Hezekiah Wagstaff (February 3, 1951 - July 7, 2016) was an American political consultant and activist from the state of Alabama. A member of the Democratic Party, he is most known for having served as GovernorGeorge Wallace's assistant press secretary from 1983 until his dismissal in 1985.[2] Wagstaff was replaced by Montgomery reporter Frank Mastin Jr. after a series of scandals and criticism of Governor Wallace.[1]
Biography
In the 1970s, Wagstaff was the Alabama director of the Emergency Land Fund, a privately owned non-profit organization founded in 1971 to prevent the loss of minority-owned land to banks and corporations.[3][4] While working as a political consultant in 1980, he befriended Billy Joe Camp, then campaigning to become a commissioner on the Alabama Public Service Commission.[5] Upon Camp's election, Wagstaff became his administrative assistant.[6]
He became embroiled in controversy in 1982 for submitting a $393.95 meal and accommodation expense voucher despite meals being included in a convention registration fee.[7] A district attorney subpoenaed records, and Wagstaff repaid $186 to the state.[8]
Governor George Wallace appointed Wagstaff as assistant press secretary on January 30, 1983, upon Camp's recommendation.[5][9] In September 1984, it was revealed he had been convicted of driving without a license in 1980, 1981, and 1982, with his license suspended since 1977 for speeding.[10] On October 28, 1985, he was fired after accusing Governor Wallace of covering up disputes and attempting to transfer to the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs.[1]
Personal life
Wagstaff married Altress Faye Rice on June 18, 1979, in Montgomery, Alabama.[11] In 1986 Rice accused Wagstaff of stabbing and beating her, leading him to be charged with third degree assault.[12] In 1993, he served jail time for writing bad checks.[13]
Footnotes
^Wagstaff officially left office on November 14. He was fired on October 28 and had been on paid leave for his final weeks in office.[1]
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