Alabama House District 12 runoff debate

0:33 Hello and welcome to the Alabama House District 12 runoff. Well, was to be a

0:39 debate. Uh we are live at the beautiful Bailey Center auditorium on the grounds

0:44 of Wallace State College in Hanceville. Thank you to our gracious host Wallace State College and Dr. Vicky Carlos for

0:52 believing that hearing from candidates is important. The 2025 Tribune debate series continues this summer and into

1:00 the fall with a full slate of forums for candidates in House District 11, House

1:05 District 12, and local municipal elections. These events are designed to give the public more than slogans. They

1:13 offer unfiltered answers, direct comparisons, and meaningful accountability. Today, we focus on the runoff election for Alabama House

1:22 Representative District 12 uh between candidates Clint Hollingsworth and Cindy Mrex. While Clint Hollingsworth is here

1:31 this afternoon, Cindy Mrex declined invitations to join the debate. She provided the following statement. I'm

1:39 truly grateful for the invitation to participate in another debate. However, I will respectfully decline at this

1:46 time. I've had the opportunity to join two forums alongside my opponent. One with the Cullman County Republican Party

1:53 and another with the Cullman County Chamber of Commerce. I've also shared several videos and continue to spend as

2:01 much time as possible out in the community listening to voters and connecting with families across the

2:07 district. Right now, I feel the best way I can serve this campaign is by being

2:13 present and accessible to the people I hope to represent. Thank you again for

2:18 the invitation and for your understanding. Sincerely, Cindy Mrex. The Tribune works diligently to reach

2:26 every candidate, but if a candidate declin declines to respond to emails, calls, there's only so much we can do.

2:34 The invitation stands, the forum is open. If a candidate does not attend, an

2:39 empty chair will sit beside those who do. With all of that being said, let's get

2:46 on with it. Candidate rules. We're gonna kind of change this up a little bit more

2:51 >> what it is, but these are the basic candidate rules for all debates.

2:55 >> No electronic devices permitted. Uh questions will be presented in a question and answer format since your

3:01 opponent elected not to attend. Uh opening statement is limited to 60 seconds and may be a prepared statement.

3:08 Time allotted will be two to three minutes. Uh since this will be a Q&A

3:14 closing statement is limited to 2 minutes and must be spoken without notes. Uh voters deserve substance over

3:22 slogans. Talking points won't be enough. So please remember to answer the questions as they are asked. So let's

3:30 begin. Absolutely. >> All right. And so we're going to start and uh Mr.

3:36 Hollingsworth, if you would please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about yourself.

3:40 >> Okay. So, I'm Clint Hollingsworth. I'm running for House District 12 seat uh

3:45 here in Cullman County. And I've been working hard on the campaign trail and

3:50 got to meet a lot of different folks and had a had a really good time. Very

3:54 educational experience and really look forward to serving uh everybody in this district. Um we certainly have a lot of

4:00 needs and things that we need to to tackle and uh look forward to showing up

4:04 in Montgomery like I'm showing up today to to discuss those issues. And I want

4:09 to make sure that everybody always knows I will make time to um to be at any type

4:14 of debate or forum to answer questions and make sure that people understand where I'm coming from and maybe some

4:19 things that we're dealing with uh in our district. So I appreciate the opportunity. I appreciate Dr. Carloitz

4:25 um hosting this. This room is pretty special and really this campus is special to me because uh attended Wall

4:31 State uh here back in right out probably 1995 to97. It's hard to think it's been

4:39 that long ago. Uh but uh unbelievable how it's transformed and grown and uh

4:44 has really made an impact that really we probably never be able to measure um of

4:49 all the folks that's come through here and has got a career and really u

4:53 improve their their life and their family's life. And so this room also back in '08 was special because my first

5:01 year on council this is where we had a big announcement uh for Royal

5:05 Technologies coming to Cullman. And if y'all remember in '08, uh there was nothing good going on when it came to

5:11 the economy. It was a downturn and it was bad, but this was unbelievable shot

5:16 in the arm for this community. Um and we're glad that they still are here and

5:20 doing very well. So, thank you for inviting me. >> Yes, sir. Thank you for showing. Um

5:25 we're going to get right into the questions with question number one. Uh some of these are Tribune were put

5:32 together by the Tribune and then we have these lovely audience questions. So, we're going to look like a surprise.

5:38 >> Yeah, we're going to we're going to get in between those between uh question

5:41 three and four and between question six and seven. So, we'll answer we'll get

5:45 some of those. >> Y'all talk louder so people can hear you. Sure. >> Okay. Sorry, Bara. Here we go. We'll

5:52 speak. >> All right. Uh number one, what is the single most pressing issue facing

5:58 District 12 right now? And how would you address it in your first le legislative

6:03 session? Please be specific. >> So, I would say, you know, my experience on the campaign trail, um I think

6:11 certain issues are different for different communities. Uh I think we all have the same common uh issues when it

6:18 comes to um you know, infrastructure. Um and I'm talking when I say infrastructure, it's more than just

6:24 about roads. Uh yes, it is roads. Yes, it is bridges. And yes, that's probably

6:29 number one. Uh but it's also broadband which has been uh unbelievable what uh

6:34 has already uh we've seen accomplished with Sprout and our co-op and kudos to

6:39 to them. And so I think that uh roads, bridges, infrastructure type things are

6:44 always probably number one the most consistent. Um but also a traffic signal at Dodge City. Um that's been an issue

6:51 specifically for that area that has come to me over and over again from the folks

6:57 in that area. And so I want to make sure that yes, there's different different um

7:02 communities that have things and needs, volunteer, fire departments, communication, radios. So it's a lot of

