State Rep. Connie Rowe (R-Jasper) has announced that she will not seek reelection to the state legislature and instead will be taking on the role of senior advisor to Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth (R-AL).
Rowe tells Yellowhammer News that she looks forward to her new role, which she will be assuming once her work in her current office is complete.
“It’ll be an opportunity to do a lot of new things,” said Rowe. “I’m glad at 58 there’s still new things to learn and that I’m capable of learning. I think we all look for the opportunity to develop ourselves to our fullest potential, and I’m certainly interesting in continuing to pursue that.”
The two-term legislator hailed Ainsworth’s commitment to strengthening the Yellowhammer State’s position as a state that is welcoming to active-duty servicemembers and retired military.
She added, “The role that he plays in making Alabama a state that is attractive to members of the military, not just while they’re in but when they retire, that is an asset we have in the state. I’m glad to see that it’s really important to him to continue to develop that environment that is friendly to members of the military.”
Rowe touted the lieutenant governor’s work ethic and praised his abilities as a leader.
“I believe in him, I have great faith in him. He has a lot of really good tools in his toolbox. He’s such a hard worker, [I] just have a great deal of faith in him,” she concluded.
Prior to assuming office in 2014, Rowe was an investigator for the Walker County District Attorney’s Office, and later became the first female Chief of Police for the City of Jasper. She is currently vice chair of the Alabama House Republican Caucus.
Additionally, she serves as vice chair of both the Internal Affairs and Rules Committees. She also sits on the Military and Veterans Affairs and State Government Committees.
Ainsworth tells Yellowhammer News that Rowe’s reputation in the legislature will prove beneficial in her service to the lieutenant governor’s office.
“During the time I served with her in the Alabama House, Connie Rowe was known for having a command of the issues and the trust and respect of lawmakers in both parties and both chambers,” said Ainsworth.
He added, “Her law enforcement background as a police chief and officer and her [two] terms in the House demonstrate that Rep. Rowe has a true heart for service, and her talents as a tough negotiator are well-known throughout the Alabama State House.”
The state’s second highest-ranking officeholder praised Rowe’s abilities and says in her new role she will serve as an invaluable asset to the state
“She has dedicated her life and career to protecting and serving her neighbors, her community, and her state. Rep. Rowe will bring the lieutenant governor’s office a unique perspective and strong skill set that will make an already great and hard-working staff even better,” concludes Ainsworth.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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