Alabama's corrupt CC system recovering w/ out-of-state leaders

Intelligent people can disagree about which state is most corrupt:

• Illinois' "Pay-for-play" Guv Rod Blagojevich?
• Alaska's "they built if for me, but I didn't want it" Ted Stevens?
• Louisiana's "cold, cold cash" William Jefferson?

But there's little debate about which state's CC network is most corrupt: Alabama. Way back in January 2008, the former chancellor AL's two-year college system pleaded guilty to 15 federal felony counts for bribery.

""Roy Johnson, a once-powerful lawmaker who served as chancellor of the Department of Postsecondary Education for four years until his dismissal in 2006, agreed to plead guilty to 15 felony counts. They involve six separate conspiracies to send business to companies that provided money, home furnishings and jobs for his two children and their spouses. In exchange, the companies made millions supplying the state's two-year schools with items including computer software and furniture. "Johnson used his position as chancellor to build a power pyramid on a foundation of corruption," said U.S. Attorney Alice Martin." Gladson Times

Johnson was just the first of several prominent Alabama CC presidents, state legislators, and private businessmen, all brought down in a spiral of corruption, 'double-dipping', contract fixing, and nepotism. Meanwhile, Alabama's two-year colleges have been paralyzed by the turmoil.

Luckily, things are looking up in Alabama. Since January, nine new CC presidents have been hired, 7 from out of state. Mobile Press Register. Not a moment too soon, Alabama community colleges seem to be getting the leadership they deserve.