|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Fred Plump has worn many hats over the past few decades. He spent 30 years with Birmingham Fire and Rescue and 37 years with the Army National Guard. He has spent two decades involved behind the scenes of Democratic Party politics both at the state and Jefferson County level.
But most people know him simply as “Coach” Plump for his involvement in community sports, including founding the Piper Davis Youth Baseball League.
Plump previously ran for the seat in 2006 and lost, and also had a failed run for Jefferson County Commission in 2008.
But Plump said he felt it was time to throw his hat in the ring once again this election cycle.
“I didn’t like the comments I was getting from our elected officials,” Plump said. “Giving me the reasons why they can’t do this, can’t do that. Not putting a lot fo effort into doing things.”
Plump emerged as the leader of a five-candidate race in the Democratic Party and defeated the incumbent Rep. Rod Scott, D-Fairfield, in the runoff in a tight race confirmed by a recount.
Scott had served in the seat since 2006, when Plump had lost the election.
As a retired firefighter, Plump said he would like to see pay for first responders improved across the state.
“We need to give them some incentives, a reason to come to work,” Plump said. “All of our law enforcement are underpaid.”
The same goes for teachers, Plump said. In addition to pay, Plump said the state needs to brainstorm potential solutions for problems with discipline in the school systems.
Plump said he is in a position to serve the community in a new capacity.
“The Good Lord has blessed me and so I’m here to be a servant to the citizens of Jefferson County — of Alabama really,” Plump said. “I wanted to see some changes throughout Alabama and make sure everyone is served and treated fairly.”
