Nothing Says "Public Safety" Like a Surprise Power Grab (w/ Mayor Steven Reed)

This episode tackles the political fight over public safety in Montgomery, with Mayor Steven Reed pushing back on what he describes as performative fearmongering and a proposed state “takeover” of city policing. Reed argues the rhetoric doesn’t match the data, says Montgomery has already been collaborating with other agencies, and calls for practical support—funding, recruitment help, cameras, and common-sense gun policy—rather than power plays.The Southern Poverty Law Center’s Tafeni English-Relf joins to preview Affordable Alabama Advocacy Day and lays out the affordability pressures hitting residents—from utilities and childcare to housing, healthcare access, and the criminalization of unpaid garbage fees—framing the state budget as a moral document with real consequences. The hosts close with the “bonehead” segment aimed at Kash Patel and what they call the ongoing reality-show style of national politics bleeding into everything.RESOURCES & SOCIALS🔵 Bluesky: @alpoliticsthisweek.com⚫ X/Twitter: @alathisweek🔵 Facebook: facebook.com/alathisweekSUPPORT THE SHOW👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify📧 Email questions/voice notes to [email protected] with your nameABOUT OUR SPONSORAlabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.