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White declares run for Hammett’s seat
Published Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Greg White of Andalusia has announced he will seek election to the District 92 seat in the Alabama House of Representatives, which includes the eastern portion of Escambia County and all of Covington County.
House Speaker Seth Hammett currently holds the seat, but has announced he will not seek re-election next year.
White, an accountant, is the former chairman of the Covington County Commission and a Republican. He said that with Hammett’s retirement, it is critical to have someone elected to the House who can work with others to secure projects for the local area.
“I believe that the good working relationships I’ve developed in Montgomery and with our U.S. Congressional delegation during my 13 and a half years of public service will be vital to our success in economic development and obtaining state and federal funds for projects in our district,” White said.
He said he has a proven record of working “across the aisle.”
“During my tenure as chairman of the Covington County Commission, the issue of Democrat or Republican never entered into the discussion of what was best for our county,” he said. “I also have this same record of bi-partisanship in my involvement with the Association of County Commissions of Alabama, where we worked together across the state to improve county government.”
White said he looks forward to visiting all areas of the district and hearing issues that concern voters.
“It is obvious in these tough economic times that government will need to become more effective and carefully consider what its mission is,” White said. “I believe that my years of service in local government give me a perspective that will allow me to influence these discussions and debates to the benefit of the working men and women of Escambia and Covington counties.”
He said he has a strong record of supporting education systems in the county, and he will continue his commitment to education in the legislature.
“My interest is in looking for better ways to utilize our general fund and education dollars,” he said.
White will be subject to the Republican primary election on June 1, 2010. Gov. Fob James appointed him to chair the Covington County Commission in 1995, and he was elected three times to the post.
A native of Covington County, he and his wife, Jan, have lived in the district since 1980. Their daughter, Kelley, also lives in the district.
He is a founding board member of Sav-A-Life of Covington County, the Andalusia City Schools Foundation and Crossover Ministries. He is a member of Southside Baptist Church and Civitan.
Comments
Posted by chad_long22 (anonymous) on October 29, 2009 at 3:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That is exactly what we do not need Greg White to go on up there and make a mess of that also. He was such a wonderful commissioner yep thats what we need
NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by winkie (anonymous) on October 29, 2009 at 4:22 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by gasman (anonymous) on October 29, 2009 at 6:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
he will win when i win the lottery
Posted by ToldYouSo (anonymous) on October 29, 2009 at 6:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GREG WHITE is about to learn AGAIN what the folks of this
County think of his leadership! (Just look at what beat him handily in the last election) He is opening up himself to answer some very embarassing questions, including, his unwavering support of the "Queen" and what happened to the roughly TWO MILLION DOLLARS (over cost) in building the Arena??? Not to mention the $$$$ spent by himself and the "queen" that other Commissioners didn't know where it went???? etc, etc. Surely, the Republicans have a better candidate. If not the Demos will easily control the seat.
Posted by jujaphillips (anonymous) on October 29, 2009 at 7:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations Greg and Jan. Be sure to count the cost before stepping up to the plate. Go for it.
Posted by average_joe (anonymous) on October 29, 2009 at 7:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For all those out there discrediting Greg White for the financial condition of our county, take a lesson in civics, the Chairman of the Covington County Commission does just that, chairs the Commission. The Chairman has only one vote and has to work with whatever Commissioner that is sent to the Commission. Records will prove that Greg White warned the elected Commissioners everytime that excess spending was approved, but he could not stop the vote to spend in excess. Greg is a very qualified, honest, christian that has never, to my knowledge, hurt anyone and has served with distinction. Greg White would be a credit to our County and serve well in the Alabama Legislature. One thing for sure, Covington County does not need a lawyer going to Montgomery to represent us, lawyers are the problem in the legislature.
Posted by concerned (anonymous) on October 29, 2009 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I worked closely with Mr. White many years ago when he was in accounting. Back then you couldn't have ask for a better person, very smart and caring. Since he has gotten into politics, he doesn't even know me when we pass on the streets. If the old Greg was back he would stand a better chance in the seat he intents to run for.
Posted by starburst (anonymous) on October 29, 2009 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Greg is an honorable man & will do what is right, not what is self serving. He has worked hard to better this community, unlike so many others who are concerned only with themselves & what's "in it for them"
Posted by bluecollarguy (anonymous) on October 29, 2009 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The job of Represenative' is just that, who to 'represent' us in Montgomery to 'bring home the bacon', to bring the money to Covington County for public good. A commissioner just spends monies that roll in from sales taxes that was already set up, just like all other offices in the county and cities, they don't have to earn it. The area represenative has no such luxury, he has to go to Montgomery and politic it out, and bring it back home to keep his voters happy and keep a job...Lets face it, we're not going to get another Seth Hamment, he is a 'natural', as good as it gets.
Posted by monkeeman08 (anonymous) on October 29, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
average_joe. . . .I'd much rather have an honest lawyer in Montgomery than a crooked politician. Does Mr. White honestly think the citizens of this county have already forgotten the mess the county was in during his reign? Look what he's left us with. If he can't run one little county, how will he make a difference in Montgomery? Just don't see it happening. I'm very interested to see who will run against him. . .
Posted by supprtVets (anonymous) on October 29, 2009 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Those 'last minute annoucers' have never won an office that I can recall in the past anywhere around Covington County. Greg White is doing it correctly, annoucing 6 months before the primary election, giving it time to soak in to the residents and getting use to the idea that he is going to possibly win the office. I've heard that many people would run for this office, but I actually doubt it. He could actually win like many others in the county, .....unopposed.
Posted by jasonb602003 (anonymous) on October 29, 2009 at 8:13 p.m.
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Posted by ToldYouSo (anonymous) on October 29, 2009 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
White went from working for the disgraced Jim and Tammy Faye Baker to being APPOINTED to the Commission. This was not "earned" but was his reward for playing Party (Republican) politics. When he decided to become State Senator, he was soundly defeated by then Democrat Jimmy Holly--even right here in his home County! Those closest to Chariman White observed him "pouting" with Senator Holly to the detriment of Covington County. I suppose, now, he's over his "pouting" and will work with Holly????
Posted by jasonb602003 (anonymous) on October 30, 2009 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You can remove this comment too like you did my last one, but in a few days, you will see that I am telling the truth about Wage and Hour Violations.
Posted by SouthernAttitude1 (anonymous) on November 1, 2009 at 6:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In school Gred had no back bone. Nothing's changed, folks!
Posted by WarEaglegirl (anonymous) on November 6, 2009 at 12:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Monkeeman, I totally agree with you. I am a lawyer in the making, so I say put a lawyer with experience and who isn't all about himself and isn't there for "what's in it for him"? The last thing we need is a crooked politician, because there is so much I could say that we Covington County people already know that doesn't even have to be spoken. Mike Jones has also announced his candidacy 6 months prior to election, so do the right thing for our county and GO VOTE!
Posted by biscuitsandhoovergravy (anonymous) on November 6, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WarEaglegirl...could I be so presumptous as to ask you what motivated you to seek a career as a lawyer?
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