District 46 Representative candidates
Justin Barkley
1. What is your background?
My wife, Melissa, and I both grew up in Hoover, where we met in high school. We now live in Homewood, raising our four children, who attend elementary school at Shades Cahaba and preschool at Canterbury United Methodist. We’ve been married 11 years and attend Riverchase United Methodist. My parents didn’t go to college, but I earned scholarships to Harvard and Alabama Law School. I am a practicing attorney representing employers and small businesses.
2. What is the biggest issue facing the state in the upcoming year?
Recently, corrupt politicians of both parties have made headlines. Public service should be a noble calling, not a career path. I have never run for office before. I will support term limits and a lifetime ban on lobbying by former legislators. I will be guided by my values and principles, rooted in my faith, and always do what’s best for our community, not for special interests.
3. What is the biggest issue facing Hoover in the upcoming year?
Hoover is our hometown. We attend the same Hoover church where we were married and our four children were baptized. Hoover is Alabama’s sixth largest city, but has no representative in the legislature. As a Hoover native and Hoover High graduate, I will provide strong, active leadership to ensure that Hoover remains a vibrant, growing community with first-rate schools.
David Faulkner
1. What is your background?
I am an attorney, and I have represented and defended individuals, small businesses and corporations in various civil matters for the past 20 years. I have been married to my wife, Nancy, for 16 years, and we have been blessed with three children. I am actively involved in my church and community, teaching Sunday school, coaching kids, and being active and a leader in the Chamber of Commerce.
2. What is the biggest issue facing the state?
While I believe Gov. [Robert] Bentley has done a good job in turning Alabama’s economy in the right direction, we must get it running on all cylinders again. Because Jefferson County is the economic center of Alabama, when the state’s economy performs well, we do well, and when the state’s economy performs poorly, it affects us directly. I believe that targeted tax incentives, an emphasis on education and workforce development, and creating an overall pro-business atmosphere are the cure to the economic ills we face.
3. What is the biggest issue facing Hoover in the upcoming year?
We have great schools within this district, and we must ensure their continued success. Everyone who lives in Birmingham is affected at some point by massive traffic congestion, so we must address the transportation problems that exist throughout House District 46 and Jefferson County. We must demand that the people who are elected or appointed to represent us in government are ethical and are serving for the right reasons. We can start with Water Works Board reform legislation being passed.
Pamela Blackmore-Jenkins
1. What is your background?
I recently graduated from law school. I have been blessed with six children. My family and I have resided in Hoover for 13 years. We are members of Hunter Street Baptist Church, where I enjoy singing in the choir. I have participated in resolving issues throughout Hoover and I am a dedicated, hard working Republican. Please see my website, electblackmorejenkins.org.
2. What is the biggest issue facing the state?
Under utilization of resources. Ex.1 People Resource. We are in the bottom tier academically in our grade school and high schools. However, we have two of the best colleges in America. We have to give all children the proper skill sets to be successful at an Auburn and Alabama. Ex. 2 Land Resource. We are not utilizing the resources of the poorest area in the nation, which is the Black Belt. The Black Belt must be economically revived. Tax incentives, agriculture and manufacturing would develop the economic base in the Black Belt area.
3. What is the biggest issue facing Hoover in the upcoming year?
The local government must be in tune with maintaining the level of services and quality of life within the city of Hoover. Hoover has been a fast growing city that needs to continue to expand its tax base by looking for all opportunities for growing small businesses, creating a larger tax base that will alleviate issues with the financial school system.
Steve French
1. What is your background?
My wife, Betsy, and I have been married for 25 years and have raised all four of our daughters, Alex, 23, Sally, 20, Lizzie, 17, and Virginia, 12, in District 46, where they all attended public school. We are also very active members of Canterbury United Methodist Church. In addition to my family and church, I have dedicated myself to my business pursuits and to serving the people of Alabama. I have been an active Republican all of my adult life and served part of Shelby and Jefferson County as state senator from 1998-2010.
2. What is the biggest issue facing the state in the upcoming year?
I think the greatest issue facing our state will be ongoing and stronger intrusion by the federal government into our lives, our businesses and our state. I have always believed that our problems can be solved here at home, and I will stand strong in my opposition to “one size fits all” solutions, like Obamacare, that Washington tries to force on us.
3. What is the biggest issue facing Hoover in the upcoming year?
The biggest issue facing Hoover and Bluff Park is the deficit in the local school system budget. With my professional financial background, I can effectively help the area leaders reduce costs for educational needs and find the funding necessary to boost the school system to its highest potential, keeping the area desirable for current and future residents, as well as current and future businesses that provide jobs and influence the area.