By Steve Flowers
Many of you have lamented to me that it appears that all or most of our state political leaders are older folks. On first glance, that appears to be true. However, on a deeper observation, we have some extremely talented younger stars on the horizon. In fact, they are already in the ring and making a difference.
There are a few names that are worth watching. Allow me to share with you a select group of Alabama’s under-45 outstanding leaders. There are two superstars already on the scene and leading the state: State Rep. Bill Poole of Tuscaloosa and Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth.
Poole is a true leader, not a politician. He quietly and effectively gets things done. In close to six decades of observing the legislature, I have never seen anyone rise to the level of diplomacy and effectiveness as Poole while at the same time be universally liked and respected by the entire legislature on both sides of the aisle. He has been in the legislature for only 10 years. However, after only four years, he was made chairman of the House Ways and Means Education Budget Committee. This is one of, if not the most powerful positions in the legislature.
Poole may make a statewide move in 2022. However, from a power standpoint, there are very few statewide positions that would equal being Chairman of the Ways and Means Education Budget Committee. Governor or U.S. Senator are the only two that would be comparable.
Speaking of governor, our young 39-year-old Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth has an unabashed eye on the Governor’s office in 2022. If Kay Ivey does not run for a second term as most experts think will be the case, Ainsworth will be the frontrunner. He has set his sights on the brass ring and will be tough to beat. He has a very attractive young family and is a very good campaigner. He is very conservative and hails from vote-rich North Alabama.
Another fellow that is Ainsworth’s neighbor from Sand Mountain, State Sen. Clay Scofield, is the brightest young star under 45 in the Alabama State Senate. Scofield is a folksy farmer, who you cannot help but like. He comes from a long line of prominent farmers. He is in his third term and is only 39 years old and is already in a leadership position in the Senate.
Another senator to watch is 40-year-old freshman Chris Elliott from Baldwin County. He has previously served on the Baldwin County Commission and knows how to get things done. He is going to be an effective voice for the Gulf Coast region of the state.
Young 36-year-old Sen. Andrew Jones is going to be a strong advocate for his Cherokee/Etowah County constituents. He works hard at home staying in touch with folks in his district.
The name that appears on most lists as the freshman Senator to watch is Cullman County’s Garlan Gudger. He is very sincere and exudes integrity. He is a businessman, non-lawyer which is more of the profile in the Republican laden State Senate.
The House of Representatives has at least four young under 45 superstars. State Rep. Chris England, 43, is atop the list. He is the son of prominent Tuscaloosa Judge John England. Chris, like his dad, is a lawyer by profession. He is in his third term in the House and is also Chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party.
Rep. Anthony Daniels of Huntsville is a superstar. He is serving his second term from the Rocket City and it is apropos that he is a high-tech businessman. This 36-year-old gentleman is handsome, articulate and chairs the Democratic Caucus in the House.
Rep. Kyle South, who represents Fayette and Tuscaloosa Counties, is on a fast track in the House and understands politics.
Rep. Wes Allen of Troy has a bright future. He is 44 and has already served 10 years as Probate Judge of Pike County.
You may have noticed that I have listed nine legislators, four from the Senate and five from the House. Three of the nine are from the Tuscaloosa metropolitan area – Poole, England and South – not a bad sign for the Druid City.
Newly elected Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed makes the list of the brightest young leaders in the state at 45. Randall Woodfin, mayor of Alabama’s largest city Birmingham, is only 38. Therefore, the mayors of two of Alabama’s largest cities are 45 and under.
This concludes the 45-and-under superstars that are actually in the political arena. Stay tuned next week, we will give you a list of those that affect the arena.
See you next week.
Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
