BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Andrew Bennett, outgoing tax assessor of Jefferson County's Bessemer Division, had planned to spend this week in Orange Beach attending a three-day convention with other officials from around the state.

But, when a majority of Jefferson County Commissioners pulled his travel request from a committee agenda on Tuesday Bennett was left in limbo.

So he decided to attend today's Jefferson County Commission meeting and ask Republican commissioners David Carrington, Jimmie Stephens and Joe Knight why they declined to authorize his $2,117 expenditure to the Alabama Association of Tax Assessor's convention.

"There should be a reason why you voted no," he told the majority near the end of the meeting. "You have approved about 20 people on (the list for travel). It's just . . . "

Carrington cut off Bennett. "This is not a public hearing," Carrington said.

"Well thank you very much you bunch of rednecks," Bennett replied.

Bennett has been a staunch critic of the county's decision to downsize Cooper Green Mercy Hospital and has repeatedly challenged the county in court over sewer rate increases.

After the meeting, Bennett said, "they don't like me because I stand up for the people and when I stand up for the people I'm also standing up for myself."

Bennett, who lost his primary election race last week after one term, said he had 18 months left in office and only wanted to take an "educational trip" this week.

Stephens said the money would best be spent on employees who would benefit from it.

"He's a lame duck tax assessor," Stephens said. "Those funds would be much better spent by sending a merit system employee down there to learn the workings of the office, someone who would be able to carry on after he left office."