Tuesday, former Andalusia City Councilman Mike Jones Jr. announced his candidacy for the Alabama House of Representatives, District 92.

Jones, an Andalusia attorney, made the announcement on the Court Square in Andalusia before a gathering of approximately 100 people. He is seeking office on the Republican ticket and will be subject to the June 1, 2010, Republican primary.

Seth Hammett, the current Speaker of the House, has held the seat for the past 33 years.

Jones said, “We need someone who’s able and willing to be in Montgomery just as long as Seth has been. I am able and willing.”

Jones talked about the importance of education and said, “Covington and Escambia Counties cannot compete with the world and grow without more emphasis and resources on education.

“Our children’s classrooms should not be filled with roadblocks like not enough books or computers,” he said. “We must provide adequate resources and good teachers for our children to succeed. To be honest, I believe anybody who wants this job as state representative would be foolish not to support our local schools and our children’s education.”

He said that if elected, he would vote for ethics reform.

“If an elected official knowingly takes money from the people of our state, he should be punished,” he said.

He also said he is a supporter of law enforcement, fire and rescue “and will continue to do so whether I am elected or not.”

Jones closed with his stand on three issues — the Second Amendment, legislation, and health care.

“As a lifetime member of the NRA, I believe the Second Amendment was written for a reason,” he said. “I believe guns and hunting are a part of our heritage, and I will do nothing to infringe on our right to bear arms.

“If elected, I will not vote for any proposed law without first reading and understanding it,” he said.

“And no, I don’t think our government should run our health-care system,” he said.

Jones is a former two-term member of the Andalusia City Council and currently serves as the city’s municipal judge. While on the council, he represented the city of Andalusia on the Southeast Alabama Gas District board, of which he is a former chairman. He has volunteered with the Boy Scouts and youth soccer programs, and has served on the Chamber of Commerce board, the LBWCC Foundation board, the Southeast Alabama Mental Health board, and has volunteered as a member of the sheriff’s posse. He currently chairs the Andalusia Downtown Redevelopment Authority.

He and his wife, Kathy Harper Jones, are the parents of two daughters, Olivia, 11, and Sophia, 5.

He is a graduate of Andalusia High School, LBW State Junior College, Birmingham Southern College, and the University of Alabama School of Law.