Pat Thetford announces candidacy for Alabama Court of Civil Appeals
Former Jefferson County Circuit Judge Peyton C. “Pat” Thetford on Wednesday announced his candidacy for the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. Thetford, a Republican, has qualified for the Place 1 seat currently held by Judge Craig Pittman, who has announced he will not seek re-election. A native of Montgomery, Ala., Thetford first began practicing civil litigation in Mobile, Ala, with the firm of Crosby Saad and Beebe. He has spent the past 27 years in the greater Birmingham area, and is working currently with Wade S. Anderson and Associates, serving as staff counsel for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. Thetford has tried and won more jury trials for Wade S. Anderson and Associates than any other lawyer in the firm’s history, having handled over a thousand cases and having tried over 80 civil jury trials. In 2015, the non-partisan Jefferson County Judicial Commission selected Thetford as a top-three candidate for Jefferson County Circuit Judge of the Civil Division — which presides over lawsuits filed in the Birmingham division of the Jefferson County court circuit. He was later selected and appointed to the position by former Gov. Robert Bentley. ”I believe that my background of having over 27 years of experience as a civil lawyer and Civil Circuit Judge makes me uniquely qualified to serve as an Appellate Judge on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals,” Thetford said announcing his candidacy. “If elected, I will bring vast experience and conservative values to the court. I will work hard to administer justice fairly and equitably, but always grounded in the rule of law.” Judge Thetford attended the University of Alabama, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Business Administration, and later graduated with a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Thetford earned his law degree in 1988 at the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. He is married to Mary Frances Thetford and is a proud father of two sons. They are members of Canterbury United Methodist Church in Mountain Brook, Ala. Alabama Tax Tribunal Judge Christy Edwards is also running as a Republican for the seat. As is Baldwin County District Judge Michelle Thomason, who was endorsed by retiring Judge Pittman in September. The Republican Primary will be held June 5, 2018.
Mike Rogers: our immigration laws create a national security problem
As most folks across East Alabama know, the United States has a serious illegal immigration problem. As if that weren’t enough, on top of our ongoing problems with illegal immigration, some of our legal immigration practices present a threat to our national security as well. I agree with President Donald Trump that chain migration and the visa lottery system are the top problems that must be fixed. In a number of our most recent terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, terrorists have easily entered our country through one of these programs. Chain migration is an easy way for a U.S. citizen or green card holder to get family members from another country into ours. Individuals are granted entry to the United States based on familial relations and the number of instances this method is being used is through the roof. The failed suicide bomber that attempted to blow himself up in the New York City subway in December entered the country through chain migration. The visa lottery, a random drawing for a visa, makes no sense either. The terrorist behind the Halloween attack, also in New York, entered our country through the visa lottery. It is crystal clear terrorists are using our lax immigration laws to enter the U.S. President Trump is exactly right that we need to change the current immigration system to one that is a merit-based system. A recent report from the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security found that three out of four individuals who have been convicted of international terrorism-related charges from September 11th through 2016 were foreign-born and entered our country through our immigration system. Finally, I would add that the fiancée visa program is yet another area that could be exploited by our enemies and should be examined. One of the terrorists behind the mass shooting in San Bernadino, California, entered our country through this program. I will continue to support and work with President Trump on these issues. Our nation’s borders must be secure and I will continue to push for a wall on the Southwest border with Mexico as well. Defending our homeland is a national priority and it begins with sealing the borders and preventing terrorists and criminals from entering our country. As always, I want to hear from you on this or any issue. ••• Mike Rogers is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District. Sign-up for his e-Newsletter by visiting www.mikerogers.house.gov. To stay up to date, you can also like him on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow him on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram at RepMikeRogersAL, on Tumblr at www.repmikerogersal.tumblr.com.
