Alabama lawmakers offer condolences, remember colleague Jim Patterson
Meridianville-Republican, state Rep. Jim Patterson died from a heart attack on Monday. He was 67. Following the news of his passing, his colleagues from across the state posted messages on social media in his memory: State Rep. Will Ainsworth: The state lost a great man today. Jim Patterson loved life and I was fortunate to call him a good friend. He is having fun in Heaven right now. State Rep. Cam Ward: I am absolutely heartbroken about the passing of Rep Jim Patterson. He was a champion of the autism community and a good public servant for his district. State Rep. Jack Williams: Stunned and saddened to hear about the sudden and unexpected death of my friend and colleague Representative Jim Patterson this afternoon. Jim was a strong voice in Montgomery for those people and causes he believed in. Today we lost one of the really good guys – a man who remained true to his convictions throughout his legislative service. My prayers are with the family of Jim Patterson State Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter: The Alabama House Republican Caucus and each of its members will feel the loss of our colleague, Representative Jim Patterson, for some time to come. Rep. Patterson was defined by the hard work he devoted to serving his constituents, the thoughtfulness with which he approached each issue, and the way he tackled problems, bills, and initiatives about which he felt strongly. These traits were demonstrated very publicly during his successful effort to pass important autism therapy legislation that will positively affect the lives of children and families across Alabama for years to come.” State Rep. Chris Blackshear: When you’re the new kid on the block you always hope someone will take you under their wings and help guide you. When I first went to Montgomery, Jim Patterson was one of those guys. He sat on the same hall as I did and made sure to check on me everyday. He was a great person, with a huge heart who fought tirelessly for things he believed in. We lost ‘Big Jim’ unexpectedly this afternoon. While we know he’s in a better place, he leaves shoes too big to fill. Thank You, Jim! State Sen. Paul Sanford: Jim Patterson passed away today, please pray for the Patterson family
State rep. Jim Patterson dies of heart attack less than 24hrs after posting about heart problems on Facebook
Less than 24 hours after posting about his heart on Facebook Sunday, Meridianville-Republican, state Rep. Jim Patterson died from a heart attack. He was 67. Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon confirmed the news. “A difficult day for all of America became even more difficult for those of us in the Alabama House who learned that our colleague, Rep. Jim Patterson of Merdianville, has passed away from a heart attack,” McCutcheon wrote in a Facebook post. On Sunday, Patterson had posted on Facebook that he had a Monday cardiologist appointment for his heart and shortness of breath. “To all my friends! I have a doctors appointment at 2:30 tomorrow to check my heart! I call my Cardiologist because I have got very short of breath! Please say a pray that he can find the problem and fix it! Thanks,” he wrote. Patterson was first elected to the Alabama House in 2010. He represented Madison County. Ivey thanked Patterson for his service to the state of Alabama on Twitter. Our thoughts & prayers are w/ Rep. Jim Patterson & his family after his passing. Thankful for his service, you’ll be missed, Jim. God Bless. — Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) October 2, 2017 He is survived by his wife, Susan Carter Patterson, and their children.
Las Vegas shooting: Alabama delegation reacts to massacre
Members of the Alabama delegation began reacting Monday to the shooting massacre that has left at least 58 people dead and more than 515 people wounded at a Las Vegas country music festival on Sunday night. The unthinkable act, which is now being described as the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, is expected to rekindle the debate in Congress over federal gun controls. Here’s what the Alabama delegation had to say about the horrific shooting: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: This type of senseless and cowardly attack is reprehensible and horrific. My prayer is for strength, comfort, healing, and understanding. There were undoubtably many heroes during the tragic event in Las Vegas, including first responders. We are grateful for their efforts. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: I am heartbroken by the horrible news coming out of Las Vegas this morning. My family and I will be praying for all those impacted by this atrocious act of violence. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Praying for the victims, their families and those injured in the Las Vegas massacre. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones and to those who have been wounded. It is hard to fathom how someone becomes so lost in this world that they commit an act as evil as this. I ask you to please join me in praying for those impacted by this tragic event. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: No public comment made at time of publishing. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Praying for all the victims, their families and the first responders of the shooting in Las Vegas. — Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) October 2, 2017 Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: Please join me in praying for the victims in Las Vegas and their families ??
