What are your qualifications?

BROWN- I have been in business and actively engaged with people in this district for over 30 years. Memberships in the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Calhoun County and other civic clubs have kept me in touch with business owners, business leaders, retirees and average citizens that are concerned about the well being of our county and our district. I am a calm, caring person and yet I am willing to take difficult stands when necessary to accomplish my goals. If given a chance to serve, I will never embarrass you or make you ashamed that you elected me. I always try hard to look at both sides of any issue, but maintain my convictions.

DILL-

*FIFTH GENERATION NATIVE OF CALHOUN COUNTY

*GRADUATE OF JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY

*ELECTED S.G.A.TREASURER AT J.S.U.

*FORMER TREASURER, J.S.U. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

*FORMER CALHOUN COUNTY CHAIRMAN FOR AREA CANDIDATE

FOR STATE AUDITOR

*SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, AUTOSHIELD AUTOMOTIVE DETAILING FOR 20 YEARS

*29 YEARS CONCERT NIGHT MANAGER, KNOX CONCERT SERIES

*EAGLE SCOUT

*EXECUTIVE BOARD, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

*CHAIRMAN, BOY SCOUTS EAGLE REVIEW BOARD

*CITY OF JACKSONVILLE TREE COMMISSION

*JACKSONVILLE'S ALABAMA COMMUNITIES OF EXCELLENCE INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE

*UNITED WAY,FORMER CORPORATE FUND RAISING COMMITTEE

*ORDAINED ELDER, PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

HAGAN- I've been interested in politics since high school and the Hi-Y Youth in Government Program. I registered to vote the day I was old enough. I really began to be active in politics when a friend ran for Congress in Chattanooga when I lived there in 1988. Later, I ran for a political office there unsuccessfully, but continued to be active.

I moved back to Calhoun County where I grew up in 2000 when my parents, George and Thanie Frady Smith, needed me to help them out.

I wanted to run for the state legislature in 2002, but didn't think that would be wise when my parents needed me, so I ran for Calhoun County Commissioner when Lea Fite ran for the Legislature. Of course, I lost because my opponent, Rudy Abbott, had had his name in the newspaper for 40 years and everyone knew him. Since then, Mr. Abbott appointed me to the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Northeast Alabama Regional Planning Commission.

I have been trying to get to the State Legislature with my tax plan through my legislator for seven years with no luck, so I decided the only way to be successful with it is to get elected so I can be there. If I don't win the election, I'll move to Montgomery and sit on their doorstep every day! My tax plan is located at www.carolhagan.com

JONES- My qualification for representative of district 40 include previous experience of authoring two pieces of legislation that became law: Felony DUI and Sexual Torture Law. I have established case law by presenting and arguing a case before the Court of Criminal Appeals to make prosecution of child sexual abuse cases easier. I have experience in establishing service institutions for families by working with organizations and developing programs which eventually received funding from State and Federal government. I helped establish the Calhoun Cleburne Children’s Center, an agency that works with the District Attorneys, law enforcement and the Department of Human Resources to investigate child physical and sexual abuse cases. I helped establish the Daybreak Rape Crisis Center. I helped establish Mercy House, a faith based domestic violence shelter for women and children. I am a small business owner of over 16 years. I am an attorney. I have served on numerous boards of directors in the community such as the West Anniston Foundation, Precious in His Sight Child Development Center, Spirit of Anniston, Debra H. Jones Ministries, Inc., Calhoun Cleburne Children’s Center, Daybreak Rape Center, Mercy House and others.

LESTER-

Consulted on numerous campaigns

Ran for U.S. House (2004)

Doctorate-Political Science & Public Administration

Masters Degree in Public Administration

Youth Pastor (23 years)

Lifetime Certificate as a Public School Teacher

Trained in public budgeting, public personnel, public management & public policy

Helped develop disaster response work guide for Louisiana (post-Katrina)

Expertise in federal, state and local government

Supported family working in agriculture

Author

SHELTON- Former State Representative--did not seek reelection at end of term. Have been involved in many civic and charitable activities from Jaycees to Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce. Currently on the Calhoun County Republican Party Executive Committee and also on the State Party Executive Committee. Was a candidate in 2006 for this seat--lost by only 393 votes but was outspent approximately 10 to 1. I attended JSU and graduated in Political Science and Economics from Univ of North Carolina. Also, did graduate work in Political Science at JSU and am a lifetime Alumnus of JSU. I attended Jacksonville schools and graduated at Anniston High. Also hold the CLU and ChFC from The American College.