Harley Barber expelled from University of Alabama for racist rants, removed from sorority
University of Alabama (UA) has officially expelled a student for a series of racist video rants that surfaced and went viral Tuesday afternoon. UA President Stuart Bell confirmed Wednesday afternoon Harley Barber, 19, is no longer a student at the university. “The actions of this student do not represent the larger student body or the values of our University, and she is no longer enrolled here,” Bell said in a statement. “We hold our students to much higher standards, and we apologize to everyone who has seen the videos and been hurt by this hateful, ignorant and offensive behavior. This is not who we are; it is unacceptable and unwelcome here at UA.” Barber was also removed from her sorority at UA, Alpha Phi. Late Tuesday night, the national organization responded to the rant by posting a statement on Facebook, noting Barber is no longer a member of the organization: Alpha Phi is a diverse, values-based organization and condemns the language and opinions in these videos. They are offensive and hateful to both our own members and to other members of the Greek and campus community. The Beta Mu chapter leadership and supporting alumnae moved quickly to address the offense, and Ms. Barber is no longer a member of Alpha Phi. Linda Kahangi, executive director of Alpha Phi International Fraternity confirmed the news to Alabama Today. Twitter user @TabisBack outed Barber’s videos Tuesday afternoon. The first video showed Barber turning off a water faucet in an undisclosed bathroom. She ranted: “We do not waste water… because of the poor people in Syria. We don’t waste water. I love how I act like I love black people because I (expletive) hate (n-word) so that’s really interesting but I just saved the (expletive) (n-word) by shutting that water off.” In a second video, Barber ranted about those who were calling her for her use of the n-word on Martin Luther King Jr. Day no less, saying: “I’ve wanted to be an Alpha Phi since I was (expletive) in high school and nobody (expletive) understands how much I love Alpha Phi. And now someone wants to say I’m offensive because I said (n-word)’? You know what? (n-word), (n-word), (n-word). I don’t care if it’s Martin Luther King Day. (n-word), (n-word), (n-word). I’m in the south now, (expletive). So everyone can (expletive) off. I’m from New Jersey, so I can say (n-word) as much as I want. (n-word), (n-word), (n-word). And if anyone else wants to (expletive) snake me on my (expletive) Finsta for saying (n-word)?” Following her ouster from her sorority and the University, Barber told the NY Post she felt horrible and was “so sorry.” “I feel horrible,” Barber told the Post on the way back to her hometown in New Jersey. “I feel so, so bad and I am so sorry… I did something really, really bad. I don’t know what to do and I feel horrible. I’m wrong and there’s just no excuse for what I did.” Read Bell’s entire message below: In light of the racist and disturbing videos posted by one of our students on social media, I want to express my personal disgust and disappointment. Like many of you, I find the videos highly offensive and deeply hurtful, not only to our students and our entire University community, but to everyone who viewed them. The actions of this student do not represent the larger student body or the values of our University, and she is no longer enrolled here. We hold our students to much higher standards, and we apologize to everyone who has seen the videos and been hurt by this hateful, ignorant and offensive behavior. This is not who we are; it is unacceptable and unwelcome here at UA. These types of incidents affect community members differently. If you have been impacted and would like additional support, please access resources here that are available to you on our campus. Over the last year, I have had conversations with many of you who shared your UA experiences with me. You have voiced your pride in the progress we have made, but we still have much work to do. I want to thank all of the students, faculty and staff who met today to have conversations about this event and the steps we can take, individually and collectively, to create a more welcoming and inclusive campus. You have my commitment and the commitment of our leadership team to sustain progress and address directly any issues that arise. I know you join me in taking a stand against this and all reprehensible behavior. As members of this community, we are a family and this is our home. Everyone has a right to feel safe and welcome here. Stuart R. Bell President
Bill to remove marriage licenses passes Alabama Senate
The Alabama Senate approved a bill on Wednesday to remove marriage licenses and begin a new process under which probate judges would accept affidavits from couples as an official record of marriage. Alabama Senators voted 19-1 for the bill, which will now move to the House of Representatives. Under the legislation, the requirement of a ceremony to honor the marriage would be erased. The cost would be the same as the current cost of marriage licenses in the state. The bill’s sponsor, Atmore-Republican Sen. Greg Albritton said the passing of this bill would remove the state from any role in marriage ceremonies, which he believes will properly separate churches and the state. Similar bills have been proposed in the Alabama legislature since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2015. Since then, a number of Alabama probate judges have refused to issue marriage licenses to anyone due to their personal religious objections to gay marriage. Alabama probate judges are not required by the current law to issue marriage license and many judges have used the language in the current law to opt themselves out of issuing the licenses. The bill would take away any judgement by probate judges, making the only requirement for a marriage to be official being to submit the correct documents to the probate judge. The documents required would include an affidavit stating that the spouses are 18 years of age or older, or are at least 16 with parental consent, that they are not currently married, and not related by blood or adoption. Albritton’s bill states that the shift would not alter any other aspects of marriage in Alabama, including: divorce, child custody and child support. Sen. Phil Williams, who was the sole ‘no’ vote, stated he voted in that manner because he “feared the change would water down the meaning of marriage”.