7:08 things, but I would say overall our whole infrastructure, roads, bridges, broadband, those have been the most

7:15 consistent. Okay. All right. We'll move on to question number two. What is your

7:21 plan for preserving District 12's small town character while still allowing for economic growth? Repeat that question,

7:29 please. >> All right, we'll go again. What is your plan for preserving District 12's small

7:34 town character while still allowing for economic growth? >> Uh, that's that's something that has

7:40 popped up as well because it is a delicate balance and certainly I don't

7:45 have all the answers. I can just try to point to what we've been able to

7:49 accomplish as a council uh over the years where we do want to be sensitive

7:54 to still having that small town feel uh but yet offer the things that our kids

7:59 want for them to come back and live and have a career in Cullman. And so I think

8:04 the measuring stick that I've looked at being on the council is that have we

8:08 done those things that gives our children a reason why I want to come

8:12 back to Cullman because I can have a career there. I can raise my children

8:17 there. Um this is a safe uh area to to raise my kids and so we want to keep

8:23 that intact. Um so I think it's a combination of working with all our

8:27 leadership and being sensitive to our constituents of what they want to see going forward. uh whether it's growth in

8:34 retail, growth in our housing, uh industrial development, uh all these things play a role in our economy, and

8:41 I'm certainly proud um of what we've been able to do so far, but there's

8:45 still more work to do. Uh and this district is very widespread. So, I want

8:50 to make sure that everybody understands that they've got a voice with me uh in

8:54 Montgomery. And I certainly this is not the end of our relationship. It's just

8:58 the beginning. And I want to make sure everybody knows going forward that I

9:02 will continue these trips around to listen to my constituents. >> All right, thank you for that. Uh we'll

9:08 move on to question number three. How do you plan to communicate with and stay

9:13 accessible to constituents once elected? >> Well, I give everybody my cell phone number. Um people say you don't need to

9:20 do that, but I do. It's part of my I'm a small business owner and so I'm used to

9:25 giving my my number out because that's my livelihood. uh if I don't show up to

9:29 work and sell cars, I don't I can't feed my family. So, that communication I

9:33 think is really better than ever. Uh I think anybody in leadership um whether

9:38 it's their cell number, whether it's their email, uh whether it's meeting over a cup of coffee and be willing I

9:44 think that as a public servant, I think I and we need to do a better job of

9:49 being proactive and we see somebody that may have questions or may have an issue,

9:54 reach out to that person. And I think I've learned a lot about that on this

9:57 campaign trail because we do have people that may not know me. Um they may have

10:02 heard other things and when you need to be sensitive to that and be proactive

10:06 and reach out to them and let's sit down over a cup of coffee and let's talk

10:09 about these issues. And so I think going forward um people have got accessible to

10:14 their leaders more than ever. I think it's up to the leader to be receptive

10:18 and act and make sure that they respond and respond quickly. >> Okay. Thank you for that. All right.

10:24 We're going to move on to a uh audience question. >> Okay. >> So, this is random to me, too. So, uh

10:32 fundamental to a good local economy are high-paying professional jobs, engineers, scientist, high-end manufacturing, and certainly other

10:41 career fields. In general, there seems to be more focus on bringing in consumer top business to the district.

10:51 These create more low-end minimum wage jobs. What will you do to attempt to

10:57 bring in high-end technical business to create more professional jobs? I think that you lean on um obviously you know

11:06 our industries and business leaders. Obviously Dr. Carloitz here has been very instrumental in uh leading um you

11:14 know Wall State and all the wonderful things the opportunities here for people to pick that career path and um we do

11:21 have some areas that I would love to tap into whether it's the culinary side or

11:25 some of the areas that you mentioned where we have just you know the

11:29 engineering side you're seeing so much in Huntsville uh obviously with all their growth and I think uh Cullman

11:35 County as a whole plays a role in that our workforce development to me I think

11:39 has been phenomenal uh because we've got folks that you know obviously have got a

11:43 skill set that they can do things with their hands and so being part of

11:47 Leadership Alabama I've been able to travel across the the state and see what

11:51 other areas are doing and I'd love to see some of these things come back to

11:54 Cullman uh that maybe we are lacking u but I think that number one you know we

12:00 live and die of sales tax in order to pay the bills uh as a council member

12:04 that's my job that's my duty I've take we're kind of hold the purse strings

12:07 things um for uh the city council and going forward of of doing things. And so

12:12 we we want to be able to have these events, our Christal market and some of

12:17 the things we do are park and wreck and bring people in and then enjoy our, you

12:21 know, facilities and events and then leave and go back home. And so we're

12:25 able to enjoy those here even though somebody else is helping pay for it. So

12:29 when your streets done, when these, you know, city services and county and these

12:33 services that are uh done, those are done by sales tax. That's how we pay for

12:38 things. And so I think that going forward with with with young people and

12:42 I've got four children uh here and they've all, you know, got expressed ideas of what they want to do. It all

12:48 goes back to helping them and assisting them in the right career path and Wall

12:53 State down here is a gym to help uh do that. >> And so how would you help uh redirect

12:59 jobs out to that district that are higher paying? I think it's um s kind of

13:04 sitting down with our leadership, county commission, and obviously our uh everybody involved to try to show what

13:11 we have and some areas that maybe would be a good spot for them to locate their

13:15 business or locate their, you know, plant or locate in their facility. I know Ray Howal with their engineers,

13:21 that facility turned out phenomenal out front there and that was a different type of job that we hadn't seen at that

13:28 time. So, u I think that we've got a lot of things already here, but there's

13:33 certainly some things that we can kind of attract, but they also they want to

13:37 be able to live here as well, you know, and so we've got a lot of great things

13:40 that we can, you know, we can offer. Uh Smith Lake obviously is one and then

13:45 just our downtown and just all these areas that we have. There's a lot of

13:49 options and opportunity here. And so, I think we can just kind of work with

13:53 folks that want to to to to locate here and we need to make it where it's

13:57 attractive. We're going to move on to another audience question. Will you be the voice to fight for the

14:05 people voters to be able to vote on projects or lotteryies etc. Uh not

14:13 others making decisions without their vote. So they feel their voting matters as many don't vote due to such.

