The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) has announced its 14th round of endorsements for candidates seeking election to the Alabama House of Representatives.
Patrick Johnson, House District 4
Johnson is running for House District 4, which covers parts of Morgan and Limestone Counties. Johnson is a graduate of the University of North Alabama. His family owns small businesses, including his local insurance office. Johnson has served in multiple leadership roles in his area, including with the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce and the University of North Alabama Alumni Association.
In a statement, Johnson praised AFA for its advocacy of “pro-growth” economic policies.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Johnson. “From stump to mill and beyond, I understand the importance and the impact that the forestry industry has upon Alabama and District 4. The Alabama Forestry Association has been a vocal advocate for pro-growth, limited government solutions that aligns with my conservative values and beliefs.”
Kimberly Butler, House District 2
Butler is running for House District 2, which covers parts of Limestone and Lauderdale Counties. She has owned a photography studio in the Shoals area for more than 20 years. Butler also homeschools her two children. She is currently the vice president of the Women’s Republican Club of the Shoals Area and is active in the Shoals Chamber of Commerce.
Butler stated her intentions to support AFA’s legislative goals as state representative.
“I am honored and thankful to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association,” stated Butler. “As a business owner (and a true southerner) their mission makes sense to me. I am proud to stand with them.”
Tereshia Huffman, House District 56
Huffman is running for House District 56, which covers a portion of Jefferson County. She is from Birmingham and is a graduate of the University of Alabama. Huffman has served as a community organizer for a previous House race, worked to provide meals for underserved children in Atlanta, and advocated for kids working for the Child Advocacy Center. In 2020, she was appointed by the Birmingham City Council to the Birmingham Water Works Board.
Huffman expressed appreciation to AFA for its endorsement of her campaign.
“I am honored to have the support of Alabama Forestry Association,” said Huffman. “I look forward to working with the Alabama Forestry Association in advocating for sustainable forestry practices in our beautiful state.”
Ron Bolton, House District 61
Bolton is running for House District 61, which covers all of Pickens County and a part of Tuscaloosa County. He worked for the Northport Police Department for 25 years and retired as a captain. Bolton is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He also served as an instructor at the University of Alabama Law Enforcement Academy, the police department’s tactical unit commander and on the board of directors for Turning Point Services.
Bolton spoke to the vital role the timber industry plays in Alabama’s economy.
“I thank the Alabama Forestry Association for their endorsement,” said Bolton. “Forestry services are an important cornerstone for our economy.”
State Rep. Alan Baker (R-Brewton)
Baker is running for reelection to House District 66, which covers parts of Baldwin and Escambia Counties. He was first elected to the House in 2006. Baker currently serves as the vice chair of the House Education Policy Committee and the House Rules Committee. He is a graduate of East Central Community College and earned his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University. Baker is retired after working in public education for 27 years.
Baker touted the endorsement and asserted that forestry industries are “economic drivers” in the region.
“As the timber and wood products industries are strong economic drivers across my southwest Alabama Legislative district as well as across the State, and in my being such a strong supporter of the Alabama Forestry Association and its membership, I am truly honored to receive the official AFA endorsement for this 2022 Election cycle,” said Baker.
Greg White, House District 92
White is running for House District 92, which includes all of Covington County and portions of Escambia and Coffee Counties. He is a certified public accountant and is currently working at a private practice firm in Andalusia. White has worked in public accounting since 1984. He also served as the chairman of the Covington County Commission in 1995, a capacity he served in for more than 13 years. After a brief hiatus in service, he was reelected in 2016 and then in 2020.
White proclaimed the timber to be a crucial industry to the constituents of the district.
“I am certainly pleased to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” stated White. “Timberland accounts for over 70% of land area in District 92, so timber is vitally important to our people. I share common values and interests with the AFA membership, so I look forward to working with and the Alabama Forestry Association if elected.”
Jennifer Fidler, House District 94
Fidler is running for House District 94, which covers a portion of Baldwin County. She is a native of Baldwin County and comes from a farming family. Fidler attended Faulkner State Junior College and then continued to Auburn University where she earned her degree in ornamental horticulture. She earned her master’s degree in education from Troy State.
She built Eufaula’s first horticulture and arboriculture program. Fidler returned to her hometown of Silverhill and served as Fairhope’s Public Works director. She has also served on many local boards in Baldwin County.
Fidler indicated that she would support AFA’s policy efforts as a member of the legislature’s lower chamber.
“I’m proud to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association because our core values are in line with each other,” declared Fidler. “It will be an honor to uphold these values and principles including small government, fiscal responsibility, and private property rights for my constituents in District 94, if elected. Thank you Alabama Forestry Association.”
Frances Holk-Jones, House District 95
Holk-Jones is running for House District 95, which covers the southern portion of Baldwin County. She is a lifetime resident of Baldwin County and works as a State Farm agent. Holk-Jones is a fourth-generation State Farm agent serving the Alabama Gulf Coast community.
She is the co-founder and current chair of the Jennifer Clair Moore Foundation, formed in honor of her late daughter, which helps school-aged youth cope with life. Holk-Jones is also a member of Auburn University’s Advisory Council for the College of Business and has served on the board of the National Auburn Alumni Association.
Holk-Jones thanked AFA for the endorsement and indicated that her values aligned with those of the association’s membership.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Holk-Jones. “Its members represent the hardworking people of Alabama and I am proud to align with their conservative values.”
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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