By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
The Alabama chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Political Action Committee has announced they are supporting Joe Freeman (R) for Alabama House of Representatives District 44.
The Director of Government Affairs for the AGC, Chris Williams said “Joe Freeman’s background in finance and knowledge of State government will represent the people of District 44 well. The eastern area of Jefferson County is experiencing rapid growth. Our members have projects throughout the area. It’s important for the AGC to support candidates that understand our motto of Skill, Responsibility and Integrity means everything to us.”
Joe Freeman said, “It’s a real honor to have the strength of the AGC supporting my campaign. Contractors are the backbone of the Alabama economy.”
The District 44 seat has long been held by Representative Arthur Payne (R) from Trussville. Rep. Payne announced that he is retiring at the end of this terms so House District 44 will be an open seat in the 2014 election. House District 44 includes the Trussville and Clay areas of eastern Jefferson County.
On Thursday, February 20, Joe Freeman addressed the Rainy Day Patriots at their candidate’s form. Freeman said, “What this district needs is someone who is willing to fight.” Freeman denounced the reckless spending and outright corruption which has resulted in Alabama’s most populous county, Jefferson, finding itself with $4.19 billion in Jefferson County debt.
Freeman said, “What I do for a living is investment banking I am in the bond business.” Freeman said that those debts were run up because, “No one was willing to fight.” In 2008 Larry Langford was talking about 100 years of bond payment.
“You guys are paying the mortgage on those big promises.” Freeman said that their children will be paying for the corruption that occurred that led to the massive run-up in debts and the subsequent corruption convictions of numerous Jefferson County Commissioners.
Freeman said, “I have a long history of fighting for things…Somebody has got to carry the flag down there,” (Montgomery) and pledged, if elected, to fight hard to overturn the controversial Common Core standards adopted by the Alabama State school board.
The Alabama chapter of the Associated General Contractors is an 84-year-old organization of qualified construction contractors and industry-related companies dedicated to skill, integrity and responsibility. The Association provides broad influence and a full range of services satisfying the needs and concerns of its members, partners and the industry, thereby improving the quality of construction and protecting the public interest.
The seat, long held by Representative Arthur Payne, will be open after his retirement this legislative session.
Attorney, John Amari and Trussville School Board Vice President Danny Garrett have also both qualified as Republican candidates for the House District 44 seat.