14:22 >> Okay. So, we've kind of had a similar I think question before when it comes to

14:26 the lottery and gambling and those type things. Certainly uh that needs to be a

14:31 vote of the people, but like what I've said before on any type of uh proposed

14:36 uh retail development or industrial development, um any anytime we've got a a presentation or proposal, the devil's

14:44 always in the details and we need to make sure that we read over what's being

14:49 presented and we go through because a decision is not made that day, that

14:52 week, sometimes that month. And so you really need to understand what what's being proposed. Uh ultimately when it

14:59 comes to the lottery, I know that will continue to come up, but ultimately that

15:03 needs to be a vote of the people. >> And so for the ones that are being

15:06 proposed that wouldn't be a vote of the people, how would uh what is the best

15:09 way for people to stay informed and how would you keep them informed of what's

15:13 going on? >> I think that uh when you're obviously in session, it's going to be tough just

15:19 because there's so much going on. Uh, but I think you know after you come out

15:23 of session, I've already been used to going to a lot of these community

15:26 centers and senior centers and volunteer fire departments and obviously doing this forum right here. Uh, I think it's

15:34 that's all part of this is making yourself accessible and I think the media certainly can help with that and

15:40 let's get the word out and I think if we deal with things on the front end, uh,

15:45 it's not as much of a shock for people when something does happen. And there

15:49 again, that's on the leaders. That's not necessarily on the voters. The voters do

15:53 need to be informed. They do need to obviously want to learn, but I also

15:58 think as a leader, we need to make sure and include them in ways that be

16:01 receptive that they want to be involved. >> Thank you for that. All right, we're

16:06 going to get back into our questions. Uh the trivia questions with number four

16:11 and uh this is the district is experiencing population growth which puts strain on infrastructure.

16:18 How would you secure funding to repair and expand roadways without raising local taxes?

16:24 >> Uh, so that's a really good question. We have uh obviously I've I've done this.

16:28 I'm still doing it and we'll continue to do it. But you guys remember um I'll

16:33 just look at uh 305 exit. Uh if y'all remember that area is a main artery

16:39 there, 222 going out to the lake and our industries. Uh it took a lot longer than

16:44 it supposed to, but eventually that project got done. That was over a $10

16:49 million project. And the city of Cullman, the county, not everybody can do I mean it takes everybody coming

16:56 together to do a project like that for that interchange. And so on that

17:00 specific project, the state was involved, the city of Cullman was involved, the county was involved, Good

17:06 Hope was involved. Um everybody came together and built and got that interchange done. And then I was also a

17:13 part of resurfacing from high I65 all the way to Toprey. Uh we were involved

17:20 in that. That was about a million dollar project. We work with ARC and CDBG in

17:25 order to get that done. And so qualifying for grants, having a good skilled grant writer, you know, so we

17:31 can uh kind of get in our application up to the top to get these funds is

17:36 crucial. And so I've been a part of these projects, these these signals and

17:40 interchanges and things that are just they're big projects. 157 and uh four laning there. Uh we just got finished

17:47 with St. Bernard Bridge project. We're trying to secure funding there. So there's a lot of really good things that

17:54 have happened, will continue to happen, but it does take more than just one

17:58 group to do it. You've got to bring people together and we all have to have

18:02 kind of that common goal to take care of all of Cullman County, not just a select

18:06 group. And I think we've done that and I've done that and proud to be a part of

18:10 it. >> Thank you for that. We'll move on to question number five. Some intersections

18:16 in our county have seen repeated fatal accidents, yet red lights or stop signs

18:22 are slow to appear. Can you walk us through how that process works of

18:28 getting a red light installed, especially when it's on a state highway or a federal roadway? Yes. And so that's

18:37 a another example of um you know 24th Street in Cherokee. um if any of you

18:43 guys travel that area um that was also a problem. Um and once again, we've got an

18:48 obligation uh to assist in our industries that had invested a lot of money and employees and things in these

18:55 trucks getting uh their goods back and forth. And so if any of you guys have

18:59 traveled through there, uh it was like Frogger. I mean, it was scary because it

19:04 truly was just it was really um confusing and and and scary at times

19:09 turning in and out. Uh that was a project once again um that was RWC, our

19:15 industry here in town, Good Hope and the city of Cullman came together and built

19:20 that traffic signal and that was uh a huge win for everybody with our

19:25 businesses, our residents and our industry in that town in that area has made such a huge impact and that's been

19:31 just a few years ago. So that's one example uh another example of once again

19:36 people coming together and doing the common good for our constituents. >> So when people approach or contact you

19:44 um even if it's just one individual talking about specific intersection would you go out and view that? Would

19:50 what would you do? >> Sure. And I think it's uh it sometimes it's tough to take the emotional out of

19:55 the emotional side of out of decisions. uh you do need to look at the data and

19:59 the research and look at all those things because sometimes people just feel just feel like they need a stop

20:04 sign or they just feel like we need this and and I understand that there may be a

20:07 personal connection there and may have had something happened there to a relative and I'm certainly sensitive to

20:13 that. Um you just kind of get into you don't want to make things worse either.

