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ACCR Legistlative Questionnaire |
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Abel, David C. I am not 100% sure how delegates should be elected or picked. We have to find a way to neutralize the role of the large “special interest groups” both in the election process and the actual rewrite. I am 100% sure that the people of Alabama deserve a chance to vote on this issue and that the house needs to stand up and be counted. Joe D. Acker 1) At the very least it should be recompiled. 4) My fear is that the special interest groups who control the state legislature will wreck the process if they do not control the convention. Will it work? I have serious doubts but it is worth a try. 6) A special session only if all parties agree in advance. Ball, Mike Thank you for allowing me to share my views regarding constitutional reform. I agree that the 1901 constitution should be rewritten, we need to give more power to cities and counties, and a state constitution should be framework for basic principles of government. I am unsure at this time as to what is the best method for attaining such a constitution, under our current political environment. I do not want to see the same mistakes that were made in 1875 and 1901. If we call a convention and constitution is drafted, will it be what the people want? Will they... Beshears, Mitchell Your questions are on too broad of a basis to give a proper answer. The question needs to include more detail. Bingham, James C. 4) Need more time to study. 5) Need more time to study. 6) Need more time to study. Bradford, Sr. Ralph E. Let’s get it on. Brewbaker, Dick The 1901 constitution does an excellent job of protecting the rights of Alabama citizens. Our constitution does make it difficult to raise taxes, but in my view this is a good thing and an important protection for working families. I decline to answer question #3 as I am not sure what you consider to be “basic principles” and what you consider to be mere “detail”. Limited home rule should be considered for those counties that want it. Byrne, Bradley I am strongly in favor of rewriting the constitution. I am less concerned about the method followed to do so. I am supportive of whatever works. If that means doing it article by article I am for that. If that means doing it via a convention, I am for that. If the legislature continues in its failure to address this issue, then the people should be allowed to do it without the legislature. This explains my position on Items 4 & 5. Cameron, Steve F. I know that certain amendments should be converted to statute form, and will work to do so. Coffman, Ronnie G. The only way that I would be for a constitutional convention is if it could be a rewrite by the people of Alabama and not by special interest groups. I don’t believe that the average Alabama citizen’s voice would be heard in a rewrite. The average Alabama citizen could not leave his career or job for months that it would take to rewrite the constitution. You show me a way that this can be a “we the people” constitution, then I would be all for it. WE THE PEOPLE, NOT WE THE SPECIAL INTERESTS. Coleman, Linda Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this historic process. Creed, Wayne J. The governor and the legislature have an obligation to act in the best interest of the citizens. Therefore the right to vote on this important issue should be on the ballot on November 5, 2002. Those who voted against such a move are not in touch with the people and all ought to be voted out of office!! Curtis, Clara My reasons for seeking this seat in the House of Representatives are not to become a politician but a stateswoman. Our beautiful state needs much improvement and needs to rise above the low statistics that are listed daily in our newspapers. With this in mind I will seek the House of Representative, District 33 seat in the General Election. I will serve my district and it’s people with the utmost ability and energy that I have, I am “in love with Alabama” and it is my sincere desire to help make everyone become involved and be important in its growth. God made each one of us different, but he gave us all talents and the ability to create change in our lives. Davis, Randy I am open minded on the question of a constitutional convention. I would be more likely to favor the convention if certain important principles of the 1901 constitution were preserved. These would be prohibition against the lottery and the principle that all tax increases should be approved by a vote of the people. I would be reluctant to saddle the taxpayers with expense of a special session. However, I do think we can reach accord on this issue. Day, Shelton A. Questions 4 & 5: I believe the legislature has a duty to reform issues such as home rule which will eliminate the need for many “local” amendments. Catalog existing local amendments to reduce size of constitution by 2/3. I would then prefer an article by article reform effort to ensure each issue gets proper consideration. I am open to other avenues, but would like to study the issue more before making such an important decision. Dixon, Larry An article by article revision, followed by a ratification referendum allows the best approach. A convention will generate “log rolling” Special Interest “A” voting for the unacceptable