Governor visits

The Cullman Times

January 15, 2008 08:39 pm

— By Brittany Woodby
BWOODBY@CULLMANTIMES.COM
Gov. Bob Riley spoke in Cullman Tuesday night to promote the Republican party.
“I want you all to pause and understand just how important what we’re doing tonight is,” he said to the Republican supporters at House District 12 candidate Wayne Willingham’s fundraiser dinner, held at All-Steak Restaurant.
Riley was joined by Rep. Mike Hubbard, President of the Alabama Republican Party and Minority Leader of the Alabama House of Representatives.
The governor challenged those present to take an active role in the state politics and to work together to promote excellence in industrial recruitment, education and legislative ethics reform.
“One of the things we will be debating in the upcoming legislative session is whether or not to pass a double-dipping policy,” Riley said. “The other sides will come with legislation saying you can continue to do it. ... But ethics is the founding basis of what we believe. We need to change the fundamentals so no one will ever start out in Legislature with 42 paid votes.”
Riley said since his time in office, the state has led the South in per-capita income increases for four consecutive years and has made significant progress in educational reform.
“If things continue like they are, we are going to see Alabama not only lead the South but lead the nation” he said.
The event was sponsored by the 4th Congressional District of the Republican party, which is chaired by Bill Wood of Hartselle.