The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) this week unveiled an additional slate of endorsements for candidates seeking reelection to the Alabama House of Representatives.
State Rep. Corey Harbison (R-Good Hope)
Harbison is running for a third term representing House District 12 in Cullman County. He currently serves as vice chair of the House Technology and Research Committee. The former Good Hope mayor attended Wallace State Community College and obtained an undergraduate degree from Athens State University.
If reelected to an additional term in the legislature, Harbison vowed to continue his efforts to support the forestry community.
“It has been an honor to work with the Alabama Forestry Association during my time in the legislature,” stated Harbison. “The Association represents a profession that works tirelessly every day to keep up with demand and is a major contributor to our economy. I pledge to continue listening and supporting their efforts.
He concluded, “I believe you should be able to go to work and make a honest living without having to worry with overbearing government regulations. I am thankful to receive the endorsement of the Association.”
State Rep. Randy Wood (R-Anniston)
First elected in 2002, Wood is running for reelection to House District 36, which covers St. Clair, Calhoun and Talladega Counties. Wood is the chair for the House Internal Affairs Committee. The lawmaker served six years in the Alabama National Guard and graduated from Southern Union College. He is the owner of Wood’s Auto Body Shop in Anniston.
Wood hailed AFA for its work to preserve property rights and extended appreciation to the association for its legislative advocacy.
“We are very fortunate in Alabama to have the Alabama Forestry Association taking care of landowners in the State of Alabama,” said Wood. “As a landowner myself and a representative of the people, I appreciate the work that they do.”
State Rep. Bob Fincher (R-Woodland)
Fincher is seeking a third term representing House District 37, which covers Chambers, Cleburne and Randolph Counties. He is currently a member of the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee and chair of the Constitution Campaigns and Elections Committee. Fincher is an Auburn University graduate and is a retired government, economics and history teacher.
In an additional term, Fincher advised that he would continue to support AFA’s legislative agenda.
“It has been a pleasure to work with the Forestry Association as I have served District 37,” said Fincher. “This endorsement is an honor and I look forward to pushing the values Forestry and myself support to improve the forestry industry and the great state of Alabama.”
State Rep. Russell Bedsole (R-Alabaster)
Bedsole is running for reelection to House District 49 which, covers Shelby, Bibb and Chilton Counties. Bedsole serves as the captain of the jail division of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Auburn University and his graduate degree in public administration from Troy University. Bedsole also graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2019.
In a statement touting AFA’s endorsement of his reelection bid, Bedsole took note of his district’s robust timber industry.
“District 49 is rich in natural forestry resources,” advised Bedsole. “Alabama Forestry Association plays a huge role in the education and preservation of these natural resources for generations to come. I am proud to have the endorsement of this very distinguished and conservative association.”
State Rep. Cynthia Almond (R-Tuscaloosa)
Almond is seeking a full term serving House District 63, which covers Tuscaloosa County. She was elected in a special election in late 2021. Almond is the chair of the House Tuscaloosa County Legislation Committee. She is an attorney at Almond Attorneys and is the owner of Capitol Park Title, LLC.
The lawmaker is a native of Tuscaloosa and graduated from the University of Alabama with her bachelor’s degree in history and Spanish. She also earned her law degree from the University Of Alabama School Of Law.
Almond outlined her intentions to promote policies favorable to the timber industry in a full term of service in the legislature.
“As a member of a family with deep roots in the West Alabama blackbelt, a landowner, tree grower, and someone interested in forest renewal and conservation, I am especially pleased to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association,” stated Almond. “The forestry industry is of vital importance to this State’s economy. I am committed to having policies that sustain the industry and promote good stewardship of the land.”
AFA announced its first, second and third rounds of endorsements in February, followed by its fourth, fifth and sixth in March. The association last month released its seventh, eighth, ninth and 10th rounds of endorsements.
The primary election will be held May 24, 2022.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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