WHALEY-

I received my B.S. from Auburn University in 1984.

I received my Masters Degree and AA Certification from Alabama A&M University in 1993 and 1996.

I received my School Administration Certification from Jacksonville State University in 1997.

I have been the Agribusiness Teacher and FFA Advisor at Jacksonville High School from 1985-present.

I was a charter member of the Fort McClellan Development Commission.

I am a past member of the Economic Development Committee of the Fort McClellan Development Commission.

I have been a member of the Jacksonville Civil Service Board for 12 years.

I am a current member of the Alabama State Teacher Retirement Board of Control.

I am a current member of the Alabama State PEEHIP Insurance Board.

I am a member of the State Retirement Systems of Alabama Board of Control.

I am the current President of the Jacksonville Education Association.

I am the past Secretary/Treasurer of the Mohawk Estates Owners Association.

I am a State of Alabama Certified Hunter Education Instructor.

I am a past National Outstanding Young Agribusiness Teacher Winner.

I am a past National Outstanding Agribusiness Teacher Winner.

I am a member of the Alabama FFA Wall of Honor.

I am a past member of the National Sports Coaching Honor Roll.

I have coached 30 Jacksonville Parks and Recreation youth sports teams.

I have coached 13 State Champion FFA Public Speaking winners.

Why do you want to represent House Seat 40?

BROWN- For over 15 years, I have had a strong desire to serve our district in Montgomery. About a year and a half ago, I told Rep. Lea Fite that I was going to run and that I would be running "for" the seat, not "against" Lea Fite. I served for two terms on a State Board in Montgomery and was intrigued by the process of writing and trying to pass legislation. My entire adult life has been spent serving others, and what better way could I "serve others" than to be a non-judgmental listening ear with a desire to solve problems that will bring a better quality of life for those in our district.

DILL- I FEEL WE ALL NEED TO GIVE BACK TO OUR COMMUNITIES THROUGH SERVICE. AS STATE HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE, I WILL GIVE BACK TO DISTRICT 40 AND ALABAMA FOR ALL THAT HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO ME AND MY FAMILY. THROUGH MY LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND WORK ETHIC I WILL WORK FOR CONSERVATIVE VALUES AND POSITIVE CHANGE IN MONTGOMERY FOR DISTRICT 40.

HAGAN- I want to represent House Seat 40 because that's the district I live in. This state as well as this country has overtaxed its citizens until we are in the same position as the Roman Empire when it fell--we're running out of money to live on. I have a tax plan (www.carolhagan.com) which will solve the tax problems we have. It would repeal all 61 state and local taxes in Alabama and institute ONE single flat rate income tax. We would always know exactly how much we were paying in taxes, it would attract businesses to the state without having to give the state away, and it would give the local governments their own money and automatic home rule.

We have the census coming up in 2010 and redistricting will take place after that. I want to divide the state into square miles and create districts in as nearly a square as possible according to the population, so we can stop the gerrymandering by the parties to assure their reelections.

JONES- I have been serving the people of district 40 as well as all of Calhoun and Cleburne counties for the last twenty years in the area of protecting children and strengthening families. Strong families make strong communities. I want to represent our families and our communities on the state level. District 40 needs new industry and economic development. We also need to ensure our current business thrive and do not have to layoff workers and eventually close. Our public schools are quite competitive with schools throughout the state. We need to ensure our teachers remain employed and that they have all the materials, supplies, and technology they need.

LESTER- We are at a crossroads. Each American child is born with a $30,000 debt and that is if it were paid off today. Deficits are projected many years out into the future. The federal government just ran a $1.4 trillion dollar deficit. These levels are unsustainable without bankrupting our children's future. Government at all levels is now more linked together than ever. What happens outside the borders of Alabama, our county, and our district impact us directly. We need a representative who can move between all levels of government. I understand government at all levels and have made this my life's work. I understand the system. If we are to solve the monumental problems that face us and our children, we need to get to work immediately on solving our problems. I want to be able to look at my children someday and say that I did what I could to help. When my wife and I look at our children, we want to give them a nation and a state where if they work hard and develop their skills, they can prosper. If things continue as they are, this will not be the case. Politics as usual must end! We must send representatives to Montgomery that can get to work immediately on our problems. I offer my services to the district and if elected will do my very best to make District 40 an example for the rest of Alabama and the world.

