One of the joys in my life has been helping others – paying it forward out of respect for the many people who have helped me over the years.  I’ve been involved in local, regional and state public service for almost 50 years – all but twelve of those years as a volunteer.

As a former mayor of Abbeville, and more recently a Henry County Probate Judge and County Commission Chairman, I’ve dealt directly with legislators and state leaders for 40 years.  As President of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama, I was often in the Statehouse monitoring legislation and advocating for our county’s interests. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, both of our daughters served as pages in the Alabama House of Representatives. I’ve always had an interest in state government. Twenty years ago, state Republican officials asked me to run for our local House seat. At the time, we owned a struggling Ford dealership that needed my full time focus.  I was again asked by local and state officials in 2021 to run. I strongly considered it, but I had two years remaining on my second term as Probate Judge. It would have been a disservice to those who elected me to not complete my term.  

Over the years, I’ve developed solid relationships with County Commissioners, Probate Judges and many state legislators.  I have an understanding of the legislative process and learned from one of the very best, Sonny Brasfield, the Executive Director of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama.  Now that I’m retired, this is an ideal time to run. In Isaiah 6:8, we find the Lord asking the question, ‘Who will go for us…whom shall we send?”  And Isaiah said, ‘Here Am I, Lord…send me.’