20:18 Uh and so I think it's important that in that example uh that I just mentioned,

20:23 there was an outcry from our businesses, industry, and and residents in that area

20:28 that something needed to be done. And so we stepped up, we receptive to those

20:33 requests, and obviously we made that project happen. West Maine was another one with all our families, myself

20:38 included, going back and forth from the ball field, soccer and and and football

20:43 and basketball practices and baseball, all this. And so we've reserviced that parking lot. West Main now has a nice

20:50 crosswalk. It's got a traffic signal there. And West Mine now is probably one

20:54 of our probably the second most traveled roads uh in Cullman. And so in that area

20:59 through there, it was uh crucial to make that safe. And that's been a big

21:03 priority of mine going forward is that public safety. And >> so that would be something you would

21:07 carry over into district 12. >> Yes. all of this district. Um, we were

21:11 talking about 222 with some folks down in Crane Hill area that's have had some

21:17 situations that were pretty scary with a drop off shoulder. And I I understand

21:21 that people are doing as much as they can with the road departments and

21:24 things. And I think it was Chairman Clim that says that we have 1,800 miles of

21:29 roads to maintain in Cullman County. That is that is unbelievable uh to think

21:34 about. And so I just think that at the state level, um, there's some things

21:39 there that we can do to assist with that. And then also in DC, like I've

21:42 said before, they have the big checkbook up there. And so that's how we got 157

21:47 done. That's how we're getting 278 done. And so all these entities, and once

21:51 again, it's your tax money that's being used that we're getting back to pay for

21:57 these projects because people always wonder where's my tax money going? Well, I can point to it. And so I think that

22:03 is something that with this whole district from going around uh we do have

22:07 roads and and bridges that need to be addressed to make sure they're safe.

22:11 >> Okay. All right. We'll move on to question number six. Thank you for that.

22:15 I know more extended than the other ones. Uh number six. Tourism is grow is

22:21 a growing part of our economy. >> What's your vision on expanding tourism while respecting existing communities?

22:31 So, uh, one of the great things I am obviously the liaison for tourism and

22:37 really, really love being able to be a part of what we've been seeing, um, with

22:42 our park and rec sports tourism to our airport to our chamber, our museum. Once

22:49 again, anything that will attract folks to come in and help us pay for things

22:53 are always good where it's not a tax burden on our locals. Um, and so I think

22:58 with the sports tourism side, I think that it is a delicate balance. Um, one

23:04 of the things that a lot of times I have to remind people, we've got some great

23:07 community parks. Um, the folks that were way before me having that vision of

23:12 setting aside little community parks all throughout our our uh, Cullman and our community was fantastic. And so um, our

23:21 director Nathan Anderson had had the idea of improving what we already have. And so those have been vital. We're in

23:27 the process of doing one over in East Side right now. Uh but it's opening up a

23:32 forum to those folks in that area to what do you want in this area? What do

23:36 you want in this community park? Um and so that has been really good hearing the

23:41 feedback because sometimes what we may think people want may be different versus when you actually get there and

23:46 talk to them one-on-one. Um, but I just think people need to understand that it

23:51 all goes back to the the the premise of um giving our children a reason to come

23:57 back to Cullman to work and raise their children all through Cullman County. And

24:02 so um I think with our diversity of what we can offer, there's areas in the

24:06 county, there's areas in the city and the lake and we've got so many, you

24:10 know, beautiful areas that people can live and raise their family and actually have a career here. And so I think that

24:16 we do need to be a little bit receptive, more receptive of exactly before we do a

24:21 main project, what that impact's going to be, good and bad. But I think we've

24:25 done a good job of that and we're going to continue that. >> Okay.

24:28 >> All right. Well, that brings us to another audience question. >> All right.

24:34 >> So, yeah, another audience question. >> All right. See if I can figure out who

24:37 asked this one. >> We got several on this one. So, we're gonna have fun because I mean, we got a

24:42 little time. >> Yeah. All right. So, uh, Mr. Haulingsworth, with your many years of

24:47 public service, what are some of the infrastructure projects that you helped to bring to Cullman, and what are you

24:54 most proud of? So, I think that, um, with my experience over the years of

25:00 seeing this transformation of things that were either in neglect or decline, um, infrastructure definitely was one of

25:08 those. We had bridges um, that firet trucks could not cross. Um, and I think

25:13 we've been able to do Eva Road Bridge, Larkwood Bridge. Uh, those are two uh

25:18 projects on the bridges that were uh drastically needed uh and that have improved safety and lower insurance

25:25 rates for our homeowners. Um, I think that um projects that have helped everybody coming through Cullman who

25:33 lives in Cullman, works in Cullman, uh is Highway 157 with that expansion. that

25:39 took years and years and years of uh just being u very demanding to get help

25:46 for this. And so those trips uh to DC to try to get with our leaders that we've

25:51 got to have help and you've got to go up there with one maybe two solid requests

25:58 and be laser focused on that. And I think the county and us have come

26:02 together on that particular project and it was great to see that finally done

26:07 and the ribbon cutting and that has helped our residents, our industries, our businesses uh all up and through

26:13 that stretch. Um so that is a big project that I'd like to hang my hat on

26:19 that helps everybody. Um and then St. Bernard Bridge is the next one that

26:23 you'll see that name my name and others will be attached to when that's

26:27 completed. uh even though I'll be rotating off the council, I know that they're going to see that through. And I

26:33 just think that once again, it's teamwork. It's everybody coming together for the common good. And it's so

26:39 important that you work with people to get these big projects done because not

26:43 one entity can do it by themselves. >> I'm going to ask a followup to that.

