Navy veteran Chad Robertson seeks nomination for House of Representatives District 40
Chad Robertson announced he is seeking the Republican nomination to represent District 40 in the Alabama House of Representatives. House District 40 includes Calhoun and Cleburne Counties. The United States Navy Veteran is seeking the position currently held by State Rep. K.L. Brown, who decided not to seek reelection. Robertson serves on the Tri-County Tourism Board and on the board of Leadership Cleburne County and is a committee member of Friends of the Forest. Robertson and his wife, Laura, are the owners of Heflin Fitness and Lineville Fitness. “I love this country, this state, and this district. I grew up here and am glad that Laura and I are raising our children here,” Robertson said. “I believe that my entire career has prepared me to serve in the Alabama legislature and to make a positive difference for the entire district.” Robertson is the executive director of the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce and understands the needs of small businesses and the importance of economic development. “Economic development and education are the keys to helping our district thrive,” Robertson commented. “By continuing to encourage smart growth and attract more high-paying jobs and increasing the quality of living throughout the district, we can make this the kind of place that our children will want to come back to raise their children. I think that is what we all want.” Robertson wants to ensure that our nation’s conservative Republican values are protected. “I believe in the Bible and the United States Constitution, and I believe that both should be protected and honored,” Robertson concluded. “I will fight hard every day in the legislature to stand for our values and to oppose liberal policies like critical race theory, bans on the 2nd amendment and no-excuse absentee voting.” The Republican primary election will be held on May 24, 2022.
Steve Flowers: Incumbency prevails in 2022 State House races
Folks, believe it or not, we are closing in on six months before next year’s election year. The primary election is set for May 24, 2022. In Alabama, all our major constitutional officers are on the ballot next year. The governor’s office is the premier race in the state, and that coveted and powerful post is set for its four-year quadrennial run. Therefore, this big political year is referred to as the gubernatorial year. Those of us who follow Alabama politics have been salivating with anticipation for a cavalcade of great races. However, the power of incumbency has devasted the big year into a yawn. All the major state offices are held by popular incumbents, who are either running unopposed or have minimal opposition. The consolation prize was that there would be the legislative races. After all, this is where the real power in the state rests. You can simply look at where the special interest and PAC money is spent to verify that fact. However, the omnipotent power of incumbency has also encroached on those races. The Alabama House of Representatives has 105 members. There are 77 Republicans and 28 Democrats. The large majority of incumbents are running for reelection – both Republicans and Democrats. The overwhelming majority of these incumbents will have no opposition. However, in the House, there will be some major changes in leadership because of retirement or moving on to new posts. Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon is not running for reelection. This has created an interesting and spirited race within the Republican Caucus ranks for Speaker. In addition, Victor Gaston of Mobile, who is Speaker Pro Tem, is also retiring. Bill Poole of Tuscaloosa, who chaired the powerful House Ways and Means Education Budget Committee, has left the House to be the State Finance Director. House Rules Committee Chairman Mike Jones of Andalusia is running for the open Senate seat of retiring Senator Jimmy Holley. Two of the freshman House members are running for statewide office. Wes Allen of Troy is running for Secretary of State, and Andrew Sorrell of Tuscumbia is running for State Auditor. In addition, Connie Rowe of Jasper is leaving the House to become an administrative assistant to Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth. Some of the veteran House members who are choosing to hang up their legislative cleats include Howard Sanderford of Huntsville, Mike Ball of Huntsville, K.L. Brown of Jacksonville, Kerry Rich of Marshall, Allen Farley of Jefferson, Harry Shiver of Baldwin, Mike Holmes of Elmore, and Becky Nordgren of Etowah. The most noteworthy retiree may be Representative Steve McMillan of Baldwin County, who is retiring after serving close to 43 years in the House. Steve has been a quiet yet very effective voice for the people of Baldwin County. They all will be missed. Some of the high profile and powerful members of the House, who will return for another four years with no or token opposition, are Steve Clouse of Ozark, Nathaniel Ledbetter of Dekalb County, and Danny