Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a Legislative Preview Breakfast at the Marriott in Prattville Friday morning where Senator Clyde Chambliss District 3 and Representatives Kelvin Lawrence District 69, Van Smith District 42 and Jerry Starnes District 88, attended. All local representatives provided a preview of topics they will be working on in the upcoming legislative sessions and answered some of the burning questions of individuals in attendance.
“Alabama Lawmakers went into session on Wednesday where leaders will be navigating a wide array of issues from education to the economy. This breakfast provides a forum for the Chamber’s membership members and others to hear from our legislative delegation and the opportunities and challenges faced in legislative sessions,” Chairman of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce Lisa Miller said.
The attendees of the breakfast were given the opportunity to ask questions to the representatives by writing them on a note card, and the Government Affairs Committee would deliver the question to the stage where Miller would pose the questions. Miller also stated the breakfast could not have been done without the Government Affairs Committee.
Midway through breakfast a small commotion occurred when one of the flames under the chafing dishes, which keeps food warm, caught fire. Representatives Lawrence and Starnes, as well as many members of the audience and Marriott staff, sprang into action to put the small, yet seemingly large for indoors, flames out without any further issues.
Some of the hot topics of interest throughout the legislative breakfast were school of choice. Among other Alabama education topics, were the lack of outlets for childcare in the state of Alabama and the legalization of gambling as well as the installation of an Alabama Lottery.
“I’m honored to be here to serve, and I look forward to this next session. The gambling I’m really struggling with. I’ve been polling people, even within this room. I want to make the right choice. Personally, I’m against it, but I want to make the right choice for my constituents,” Starnes said.
Starnes went on to recount a personal story of a family member who has struggled with addiction. However, all representatives present reiterated how important it is to adhere to the people they represent.
“It’s a pleasure to represent my constituents. I struggle sometimes, because the people in Autauga may have different issues than the people in Montgomery or Lowndes. The people in Lowndes County could have similar issues in Wilcox. I appreciate all the encouragement and the things you guys do to make our jobs a whole lot easier. I really appreciate my colleagues on the podium here. This is probably the best group of guys I’ve worked with in terms of delegation since I’ve been in the legislature. We don’t always agree on things, but we can learn how to disagree and move forward with what’s best for the people that we represent,” Lawrence said.
In attendance for the breakfast were not only representatives and elected officials from Autauga County but also Elmore County as well.