26:46 It's a little it goes with it. Um I hope the audience member doesn't mind. Uh the

26:51 interstate we hear all the time people talking about the interstate's two-lane we need it three lane. We need it three

26:57 lane. I know that people have discussed uh it's been discussed about going three

27:03 lane. So what would you do to kind of help push that through and get that done

27:07 as quickly as poss? >> Yes. >> Okay. I think from what I've heard that

27:13 President Trump actually in one of his um uh big announcements speaking to a

27:18 lot of Alamians was that whole I65 from the Tennessee Alabama line all the way

27:25 down to the coast. So if elected I may have to hold him accountable to that.

27:30 So, um, that would be a massive undertaking and but I think we all would

27:36 agree that would be a huge impact to be able to to help with traffic flow. And

27:42 we all can relate that we see accidents unfortunately along I65 uh that do uh get routed through 31 in

27:52 our city uh for folks to try to get around it. And we've seen that and we've

27:56 been impacted by that. um it's almost like the Bermuda Triangle uh down there

28:01 at certain times. And so I think that that's something that yes, a lot of

28:05 these big projects have to be done in phases and I know it's aggravating.

28:10 There's delays. Um you know, we've seen this before along I65. Um but certainly if that's a main

28:17 priority for our constituents here, I certainly would support that. Uh, I just know that sometimes it's kind of

28:24 prioritizing those things and being realistic of actually what can get done. But hey, I won't ever put a a a ceiling

28:32 or a cap on Cullman County when it come when it comes to getting things done and

28:36 improving our quality of life. >> All right, thank you for that. We'll move on to this person's second

28:41 question. Uh, Cullman County has one of the lowest unemployment rate rates in the United States. What companies did

28:48 you help to recruit to create better paying jobs for our community? Well, I

28:55 think that um some of our industries that we see here um you know, I'll think

29:00 of um um some of your Royal Technologies that we talked about. Uh I know that

29:06 we've had several expansions in our industries as well. So, it's one thing to recruit them. It's another thing to

29:11 actually give them a reason to stay because everybody's it's so competitive. All these states and communities would

29:18 love to have these industries in their county for jobs and careers. Uh and so I

29:24 think we always look at what's being recruited new, but let's look at the the

29:29 talent and the folks we've got here in place to keep our industries here. And I

29:33 think that's one things that resonates when you see a top, you see a Ray Howal,

29:38 you see some of these that's been here for a long time. Uh there's a reason why

29:42 they're staying here. And I think that all our leaders in Cullman have done a

29:46 really good job of taking care of them and addressing needs, you know, down the

29:50 road because right now our workforce, it's kind of a double-edged sword. We have such such low unemployment rate. Uh

29:57 it is difficult finding people, you know, to to fill these positions. And so

30:02 we also need to have housing for these folks too. When they finally land

30:05 somebody to work here, they've got to have an affordable place that to live as

30:10 well. Um, and so I think that, you know, looking at some of the industries that

30:15 we've attracted and we've recruited on the new side, but also been a part of

30:19 the expansions and also the retention. I think all three of those are are

30:24 crucial. Uh I think the retail was another biggie that I was a part of uh

30:29 when all the retail started coming to us uh back around really 2012 a little bit

30:34 later is uh Publix and and Dick Sporting Goods. That was a dying area that now

30:40 it's unbelievable driving through there and what has trickled up close to 157. Um I think that has been tremendous for

30:48 that area of town because there were business owners and residents saying y'all got to do something. This is a

30:54 eyes sore in our community. We've got such a great town and county, but going

30:59 through here, it it's just sad. And so the retail growth has also been a huge

31:04 part uh of job creation as well. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. We're going

31:09 to move to this person's third question. They, like I said, they have several

31:12 questions on here. All right. Senator Gudger has been able to bring back many

31:17 of our tax dollars lately for school and infrastructure projects and improvement. sorry, infrastructure improvement. With

31:25 your experience, do you believe you will be able to bring more of our money back

31:31 to this community? >> Absolutely. I feel very confident in that. Um I think that um relationships

31:38 at the end of the day matter. Um, you may have all the data and research and

31:43 things to get things done and prove that, hey, I need this for my area, but

31:48 at the end of the day, so do everybody else in the state of Alabama when it

31:52 comes to needs. And so, you've got to make sure that you can work with people

31:56 that may not even agree with you and make your case. you need to show up and

32:00 do your job and make sure that you're standing uh down there firm uh for your

32:06 constituents here in this district and make sure that you uh make the case of

32:10 why my area needs it more maybe than another area does. And so I think once

32:15 again that's being in tune with your constituents in this district. Um, but I

32:19 feel very confident um of what I've been able to do and work with people here uh

32:25 in our community already that will translate uh here for this whole district and for all of Cullman County

32:31 for that matter. U it is working with a team. You it's it's it teamwork is what

32:36 matters when it comes to these big projects and being able to to get the

32:40 funding and the money and the grants and all these things. you've got to be able

32:43 to to work and use these relationships that I've established all these years to

32:48 be able to make things happen. And you know, it's all about being effective.