SHELTON- I have not seen the development and jobs coming to District 40 that I thought would happen when I passed the Economic Development Council for the County. I want to work with the EDC and Piedmont, Jacksonville and Ohatchee so we can see more jobs coming to our part of the County. The EDC announced a new industry on November 10th for Anniston. Another bill I passed for Federal Mogul has brought thousands of jobs to the State. Alabama Development Office uses that bill as part of their recruitment package--I intend to see that we get our share!! Somehow, nobody has utilized the programs available to District 40! I intend to change that!

WHALEY- I am Christian, husband, father and teacher, I have worked to build a better Calhoun County. As a Christian, I know the value of faith and service. As a husband and father, I know the value of family and the importance of providing for our children. As the 25-year veteran vocational/agricultural teacher at Jacksonville High School, I know the value of education and job training. I know what it will take for the next generation to stay and build a better Calhoun County.

Growing up on his small family farm, I know the value of the land and the importance of sustaining family farms. These values are the reason why I am running for the Alabama House of Representatives District 40. From Jacksonville to Piedmont, from Alexandria/Ohatchee to White Plains and all parts of Calhoun County, we need someone who will be working for all of us.

Most folks know me because I have worked hard for many causes and efforts in our community. It is that dedication, and my determination to see that the best days for Calhoun County are ahead, is why I am running for State Representative.

It was a shock and a tragedy when Rep. Lea Fite died. I was happy and honored to call Lea a friend, and I knew we were well represented in the Statehouse by his efforts. Now we need to elect a new representative, and I humbly ask for your vote. I know the value of hard work, and you can count on me to work hard for you.

What are your plans and goals for District 40? What is most important to get started on?

BROWN- The most important area of focus initially would be bringing more jobs to our district. With an unemployment rate of over 11% in our county, we need to focus on bringing more, good paying jobs for those who are not working. By working with the local Chamber and EDC, we can have an impact on job creation in our district. I have an established relationship with individuals who can best make this happen and have worked with many of them on other Boards and projects in our communities. I am a team player and it's not about what "I" can do, but what about "we" can do together.

DILL- IMPROVING ALABAMA'S ECONOMY IS MY TOP PRIORITY. I AM CALLING FOR A FIVE POINT PLAN FOR REAL ECONOMIC GROWTH. 1. CREATE A SMALL BUSINESS TASK FORCE CHARGED WITH ASSISTING ALABAMA BUSINESSES AND OFFER TAX INCENTIVES TO BUSINESSES WHO RE-HIRE LAID OFF WORKERS AND FOR PROVIDING HEALTH INSURANCE TO THEIR EMPLOYEES. 2. AGGRESSIVELY RECRUIT NEW BUSINESSES TO LOCATE IN ALABAMA. 3. MAKE CERTAIN ALABAMA REMAINS A RIGHT-TO-WORK STATE. 4. EXPAND THE ROLE OF THE STATE WORKFORCE PLANNING COUNCIL AND AGGESSIVELY EMPOWER ALABAMA WORKERS TO BECOME A HIGHLY SKILLED, COMPETATIVE WORKFORCE. 5. ALLOCATE EVERY AVALIABLE EDUCATION DOLLAR DIRECTLY INTO THE CLASSROOM ON INSTRUCTION.

HAGAN- My first area of focus will be to check with the Legislative Department to make sure my tax bill is in the proper form, and then to the Fiscal Department so they can put the numbers to it, so I can present it to the Legislature and get it passed, so it can be on the ballot in November for the citizens to vote on. My bill can be found in full at www.carolhagan.com

JONES- My priority as representative will be to work with the agencies in the district and on the state level for economic development and industrial growth. I have met with the Staff of the Economic Development Council of Calhoun County and learned of the planning and preparations for industrial growth in the county. The Staff of the EDC has worked very hard and are prepared for new industry with property that has already been developed. They work with other agencies such as the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission and the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce. The Alabama Development Office and the ADECA are two state agencies I want to consistently pursue for this area. We have a lot to offer industry and new businesses. I also want to work to keep our current businesses viable.

LESTER- Community and economic development are key. If we are to prosper, we must encourage existing business and industry to grow and attract new business and industry to the area. This will allow the tax base to expand. With a solid and growing tax base, we can properly fund development. Government can help to set the conditions of development by providing for solid infrastructure. Infrastructure improvements attract development. This must be done while keeping taxes low. Increasing taxes will only stifle economic development in the long run. We cannot tax our way out of these problems. We must grow the size of the pie for everyone.

