Hezekiah Wagstaff
Hezekiah Wagstaff 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 Governor George Wallace's assistant press secretary from 1983 until his dismissal in 1985. Wagstaff was replaced by Montgomery reporter Frank Mastin Jr. after a series of scandals and criticism of Governor Wallace.
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. 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. Upon Camp's election, Wagstaff became his administrative assistant.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. A district attorney subpoenaed records, and Wagstaff repaid $186 to the state.
Governor George Wallace appointed Wagstaff as assistant press secretary on January 30, 1983, upon Camp's recommendation. 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. 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.