Senator representatives address chamber

By Laura Johnson | Alex City Outlook

Published Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Alexander City Chamber of Commerce members met Tuesday with representatives for U.S. Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions for the chamber’s quarterly meeting.

“What we came away with is simply that there are some very, very important and critical issues before Congress,” said Marvin Wagoner, president and CEO of the Alexander City Chamber. “It’s encouraging to know that there is a tremendous amount of effort on the part of these senators to make sure the right decisions and the right legislation come out of Congress.”

Representatives Brad Wilson and Chuck Spurlock spoke for the senators.

Wilson is a Dothan native who has worked for the Alabama Republican Party on local and national elections since 2004. He spoke on Shelby’s behalf.

Spurlock spoke for Sessions. He has been working as the senator’s state director since 1996 and has an extensive background in managing campaigns and fundraising for southern politicians.

The representatives discussed energy regulations, unions and the debates surrounding both issues, but focused their discussion on health care. Wagoner said the men may have been representing two different senators, but their messages were very much the same.

“The message on both sides is that the most important issue before Congress right now is the one that is on the mind of the every constituent in the state, and that’s health care,” Wagoner said. “Neither of the senators is in favor of the bill as presently presented.”

The meeting, which included about 80 local residents, ended with a question and answer session. Wagoner said that there was a strong transfer of ideas and concerns between the attendees and the representatives.

“I was very pleased with turnout and the exchange of questions,” Wagoner said.

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