Education must be "front and center" if development is to occur. The next generation must be prepared for a more complex world. This extends from K-12 to higher education. Both must be healthy or long-term prosperity will be in jeopardy. Funding for education must be a top order priority. As your representative, I will fight to maintain funding for both K-12 and JSU. As an educator I have a deep appreciation for how important education is to our future.

The federal government has provided a large amount of money to help prop up state and local budgets. This cannot continue. Federal funds will become much harder to obtain. Grant writing capability will be important. Our cities and our county need capable grant writers or we will be at a decided disadvantage in seeking federal funds. I will lend my own eyes to the applications and I will use other resources to see that the projects are funded. I will personally get involved in any project that would benefit from my involvement.

SHELTON- I am able to be a full-time State Representative because I have sold off part of my business. Having time available will give me the opportunity to coordinate with the cities in District 40 and our part of the County. I intend to pass whatever legislation is needed to enable our cities and for the County to have the ability to set up Commercial Development Authorities to build the retail tax base--if we can increase the income from sales taxes we can have more prosperity without increasing other taxes. I also intend to try to get our share of sales tax from internet sales.

WHALEY- My priorities are jobs and education.

I know more than anybody that a strong local economy starts with the best education we can give our children. As most of you know education has suffered back to back years of proration. Jacksonville City Schools lost $1 million, Piedmont City lost $600,000 and Calhoun County lost $5 million. JSU is one of the district's largest employers. JSU had $49.3 million in state fund in 2008. This year JSU will get $40 million, a 25% cut! When JSU is cut everyone hurts. It is time to make sure the big boys pay their fair share. All state income taxes are earmarked for education. I will work with Education Appropriations Chairman Representative Lindsey(D) Centre, Alabama to restore JSU's funding. Some corporations that make millions in income here pay less state income taxes than you or me, using special accounting gimmicks and loopholes. This is money that should go to our children and JSU. The Legislature has closed some loopholes, but there are others we have to look at. You and I pay our state income taxes, so should the big out of state corporations. It is only fair and it allows the small business man to compete on more level field.

Whether it is teaching students a trade or working with them on skills that will garner success in college, I have worked hard at making sure the next generation is ready.

I have seen my graduates go on to work at Honda and to attend Harvard. I have seen my students become small business owners and work for major companies right here in Calhoun County. I know that great education leads to great jobs.

I will bring my unique experience to the Statehouse, and you know I will make sure that Calhoun County gets the support it needs to move forward.

Senior citizens, veterans, family farms, and rural fire departments are other issues that are important to me as well. In addition, I believe prisoners should have to work for their keep and every citizen deserves the right to bear arms.

With the term for Seat 40 ending in less than a year, will you be able to accomplish what you plan with the timeline you are given?

BROWN- I plan to start working hard for this district the day I am elected. Although a portion of the legislative session will already be behind me, I can work with several other legislators, whom I consider mentors, and catch up fast on what is happening in the session and what I can best do to help our district. Budgets are going to be critical this next year, because there will be little or no stimulus money to prop us up. Creating jobs, passing ethics reform and dealing with budgets are at the top of my list if elected and I will not cruise through the remaining time to serve, waiting to see if I am going to be re-elected to a full term.

DILL- TIME IS ESSENTIAL. I WILL WORK TO PASS NEEDED LEGISLATION IN THE GIVEN TIMELINE. THE GROUNDWORK MUST BE LAYED FOR CONTINUING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR DISTRICT 40.

HAGAN- I can promise that if I don't get it accomplished by the end of this term, I'll run again in November to give me another opportunity. Even as an elected official, I would still have to collect another 348 signatures of registered voters to be on the ballot. I've already started collecting them.

JONES- The special election is Jan. 5, the primary Feb. 16, unless there is a runoff, which will put the general election on Mar. 30. The legislative session will end and there will be another primary in June for the general election in November. While the representative will not be able to participate in the legislature, there are many responsibilities that take place the rest of the year. It would be unrealistic to say that I could accomplish my goals in one year. However, the legislature does not have to be in session for the representative to work with the ADO, ADECA, and the EDC, EAPDC, and local governments to aggressively pursue industry and business for this region.