Bradley Byrne to hold 100th town hall meeting tour
Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne will kick-off an eight-stop town hall meeting tour, Monday January 22, marking his 100th town hall meeting since being elected to Congress in 2014. The “100th Town Hall Tour” will hold a full slate of town hall meetings in all six counties that make up the 1st Congressional District as part of a tour celebrating Byrne’s 100th in-person town hall meeting. Byrne chose to have his actual 100th meeting in Bay Minette, Ala. — the site of his first-ever town hall meeting. “Being the most accessible and accountable Congressman has always been my top priority. With this in mind, I have made a habit of hosting town hall meetings in cities, towns, and communities across Southwest Alabama. I am excited to announce I will be holding my 100th Town Hall meeting soon!,” Byrne said in an email to his constituents. “In honor of this special occasion, I will be holding a 100th Town Hall Tour with meetings scheduled all across Southwest Alabama. I hope you will be able to attend one of the meetings!” Check out Byrne’s Town Hall schedule below: Monday January 22 What: Frisco City Town Hall Meeting When: 3:00 p.m. CT Where: Frisco City City Hall; 3861 Bowden Street, Frisco City, Ala. What: Bay Minette Town Hall Meeting When: 5:30 p.m. CT Where: Bay Minette City Hall; 301 D’Olive Street, Bay Minette, Ala. Tuesday, January 23 What: Chickasaw Town Hall Meeting When: Tuesday, January 23 at 10:00 a.m. CT Where: Chickasaw City Hall; 224 North Craft Highway, Chickasaw, Ala. Wednesday, January 24 What: Chatom Town Hall Meeting When: 9:30 a.m. CT Where: Chatom Town Hall; 27 Cochran Avenue, Chatom, Ala. What: Grove Hill Town Hall Meeting When: 12:00 noon CT Where: Grove Hill Town Hall; 111 Church Street, Grove Hill, Ala. What: Jackson Town Hall Meeting When: 1:30 p.m. CT Where: Jackson Senior Center; 1701 College Avenue, Jackson, Ala. What: Creola Town Hall Meeting When: 4:00 p.m. CT Where: Creola City Hall; 9615 Old Highway 43, Creola, Ala. Thursday, January 25 What: East Brewton Town Hall Meeting When: 1:30 p.m. CT Where: East Brewton City Hall; 615 Forrest Avenue, East Brewton, Ala. The town halls are free to attend and open to the public.
