Anniston, AL – On Thursday, January 30th, local residents convened at Sinclair Social in Anniston for the Politics on Tap event, hosted by the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce. The forum featured state legislators Senator Keith Kelley and Representative Mark Gidley, who discussed the upcoming legislative session and anticipated issues in Montgomery.
The event commenced at 5:30 PM, with legislators expressing appreciation for the opportunity to engage with constituents. Kelley opened the session by thanking Sinclair Social for hosting and highlighting the importance of public participation in political processes.
As the discussion turned to the legislative agenda, Representative Gidley shared an illustrative story about an oil well fire in Texas, using it as a metaphor for the challenges legislators face when addressing complex issues. He noted that understanding the nature of legislation often requires navigating uncertainty as the session progresses.
Both Kelley and Gidley expressed cautious optimism for the upcoming session, with Gidley outlining several bills he has prepared. Education was a prominent theme, with Gidley highlighting the recent promotion of his son-in-law to Vice President at Gadsden State Community College. He emphasized the significance of educational initiatives in preparing students for future careers, acknowledging the resources available within the region.
Kelley reinforced the importance of education, stating, “One of the things extremely important to me is education. We have to prepare the next generation for good jobs and careers that will drive economic development in our state.” He noted the success of a recent assistant principal bill that added numerous positions in schools across Alabama, aiming to strengthen school leadership and address issues related to discipline and mental health.
The conversation also included economic development, with Kelley noting Alabama’s position as the third-largest auto producer in the nation. He discussed upcoming projects, such as the planned construction of submarines in Alabama, which could create approximately 14,000 jobs, underscoring the state’s commitment to industrial growth.
As the evening progressed, attendees were encouraged to ask questions. A range of topics was covered, including mental health support for veterans and the need for legislative accountability. Both legislators assured participants that their concerns would be taken into account as they address various legislative matters.
In closing, Kelley invited attendees to remain engaged with their local representatives, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in shaping legislative priorities.
The event concluded with a reminder for constituents to stay informed and involved as Alabama prepares for another legislative session. Participants left with a better understanding of the issues on the horizon and the role they can play in the political process.