Garrett, Jim Carns, David Wheeler, and David Faulkner of Jefferson. Danny Garrett has ascended to Chairman of the House Ways and Means Education. Other leaders returning are Chris Pringle, Reed Ingram, Randall Shedd, Tracy Estes, Chris Sells, David Standridge, Ginny Shaver, Jim Hill, Alan Baker, Joe Lovvorn, Chris Blackshear, Kyle South, Paul Lee, Jeff Sorrells, Rhett Marques, Steve Hurst, Joe Faust, and Margie Wilcox. The Democratic leadership will remain intact. There is an illustrious array of House Democratic leaders, including Anthony Daniels, Chris England, Laura Hall, Peb Warren, Barbara Boyd, A.J. McCampbell, Berry Forte, Dexter Grimsley, Thomas Jackson, Kevin Lawrence, Mary Moore, Juandalynn Givan, and veteran John Rogers. Two of the Democratic House veterans from Jefferson County, Louise Alexander and Merika Coleman, are both running for an open Jefferson County Senate Seat, leaving both their House seats up for grabs. There may be an increase in the number of females in the House of Representatives. It has already begun with the election of Cynthia Almond of Tuscaloosa, who was elected without opposition to replace Bill Poole. In addition, Patrice Penni McClammy won the Montgomery District 76 seat of her late father, Thad McClammy. She won with no opposition. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama papers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
University of Alabama student Jakob Williamson announces bid for House District 40 seat
A University of Alabama student has announced his candidacy for the Alabama House of Representatives, District 40, Yellowhammer News reported. Jakob Williamson, a 2019 Ohatchee High School graduate, is running for the seat currently held by State Rep. K.L. Brown, who is not seeking reelection. House District 40 consists of Calhoun and Cleburne Counties. The White Plains resident attends the University of Alabama and will earn an undergraduate degree in political science with a minor in public policy studies. Williamson stated, “My decision to run for the State House wasn’t made overnight. After much consideration and prayer, I decided to run for the State House seat being vacated by K.L. Brown. I’m running because we need true conservatives that can promote the legislative interests of District 40 while also representing the traditional values held by most voters.” If elected, Williamson stated he wants to prioritize economic development. “Most importantly, District 40 needs someone who truly cares about seeing our communities prosper and develop economically,” Williamson continued. “I’m a lifelong resident of Calhoun County with no intentions of leaving, so I have significant interests in the betterment of District 40. As your State Representative, I promise conservative representation that prioritizes the interests of District 40 above all else.” Williamson is an active member of the Calhoun Republican Party and is a founder and chairman of the Calhoun County Young Republicans. “District 40 needs a leader in Montgomery who understands the people, communities, values, and the legislative needs of those who make up the district. Voters want fresh candidates who accurately reflect their interests and have a desire to be a servant of the people. I promise that every day I will work for your vote and always put politics aside and the people of my community first,” Williamson concluded. The primary election is scheduled for May 24, 2022.
Greater Birmingham Humane Society calls for legislative action after ‘very sad week for animals’
The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) is calling for legislative action against puppy mills in the state following a puppy mill bust in Trussville, Ala. The GBHS rescued 83 dogs from the property which was deemed unfit for all the animals this week; the property owners were selling parakeets as well. According to AL.com, the property owners voluntarily surrendered all the animals but might face criminal charges of animal cruelty and operating a business without a license. GBHS CEO Allison Black Cornelius took to Facebook, to plead with voters and local legislators to file legislation in the next session to protect animals within the state. “It has been a very sad week for animals in our community with the passing of a dog left in a car in extreme heat and a puppy mill bust,” the group posted on Facebook. “GBHS Chief Executive Officer, Allison Black Cornelius, urges citizens to remember these two cases when the next legislative session begins and offer your support to promote legislation that protects animals in our state.” The shelter is accepting donations of puppy pads, puppy food and adult dog food. Last year, Jacksonville-Republican state Rep. K.L. Brown and Bessemer-Democrat state Sen. Priscilla Dunn both introduced bills drafted by the Alabama Puppy Mill Project, HB45 and SB17, in their respective chambers, which require commercial breeders of dogs and cats to be licensed and inspected annually in hopes to put an end to inhumane practices like puppy mills. The bills did not pass in the session.
