Paul Sanford

As a brand new Senator in the last regular session of a quadrennial cycle the learning curve is steep and the legislative stakes are high. Economic struggles plague our State, unemployment has nearly doubled in the past twelve months, unethical political practices have given Alabama a top five ranking in political corruption, and our nation is accumulating unprecedented debt. So I step back taking a look at the landscape before us and ask why me? Why now? What was I thinking?

My position on the above questions will separate myself from many others in the coming months within the State Senate. The perspective that will travel with me to the State hallways will be new for many within the State Government, yet quite common among the people of District 7 that share my disappointment with where the State of Alabama is heading. It has been far too long since the power brokers in Montgomery have handled “the business of the people” with “the interest of the people” at the forefront. Too many decisions have been made in the past that have benefited the few in power, rather than those that give the power. It is time the citizens of Alabama demand more from the elected officials we trust to oversee our Government.

In the coming session you will witness election year antics, political posturing, and one side demonize the other for one reason or another. What you should be hearing is a group of chosen leaders that will hold themselves accountable to standards that are worthy of the positions their fellow citizens have chosen them to perform. You should hear candor when you ask a question that demands an answer, not rhetoric. You should see the ball moved forward on issues that affect the improvement of our State. You should not hear excuses about un-kept promises. You should demand action and answers that give merit to the decisions made inside of Montgomery that alter your life. You should trust that your public servants are working in the best interest of your community and State as a whole. You should expect an honest dialogue from the leadership in Montgomery without twists and turns. You should make your concerns known and ask for results.

I hope to fulfill those expectations because they are my expectations of the position, on your behalf. You have been chosen me to be your State Senator in one of the top areas of our country and I will not take this responsibility lightly.

I look forward to being your eyes, ears, and voice in Montgomery. I am honored to represent you and truly look forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

Now you know some of the whys.

Gratefully,
Paul