32:52 And I feel confident that going forward that I'm going to show up and be

32:56 effective for this district. And I think it's going to be unbelievable what we're

33:00 going to see in the future when it comes to making improvements and addressing

33:03 these needs for for the district. >> All right, this will be the final

33:08 question for the audience. Do you support medical cannabis for the sick and dying to give them a better

33:16 quality of life? Well, you know that my opinion of this has really changed um

33:22 you know from a personal from a personal outlook um prior to me you know I was

33:29 diagnosed in 2006 with non-hodkkins lymphoma and I think it was a deal that

33:35 certainly at 29 years of age that was a complete shock to myself and family at

33:41 the time and my outlook on uh medicinal Um, cannabis certainly changed going through chemo. And if anybody has ever

33:52 battled cancer of any form, uh, there are certain times, uh, dealing with what

33:57 I had to deal with, um, I wish I had a gummy, you know, because I needed relief

34:03 and it was something that an aspirin wasn't going to cut it. And so, I know

34:07 there's a lot of folks out there that deal with very similar pain. Um, and

34:13 it's something that there is a product out there that's safe. um that is has

34:18 regulation um that it truly is something that's going to do what it says it's

34:22 going to do then why would I be against that? uh I went through this myself and

34:28 um I would be a hypocrite u saying otherwise and I think that's the part

34:33 that people really have a problem is dealing with people that you know they're being hypocritical about issues

34:39 but that affected me personally and that's something that resonates and so my my view on that certainly had changed

34:46 after I went through six rounds of chemo and one of the drugs was called red

34:50 devil and it lived up to its name and so uh and that you know by the grace of God

34:55 that I'm cancer-free. Uh that was back in ' 06. We're in 2025 now and I'm still

35:00 here. And so um certainly if that would will help somebody with their pain, uh I

35:06 certainly understand. >> And a followup uh to that would be Alabama's already legalized medical

35:13 marijuana, but they have dragged their feet to get it into dispensaries to actually get dispensaries named,

35:21 licensed. Uh, I mean, we have a a local hemp manufacturer here in Cullman County

35:27 who's one of the first to start help with the legislation, but they are

35:31 dragging their feet. So, how would you get medical marijuana in dispensaries and to medical clients?

35:41 >> And you're you're right. Obviously, they've already, you know, passed this and things and I know they got a lot of

35:46 the synthetic and things off the shelves and um and certainly, you know, obviously I was not down there to deal

35:53 with the the inner workings and details of that. Um, that would be something I

35:58 would like to kind of look into, say, all right, where we're at here. You

36:00 know, where where what's, you know, kind of what's the latest uh in this because

36:04 I know there are folks that are kind of wondering, you know, what's going on?

36:08 And so, that's something I'll be glad to look into when I get down there, uh, and

36:13 relay that back to people that have asked questions that may not be getting

36:17 any answers >> and figure out why, what, what's the holdup? >> And we need to figure out those details.

36:23 And so, um, like I said before, it's it's kind of reading and understanding

36:29 exactly and seeing what what what what's what's going on with any type of bill or

36:33 any kind of legislation, what's what's the latest. Uh, and so I'll be glad to

36:37 check on that for sure. >> And we'll get back to our trivia questions with number seven. Well, seven

36:44 for the trivia. Sure. All right. As a freshman legislator, what specific committees would you seek to join to

36:51 maximize influence for district 12? >> Well, I'm a small business owner, like I've said, and so I think that's

36:57 probably hits closer to home um than anything else. And so I just see and

37:03 hear from other small business owners uh what they deal with and obviously from

37:08 the tax side of it to just the burden and and and you if you don't have

37:14 multiple streams of income coming in these days, it's really hard to support a family. And I just think that um the

37:21 small business owners, it really is probably what I'm closest to. um which you know obviously as a council member

37:28 you want to be deal with with everybody but at this level I think that would

37:32 probably be something that would hit closer to home with me just because it's

37:36 things people trying stressing out trying to make payroll and things like that that just it's a different animal

37:42 than government and so that's the positive with me as your candidate is I

37:46 understand both I've seen the governmental side and how that works and I've seen the small business side and

37:51 how that works and that's unique you don't get that with with each candidate

37:55 it. Um, and I think that's a advantage with myself is that a lot of this is

37:59 personal to me because I've experienced it. I've gone through it. I've done it.

38:03 I'm doing it. We'll continue to do it going forward and making sure people

38:07 understand that. I get it. I get it. I truly do. >> All right. This is going to be a fun

38:12 one. Okay. All right. Number eight. In one sentence, why should voters trust you to represent

38:19 their values and interest in Montgomery for the next? Well, this will be for

38:25 eight to 10 months, but >> So, so why should the voters trust me?

38:30 What was the rest of that? >> Uh, why should voters trust you to

38:33 represent their values and interest in Montgomery? >> Well, um, I mean, obviously I live here

38:38 in Cullman County and I'm, you know, obviously the candidate that can relate with a lot of different people and I've

38:46 got experience. um if they're doubtful of what I'm bringing to the table, I can

38:50 point to multiple things uh in my community that I've played a role in.

38:55 Did I do it by myself? I'm not saying that at all. Uh but I played a role. I

38:59 was part of the team. I was a starter and I wasn't a third string, you know,

39:03 uh candidate here or somebody that was a benchwarmer. I was actually involved. I

39:07 was in those meetings. I was dealing with these people that were coming and

39:11 making these proposals. And yes, I know you said one sentence, but uh I think

39:15 ultimately it's the experience, the resume that is actually real uh all of Cullman County and this area that I can

39:22 point to. >> Okay, that leads us to number nine. Families across district 12 are feeling

39:29 the strain of rising cost from groceries to gas to housing. How will you help

39:34 families struggling with a rising cost of living? So, I know that the grocery

39:39 tax was something that I I feel that that will probably most likely get

39:43 reduced. To what level? I don't know. But certainly anytime you can reduce taxes, that's a win for everybody at

39:48 whatever level. It doesn't matter. Um I think that there is rising costs. We

39:54 were talking about um earlier um with some of the costs of your produce and

40:00 it's just like it's scary to keep seeing these prices go up up and up. uh at what

