U.S. House of Representatives Alabama District 43 candidates
John Bahakel
1. What is your background?
I have been a licensed attorney for 32 years. Currently, I practice law in a small office handling the types of problems that face individuals and businesses. I am also an arbitrator and trained in mediation. My legal experience includes five years in the equity courts handling matters that required extraordinary remedies, time as corporate counsel for a large communications company and appointment as a special judge. I am also a member of USA Track & Field’s law and legislation committee.
2. What is the biggest issue facing the state in the upcoming year?
The main issue facing the state is funding. Alabama citizens deserve adequate funding for infrastructure, education, Medicaid, business development, prisons and the courts. I will work to cut wasteful spending, cut pork projects, and redirect and adequately fund all the items above, as well as search for incentives for businesses to locate and grow in the state.
3. What is the biggest issue facing Hoover in the upcoming year?
District 43 and Hoover have top tier schools, businesses and attractions. Keeping them great requires adequate funding. I will work with city officials to attract more businesses to locate in Hoover, which, in turn, will generate sales tax revenues that can be used to fund schools, attract top students and teachers, create additional jobs, and pay for amenities like libraries and parks.
Cheryl Ciamarra
1. What is your background?
I am a speech language pathologist with a master’s degree in communication disorders and am the small business owner of Ciamarra Communication Consulting.
2. What is the biggest issue facing the state in the upcoming year?
Alabamians face oppressive federal government intrusion into our lives, eroding our privacy and individual freedoms. The Obama White House stands by Obamacare, which has robbed our people of jobs and the opportunity for affordable, choice-driven healthcare. It forces Common Core down our throats usurping the rights of parents and localities to make education choices, and it continuously invades our homes, phones and computers. Mandates from Washington are robbing Alabamians of our freedom and hard-earned money, while liberal politicians attack our values. I will fight against such abuses of power!
3. What is the biggest issue facing Hoover in the upcoming year?
Hoover has a long reputation for stellar schools. However, if we fail to rid our state of Common Core, it will be a grave disservice. I will work to defeat Obama’s Common Core.
Doug Clark
1. What is your background?
I am an optometrist and the founder and owner of Pelham Eye Care, a company I started in 1983. Since that time, the company has grown to employ three dozen people at three locations in our community. As a health care provider, I believe I am uniquely qualified to tackle the healthcare and Medicaid problems in our state. I have been married to my wife, Connie, for over 30 years, and we have two beautiful daughters, Dru and Skylar. My family and I have attended Riverchase Baptist Church for 23 years.
2. What is the biggest issue facing the state in the upcoming year?
It is critical that we continue to pursue economic growth in Alabama. We need conservative Republicans who will fight to reduce burdensome government regulation and government spending so the private sector can do what it does best — create jobs. As a small business owner, I understand what it takes to create jobs and grow our economy. I am also committed to fighting for our conservative values.
3. What is the biggest issue facing Hoover in the upcoming year?
Hoover has prospered because it is a city that supports education. The city must continue to provide proper funding for our school system without raising taxes. We must also hold our School Board and City Council accountable and be creative with the resources we have to ensure our children receive the best education possible. I will work to support our education system by promoting high standards and passing balanced education budgets every year.
Gina McDonald
1. What is your background?
I am an attorney and small business owner and have operated a law firm in Shelby County for 10 years.
2. What is the biggest issue facing the state in the upcoming year?
Economic development and job creation are the biggest issues facing our state. We need to find ways to incentivize business development with the least government restrictions. I have seen hundreds of small to mid size local business fail in the last 10 years due to increased federal and state regulation. Our state can create jobs and economic development by maintaining low tax rates on businesses and families, focusing on returning the education of our children into the hands of their parents, continuing to encourage trade school education and making sound investments of our tax dollars designed to attract prospective businesses.
3. What is the biggest issue facing Hoover in the upcoming year?
The major issue facing Hoover is maintaining economic development and job creation. Hoover needs to continue to incentivize businesses to come to the area.
Arnold Mooney
1. What is your background?
I have been married for 32 years and have raised three children. I am a family values, pro-life, committed conservative businessman who has lived and worked in Alabama House District 43 for more than 28 years. As a commercial real estate broker, I have been a part of growing it from a group of sleepy neighborhoods to a major economic engine. I am endorsed by Rick Burgess of the Rick and Bubba Show, former Fox 6 news anchor Bill Bolen and Gun Owners of America.
2. What is the biggest issue facing the state in the upcoming year?
Washington, D.C. is the biggest issue. D.C. is the greatest barrier to job growth and raising our standard of living. Talk to any business owners throughout the state, and they will list a large number of laws and regulations that make job creation more difficult. Obamacare is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s time for Alabama to push back forcefully against federal interference and provide bold, conservative Alabama ideas and solutions.
3. What is the biggest issue facing Hoover in the upcoming year?
Obamacare, Common Core and jobs. Obamacare means fewer jobs because of excessive expenses added to businesses. Common Core is untested; our children are too precious for experiments. Parents must have the right to choose the school that best meets their child’s needs.
Don Murphy
1. What is your background?
I have been a small business owner in real estate for the last 40 years. I have been married to my wife, Martha, for 46 years and have two children and two grandsons. I have been involved with numerous civic organizations. I was the first Republican elected in Shelby County and have served as county commissioner, state representative and mayor. I am the only candidate with elected public experience. I am a hard-working, conservative, pro-life candidate.
2. What is the biggest issue facing the state in the upcoming year
Our state’s funding is the biggest issue. Our economy and future depends on our children. Our children’s futures are not bargaining chips. Education must be funded. Local issues that demand attention include education, flooding, sewer cost and road projects.
3. What is the biggest issue facing Hoover in the upcoming year?
Image. The people of Hoover have a strong voice, name and respect, not only in the state of Alabama but also throughout the Southeast in general. They deserve better than the image that is currently being portrayed. Let’s work together and find a better solution because no child in District 43 should have to pay to ride a school bus.
Amie Beth Shaver
1. What is your background?
I am a conservative commentator, speaker and author. I’ve worked with the Alabama Policy Institute, served as spokeswoman for the grassroots organization Allied Women and been a radio personality on the “Leland Live” talk show. My husband and I are small business owners. However, my biggest achievement is my family. They’re the reason I am running for office.
2. What is the biggest issue facing the state in the upcoming year?
The economy continues to be our biggest challenge. Alabama has the lowest unemployment rate in the Southeast, but it needs to be even lower. Gov. Bentley has done an amazing job at bringing companies like Remington and Airbus to the state. I look forward to working with his team on opportunities for our region. Additionally, we need to give our small businesses the support they need to grow. Lastly, I will work with the Alabama Tourism Department to promote our great state.
3. What is the biggest issue facing Hoover in the upcoming year?
Hoover has been one of the fastest growing areas of the state, so much so that the U.S. Census Bureau now identifies the region as the Birmingham-Hoover metropolitan area. But growth at this rate can put a strain on the city services, especially the school system. I plan on working with city and school officials to make sure those needs continue to be met at their current high levels, whether through grants or partnerships with area corporations.