and the city reportedly was not required to make any payment to the plaintiff. Among the accomplishments for which Spencer claims credit are a Target Distribution Center, and the construction of Toyota's V-8 engine plant in Huntsville. She points to the opening of two new schools, and in her third term, the rebuilding of one high school, with others in the planning stages. Spencer’s plan for tax incentive districts, she asserts, have provided $75,000,000 for capital improvements to Huntsville City Schools. Spencer advocates volunteer involvement, and points to her own work in volunteer efforts such as the United Way, Community Free Clinic, Huntsville/Madison Co. Botanical Garden, and the Boys & Girls Club. In early 2008, Spencer found herself in election-year controversy when questions were raised about her conduct in the city’s role in relocating a homeless shelter from downtown Huntsville to a residential district several miles away. Residents near the proposed new location complained that Spencer committed the city to the move without notice to them, and homeless advocates complained that the new location was too distant from other services used by the homeless. Return to private life Former Huntsville city councilman Tommy Battle announced that he would challenge Spencer in the 2008 mayoral election. Spencer announced that she would seek a fourth term in 2008. In the municipal election on August 26, 2008, Spencer led Battle by 14,871 votes to 14,486. However, two minor candidates received 673 votes, preventing Spencer from attaining a majority, forcing a runoff with Battle. In that runoff, on October 7, 2008, Battle decisively defeated Spencer, by a vote of 21,123 votes or 56 percent for Battle, to 16,821 or 44 percent for Spencer. In her concession speech, Spencer said, "You have set the bar high with me. You bought into what we wanted to do, and I am so proud of you for it, because you don't do it alone." References External links The Official Re-Election Site for Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer 1937 births Living people Mayors of Huntsville, Alabama University of Alabama alumni Women mayors of places in Alabama 21st-century American women