Special Interest provisions just to keep their issues in such a document can never be adequately explained before ratification. Edmonds, Doris 1) I strongly “disagree” that our Alabama Constitution of 1901 should be rewritten, at this time, either by the majority of AL legislators or by a constitution convention made up of elected citizens delegates of the 105 house districts, of legislature and/or or special interest group delegates. I strongly fear that the citizens of Alabama would lose many if not all of their guaranteed protections from bad state officials who might get in control! Since our1901 Alabama Constitution protects citizens of Alabama even better than the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and other such rights Amendments thereto... Enfinger, Jeff The devil is in the details. Faust, T. Joe Too much time is wasted on issues that could be handled locally. Taxes are structured unfairly because of present constitution. Legislators somewhat feel like they are empowered to rule not to serve. Flowers, Steve Thank you for your effort. Forstman, Kyle I am making constitutional reform a priority in my campaign for the legislature. Frazier, Betty Your questionnaire is misleading. In your beginning comments, you speak of constitution reform but your questionnaire lead one to believe that you are for a complete rewrite. Some reform or recompilation would be in order. But a rewrite by convention or legislature would be a mistake. Too many of our fundamental values would be lost in a rewrite. I must study this issue further. Gipson, H. Mac I will also support a blue ribbon commission rewrite and presented to the legislative process with ratification by the people. We must have a vehicle by which legislative and executive leadership can reach consensus. Guin, Ken It is my practice not to complete any candidate questionnaire. I will be glad to personally discuss with you any particular issue at your convenience. Hall, Laura V. The planning and preparation of a convention through the ACCR should reflect and have the input of African Americans based on the percentage makeup in the state. The committee should be sure that it be representative of the geographical, gender, racial, etc. of the state. Hamic, Fred A. No elected politician should be able to run for a delegate seat on convention. B. A limit should be set as to how much a PAC could contribute to a delegate candidate’s campaign. Hansberry, Cathy Constitutional reform overlays many challenges we face in Alabama, such as education, economic development, infrastructure and public safety. The fact that our state constitution has been amended more than 700 times indicates the inadequacy of the original document. Prohibitions against “internal improvements”, “economic development”, and “local government control” place Alabama in the unenviable position of authorizing centralized power in the hands of the state legislature. “Home rule” and subsequent accountability of elected officials would bring government closer to the people. I believe citizens should be allowed to vote on a constitutional convention and if elected, I will vote on such a bill in the affirmative. Hardy, Wayne 5) If it is to be rewritten. I am very concerned as to who will do the rewriting. Special interest groups? Harrison, Robert “Bob” The constitution of Alabama is repressive, antiquated and is not in step with modern day morals or values. It does not reflect the opinion of today’s Alabamians. It is an obstacle to the progress of this state, a prohibition to business and the economic growth of our state. The Legislature should pass legislation that calls for a constitutional convention which allows the citizens to elect delegates to attend and frame the constitution in a manner that will allow the will of the people to prevail. Hinshaw, Randy I will sponsor any legislation ACCR so desires to bring about a constitutional convention. Constitutional reform is the centerpiece of our campaign. Horn, Fred I was chairman of constitution and election (ALA House) when then Lt. Gov Bill Baxley appointed Ryan De-Graffenried for the Senate. I represented the House. We had several town meetings on constitution reform. Sad today we failed. I welcome the opportunity to try again. Good Luck. Hubbard, Mike I favor a constitutional revision commission rather than a constitutional convention to revise the constitution. I do not believe the legislature should rewrite the constitution in a special session. Hutto, Mickey A. 1) As early as 1917 Alabama’s Governor went on the record stating that Alabama’s constitution was unwieldy and needed to be re-written/replaced 2) Too many “regular” state issues must be addressed during the regular annual session to adequately address constitutional reform 3) Must address issue of Home Rule Ison, Jamie I believe that any constitution convention needs to have checks and balances built in to prevent undue influence by special interest groups. Johns, Keneth R. A special session should only be called if the legislature doesn’t have time to consider constitutional issues. Jones, Larry The big problem with the constitution is the “home rule.” 76% of the amendments has to do with the home rule, and that’s what I think needs reworking. Jones, Oliver 4) In number 4, any number of ways can be used to rewrite the constitution. It seems to me the state legislature will have to be involved in the process. I am open. Jones, Patrick I have consistently voted for constitutional reform while in office. I will continue to vote for constitutional reform if re-elected. 