Local minister Mark Gidley and Etowah County Commissioner Jamie Grant will seek the Republican nomination for the Alabama House of Representatives District 29 seat in Tuesday’s Republican primary.
The seat is vacant after former State Rep. Becky Nordgren, R-Gadsden, was elected Etowah County’s revenue commissioner. The winner will face no Democratic opposition in November’s general election
Each candidate was asked the same five questions. Here are their answers (the candidates are listed alphabetically and the responses may have had mild editing):
Do you agree with the state’s spending of COVID relief money? What do you think the highest priority for that money should be/have been?
GIDLEY: I think that the COVID relief money should have been spent making sure that we were getting the best care for COVID patients, using all available treatments that had been proven effective in COVID treatment, especially the monoclonal antibody treatment that when given early was proven to be very effective.
GRANT: I believe the state responded appropriately, allowing cities and counties to determine the best way to spend the COVID-19 relief funds. The people who represent our cities and counties (living, working and serving in these areas) are those who best understand the needs of their communities and those who know the most beneficial use of the money. The federal government should not govern how each city or county spends COVID-19 relief funds, and the restrictions and red tape each entity had to navigate was excessive. At the same time, I do believe in accountability and transparency with the funds and addressing how each county or city chooses to spend the money.
What’s the most important legislation passed in the state in this session, or the last?
GIDLEY: There are several bills that I feel were important. Here are three of them: transgender medication ban, bathroom bill, teacher pay.
GRANT: I believe the state accomplished a great deal in the legislation passed in recent sessions — from the constitutional carry bill to the American Rescue Plan Act. As a small business owner, I support all legislation that stops mandates and overrides government overreach, which hinders productivity. As the state representative for District 29, I will advocate for positive legislation, ensuring that what passes improves not only District 29 but Alabama overall.
What legislation would you have voted against?
GIDLEY: Having been deeply involved in understanding the devastation that gambling brings into a state, I would definitely voted against any and all gambling legislation.
GRANT: I would vote against any legislation that promotes the repeal of violent offenders. Having served in both law enforcement and the military, I understand the value of law and order and its vital role in keeping our communities safe. It is essential that we protect our citizens and have effective laws in place that protect victims.
What legislation to do you plan to introduce?
GIDLEY: I definitely want to take action against Critical Race Theory from being taught in our schools. I also believe that we should look at either removing the gas tax or at least setting it aside until gas prices begin to decline. I will definitely work on the legislation that will define Alabama as a pro-life state, once Roe v. Wade is overturned and the power to end abortion is handed to the states.
GRANT: As the state representative for District 29, I would introduce legislation that puts the protection of our law-abiding citizens as a top priority. While I strongly believe in establishing a safe work environment for employees and providing options for employees to ensure they are protected, I do not believe the Alabama Legislature should mandate how businesses operate. Business owners should have the choice to determine what plan and benefits best suit their business and employees. I would collaborate with other elected officials to create and implement legislation that allows small businesses to operate without restrictions and expand, which generates economic growth for our communities.
What’s the greatest challenge the state faces in the next four years?
GIDLEY: There are several, but at the top of my list is attracting industrial development into Alabama. We need good-paying jobs, and we need to develop our workforce to fill these jobs. I will work with our education system to help develop the workforce that will bring about economic growth within our state. I will work with our education systems, to listen to their needs and do all that I can to help with the resources to make our education in Alabama all it can be.
GRANT: The greatest challenges our state faces in the next four years revolves around recovering from inflation and our statewide education gap. The current administration has negatively affected our economy and we need to rebuild, protecting and developing our workforce and providing jobs for our citizens. After COVID-19’s effects on education, we need to focus on our education system to provide our children with the best educational opportunities available to prepare them for their futures. In today’s work environment, possessing a highly demanded skill set that contributes to industry growth and meets workforce demands is just as significant as a traditional degree. Taking the initiative to support our schools and community colleges, and providing them funding for resources and programs, develops future generations that are prepared to meet the demands of employers and understand the value of being an active member of Alabama’s workforce.
