Convention to Feature Outstanding Speakers

When planning the 2005 convention program, the board decided to invite two of Alabama's most articulate voices in Congress, one past, one present. The voice from the past was Senator Howell Heflin, best remembered by long-time leaguers as the man who, as Alabama Chief Justice, was responsible for the writing and adoption of what has been called "the one article of the Alabama constitution worth keeping," the Judicial Article.

It was realized that Judge Heflin was not able to travel so LWVAL Presidents Jean Johnson and Becky Sylvester called on him at his home in Tuscumbia and taped his remarks to present at the convention luncheon. This may prove to be a truly historic document, for as we all know, Judge Heflin died only a few days later. We will be privileged to hear him on April 30.

The voice of the present is Representative Artur Davis of Birmingham. This freshman congressman is quickly making a name for himself in Washington and in Alabama as an articulate voice for many of the issues that the League supports. It is expected that a large number of people, not only Leaguers, will want to attend the Saturday night dinner at which he speaks, so do not delay in sending in your reservations.