The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) on Wednesday announced its endorsement of State Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Auburn) in his bid for reelection to the Alabama State Senate, serving District 27.
Whatley’s ties to Lee County span several generations, with his family first moving to the area in 1832. The senator is a graduate of Beauregard High School and attended Auburn University. There he was a member of the ROTC and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. Whatley went on to receive his juris doctorate at Jones Law School.
He currently practices law and partners with his father in their family farming operation.
Whatley is also a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. He has served in the Alabama National Guard and has been on active or reserve duty in the Army for over 32 years. He has supported U.S. military operations with two overseas deployments and has been awarded several commendations including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.
AFA president and CEO Chris Isaacson spoke highly of Whatley’s career of service.
“Tom is the definition of a public servant,” said Isaacson. “He has spent the greater part of his life serving his country both in the U.S. military and as an elected official. He understands the needs of timberland owners and business operators and works to fulfill those needs every day. We are pleased to support him in his bid for reelection.”
According to the association, as past chairman of the Agriculture Conservation and Forestry Committee, Whatley has supported numerous issues of importance to landowners and forest business owners concerning timber management and operations.
Whatley’s work in the Senate includes working to maintain low taxes, improving infrastructure, and making the state a friendly environment for the military community.
Whatley pointed to his experience as a timber owner and vowed to continue his work in supporting forestry-related issues.
“As a timber owner myself, I understand the issues facing those in our forest products industry,” said Whatley. “I will always fight for the timber industry all while continuing to make sure there are more trees now than ever before.”
District 27 encompasses Lee, Tallapoosa and Russell Counties. The primary election will take place on May 24, 2022.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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