LESTER- If elected, I will use my experience and expertise to "hit the ground running." The time lost cannot be made up, but electing someone who already knows the system will be important. I will immediately work on legislation that provides funding for smaller cities to train grant writers or we could be locked out of competition for federal funds. I will work hard to make this a reality.

SHELTON- No--but I have the best shot at getting more things done than any other candidate because, as a former State Representative, I can go to all meetings, be on the floor of the House, can talk with other Representatives and Senators personally--there are quite a few still there I served with before--they are friends of mine and are in positions of power due to Seniority which I will have also because of being a former member. Hopefully our voters will see the wisdom of sending somebody (me) to Montgomery that knows the system, has the Legislative experience and contacts to be a more powerful Representative for District 40!

WHALEY- To get a job you have to start working. Things will not be solved immediately, but that should not stop you from getting to work. That's why I am running now, and with your blessing will continue to be running through next fall. All I have ever known is hard work, and I am ready to put all my effort into moving our part of Calhoun County forward. There is a lot that the state can do for progress, but we need someone to work every day to see that it happens.

If elected, will you run again?

All candidates said that they would run again if elected.

During these tough economic times, how do you plan to help bring jobs to District 40?

BROWN- As earlier stated, I plan to work extensively with the Chamber of Commerce, the EDC and other organizations to help bring new industry and new jobs as well as enhance existing businesses. Once the Eastern Bypass is complete, I strongly believe McClellan will be a booming development if we can all work together collectively and stop the power struggles that have slowed progress. We have to be willing to look for ways to improve infrastructure in order to attract new businesses. A new sewer treatment plant is a must in order to meet the needs of this new development at McClellan.

DILL- I PLAN TO WORK WITH THE ALABAMA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE TO RECRUIT NEW BUSINESSES TO OUR DISTRICT. IN CONJUCTION WITH THE ALABAMA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING,THE GOVENOR'S OFFICE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND THE STATE WORKFORCE PLANNING COUNCIL WE WILL BE ABLE TO TRAIN WORKERS TO BECOME A HIGHLY-SKILLED, COMPETITIVE WORKFORCE THAT WILL BE ATTRACTIVE TO INCOMING INDUSTRY.

HAGAN- I plan to get my tax plan passed, so companies will want to come to Alabama to do business because they won't have to add all the hidden taxes to the cost of doing business and pass them on to their customers. Also, they won't have to negotiate with the State to get tax concessions to come here.

JONES- District 40 has a low crime rate, low property taxes, low income taxes, two of the state’s top fifty schools, according to the recent U.S. News and World Report High School Rankings, a business friendly environment with State tax incentives, low utility rates, and available industrial sites with buildings already in place awaiting industry. Our county has the Northeast Alabama Entrepreneurial System where new businesses can get established with office space, manufacturing space, business guidance and counsel, and business assistance networking. These new businesses get established and become viable employers for the communities. I plan to work with the local agencies and the state agencies to aggressively pursue industry for this region.

LESTER- Government can help to create the conditions for economic development. Jobs follow when this development occurs. Maintaining a low tax rate and developing infrastructure is key. Long term, we must have a world-class educational system that extends all the way through JSU. I will personally get involved in negotiations to bring business and industry into the area. Nothing will be too small for attention. Further, regional development must occur. This will be done by working with other representatives, senators, and our federal officials to make this happen. I am well situated to work across boundaries.

SHELTON- I met with Dr. William Meehan, President of JSU, and with Dr. Lawson Veasey and they liked my idea to have JSU sponsor a Candidates Forum of all candidates for Governor. They are going to make it a really big event!! Whoever is elected Governor will get to meet our wonderful people in this community, and I know will be eager to help us get more jobs. Dr. Meehan is also going to allow me to work with him to expand the Nursing School to include a Doctoral Program in Nursing! I'm also going to also work with JSU on expanding their Emergency Management Program to include a Doctoral in Emergency Management. JSU, as our largest employer, will have to expand their staff to do these new programs which will bring more students and more business to the community. I have also covered my plans about jobs above.

WHALEY- As the area legislator, I will be in constant contact with the Alabama Development Office (ADO), the state agency that coordinates with companies looking to locate in our state. I will know what companies have put out proposals to be on constant lookout for a potential fit with area sites. I will work with the Mayor and the city council to highlight industrial sites now more attractive with the bypass. Make no mistake, a hardworking, and knowledgeable representative can make all the difference in the world when it comes to bringing resources and opportunity to our area. The state also has one of the nation's top industrial training programs, AIDT, and I would like them to do an assessment of the skilled labor of our area so we may promote it to possible industries.