Alabama has 2nd highest gun death rate in America
Gun deaths in the U.S. have jumped by 17 percent during the past decade. During the same period of time, gun deaths in Alabama have increased by 22 percent, making it the second worst state for gun deaths in America. That’s according to information released Wednesday by the Violence Policy Center (VPC), a national education organization working to end gun violence, using just-released 2016 data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Injury Prevention. Alabama’s firearm death rate was 17.63 in 2009. It escalated to 21.51 by 2016 — a 22 percent increase. The only state worse, and much worse at that, was Alaska, which saw a 60.2 percent increase. According to data VPC compiled, Alaska and Alabama have “extremely lax gun violence prevention laws as well as a higher rate of gun ownership,” which translates into more gun deaths. VPC also claims that those states with the lowest gun ownership accordingly have substantially lower death frequencies. What VPC doesn’t explain is what was the cause of the gun deaths. According to gunpolicy.org gun deaths in Alabama are overwhelmingly comprised by firearm suicide. 2013 is the most recent year they have specific data from the CDC, but in 2012 there were 831 gun deaths in Alabama — 305 of which were homicides, while 500 suicides. The remaining deaths where unintentional or by undetermined causes. Total number of gun deaths: 2013: 860 2012: 831 2011: 785 2010: 782 2009: 830 Firearm homicides: 2013: 317 2012: 305 2011: 292 2010: 283 2009: 317 Firearm suicides: 2013: 504 2012: 500 2011: 452 2010: 454 2009: 479 Unintentional gun deaths: 2013: 25 2012: 14 2011: 25 2010: 35 2009: 28 Gun deaths by undetermined cause: 2013: 0 (suppressed) 2012: 0 (suppressed) 2011: 15 2010: 0 (suppressed) 2009: 0 (suppressed) State gun death rates were calculated by dividing the number of gun deaths by the total state population and multiplying the result by 100,000 to obtain the rate per 100,000, which is the standard and accepted method for comparing fatal levels of gun violence. According to the VPC study: States with the five highest gun death rates Rank State Household gun ownership Gun death rate per 100,000 1 Alaska 56.4 percent 23.86 2 Alabama 49.5 percent 21.51 3 Louisiana 49.0 percent 21.08 4 Mississippi 54.3 percent 19.64 5 Oklahoma 46.7 percent 19.52 States with the five lowest gun death rates Rank State Household gun ownership Gun death rate per 100,000 50 Massachusetts 14.3 percent 3.55 49 New York 22.2 percent 4.56 48 Hawaii 12.5 percent 4.62 47 Rhode Island 15.9 percent 4.64 46 Connecticut 22.2 percent 4.81
Cam Ward introduces bill to increase penalties for human trafficking
An Alabama state senator introduced a bill on Tuesday to enhance the criminal penalties for obstructing the enforcement of the human trafficking laws in Alabama. Alabaster-Republican State Sen. Cam Ward introduced SB179, which was cosponsored by Tom Whatley (R-Auburn) and Gerald Dial (R-Lineville). According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), human trafficking is believed to be the third-largest criminal activity in the world. “It is a form of human slavery which must be addressed at the interagency level. Human trafficking includes forced labor, domestic servitude, and commercial sex trafficking.” “This awful crime preys predominately on children,” Ward tweeted of the bill on Wednesday. While many Alabamians are unaware of its ongoings, sex trafficking is actively happening not only abroad, but also in Alabama. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at least 36 human trafficking cases were reported in the Yellowhammer State in 2017. They also report more than 111 victims of human trafficking in Alabama have called its hotline for help this year. In fact, the stretch of I-20 between Atlanta and Birmingham is known as the Sex Trafficking Superhighway. “It cuts right there through downtown Birmingham, and what we’re finding, unfortunately with the interstate system that you and I use to get from Birmingham to Montgomery — is that people are using it to bring in girls, for example, for a short period of time. Buyers are available, and then they leave,” David Pinkleton, fundraising chair for the Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force told CBS 42 last year. Under existing law, human trafficking is a crime. Additionally, obstruction of the enforcement of the laws criminalizing human trafficking is a crime. Under the proposed law, a person commits the crime of human trafficking in the first degree if: He or she knowingly subjects another person to labor servitude or sexual servitude through use of coercion or deception. He or she knowingly obtains, recruits, entices, solicits, induces, threatens, isolates, harbors, holds, restrains, transports, provides, or maintains any minor for the purpose of causing a minor to engage in sexual servitude. For purposes of