Personnel note: Deon Gordon as TechBirmingham’s new President
Deon Gordon has been named TechBirmingham’s new President. The Board of Directors for the nonprofit promoting Birmingham’s tech sector selected Gordon as the successor to Jennifer Skjellum from over 50 applicants from more than 12 states. “Deon’s passion, experience, and vision for the future made him the perfect choice to take TechBirmingham to the next level,” said Jay Brandrup, TechBirmingham Board Chairman. “We had such a stellar pool of capable applicants and I think that shows the importance of TechBirmingham’s role in this community.” For the last two years, Gordon serves as the director of business development at REV, an economic development agency dedicated to place-based revitalization and small business development. There, he led the launch of REVeal Kitchen in The Pizitz Food Hall, a restaurant incubator designed to offer low-cost, proof-of-concept opportunities for aspiring restaurateurs. Prior to joining REV, Gordon’s career path included multiple online entrepreneurial ventures and the web/software startup, Chronicle Studio. “I am incredibly honored and excited to build on the great work started by Jennifer Skjellum during her tenure as President and look forward to getting started,” said Gordon. “I remain more convinced than ever that our region’s future prosperity rests upon the existence of a robust and inclusive technology landscape. After participating in the foundational development of our small business ecosystem at REV, I could not be more thrilled to build an inclusive economy for collective impact.” Along with his professional experience, Gordon serves on several boards, including: the Railroad Park Foundation, Birmingham Artwalk, Growing Kings, the Commercial Development Authority of the City of Birmingham, and American Heart Association’s Communications and Marketing Coordinating Committee. He is the recipient of the 2017 A.G. Gaston Award for Outstanding Community Service and, in the same year, was recognized during the 17th Annual Salute to Outstanding African-Americans by the Birmingham NAACP. “Deon has a passion for Birmingham and for working to make our City a better more vibrant place, said David Fleming, president and CEO of REV Birmingham. “He has been instrumental in growing REV’s programs to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. We look forward to working with him in a different capacity in his new role leading TechBirmingham, a very important economic development partner organization in our City. I know he will bring the same passion, collaborative spirit and personal touch to TechBirmingham that he brought to REV Birmingham.” Gordon will assume the role of President December 1. Skjellum will remain in the role until November 30th.
Bradley Byrne: A tax cut for working families
A lot has changed in our country since 1986. Ronald Reagan was President, Top Gun was a hit at the box offices, and Matlock had just premiered on television. One thing that hasn’t changed since then? The tax code. 1986 was the last time we had meaningful tax reform in this country, and that is a shame. The current tax code does not match the realities of today’s economy or the needs of modern Americans. Thankfully, a new tax code is on the horizon. Last week, President Trump and Republicans in Congress unveiled our framework for a new, simplified tax code. Under our framework, Americans will keep more of their hard earned money in their pockets, small businesses will be encouraged to grow, and the economy will have what it needs to finally experience real growth again. President Donald Trump put it best when he said that “it’s time for Congress to provide a level playing field for our workers, to bring American companies back home, to attract new companies and businesses to our country, and to put more money into the pockets of everyday hardworking people.” That is exactly what our plan would do. First, our plan would move from the current seven tax brackets to essentially four brackets: 0%, 12%, 25%, and 35%. The 0% bracket would result from doubling the standard deduction to $24,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly or $12,000 for single filers. This change is fundamental to a fairer, simpler system. Additionally, our plan calls for the elimination of special interest tax breaks that primarily only help the well-connected and elite. A complicated tax code full of loopholes and confusing provisions does nothing to benefit the average American family, and we must make things as simple as possible. Importantly, our plan will maintain important tax incentives for home mortgage interest, charitable giving, retirement, and education. The plan also increases the child tax credit to make it available to more working families. With these changes, our plan will allow for a simple “postcard” tax filing for the vast majority of Americans. It will no longer take you countless hours or require you to hire outside help to simply file your taxes. As President Trump has said, these changes will result in a “Middle Class Miracle.” Hardworking people across American will have more money in their pockets, which they can use to benefit their family and spark greater economic growth. Our plan also includes a provision important to family farms and small businesses. By repealing the estate tax, also known as the death tax, we will no longer punish families when someone dies, and they want to leave their business or farm operation to a loved one. Sadly, some on the liberal left has already started spreading false and misleading information about our pro-growth tax plan. I want to ensure you that our tax plan is designed with working Americans in mind, first and foremost. In fact, a key goal of our plan is to eliminate provisions that only benefit the well-connected and well-off. Over the coming weeks, I will continue to share more information with you about how our tax plans will spur economic growth and benefit American families. Next week, we will take a look at how our tax plan will open the United States up for greater economic competitiveness on the world stage and bring jobs back to our country. In the meantime, I encourage you to read the tax reform framework for yourself online at FairAndSimple.gop. As you legislative process moves forward, I welcome your input and feedback. It is time we get the job done and give Americans the tax cuts they deserve and revitalize the American economy. • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
President Donald Trump to address the shooting in Las Vegas