Jacksonville's City Council is currently looking into an ordinance banning texting while operating a motor vehicle. What is your view on the subject?

BROWN- I think texting is dangerous and should not be done while operating a moving motor vehicle, however; I think it would be very hard for law enforcement to enforce. Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, I would look at other states and municipalities and see what kind of laws they have enacted and what methods of enforcement have worked for them. Although I think the use of cell phones is also dangerous while driving, I believe it would be very difficult to pass legislation prohibiting the use of a cell phone in a moving vehicle.

DILL- A RECENT ARTICLE IN U.S.NEWS AND WORLD REPORT STATED, "AN ESTIMATED 20 PERCENT OF DRIVERS ARE SENDING OR RECEIVING TEXT MESSAGES WHILE BEHIND THE WHEEL, ACCORDING TO A NATIONWIDE INSURANCE STUDY." " AND ACCORDING TO ANOTHER POLL, THAT NUMBER SKYROCKETS TO 66 PERCENT WHEN DRIVERS 18 TO 24 ARE ISOLATED." " THE PRACTICE, ESPECIALLY POPULAR AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, IS EXACTING A DEADLY TOLL." "A HARRIS INTERACTIVE POLL FROM AUGUST SHOWS 9 OUT OF 10 AMERICANS BELIEVE THAT SENDING TEXT MESSAGES OR E-MAILS WHILE DRIVING IS DISTRACTING, DANGEROUS, AND SHOULD BE OUTLAWED." I SUPPORT JACKSONVILLE'S CITY COUNCIL ON THEIR PENDING LEGISLATION AND FEEL THAT THE STATE OF ALABAMA SHOULD TAKE SIMILAR ACTION.

HAGAN- I believe that people should not be doing anything that would distract them while they are driving. Maybe a sign on each road coming into Jacksonville saying, "Pull over to use your phone", would be good enough. Otherwise, it should be taken care of at the state level, so people wouldn't get a shock when they go through Jacksonville and get a ticket for something they didn't know was illegal.

JONES- Government should not legislate whether people should be able to use their cell phones while driving, but texting is a public safety issue that should be prohibited. House Bill 35 has been prefiled to ban texting and GPS hand held device, etc. So far, twenty-eight representatives have sponsored the bill. 60 percent of funds collected from this traffic violation will go to Dept. of Public Safety and 40 percent to the General Fund. Fines begin at $25.00 for first offense, $50.00 for second offense, and $75.00 for third offense. I would support this bill and I do support the Jacksonville proposed ordinance as it will make our families safer on the roads. The recent statistics from the Department of Public Safety indicate that more people lost their lives in car wrecks from distracted drivers than from drunk drivers.

LESTER- Cell phone use should be restricted to non-drivers or "hands free" devices. Operating a cell phone without a "hands free" device is not the same as talking to someone in the car. Texting is even more problematic. Eyes are off the road and the distraction is intense. Texting should be banned while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers should pull off of the road to conduct business absent a "hands free" device. Enforceability is an issue, but there are times when making a statement about legality is important itself. The State should look into the subject as a matter of citizen safety.

SHELTON- I believe this is a dangerous practice and hope the City Ciuncil supports Mr. Raulerson on banning it. Will also look at the possibility of introducing State legislation on this matter. I have seen young people madly texting while they drive and believe it is extremely dangerous.

WHALEY- Yes. Public Safety is the main issue anytime a person gets behind the wheel of an automobile. The State of Alabama should ban texting while driving.

For our readers in Jacksonville, what do you plan to do specifically for the city of Jacksonville.

BROWN- I would work very closely with Jacksonville's elected officials, many of whom I have worked with for many years, to see that our needs coming out of Montgomery are met. I will be constantly be looking for grants and other means of funding for special infrastructure as well as education projects here in Jacksonville. I would also make myself available at any time, to address problems that come up to which I might find a solution. It would be nice to schedule maybe quarterly, town hall chats where we could come together and seek solutions to new challenges.

