Interim Birmingham Mayor Promises Transparency BIRMINGHAM, AL (APR - Alabama Public Radio ) - Birmingham's interim mayor is promising transparency in government as the city moves forward following the bribery conviction and ouster of former mayor Larry Langford.

Interim Mayor Carole Smitherman met with reporters and city leaders at City Hall on Thursday, a day after a federal jury convicted Langford on 60 counts of bribery, fraud and other felony crimes.

Smitherman says she has known Langford for 30 years and praised his leadership. But she said city leaders must try to regain public trust by operating openly and honestly.

Smitherman says she doesn't believe city finances were amiss under Langford. But she is awaiting an audit of Birmingham's books to determine the city's financial condition after his time in office.

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