this section, it is not required that the defendant have knowledge of a minor victim’s age, nor is reasonable mistake of age a defense to liability under this section. A corporation, or any other legal entity other than an individual, may be prosecuted for human trafficking in the first degree for an act or omission only if an agent of the corporation or entity performs the conduct which is an element of the crime while acting within the scope of his or her office or employment and on behalf of the corporation or entity, and the commission of the crime was either authorized, requested, commanded, performed, or within the scope of the person’s employment on behalf of the corporation or entity or constituted a pattern of conduct that an agent of the corporation or entity knew or should have known was occurring. Any person who obstructs, or attempts to obstruct, or in any way interferes with or prevents the enforcement of this section shall be guilty of a Class A felony. Human trafficking in the first degree would be a Class A felony. Under the bill if a person commits the crime of human trafficking in the second degree if: A person knowingly benefits, financially or by receiving anything of value, from participation in a venture or engagement for the purpose of sexual servitude or labor servitude. A person knowingly recruits, entices, solicits, induces, harbors, transports, holds, restrains, provides, maintains, subjects, or obtains by any means another person for the purpose of labor servitude or sexual servitude. A corporation, or any other legal entity other than an individual, may be prosecuted for human trafficking in the second degree for an act or omission only if an agent of the corporation or entity performs the conduct which is an element of the crime while acting within the scope of his or her office or employment and on behalf of the corporation or entity, and the commission of the crime was either authorized, requested, commanded, performed, or within the scope of the person’s employment on behalf of the corporation or entity or constituted a pattern of conduct that an agent of the corporation or entity knew or should have known was occurring. Any person who obstructs, or attempts to obstruct, or in any way interferes with or prevents the enforcement of this section shall be guilty of a Class B felony. Rainbow City-Republican State Representative Mack Butler is expected to sponsor a similar bill in the House.
William J. Canary: The future belongs to the brave
The truth is the Alabama of today is one that our grandparents wouldn’t recognize. For more than two decades, Alabama has been landing one significant economic development project after another, transforming the state into an epicenter for the aerospace, automotive, and defense industries. Companies looking where to locate are attracted to our state’s business-friendly labor policies and focus on workforce development. Alabama’s right-to-work status has been a tremendous advantage, as Alabama is one of only 11 states that has constitutionally protected the right to work. However, the recent U.S. Senate special election and the spotlight it shone on Alabama threatened to bring the advancements of the last 25 years to a screeching halt. The Republican candidate, Roy Moore, with a knack for incendiary comments, made him – and Alabama – fodder for national news and international attention. Alabama U.S. Senator Richard Shelby announced publicly that while not voting for the Democratic candidate, he would be writing in a “distinguished Republican.” Now, supporters of Judge Moore are blaming Senator Shelby – and not their candidate – for the lopsided loss. With financing from an out-of-state investor, Moore supporters are seeking to have Senator Shelby censured by the Alabama Republican Party. The Business Council of Alabama and its leadership will mobilize and energize the business community to oppose all efforts to adopt this negative resolution that works against the business community, the economic well-being of Alabama, and our No. 1 advocate in Washington, D.C. – Senator Richard Shelby. I have publicly urged the Republican Party to adopt a resolution that commends Senator Shelby for his service to Alabama. If you look at the economic development projects in Alabama, there is one constant: Senator Richard Shelby. He deserves better than a fringe element of the GOP attacking him by not telling the truth – seeking revenge for their losing campaign. The recent announcements of Montgomery landing the F-35 Lightning mission and Huntsville gaining the joint Toyota-Mazda facility goes to Senator Shelby and his unwavering courage and leadership to stand his ground for Alabama. In my opinion, without his principled stand, the Toyota-Mazda plant would have gone to North Carolina – especially if Mr. Moore had been elected. Let’s put the past behind us and move on. If we don’t, the business community in Alabama needs to determine the best way to invest its resources with organizations and movements that will move Alabama forward… period, starting today! ••• William J. Canary is the president and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama
