Sam Jones (Alabama politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sam Jones
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| Member of the Alabama House of Representatives from the 99th district |
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| Assumed office November 7, 2018 |
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| Preceded by | James Buskey |
| 107th Mayor of Mobile | |
| In office September 2005 – August 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Mike Dow |
| Succeeded by | Sandy Stimpson |
| Member of the Mobile County Commission from the 1st district |
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| In office 1987–2005 |
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| Preceded by | Douglas Wicks |
| Succeeded by | Juan Chastang |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 14, 1947 Mobile, Alabama, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Jacksonville University |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
| Unit | USS Forrestal (CV-59) |
Samuel Leon Jones (born April 14, 1947) is an American politician. He currently serves in the Alabama House of Representatives. He represents District 99.
Jones was also the first African-American mayor of Mobile, Alabama. He served as mayor from September 2005 to August 2013. He wanted to make the city safer and bring new jobs. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
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Early Life and Education
Sam Jones grew up in Mobile, Alabama. He went to Central High School. After high school, he attended Florida Junior College. He also studied at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida.
Public Service Career
Before becoming a politician, Sam Jones served in the U.S. Navy. He was in the Navy for nine years. During his time, he worked on a large ship called an aircraft carrier. This ship was named the USS Forrestal. On this ship, his commanding officer was John McCain. McCain later became a famous senator and ran for president.
Working for the Community
After leaving the Navy, Jones became the executive director of Mobile Community Action, Inc. He held this job from 1980 to 1987. This organization helps people in the community.
Mobile County Commissioner
Sam Jones then got involved in politics. He joined the Democratic Party. He was elected to serve as a Mobile County Commissioner. He was elected four times for this role. A county commissioner helps manage the local government for the county.
Mayor of Mobile
In September 2005, Sam Jones ran for Mayor of Mobile. He won the election and became the first African-American Mayor of Mobile, Alabama. He served two terms, each lasting four years. He was re-elected in 2009. In August 2013, he ran for re-election again but was defeated by Sandy Stimpson.
After his time as mayor, the Mobile City Council honored him. In October 2013, they voted to rename the Mobile Government Plaza. They wanted to call it the Samuel L. Jones Government Plaza. This was to recognize his service to the city. The Mobile County Commission still needed to approve the name change.
Alabama State Representative
In 2018, Sam Jones was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives. He now represents District 99. In this role, he helps make laws for the state of Alabama.
