13 Facts About Loretta Spencer

Loretta Purdy Spencer was born on June 20,1937 and is an American politician who served as the 66th mayor of Huntsville, Alabama.

Loretta Spencer graduated from Huntsville High School, and holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Alabama.

When Loretta Spencer was first elected mayor in 1996, she was the co-owner of a local funeral home.

Loretta Spencer is a former teacher in the Huntsville City School System.

Loretta Spencer, who is divorced, has two children and four grandchildren.

Loretta Spencer first ran for mayor in 1996, after then-mayor Steve Hettinger announced he would not seek another term.

Loretta Spencer was supported by Hettinger, leading her runoff opponent, Larry Mullins, to attack both as agents of the status quo.

Loretta Spencer was criticized for allegedly favoring the wealthier southern areas of Huntsville over the northern neighborhoods with larger minority populations.

Later that year Loretta Spencer was embroiled in controversy when the fire chief she had appointed resigned after only 18 months on the job.

In early 2008, Loretta Spencer found herself in election-year controversy when questions were raised about her conduct in the city's role in relocating a homeless shelter from downtown Huntsville to a residential district several miles away.

Residents near the proposed new location complained that Loretta Spencer committed the city to the move without notice to them, and homeless advocates complained that the new location was too distant from other services used by the homeless.

Loretta Spencer announced that she would seek a fourth term in 2008.

However, two minor candidates received 673 votes, preventing Loretta Spencer from attaining a majority, forcing a runoff with Battle.