Some Medicaid recipients in Alabama may be required to work
According to Gov. Kay Ivey and state Medicaid officials, Alabama is hoping to become the newest state to institute a work requirement for some Medicaid recipients. As part of her General Fund Budget proposal, Ivey instructed Alabama’s Medicaid Commissioner Stephanie Azar to develop a policy for implementing a work requirement for Medicaid receivers. All work requirements would only be applicable to “able-bodied” adults, with exemptions being made for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children. Ivey’s current plan would also require copay increases for Medicaid recipients. Her goal is to “increase efficiency and decrease costs related to Medicaid, all in an effort to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars…I look forward to future implementation of those policies.” This proposal comes after President Donald Trump‘s Administration sent a letter to all state Medicaid directors notifying them that they would allow states to impose work requirements on non-disabled working age Medicaid recipients. However, a work requirement is not the only option suggested by the Trump Administration. Recipients may also volunteer, attend a school or enter a work training program. Earlier in January, Bryant-Republican State Rep. Tommy Hanes pre-filed HB6, which would also require able-bodied adults who are recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) , formerly known as food stamps, to participate in a work requirement with similar guidelines to the proposed medicaid work requirements. According to the Lagniappe; “Alabama’s Medicaid costs took up one-third of the current General Fund budget, and the program is routinely the most expensive item lawmakers have to fund…despite that, a recent report from the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission found Alabama already runs the leanest program of any state based on the average medical benefit received by its enrollees.” Alabama has approximately 1.043 million Medicaid recipients, with over half of recipients being children, and only 18 percent being non-disabled adults. Several other Republican majority states are seeking similar Medicaid work waivers, with Kentucky being the first state to move forward with the work requirements.
Hunters vie for big bucks — and money, too — in Alabama Black Belt photo contest
Colder temperatures in the region have the deer in Alabama’s Black Belt on the move, and a boost in the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association Big Buck Photo Contest prize package has sparked a run in the number of entries as the deadline draws closer. Deer hunters are vying for prizes valued at more than $3,000 in the contest, which ends on Valentine’s Day, a week after the close of deer season. More than 40 entries have already been received. “The generosity of so many has provided the greatest Big Buck Photo Contest prize package we’ve ever had throughout its six-year history. We are thankful for their support of our efforts to brand the region an outdoor destination,” said Pam Swanner, ALBBAA project director. “It’s this type of partnership, from those who work every day to boost the Black Belt’s economy, that will help draw attention to the great opportunities for hunters in the Black Belt.” The new prize package for the contest, which started with the opening of bow season in October: An Alabama Hog Control Thermal Hog Hunt for three, valued at $1,800. A Winchester XPR 270-caliber rifle from Central Alabama Farmers Cooperative in Selma, valued at $550. A $300 cash donation from The Management Advantage in Helena. An American Hunter 200-pound Tri-Pod Feeder, valued at $129, plus a $50 gift card from Rountree Outdoors in Selma. A $250 cash donation from the Southeastern Land Group. Also, the winner – determined by the photo that receives the most “likes” on the ALBBAA Facebook page – will receive a Lifetime Alabama Wildlife Heritage License, valued at more than $200. To be eligible, the deer must be taken in the Black Belt during the 2017-2018 season and the photo must be emailed to photocontest@albbaa.org. Photos uploaded to Facebook are not eligible, and Big Buck Photo Contest winners from 2015-16 and 2016-17 are ineligible this year. Entries should include the name of the hunter and the county where the deer was taken with the email. The Black Belt includes the following counties: Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox. The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association is committed to promoting and enhancing outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities in the Black Belt in a manner that provides economic and ecological benefits to the region and its residents. For information, go to www.alabamablackbeltadventures.org. Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