40:06 point is it going to level out, you know, and so kind of getting into the

40:10 weeds of exactly the details of what can be done at that level to assist with

40:15 that? Certainly the tax part of it is an element potentially, but I think there's

40:20 some other things that maybe could be looked at. I know um gasoline um

40:25 obviously is something that anytime that drops that's obviously a big win but you

40:29 know I think the overall mindset from what I hear with people is yes we want

40:35 to reduce taxes yes low as possible um but if there is a tax or you are we all

40:41 are paying taxes if you can at least see where that tax money is going and it's

40:47 actually going to a real project it's going to a real need especially in my

40:51 district, then maybe people will be at least reasonably dissatisfied, you know, with that. And so, I think it's

40:58 something that um I think most people understand they're going to have to pay

41:02 taxes. It's just they want to see where it's going, how it's being utilized, and

41:06 being good stewards of it. And I think with myself, um through the years and my

41:11 public service already, I've got a record of truly being responsible uh for sales tax that's in. And I think that,

41:18 you know, anytime we can bring sales tax in, it'll help all of Cullman County.

41:22 And so I think regulations another element of that and looking into seeing what's causing some of these high costs

41:28 of things. So that's something at that state level um I would love to educate

41:32 myself more on. >> All right. And um you mentioned the grocery tax that has been reduced a

41:37 little bit. Would you be in favor of a suspended or an eliminated grocery tax?

41:43 Um, I definitely would like to see because certainly what you don't want to

41:47 do is feel like you're improving an area over here, but then there's a there's an

41:51 increase over here and it's there's, you know, playing the shell game with people

41:57 that doesn't go over well. And so, it's important that if you're truly going to

42:00 cut something, let's cut it and make sure it's effective and it affects everybody. I know the overtime, you

42:08 know, taxes. I've heard you there's obviously rumblings of trying to do something there. Um, obviously we all

42:14 eat in restaurants and things and a lot of these waiters and waitresses and

42:18 their tips being, you know, taxed, different things like that that people have talked about. So, anytime you can

42:24 reduce a tax and truly reduce it and cut it out, the better. You just don't want

42:28 to cut here and then over here something goes up. That does not go over well.

42:33 >> Okay, that makes sense. All right, and we're going to move to question number

42:37 10, which is a uh as you know, Cullman County is one of the most productive

42:43 agricultural regions in Alabama. How would you help those farming families who are facing challenges like higher

42:52 input cost, labor shortages, and unpredictable markets? you know, the farmers and people that I

43:00 know, they either bought trucks for me or in that industry, the poultry um side

43:05 of it specifically. Um, you know, agriculture and these farmers are the backbone of Cullman County. And I feel

43:12 like sometimes they may feel like they kind of get left out when it comes to

43:16 certain things. Um, talking with, you know, certain farmers that I know, I had

43:21 a poultry farmer contact me. He knew that I was a chairman of Cullman

43:24 Jefferson Gas and he said, "Clint," he said, "Um, I'm I'm I'm I need some help

43:30 and I need some help. I'm I've paid my bills and but cash flow is tough right

43:35 now and uh I just need a couple extra months to to to pay this bill." And um

43:42 so I've looked into it and he's been a great customer. And um he um he uh I

43:49 could tell in his voice it it was an issue. And so I looked into it and we

43:54 helped him and we were able to spread that out just a little bit further than

43:58 say what our policy said is we use common sense and we we listen to him and

44:02 we looked at what you know obviously he's doing and he's a local guy in the

44:06 southern part of Cullman County that just needed some help that month or the

44:10 next couple of months. And so that's something that we're able to extend that

44:14 and he was able to to pay that off and I think that's something that being

44:18 receptive and make sure that you are sensitive to what these farmers are going through. A lot of them are under a

44:24 lot of stress, a lot of debt and things are trying to pay off and there's such

44:27 an unpredictable market when it comes to poultry or anything else for that matter

44:32 of what the future lies. And so that's just in a personal example that I

44:36 appreciate him calling me because if he's going to pick up the phone, track

44:39 me down uh as the chairman, >> uh that meant a lot to him and it

44:44 certainly meant a lot to me to help him. >> So would you be open to meeting with

44:48 farmers and other other industries and >> discuss I spoke to the alpha board here

44:53 locally. Um that was a few that was actually last month and u I had a great

44:59 time getting to talk to them, listen to their side of things. uh that board.

45:03 There's so many board members and so many farmers throughout Cullman County. Um and everybody's got needs and they

45:09 need help and relief and so certainly I'll be glad to meet with any group. I

45:14 have met with several groups. I'll I'll I'll meet anywhere anytime. So, um it's

45:19 been really great on this campaign trail to get to know people, sit down, uh and

45:24 just talk about the issues. I'm always willing to show up and talk about the

45:28 issues. >> All right. Well, that brings us to our last question. I knowast everybody's like,

45:35 "Yes, finally." All right, so number 11. Strong schools are the backbone of a

45:40 strong community. What will you do to help support and improve local schools in district 12?

45:48 So, I think number one, believe it or not, I'm actually a physical education

45:53 major and uh attended Wall State. Then I end up going to Athens State um and I

45:59 finished in 1999. My wife is also a physical education major. She taught a

46:05 couple years at Hville down here. Uh all her family, her mother and my

46:10 father-in-law and all her grandparents and aunts and uncles, the Carters and the York family. We've got a long

46:17 lineage of educators uh in Cullman County. Her greatgrandfather York um was the superintendent of Cullman County

46:25 schools back in the 60s. And I've heard a lot of praises from educators um that

46:31 either were were their first job was in Cullman County and was hired by uh Mr.