4) I am committed to the fastest method of reform. Laird, Richard I think the constitution could be rewritten one article at a time very effectively. Lathan, Wayne 1) I think that the constitution should be rewritten or reformed. I have not completely decided at this time. Reasons should be discussed. 4) However the job is done, I do not think the legislature should do the work. Government is of the people, by the people and for the people. Lawrenz, David Constitutional reform is needed but should not be tied solely to the convention method. Other, more viable and politically acceptable methods are available. The unlimited power of a convention and its vulnerability to special interests poses many problems. Lindsey, Pat At Governor Siegelman’s request at the last legislative session I introduced a resolution (as per Alabama Constitution) which would have put the proposition of whether or not to hold a constitutional convention on the November ballot. This resolution was blocked by a combination of republicans and a group calling themselves the Christian -___ . I also handled the constitutional amendments passed by the house and sent to the Senate. The same two groups blocked the passage of these amendments. Little, Benjamin I am undecided on #3, #4, and #5. Little, T. D. (Ted) 6) I take the position that constitutional reform should take place through an elected delegate convention, subject to a vote of approval by the people, and not through a legislative session, whether it be a special or regular. Love, Jay The problem with this survey is it is either all or nothing. I believe the problems in our current constitution could be solved on an article by article basis. If however there is an overwhelming cry to change the constitution, I would support a vote of the people on the issue. Lundy, Marcus If elected, I will champion the cause for ACCR and the citizens of Alabama. McKinney, Randy The constitution can be improved greatly. I do not think that 105 delegates that are not trained in this area will do the job properly. I would prefer to see experts in the field contribute their experience and advice to this important project. McMillan, Steve The first step should be recompiling the existing constitution and combining the numerous local amendments. Removing all provisions which are no longer applicable will shorten and make the constitution more “user friendly”. Miles, Pam Our state desperately needs a modern constitution that reflects the needs and values of today’s Alabama, with more than 700 amendments, our present constitution is outdated and unworkable. A new constitution will significantly expand local control, bringing government closer to the people, and reducing the power base in Montgomery. As District 25 representative, I will dedicate myself to initiating and supporting progressive legislation that will address this key issue of constitutional reform. Minnifield, Warren A. Please be aware of those elected officials who will now agree with the above questions but did nothing to help this effort during the last four years. I plan to support and vigorously fight for this reform when elected. The constitution of 1901 must go for the sake of our children, education and rid ourselves of self-serving politicians. Moore, Mary A. Delegates to the constitutional convention should reflect equal representation from each representative district. Moore, Tony 1) It should be amended not completely rewritten. Completely rewriting the constitution would possibly allow special interest to be involved. Morton, Albert Support California Plan. Morrison, Neal I do not answer questionnaires but I will be glad to talk to you about any issue. Murphree, Jim 2) Our state is the government which actually empowers our counties. 3) There are many items such as gambling, rights of unborn children and taxes that are best left in the constitution where it is harder and more difficult to change via society’s whims. 4) As long as the final document is voted on by the people. 5) With the expressed provision that any resulting document be made available to the public for vote of approval or disapproval. Neville, John W. My primary reason for entering this campaign was to support constitutional reform. Newton, Demetrius C. A new constitution is a must for Alabama and a convention is the appropriate vehicle to get it done. I trust the people. Ott, Ruth Mitchell 6) I have reservations here. We should be able to pass enabling legislation without the expense of a special session. However, if it becomes necessary, I would support it. Patterson, Benjie While our constitution is old and outdated, I believe that rewriting it could pose a problem. I’m concerned that important issues and basic rights might be trampled due to involvement of special interests groups and PACs. There would be an opportunity to make the constitution better, but we would have to make sure it was fairly written, protected all basic rights, and was free from influence from lobbyist groups. I don’t believe that this is possible at this time. Patterson, Jim 4) I support a citizens’ convention but have concerns about a convention