By MARY SELL, Alabama Daily News
Retired Air Force Gen. Ed Crowell will not be the next Montgomery County Probate Judge.
Gov. Kay Ivey announced Crowell’s appointment Wednesday evening. But on Thursday her office told Alabama Daily News that Crowell cannot accept the appointment because of his age. Alabama’s constitution prohibits the election or appointment of judges older than 70, except supernumerary judges.
“This morning, I was made aware that General Ed Crowell is unqualified to serve as Probate Judge due to the age required under our state’s constitution,” Ivey said. “I regret he will not be able to assume this post. General Crowell has one of the most impressive resumes that includes many years in service to our country which should be commended. I appreciate his willingness to serve and know that he will continue to be an active leader in his community.”
In a written statement, Crowell said the selection was an honor.
“Regretfully, there was some confusion on my part about the state’s mandatory age requirement regarding judicial positions,” he said. “As such, I have notified the governor that she should choose someone who fulfills the requirements outlined in Alabama’s constitution. I apologize to the governor for the confusion and regret the distraction this has caused and will look forward to serving my state in some other way if asked to do so.”
The probate judge vacancy was created when Steven Reed, who served since 2012, was elected mayor of Montgomery last month. Crowell also ran for mayor in a crowded field of candidates, but did not earn enough votes to make the runoff.