46:37 York at that time. And so it's been really cool to see the impact of her

46:42 family, the Carter side and the York side of being educators. And my sister-in-law just retired as an

46:49 educator. And so certainly that's resonates big time with me and making sure we take care of our teachers and

46:56 our administration and being able to attend their teacher institutes each year, being able to attend the county um

47:04 all the principles and assistant principles and um being able to get to see and and and be around them. And so

47:11 this whole district and county as a whole, I've been able to fellowship and

47:14 talk and listen to them. Um I think that going forward finish up the question here on exactly

47:23 >> all right what will you do to support and improve local schools in district 12

47:26 >> help improve yes so obviously I know Senator God just presented a check and

47:31 that was I'm sure uh tremendous and big impact um I think that you know being

47:37 having the relationships I have with Shane Barnett and with uh Coloff uh with

47:43 the city I think is tremendous because your board members you need to know

47:47 them. You need to be able to to listen what their needs are. And so education

47:52 uh is a main priority and we need to make sure it's properly funded. Uh but

47:57 not just on the level of our schools here from elementary, middle school, and

48:01 high school, but obviously Dr. uh Collerwood's here at Wallace State. All levels it's important. Um we also have,

48:09 you know, with our uh uh Cullman Christian School and St. Bernard, we've got a lot of options for education here

48:15 in this county and I would definitely want to be receptive and available to

48:19 help every single one of them. >> Okay. All right. Well, that brings us to

48:24 the end of all the questions and so um we're going to turn it over to you for

48:30 your closing statement and then I'll do my little closing statement when we're done.

48:33 >> Absolutely. That'll be good. Well, obviously I really appreciate you guys attending. I appreciate you guys that

48:38 are watching at home, taking your time out. uh to listen to what I have to say.

48:43 And obviously y'all have expressed issues um for the last few months of what's important to you and if it's

48:49 important to you, it's important to me. And so I just wanted to make sure that

48:53 you guys know going forward that everybody will be representative um and and represented in my district when I

49:00 attend and I go to Montgomery and fight for you and what you need uh here in

49:04 this area. And so our community is fantastic. all of Cullman County. We've got a lot of potential, a lot of great

49:10 things going on. Um, but I'm a small business owner. I'm a father. I'm a

49:14 granddad now. And so, there's a lot of things that I can relate with you guys

49:19 and everybody with uh when it comes to the things that we're facing right now

49:24 and the stresses that families have on themselves right now. And I just want to

49:28 let you know that certainly uh I appreciate your support and your vote going forward and certainly your prayers

49:35 as well because this has been quite the road. The campaign trail is tough. It's

49:39 not easy. Uh but it's also been very educational. Uh getting to know everybody in this district and being

49:45 able to learn how great we really have it in Cullman County. We talk about a

49:49 lot of the problems, but we've got a lot of great things. And I want to be able

49:53 to continue uh in the future of bringing things back to Cullman County because if

49:58 I'm not effective, then certainly I'll be replaced just like that. And rightfully so. If I don't do my job and

50:04 show up and deal with the hard questions and deal with things on the floor uh in

50:09 Montgomery, I've got no business being down there. And I'm going to fight and

50:13 I'm going to work hard. I'm going to be strong and I'm going to go. Even though

50:16 those days may get tough and I don't want to show up and I can come up with

50:20 every excuse in the book, I will be there. You've got my word and obviously

50:25 um you know where to track me down, a lot of you out there. Uh and so I want

50:29 to make sure that I've got people hold me accountable as well. Um but I'm

50:34 serving and have served and will continue to serve because it's a deep rooted commitment that I've got to

50:40 Cullman County. When I came here from divorced parents in 1994, uh Cullman welcomed me with open arms from day one.

50:49 I had friends immediately that welcomed me, took me in. When I married my wife

50:54 in 1997, her family took me in, supported me, loved me, and I felt

50:59 special. Um, obviously when I had diagnosed with non-codgins lymphoma in 2006, once again, this community loved

51:07 on me, prayed for me. While my child, my son was down at Children's Hospital

51:12 fighting for his life, my wife needed to take care of him. Once again, you guys

51:17 prayed for me, loved on me, took care of my children. And then when I excuse me,

51:22 when I uh also needed this community to support us and love us through the

51:26 adoption with my son that's sitting right out there that's from Porta Prince, Haiti. You guys stepped up once

51:32 again and supported me, loved me, and embraced my son as if everybody else in

51:38 my family. And it's been tremendous to see this this outpouring of love, prayers, and support from all of Cullman

51:46 County. And I will forever be in its debt going forward. And so that's what

51:50 drives me. That's what gives me that fire in the belly going forward is

51:54 because what you have done for me. And that's why I do what I do. because I do

51:58 get asked that why in the world would you be running for this position and

52:02 it's all deeprooted because what Cullman County has done for me. >> All right. Well, thank you uh thank you

52:09 for coming uh answering our questions and showing up for our voters and our

52:14 audience. Uh and with that, this session is in the books. >> Can I say one more thing?

52:20 >> Yes, go ahead. >> August the 12th is the day to vote. Tuesday, August 12th. I couldn't go

52:27 without saying that. >> That's fine. >> Hollingssworth for the house. >> So, please go out to vote and I

52:33 appreciate all your love and prayers going forward. >> All right. We will see uh you at the

52:38 results Tuesday night. Uh it starts at 700 p.m. Feel free to follow the results

52:44 live on our Facebook page. Uh we wish all the candidates the best and we want

52:48 to thank everybody for coming out and have a safe trip going home. Thank you

52:53 all for attending. >> Thank you.