being taken over by special interests. I would want to make sure that a convention had balanced representation across the board. Perdue, Allen My biggest concern and main priority is that the people of Alabama should have the right to decide on constitutional reform, not the legislature. Presson, Freeman Craig After seeing the bills that passed in the 2002 regular session, stripping away basic rights, handing the power of eminent domain to corporations, and other abominations, I have to conclude that our current legislature is not up to the task. Besides the state cannot afford the 20 years of litigation that a rewrite would cause, and finally, “reform” is just a stalking horse for tax increases. Randal, Fred Lee I also agree that this should be done as expediently as possible. Rich, Bess 1) Is it necessary to rewrite the entire constitution? 4) How will the representatives be elected? I am also a strong supporter of photo ID at the polls. The state of Alabama must have legislation which addresses this matter to insure and protect a fair and honest election. Sanders, Hank 6) The issue is when the special session should be called. Shelton, Tom It is difficult to get the entrenched powers that be to allow anything to happen that might lessen their influence or curtail their power in any way. You should put on a campaign with ALFA, AL Farmers Federation, Trial Lawyers, Legislative Black Caucus, etc. You educate and influence them and you have the job done. Otherwise, you might try a suit on the basis of equal protection of the law under the Bill of Rights of the federal constitution. The ordinary citizen certainly has less power than these entrenched groups who want to deny the rest of us equal rights. A smart aggressive lawyer ought to be able to move this question. Sims, Jarred R. 4) I believe delegates should be elected, but allow some legislators input in the process. Smith, Pam My interest on constitutional reform preceded my candidacy for public office. As program vice president at our Huntsville Branch of the American Association of University Women, I planned a program addressing constitutional reform. Also, I have attended and participated (comments and questions) in various forums. Smith, Terry Although I appreciate your sincerity, I firmly believe your surfacing the idea of a constitutional convention to rewrite the Alabama constitution in this election year is misplaced. Surely you realize that in a state where we can’t even guarantee fair elections without some sort of criminal influence of either the dead voting, or as in my race for mayor of Decatur, bogus ballots being allowed in the election process without all the candidates names. When for normal elections we can’t have fairness, how do you expect that we could have a fair election of delegates for a constitutional convention. Stamm, David L. Answer to #4 and #5 should answer questions #2 and #3. Spearman, Jim I have long been an advocate for a new state constitution. My campaign website, http://www.jimspearman.com contains a section on the issues page that explains my ideas on this subject. A new constitution is vital for positive growth for the future of Alabama. Thigpen, Sr. William E. 1) Article at a time and approved by people. 4) Or should be rewritten by commission and voted on by the people. Turner, Eddie There are some issues on number 4 that would have to be worked out before I could agree. Turner, J.E. I am for rewriting the constitution article by article. Vick, Aubrey “Brother” I believe the people of Alabama should be able to vote on rewriting our 1901 constitution and by what means, not the legislature or the governor. Ward, Keith J. The next governor must provide leadership on the constitution. As a senator, once the governor settled on “how to”, I would tend to support that effort. I would prefer a convention and would work to that end. Williams, Nick I believe the constitution can be reformed through the amendatory process. I do not believe that it should be rewritten. Willis, Aldridge (Al) I wish to serve on the panel for constitutional reform not as a legislative representative but as an ordinary citizen. I believe that the citizen should write the new constitution not the legislature but it lends its assistance in both finance and expertise, if it has any. Thank you. Wood, David While it is true that many members of the state legislature are in office because of the efforts of special interests and are indebted to them, how can we convene a constitutional convention without having those same special interest control which delegates are chosen to serve in the convention? Yancura, Chuck I don’t think more than a dozen people in the state ever read the 1901 document, 316,000 + words, 709 amendments. Written by wealthy landowners and self-serving special interest groups. It’s time for a change. Thank you for your efforts. ACCR Legislative Questionnaire — Intro ACCR Legislative Questionnaire ACCR Legislative Questionnaire — Response (PDF files) Alabama House of Representatives, Response Alabama Senate, Response Return to: Constitutional Reform ~ In the News |
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Constitutional Reform Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 34 Montgomery, Alabama 36101-0034 E-mail: accr@constitutionalreform.org |
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