By Gary Lloyd
PINSON — Pinson City Councilman Joe Cochran, who announced in February that he will seek the Republican nomination for Alabama State Senate District 17, is running on a platform based on “conservative economic principles needed for raising the standard of living for all Alabamians.”
District 17 includes Jefferson, St. Clair, Blount and Talladega counties.
“We must continue the valuable work started by Republicans that is allowing current Alabama companies to grow and succeed, while also bringing new companies and additional well-paying jobs to the state,” Cochran said. “Education and job training are equally as critical so our children may develop the skills needed to succeed in today’s technical job environment.”
Cochran is currently serving his fourth term on the Pinson City Council. He is the chair of the Public Safety/Roads and Streets Committee. Cochran is also the executive director of the Pinson Education Foundation, which celebrates outstanding students, teachers and support staff in Pinson schools.
Cochran has been a procurement specialist and systems administrator for NCP Solutions since 1986.
The District 17 seat is being vacated by Scott Beason, who said earlier this year that he would not seek re-election. Trussville businessman Shay Shelnutt is also running for the seat. Other Republican candidates for the seat include Jim Murphree, Gayle H. Gear, Brett King and Adam Ritch.
Primaries are in June.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.