Issues
Hoover City Employees
This past year, Hoover City employees received a 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment. However, inflation was 2.6%. That amounts to a 1.1% pay cut for the employees of the city. The employees who inspect buildings, beautify public spaces, maintain critical services, and so much more do not deserve a pay cut. They deserve a cost-of-living adjustment that keeps pace with inflation. We should pay them what they’ve earned and not a penny less.
The Environment
Alabama has 132,000 miles of rivers and streams. Anyone who loves Alabama knows that we must protect these beautiful resources. They provide transportation, commerce, and recreation. We must protect them from pollution and dumping, but also, we must protect them from the rapidly changing climate. Storms grow stronger and more frequent. As a coastal state that is also in Tornado Alley, we are uniquely vulnerable to the terrors of an unpredictable climate. I believe we can move swiftly to cleaner energy without sacrificing a single Hoover job. In fact, I believe we can create tons of great jobs in the new energy sectors.
Social Justice
Social justice discussions are overflowing with buzz words — “critical race theory,” “white privilege,” “defund the police.” Slogans are supposed to evoke strong emotion in few enough words to fit on posterboard. Nobody has ever been convinced by sharpie on a sign, and no complex idea has ever boiled down to a slogan. I believe social justice is the belief that every human being is made in the image of God, and they should not be limited by their particular shade of His image. It’s that simple. Every Alabamian, and every American, should be able to live up to his or her God-given potential free from stumbling blocks based on their innate characteristics. That means White, Black, Latino, Native, and Asian Alabamians. That means LGBTQ Alabamians, disabled Alabamians, and every Alabamian who seeks to prosper.
Library Book Bans
I respect and appreciate that parents must have a voice in how their children are educated; I’m a parent myself and very involved with my girls’ education. However, I trust librarians, and I trust teachers. My wife is a Jefferson County Schools teacher, and she’s the person I trust most in this world. I would never substitute the political ambitions of politicians for her decades of expertise. As such, I will never support bureaucrats and politicians banning books in public libraries.
Defunding the Police
It’s not going to happen. That simple.
The police officers in Alabama provide a valuable service that protects Alabamians from everything from flat tires to violent criminals. We owe them a debt of gratitude. We do not, however, owe them AR-15s and qualified immunity. I will work with police officers and police departments in the 47th District to determine what they need to protect Alabamians. I will also work with the citizens of the 47th District to determine what they need from the police.
The Donkey in the Room
In many parts of Alabama, the dividing line in our politics is as simple and superficial as Republicans versus Democrats. In 2022, I ran as a Democrat to represent the 47th District. Why? I’m a Democrat because I believe that we must address the unique climate challenges of a coastal state. I believe that Alabama’s history of segregation has produced lasting scars that must be addressed but has also produced some of the most heroic Americans who ever fought for justice. I believe America and Alabama have been constantly expanding our understanding of the statement “all men are created equal,” and I want to continue that expansion. I believe unions provide good, stable jobs. I believe no one should suffer because they lack the money for healthcare, and I believe no one should struggle to afford health insurance.
So, I’m being straight up with you; I’m a Democrat, and I would love your vote. If you are a Democrat as well, great. If you’re not, that’s great too. If I’m elected, I’ll work just as hard for Democrats, Republicans, and everybody in between.
The city council is a nonpartisan position. I’m not running as a Democrat or as a Republican; I am running as a Hoover dad who wants the best for my girls, for my wife, and for all of the residents of my city. I’m neither red nor blue. I’m Hoover black and orange; I’m Spain Park blue and black.