jerry Fulmer. He has qualified to seek the position again as a candidate in the Democratic primary.

"When I found out, I immediately sent my information in and received my approval letter back," he said.

Valentine's opponent in the June 3 primary, Jerry Hill, said he also was unaware of the stipulation, as did Republican challenger Scott Jones.

The requirements to run for superintendent include three years of successful educational experience as a teacher, principal, supervisor, superintendent, educational administrator or instructor in school administration. Those three years must have been completed during the previous five years leading up to the election or appointment.

State Superintendent Joe Morton has the authority to certify that each candidate is in compliance with the 1975 law.

Some of the candidates say it should be the responsibility of the Democratic and Republic executive committees to make sure candidates are aware of the requirement.

Others said they noticed the law while researching qualification requirements for the position.

The candidates said they complied with the law as soon as they learned of the requirement, but that was after the April 4 primary qualifying deadline for most.

Morton, however, has continued issuing the certification letters on the candidates' behalf.

Hill, in his first political race, said he had no way of knowing he needed the state superintendent's clearance.

"Had I not had a friend who happened to ask me about this, I would have never done it," he said.

"I've talked to former superintendents who said they, likewise, had never heard of the law."

Hill also said he meets the experience requirements.

Jones, the Republican candidate who is unopposed in June's primary, said he is awaiting approval from the state superintendent's office. Like his Democratic challengers, he said he submitted necessary information as soon as he was told about the law.

Jones said he meets the experience requirements, too.

In Franklin County, Democratic candidate Gary Williams, who is currently the assistant superintendent, said he was told by superintendent Bill Moss to request the letter of approval.

"I did it before I qualified because I was under the assumption that you could be disqualified if you didn't meet this requirement," Williams said.

"It's definitely a law that should be more widely acknowledged. I can understand people not knowing about it."

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@timesdaily.com.