DILL- ONE ISSUE AT THE FOREFRONT IS DEALING WITH THE AGING STORM WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM THAT IS LEAKING INTO THE WASTE WATER SYSTEM. BECAUSE OF THIS CONDITION THE WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT EXPERIENCES OVERLOAD DURING TIMES OF HEAVY RAIN. THIS ISSUE MUST BE ADDRESSED TO REMAIN COMPLIANT WITH EPA REGULATIONS. I HAVE MET, ALONG WITH JACKSONVILLE'S ELECTED OFFICALS WITH ALABAMA'S STATE FINANCE DIRECTOR AND THE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT REGARDING THIS ISSUE IN ATTEMPTS TO SECURE FUNDING SOURCES TO UPDATE THE SYSTEM AND I WILL CONTINUE TO WORK AGGRESSIVELY ON THIS ISSUE WHEN ELECTED.

HAGAN- Get my tax plan passed. (www.carolhagan.com)

JONES- I will represent all of the cities in District 40 with equal attention to their needs. As I have been campaigning, many people have reminded me not to forget about their community if I get elected. All of the communities in district 40 are as equally important as the other. However, in answer to your specific question about the city of Jacksonville, as the District 40 representative, I will work for the City of Jacksonville on a state level to ensure that Jacksonville State University gets the funding it needs to continue to be viable and competitive.

LESTER- Specifically, I promise to work hard to maintain education funding for both the public school system and JSU. I also will work hard to see that infrastructure projects are developed and seen to completion. Increasing the city's grant writing capability will be of importance and I will help in every way that I can in that regard. Even though the rains have come and the drought seems like a distant memory, we needs to upgrade our water supply an system. I will work in that area to improve the system. Additionally, I promise to be accessible and to listen to your concerns. I will represent the city's needs to the best of my ability. Sharon and I have chosen to make our home in Jacksonville. We love our city and will work to make it as good as it can be.

SHELTON- I intend to coordinate between the EDC and ADO to bring more effort to developing industry and jobs.

WHALEY- Jacksonville is in an ideal location between Atlanta and Birmingham, situated right in the corridor of auto manufacturers located in the South. Alabama is 5th in the nation in automobile assembly, and Jacksonville has the potential to attract satellite industries associated with the industry. The problem has been access to the Interstate highways which have been hampered by slow traffic up through Anniston or down from Gadsden. This is about to change with the completion of the Eastern Bypass, drastically reducing the amount of time for Jacksonville goods to reach I-20. However, even after the completion of the bypass, Jacksonville and northern Calhoun County must continue to improve roads. I will work to see that our area gets its share of road funds. Also, it is important for the companies to know Jacksonville's other great asset: its people. Businesses and industries want to locate in communities that have a strong, educated workforce. Jacksonville certainly meets the criteria with the skilled employees who gave many years of loyal service to companies like Federal Mogul and Parker. I know first hand a strong advocate can be critical for economic development. When I served on the Redevelopment Board for Ft. McClellan the promotion of the land and the infrastructure took a constant effort. We have begun to see development, but with added transportation infrastructure that could speed up considerably.

I also will support small local businesses. As the vocational/agriculture teacher at Jacksonville High for the last 25 years, I have trained hundreds of students in skills and trades that they use today in their jobs and businesses. I understand we need to provide more help for young people to start their own businesses. I will work to find grants and curriculum that we can use in our schools and for continuing education to teach sound business principles so that the next generation can start the local companies that will be the mainstay of Jacksonville in the future.

Small towns and rural places have a history of self-reliance; it's time we used that to our advantage to build local businesses. History also shows that our area is ideally located, it is time we make good on that asset and land new industry for our area.

As the legislator for Jacksonville, folks of the town can be sure I will work hard to see these things happen.

For our readers in Piedmont, what do you plan to do specifically for the city of Piedmont.

BROWN- As with Jacksonville, I would work with elected officials in Piedmont to see that their needs are addressed. I know sometimes, residents of Piedmont feel like they are left out and if elected, I will see that they are not left out of the loop. In the course of campaigning in Piedmont, I have met many wonderful, concerned citizens that have the same concerns that other people in the district have, i.e. lack of jobs, etc. I will work for ALL the district and look for ways to improve quality of life.

DILL- BRING IN NEW BUSINESSES TO IDLE INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES ALONG WITH FILLING EMPTY STORE FRONTS IS PRIMARY. WE MUST AGGRESSIVELY RECRUIT COMPANIES TO LOCATE IN PIEDMONT AND GIVE DISPLACED WORKERS JOBS AGAIN. IN ADDITION, WE MUST ASSIST EXISTING BUSINESSES THROUGH TAX INCENTIVES TO RE-HIRE LAID-OFF WORKERS.

