Get to know: Rusty Glover Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor

0
140
Rusty Glover
[Photo courtesy of Rusty Glover]

Alabama State Senator Rusty Glover is one of three Republicans vying for their Party’s nomination for Lieutenant Governor in Tuesday’s primary election.

The 51-year-old Mobile-native has served in the Alabama Legislature for 15 years — as a member of Alabama House of Representatives from 2002-2006 and the Senate from 2006-present. Now he’s running for Lieutenant Governor to defend conservative values, demand transparency in Montgomery, and bring good-paying jobs to all of Alabama.

While some voters know much about the office of Lieutenant Governor, current Gov. Kay Ivey attributes her time in the position as what prepared her to take over the Governorship last April. As written in state law, the Lieutenant Governor is the President of the Senate and is entitled to vote in the event of a tie, much like that of the Vice President of the United States. They are also vested with certain prescribed legislative duties, powers, and responsibilities.

Here Glover is in his own words:

  1. Significant other? How long married? Kids? I have been married to Connie for 27 years. I have 2 children – Katie, 25 and Kellie, 21.
  2. Education background? Professional background? I graduated from the Faulkner Community College and then from the University of South Alabama, with a bachelor’s degree – and I also hold two master’s degrees from the University of South Alabama, one in education and one in history.
  3. What was your first job before college/adulthood and after? Before college I worked for a Textbook Depository Company and harvested pecans. After college I taught high school at Mary G. Montgomery High School.
  4. In 25 words or less, why are you running for office? I am running to serve Alabamians by utilizing my 25 years of experience in the classroom, and 3 terms in the Senate, to promote good legislation for schools, jobs, and our families.
  5. Did you speak with anybody in your political party before deciding on running? Receive any encouragement? From whom? Actually I did not speak to anyone before running, I decided to run completely on my own.. After making the decision, I spoke with my friends, family and other legislators – all of whom supported my decision.
  6. Who do you count on for advice besides significant other or clergy? My father.
  7. Who is your political consultant? Campaign manager? I am utilizing a 3 member team from Britney Garner and Garner Consulting.
  8. Who was the first person to contribute to your campaign? Why did they donate? Richard Wilson – a high school football teammate – who owns a small business in Troy, Alabama, was the first to donate. He donated because he believes in my character, trustworthiness as a leader in the state.
  9. Who, if anyone, inspires you in state government? Nobody at this time.
  10. Why do people mistrust elected officials and what are you going to do about it? Because there are some two have gone astray, and convicted of misdeeds – and what I can do is set an example by having an open, transparent office that will keep me above suspicion.
  11. What are 3 specific policy positions that you’re running on? (Please don’t simply say “education” or “improving the schools”) First, I believe in improving pathways to community colleges. For too long, we have neglected our community colleges which provide a solid opportunity to improve the state’s economic position. Second, I want to see improvements in ports, airports, docks, bridges, and digital infrastructure. Third, the protection and the advancement of the family through job training and utilizing faith-based services.
  12. What is a “disruptive” issue (i.e. ride-sharing) you are interested in? Common Core – and its full repeal.
  13. Name one current state law you would want repealed? There are several bills that have produced red tape for small businesses – I would choose to focus on these, such as small business licensure.
  14. Who was the best governor in Alabama’s modern history? There are good points which have occurred in every administration. As a historian, to choose one, that might possibly denigrate other administrations, which have worked hard on various issues.
  15. What will set you apart from other candidates in this race? The first job of the Lt. Governor is to preside over the Senate.As the only one in the race who has even been in the Senate, I can use my experience and ability to lead the Senate in efficiently passing good legislation for Alabamians.
  16. What’s the first thing you read each morning? The Bible. Right now, I am about to finish Acts in the New Testament.
  17. Where do you get your political news? I seek out a variety of sources, from reputable internet newspapers and television outlets which are local to Alabama.
  18. Favorite TV series? Hawaii 5-0
  19. Social media presence? Twitter handle? Facebook? Who posts you, campaign staff, combination? I am on Facebook and Twitter. Both myself and my communications coordinator post on my Facebook page. However, most all posts must first receive my approval.
  20. In 140 characters, what’s a Tweet that best describes your campaign message. Putting the People First.
  21. Hobbies? None right now – I’m campaigning! (But I do try to laminate news articles for may constituents, in addition to hunting and fishing).
  22. Favorite sport and sports team? College Football – and all teams from our state.

With less than a week to go until voters head to the ballots for the June 5 primary elections, AlabamaToday.com is inviting all candidates running for office in Alabama this year, to complete a questionnaire we believe offers an interesting, albeit, thumbnail sketch of who they are and why they are running. If you are a candidate and would like to complete the questionnaire, email Elizabeth@ALToday.com.