The Issues

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs & The Economy

Alabama’s economy is facing perilous times, but the liberal Democratic legislature in Montgomery has done little to work towards solving them. We cannot continue to sit idly by while both large and small businesses suffer. I believe we need to take a two-pronged approach at fixing our economy.

First, we must stop the bleeding. The state can do that by offering incentives to current and new businesses that hire employees. Encouraging the creation of new jobs by providing incentive existing businesses to hire more workers here--rather than outsourcing their jobs--the state can help prevent a further climb in unemployment numbers.

Second, once the bleeding has stopped, we must work diligently to bring new businesses to our area but not at the expense of those already here. I worked to reopen a local business that brought hundreds of jobs back to our community. I know what it takes to make a business work. I’ve signed both sides of a paycheck, and I know what it’s like to meet a payroll.

Because I’m a conservative, I understand that government is the problem, not the solution. The private sector will always be able to create more jobs and jumpstart the economy more effectively than the government can. What the government can do is to first, get out of the way; then, second, support businesses with incentives to hire. State government must cut wasteful spending while at the same time doing all it can to encourage economic growth and not stifle it through government regulation, intervention and red tape.

For those who do have jobs now but are worried they might lose them, we must create a business environment where businesses feel comfortable. If a company is confident in its state and its leaders, it is more likely to keep employees and hire new ones .We must work to make Alabama a job friendly state, and protect our “Right to Work “ law. Return to Top (List of All Issues)

Cut Government Waste & Lower Taxes

It’s been said that he who controls the purse strings controls the future. Unfortunately, the future of Alabama’s families is in jeopardy as the liberals in Montgomery take our tax dollars to support their special interest friends rather than to help hardworking Alabamians.

Every family in our state has to live within its means by setting a budget; the state legislature should be no different. I will oppose increasing taxes and government spending because more taxes means less jobs. I will also look for ways to cut government spending so that you can keep more of your money in your own pocket. Return to Top (List of All Issues)

Support & Improve Education

Alabama’s children deserve an excellent education system. It’s just that simple. As a former teacher and coach and the husband of a school counselor, I understand the problems our schools face.

Our tax dollars should be spent directly on student instruction, not on state government bureaucracy or special “pork “ projects. Our state should increase the quality of the education provided to our students by providing incentives to teachers who perform.

We should also set a goal of bringing 21st century technology to every classroom in the district. As the economy becomes more high tech, we need to make sure our kids are prepared for the jobs of the future. Teaching them the computer and job skills they’ll need to perform in the new economy is paramount to our future and theirs. Why wouldn’t we give our children the best? Return to Top (List of All Issues)

Protecting Life & Our Conservative Values

When I was growing up, my mother told me that I would be judged by the company I kept. I didn’t really understand what she meant then, but now I see it every day.

Across our state, our country and even in our own community, liberal Democrats are attempting to hoodwink the voters. With one hand they claim to cherish the same pro-family, pro-gun, pro-America, Christian values you and I hold dear, while with the other hand, they support government-funded socialized programs that take tax dollars from one family and give it to the next.

I’ve seen first hand how out of touch liberal Democrats are. That’s why I wasn’t afraid to stand up and say, “enough is enough.” I will take that same zeal and energy with me to Montgomery as I stand up and fight for you and our community everyday in the state senate.

As a state legislator, I will work diligently to protect life, both of the unborn and the disabled in our state. I will also make sure the government stays out of our lives and doesn’t tell us how to raise our families or how to spend our money. I’m tired of Montgomery politicians who are controlled by liberal Democrat special interests groups, who say one thing to get elected and then do another once they take office.

We need a Senator who knows who we are, what we need and what we believe. I’m running for the state senate because it’s time we have a state senator who is one of us. Return to Top (List of All Issues)

Advancing Rural Alabama

Too often an emphasis is placed on bringing new jobs and new opportunities to the urban areas of our sate while rural Alabama is often left out in the dark. I’ve lived my entire life in rural Alabama – I love our area of the state, and I understand the challenges we face. In my work with the Rural Alabama Action Commission, I learned how to meet those challenges head on. As businesses leave rural Alabama, we must find ways to replace those jobs, and that’s a challenge I am ready, willing and able to tackle.

As your state senator, I will work to protect family farms across our state by keeping taxes low on their land and their products. I will also be a tireless advocate to attract new jobs to our area that are ideally suited for rural Alabama. And I will oppose efforts to take land by eminent domain for commercial use.

I support and will work for funding for workers in rural Alabama to learn new trades as the industries and workforce needs in our area continue to change. Our part of Alabama and the people who live here have so much to offer. We must elect a Senator who will work tirelessly for us. We need someone who will put us and our families ahead of the liberal Montgomery special interests or we will continue to be ignored in the Capital City. Return to Top (List of All Issues)

Veterans & The Military

Although most people consider the military to be an issue for the federal government, it is one that directly affects all of us. Whether it be the veterans who live in our community or the jobs created as a result of military bases near us, the military affects us daily.

I served 38 years in the military (National Guard) and ended my service as the assistant Adjutant General. That experience gives me a unique prospective as to what can be done by the state for military families and how the state can attract military contracts to our area.

I will also be an advocate for funding for various programs for our veterans and for the Alabama State Defense Force, which steps in to help in a time of natural disaster when the National Guard is not available to serve. Return to Top (List of All Issues)

Illegal Immigration

The federal government has failed to secure our borders. Their failure has caused our schools, hospitals and government services to become overrun with those who are in our country illegally. If the federal government will not stop illegal aliens from putting a strain on our government, the state must step up to the plate and solve the problem. I support Arizona’s new immigration law and will support similar measures here in Alabama. Return to Top (List of All Issues)

Gambling

I am personally opposed to gambling in Alabama, but I support a clean up or down vote of the people to decide this issue once and for all. But if we have the opportunity to vote for or against gambling, I favor establishing an independent commission to tax the profits and oversee the operations of any gambling sites in Alabama. Return to Top (List of All Issues)