HAGAN- Get my tax plan passed (www.carolhagan.com)

JONES- As the District 40 representative, I will work closely with the mayor and city councils and the State agencies to attract businesses and federal funds to Piedmont, as Piedmont’s greatest need is jobs. Our area has many advantages which need to be advocated. In addition, we have a workforce that is unemployed and willing to work due to the closing of the textile industry in Piedmont, in particular. Our workers are being retrained in different fields. Good relationships and a business friendly environment are important for economic development in the region. Some of Gov. Riley’s best accomplishments for the State was to bring the automobile industry to Alabama to replace the loss of the agricultural and textile industry. Our economy has shifted and our workforce has been retrained. Our family has been directly affected by this shift in the State’s economy. My husband supported our children for fifteen years in the textile industry. When the plant closed, he had to find other employment, like many other residents of our district. Industry also considers how we treat our small businesses. As a small business owner for over 16 years, I have a working knowledge of the needs of small businesses. According to the ADO, Alabama was ranked as nine in the top ten states that were entrepreneur friendly by the Small Business and Entrepreneur Council based on 36 costs by government. Most factors considered were low taxes across the board, low crime rate, and low energy costs. As the representative from District 40, I will make cooperating with ADECA, ADO, and the EDC of Calhoun County a priority to bring jobs and resources to the area. I will be a persistent advocate for the region’s advantages and aggressively pursue industry for the region.

LESTER- I have truly enjoyed my time in Piedmont (win or lose). The community spirit and love of community is apparent as soon as I began meeting people. I promise to be in Piedmont on a regular basis. I have been visiting constantly during the campaign and I will continue to do so if elected. I promise to set-up a regular weekly meeting time. I will listen to your concerns and work hard for you. Infrastructure concerns will be important as well as maintaining an excellent school system. Completion of the four lane into town needs to be addressed. I genuinely care about what happens in Piedmont and you will know it by my presence.

SHELTON- I intend to coordinate between the EDC and ADO to bring more effort to developing industry and jobs.

WHALEY- My father in-law, the late Jack Boozer, past Calhoun County Commission chairman, was one of the best historians of our area. He uncovered an interesting fact about the Piedmont area: it almost became a new Atlanta.

Following the Civil War Cross Plains was to be developed as the industrial hub of the New South. Since Atlanta had all but been destroyed, several major railroads located in Cross Plains. They saw the potential of the beautiful city at the foothills of the Appalachians as being ideally located. Those same assets that developers identified then are still present now, yet the main problem has remained: transportation.

Piedmont is in an ideal location between Atlanta and Birmingham, situated right in the corridor of auto manufacturers located in the South. Alabama is 5th in the nation in automobile assembly, and Piedmont has the potential to attract satellite industries associated with the industry. Already in place is Bostrom, a leading producer of truck seats.

The problem has been access to the Interstate highways which have been hampered by slow traffic up through Anniston or down from Gadsden. This is about to change with the completion of the Eastern Bypass, drastically reducing the amount of time for Piedmont goods to reach I-20. However, even after the completion of the bypass, Piedmont and northern Calhoun County must continue to improve roads. I will work to see that our area gets its share of road funds, along with improving state highways 21 and 9.

Also, it is important for the companies to know Piedmont’s other great asset: its people. Businesses and industries want to locate in communities that have a strong, educated workforce. Piedmont certainly meets the criteria with the skilled employees who gave many years of loyal service to companies like Springs. I know first hand a strong advocate can be critical for economic development. When I served on the Redevelopment Board for Ft. McClellan the promotion of the land and the infrastructure took a constant effort. We have begun to see development, but with added transportation infrastructure that could speed up considerably.

I also will support small local businesses. As the vocational/agriculture teacher at Jacksonville High for the last 25 years, I have trained hundreds of students in skills and trades that they use today in their jobs and businesses. I understand we need to provide more help for young people to start their own businesses. I will work to find grants and curriculum that we can use in our schools and for continuing education to teach sound business principles so that the next generation can start the local companies that will be the mainstay of Piedmont in the future.

Small towns and rural places have a history of self-reliance; it’s time we used that to our advantage to build local businesses. History also shows that our area is ideally located, it is time we make good on that asset and land new industry for our area.

As the legislator for Piedmont, folks of the town can be sure I will work hard to see these things happen.