News & Views

www.brewtonstandard.com
By Lisa Tindell
Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Escambia County Republican Party Chairman Jeff Peacock said the field is open and is looking good for the 2010 elections.

“I’m excited about the upcoming elections locally and statewide,” Peacock said at the local party’s meeting Monday night. “We certainly have a chance to do well in the 2010 elections.”

Several candidates were on hand for the meeting, with state treasurer hopeful George C. Wallace Jr. as guest speaker.

Wallace said during his address to the more than 30 Republicans in attendance that being treasurer again for Alabama wasn’t something he thought he’d ever do.

“I didn’t intend to ever be involved in the political world again,” Wallace said. “But there are times when you just get a call on your life that you have to answer.”

Wallace said there are many reasons for his return to politics including a desire to protect the money of the people of Alabama — and, in particular, the problems with the Prepaid Alabama College Tuition fund.

“What brought me back to seek the office of state treasurer is the PACT program,” Wallace said. “I want to work to help shore up the program. I’ll work for the protection of tax payers dollars like no one you’ve ever seen.”

Wallace previously served two terms as state treasurer before leaving the political world. He is seeking election to the office again in the November elections.

Monday’ meeting was also used as a venue for announcing a run for office by a local candidate.

Cindy Jackson, who currently serves as bookkeeper and secretary at W.S. Neal Middle School, announced her plans to run for the District 4 seat on the Escambia County School Board.

“I had checked into running for the seat in the last election but it just wasn’t the right time,” Jackson said. “I’ll be retiring this year but I still want to play a part in education.”

Jackson said she will have 29 years of service in education and believes that experience will give her a good understanding of what is needed in county schools.

“By running for school board I can make a difference,” Jackson said. “After working in the system for all these years I can see where some things go lacking. I’ve worked with teachers, students and parents that has given me experience and a chance to see what can and should be done.”

The District 4 seeat is currently held by Richard Hawthorne, who was indicted last year on ethics chargs stemming from his job at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department.

Other Republican candidates addressing the local party members included state Rep. Alan Baker, who announced his bid for re-election. Mike Jones and Greg White, who are seeking election to the House District 92 seat being vacated by Speaker Seth Hammett,  also introduced themselves to local party members. Dorman Grace, a candidate for commissioner of agriculture and industries, also spoke to the group.

The Escambia County Republican Committee holds monthly meetings regularly scheduled for the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. Meetings alternate between Brewton and Atmore locations. The March meeting will be held in Atmore with a date and place to be announced.