Loretta Spencer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Loretta Spencer
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| 66th Mayor of Huntsville | |
| In office October 4, 1996 – November 3, 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Steve Hettinger |
| Succeeded by | Tommy Battle |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 20, 1937 Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
Loretta Purdy Spencer (born June 20, 1937) is an American politician. She served as the 66th mayor of Huntsville, Alabama. Her first term began on October 4, 1996. Her last term ended on November 3, 2008.
Growing Up in Huntsville
Loretta Spencer has lived in Huntsville since she was seven years old. She went to Huntsville High School. Later, she earned a bachelor of science degree from the University of Alabama.
Before becoming mayor, Spencer was a teacher. She taught in the Huntsville City School System. She also co-owned a local funeral home. Spencer was the first woman to be mayor of Huntsville. She was also the first woman mayor of any of Alabama's four largest cities. These cities include Birmingham, Mobile, and Montgomery. Spencer has two children and four grandchildren.
Her Time as Mayor
Spencer first ran for mayor in 1996. The mayor at the time, Steve Hettinger, decided not to run again. Hettinger supported Spencer in her campaign. She faced ten other candidates. Spencer made it to a second round of voting, called a runoff election. She won the runoff with a strong 66% of the votes.
During her first term, Spencer was praised for helping Huntsville's economy grow. The Huntsville Times newspaper said she brought back the city's positive spirit. At the end of her first term, she was re-elected easily. She won with 58% of the votes and did not need a runoff.
In 2004, Spencer won a third term as mayor. During this election, some people criticized her. They were concerned about the condition of Huntsville schools. Some also said she favored wealthier areas of the city. These criticisms might have affected how people voted. She did not win in some northern parts of Huntsville. She had to go into a runoff election again. But she won the runoff with 55% of the votes.
In January 2007, Spencer received an award. The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce gave her the Distinguished Service Award. Later that year, she faced some challenges.
Spencer is proud of many things accomplished during her time as mayor. These include bringing a Target Distribution Center to Huntsville. She also helped bring a Toyota V-8 engine plant to the city. Two new schools opened during her terms. In her third term, one high school was rebuilt. More school projects were also planned. Spencer's ideas for tax incentive districts helped raise $75,000,000. This money was used for improvements to Huntsville City Schools. She also believes in volunteer work. She volunteered for groups like the United Way and the Boys & Girls Club.
In early 2008, Spencer faced another issue. Questions were raised about moving a homeless shelter. It was moved from downtown Huntsville to a new neighborhood. Residents near the new location were upset. They said the city did not tell them about the move. People who help the homeless also worried. They felt the new location was too far from other services.
Life After Being Mayor
In 2008, Spencer decided to run for a fourth term. Tommy Battle, a former Huntsville city councilman, ran against her. In the election on August 26, 2008, Spencer received more votes than Battle. However, she did not get more than half of all the votes. This meant a runoff election was needed.
The runoff election took place on October 7, 2008. Tommy Battle won this election. He received 56% of the votes, while Spencer received 44%. In her speech after the election, Spencer thanked the people of Huntsville. She said they had set a high standard for her.