Steve Flowers: Tuscaloosa was once the state capitol, essentially it is again
Awhile back, during Dr. Robert Bentley’s tenure as governor, I wrote a column entitled, “They May as Well Move the Capitol to Tuscaloosa.” Never before in Alabama history has a city had a sitting governor and the state’s senior U.S. Senator hail from that particular place. Even with the departure of Bentley as governor, the Druid City has an inordinate amount of presence in the state’s political sphere of influence. Senator Richard Shelby is in his 32nd year as our U.S. Senator. With that kind of seniority, comes immense power in Washington. Shelby is Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee and is easily one of the three most powerful U.S. Senators. Secretary of State, John Merrill, is from Tuscaloosa. He served in the Legislature prior to winning statewide office. Scott Donaldson serves on the State Court of Appeals. He was a Circuit Judge in Tuscaloosa prior to his move to the state court. Judge John England currently sits on the Bench as a Tuscaloosa Circuit Judge. He has previously served on the State Supreme Court. He is one of the most respected men in the state. Judge England’s son, Chris England, has represented Tuscaloosa in the House of Representatives very effectively for 11-years. Chris is not only a stellar legislator; he is a practicing lawyer and an expert on Alabama football, which he grew up watching. Tuscaloosa County Probate Judge Hardy McCollum has been in his office for over 41 years. He is nearing the end of an unprecedented seventh six-year term. That means that Hardy was first elected in 1976. Over the years, he has generally been considered the most popular political figure in Tuscaloosa County. State senator, Gerald Allen, has been representing his native Tuscaloosa County in the state Legislature for 24-years. He served 16-years in the State House prior to his election to the State Senate eight years ago in 2010. He is considered one of the most conservative members of the State Senate. Some folks believe that this time next year, Tuscaloosa may regain the Governor’s office. Their very popular, 45-year old mayor, Walt Maddox, will likely be the Democratic standard-bearer in the 2018 Governor’s race. Young Mr. Maddox is very popular in his hometown. He has been the historic city’s 36th mayor since 2005, which means he was first elected at the ripe old age of 32. Although not Tuscaloosa’s, there are some influential powers that live nearby and represent them in the Halls of Congress and the State Senate. Congressman Robert Aderholt from Haleyville represents Tuscaloosa as well as outstanding State Senators Greg Reed of Jasper and Bobby Singleton of Greensboro. Lastly but certainly not least, Tuscaloosa lays claim to the most popular and consensus brightest rising star in the Alabama Legislature. State Representative Bill Poole is a crown jewel that Tuscaloosa can be very proud to call their own. Bill Poole is a lawyer by profession. His utmost priority is his devotion to his wife, Nicole, and his three children, Sally, William, and Whitman. The Poole’s are active members of the First Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa. Bill earned his B.S. and Law degrees from the University of Alabama and began his law practice in Tuscaloosa, in 2004. This Republican District 63 encompasses primarily the City and suburbs of Tuscaloosa. Dr. Bentley was the Representative from this District prior to Poole. Tim Parker represented this district prior to Bentley. Poole came to the House with a large group of Republicans in 2010. He immediately became a leader of that group. The entire Legislature quickly recognized his potential. By the end of his first year in 2011, it was evident that Poole was clearly the star of that 34-member class. When you asked every veteran observer of Goat Hill about the class, the first name on the list was Bill Poole. He is liked and respected by members on both sides of the aisle. In only his second term, he became Chairman of the Ways and Means Education Budget Committee. When Mike Hubbard was removed as Speaker, it was a foregone conclusion that Poole was going to be Speaker. He turned down the post because he wanted to be able to spend time with his young family. At 38 the sky is the limit for Poole. However, folks in Tuscaloosa hope he stays put. For a city that is home to the University of Alabama, having the Chairman of the Education Budget Committee is a pretty good coup. Tuscaloosa was once the Capitol. Some would say essentially it is again. In fact preliminary census estimations project that Tuscaloosa will exceed Montgomery in population by 2030. See you next week. ••• Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us