President Donald Trump is extending condolences to the victims of the shooting in Las Vegas and their families. In a tweet Monday, Trump offered “My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!” My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2017 The White House said Trump was expected to make remarks Monday morning, though details were not finalized. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump was “briefed on the horrific tragedy in Las Vegas.” Sanders said that “we are monitoring the situation closely and offer our full support to state and local officials. All of those affected are in our thoughts and prayers.” A gunman’s attack on the Sunday night country music concert killed at least 50 people and sent more than 400 to area hospitals. It’s the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. The U.S. Homeland Security Department says there is no “specific credible threat” involving other public venues. Police have not yet determined a motive in the shootings. Since Trump’s inauguration, there have been other mass shootings, including one in Texas last month, when a gunman killed eight and was fatally shot by police. But the Las Vegas attack is the deadliest on Trump’s watch. The president offered a measured, somber response in June, after a shooting at a shooting at a congressional baseball practice that wounded five, including seriously injuring Rep. Steve Scalise. But he has drawn criticism for more inflammatory reactions to other acts of violence. After a shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando that left 49 dead in 2016, he tweeted “Appreciate the congrats for being right on radical Islamic terrorism.” In the wake of a deadly terror attack in London in June, Trump targeted the city’s mayor on Twitter, suggesting he wasn’t taking the attacks seriously enough. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
More than 50 killed, 400 injured as gunman opens fire at Las Vegas concert
A gunman perched on the 32nd floor of a Las Vegas casino unleashed a hail of bullets on an outdoor country music festival below, killing at least 50 people as tens of thousands of concertgoers screamed and ran for their lives, officials said Monday. It was the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. More than 400 other victims were taken to the hospital, authorities said. SWAT teams using explosives stormed the gunman’s hotel room and found he had killed himself, authorities said. He had as many as 10 guns with him, including rifles, they said. There was no immediate word on the motive for the bloodshed. Sheriff Joseph Lombardo said authorities believe this was a “lone wolf” attack. And the U.S. Homeland Security Department said there was no “specific credible threat” involving other public venues in the U.S. Country music star Jason Aldean was performing Sunday night at the end of the three-day Route 91 Harvest Festival in front of a crowd of more than 22,000 when the gunman opened fire from inside the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino across the street. The gunman was identified as Stephen Craig Paddock, 64, of Mesquite, Nevada. He had checked into the hotel room on Thursday, authorities said. “What we are going to try to do as best we can is to get our first responders back on their feet and responding and conducting a proper investigation to ensure that we have the safety of this community at heart,” the sheriff said. Aldean was in the middle of a song when the shots came rapidly: pop-pop-pop-pop. Video then showed Aldean stopping and the crowd getting quiet as if it were unsure of what had just happened. The gunman paused and then fired another volley, the muzzle flashes visible from the casino, as more victims fell to the ground while others fled in panic. Some hid behind concession stands, while others crawled under parked cars. Kodiak Yazzie, 36, said the music stopped temporarily when the first shots began and then started up again before the second round of pops sent the performers ducking for cover and fleeing the stage. “It was the craziest stuff I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” Yazzie said. “You could hear that the noise was coming from west of us, from Mandalay Bay. You could see a flash, flash, flash, flash.” Monique Dumas, of British Columbia, Canada, said she was at the concert, six rows from the stage, when she thought she heard a bottle breaking, then a burst of pops that sounded liked fireworks. Couples held hands as they ran through the dirt lot. Faces were etched with shock and confusion, and people wept and screamed. Some were bloodied, and some were carried out by fellow concertgoers. Dozens of ambulances took away the wounded, while some people loaded victims into their cars and drove them to the hospital. Police shut down busy Las Vegas Boulevard, and federal and state authorities converged on the scene. Interstate 15 was briefly closed and flights at McCarran International Airport were suspended. Hospital emergency rooms were jammed with victims. “It’s a devastating time,” the sheriff said. Jose Baggett, 31, of Las Vegas, said he and a friend were in the lobby of the Luxor hotel-casino — directly north of the festival — when people began to run, almost in a stampede. He said people were crying, and as he and his friend started walking away minutes later, they encountered police checkpoints, armored personnel vehicles and a multitude of police cars. The dead included at least three off-duty police officers from various departments who were attending the concert, authorities said. Two on-duty officers were wounded, one critically, police said. Hours after the shooting, Aldean posted on Instagram that he and his crew were safe and that the shooting was “beyond horrific.” Tonight has been beyond horrific. I still dont know what to say but wanted to let everyone know that Me and my Crew are safe. My Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved tonight. It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night. #heartbroken #stopthehate A post shared by Jason Aldean (@jasonaldean) on Oct 2, 2017 at 1:17am PDT “It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night,” Aldean said. President Donald Trump tweeted: “My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!” My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2017 Before Sunday, the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history took place in June 2016, when a gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, killing 49 people Sunday’s shooting came more than four months after a suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, that killed 22 people. Almost 90 people were killed by gunmen inspired by Islamic State at the Bataclan concert hall in Paris during a performance by Eagles of Death Metal in November 2015. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Alabama animal shelter program to aid domestic violence victims
An Alabama animal shelter is launching a new program to assist victims of domestic violence with pets. WBMA-TV reports that the Shelby Humane Society will officially open its Safe Pet program in 2018, but has already helped three families escaping domestic violence. The shelter’s executive director, David Arias, says they’ve received guidance from the YWCA of Central Alabama and the Safe House organization and are working with local domestic violence organizations, with the goal of temporarily placing victims’ pets with foster families, boarding organization and veterinarians until families get re-established, as few women’s shelters accept animals. The pets will also receive medical care and food. Arias says the programs empowers women to leave abusive relationships without leaving their pets. Similar programs exist nationwide and internationally. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
