Wendell Mitchell (September 4, 1940 – February 4, 2012) was a Democratic Party (United States), Democratic member of the Alabama Senate, representing the Alabama's 30th Senate district, 30th district from 1990 to 2010. He previously represented the Alabama's 28th Senate district, 28th district from 1974 to 1978, and again from 1982 to 1983.

Biography

Mitchell was a conservative Democratic Party (United States), Democratic senator who was known for working across party lines to build better schools, recruit industry, and fund important projects in his district. In 2007, Mitchell’s colleagues in the Senate voted him to the position of Deputy President Pro Tempore. Mitchell ran in Alabama's 2nd congressional district in 1978, against the incumbent Republican William L. Dickinson. He was defeated with 46.0% of the vote. Mitchell was chairman of the standing committee on Governmental Affairs in the Senate and chairman of the Joint House–Senate Committee on Energy. He also served as a voting member of every Senate committee by virtue of his position as Deputy President Pro Tempore. Mitchell earned a bachelor's degree from Auburn University and a law degree from the University of Alabama. He was a past Dean of Jones Law School at Faulkner University and was still active as a Professor of Law at the institution until his death. He died of congestive heart failure in February 2012.

Accomplishments

A champion for economic development, Mitchell used his experience to create new job opportunities in our area. His efforts included helping land new industries including Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai and SMART, as well as providing assistance to keep existing businesses growing. As Senator for District 30, Mitchell fought for and won more than $36 million in funding for local projects that improved our community. These included the new vocational wing a
Greenville High School
the new Health and Fitness Center in Prattville
the Agricultural Pavilion in Autauga County
th

in Troy, a new baseball complex in Brantley, and equipment for various local fire departments. Mitchell was a strong supporter of Troy University and Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, which are in his district, as well as being a champion for all educational programs throughout the six counties he represents. He led the fight to bring prescription drug relief to seniors and to make sure that dollars for education aren’t spent on non-education items. Mitchell also authored th
Alabama Religious Freedom Act
to protect the free exercise of religion and sponsored
bill
to protect teachers who present alternate points of view concerning human origins in the classroom.

References

External links

Walking Wendell Mitchell's Website

* [http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=5610 Project Vote Smart – Senator 'Walking' Wendell Mitchell (AL)] {{DEFAULTSORT:Mitchell, Wendell 1940 births 2012 deaths Democratic Party Alabama state senators Auburn University alumni Politicians from Montgomery, Alabama University of Alabama School of Law alumni Lawyers from Montgomery, Alabama 20th-century American lawyers 20th-century members of the Alabama Legislature