Here’s everyone who the BCA has endorsed in the 2018 election cycle
The Business Council of Alabama (BCA), considers itself Alabama’s foremost voice for business. It is a non-partisan, statewide, business association representing the interests and concerns of nearly 1 million working Alabamians. The BCA works with the Alabama Legislature to promote “pro-business” reforms such as: Tax credits for small business Job creation Incentives for economic development Ethics reform Positive changes in our public education system Here are the candidates who the BCA has endorsed, who they believe will bring the best changes and initiatives for Alabama’s businesses: Statewide Races: Governor: Kay Ivey Lieutenant Governor: Twinkle Cavanaugh Attorney General: Steve Marshall Secretary of State: John Merrill State Treasurer: John McMillan Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries: Rick Pate Judicial Races: Chief Justice: Lyn Stuart Associate Justice Place 1: Sarah Stewart and Brad Mendheim Associate Justice Place 2: Tommy Bryan Associate Justice Place 3: Will Sellers Associate Justice Place 4: Jay Mitchell Court Of Civil Appeals Place 1: Christy Edwards Court Of Civil Appeals Place 2: Judge Terri Thomas Court Of Civil Appeals Place 3: Judge Terry Moore Court Of Criminal Appeals Place 1: Richard Minor Court Of Criminal Appeals Place 2: Chris McCool Court Of Criminal Appeals Place 3: Judge Bill Cole State Senate Races Senate District 2: Tom Butler Senate District 3: Arthur Orr Senate District 5: Greg Reed Senate District 7: Mary Scott Hunter Senate District 12: Del Marsh Senate District 13: Randy Price Senate District 14: Cam Ward Senate District 16: Jabo Waggoner Senate District 17: Shay Shelnutt Senate District 18: Rodger Smitherman Senate District 32: Chirs Elliott State House Races House District 3: Humphrey Lee House District 6: Andy Whitt House District 8: Terri Collins House District 9: Scott Stadthagen House District 13: Connie Rowe House District 14: Richard “Bull” Corry House District 27: Wes Kitchens House District 30: Craig Lipscomb House District 36: Randy Wood House District 39: TJ Maloney House District 40: K.L. Brown House District 41: Corley Ellis House District 42: Jimmy Martin House District 43: Arnold Mooney House District 44: Danny Garrett House District 45: Dickie Drake House District 46: David Faulkner House District 47: David Wheeler House District 48: Jim Carns House District 49: April Weaver House District 50: Jim Hill House District 55: Rod Scott House District 73: Matt Fridy House District 87: Jeff Sorrells House District 88: Jeremy Arthur House District 89: Marcus Paramore House District 96: Matt Simpson House District 102: Willie Gray
Alabama “puppy mill” bill gets a name — Atti’s Bill
Man’s best friend has two new allies in the Alabama Legislature — Jacksonville-Republican state Rep. K.L. Brown and Bessemer-Democrat state Sen. Priscilla Dunn. The duo introduced bills drafted by the Alabama Puppy Mill Project, HB45 and SB17, in their respective chambers, which require commercial breeders of dogs and cats to be licensed and inspected annually in hopes to put an end to inhumane practices like puppy mills. On Thursday both bills finally got a name, and face, of their own — Atti’s Bill. Named after rescue pup Atti, short for Atticus Finch, along with her sister from a breeder in Troy, Ala. The bill now carries Atti’s name. According to the Alabama Puppy Mill Project, “they were riddled with parasites and had Parvo. They did everything they could to give them every ounce of veterinary care they could to save their lives. They were both fighters but Atti succumbed to the Parvo and died several days later.” The bills have now been renamed in her honor and memory. While neither bill directly refers to “puppy mills” they would apply to cat and dog breeders who have more than 10 female animals. They’d have to be licensed and inspected by the Alabama Dog and Cat Breeders Commission, which the legislation also creates. The state Department of Agriculture and Industries would have jurisdiction over the commission and funding would be covered through breeders’ licensing fees. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASCPA), Alabama is one of only 20 states that doesn’t have regulations for puppy mills — a large-scale commercial dog breeding facility where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. HB45/SB17 hopes to put an end to that.
