By Danny Garrett
Wednesday, Nov. 5 was an exciting day for me, as 120 dear family, friends and colleagues witnessed me taking the oath of office to serve as the State Representative for House District 44. I appreciate all those who attended the ceremony and those who had a part in the program. I was especially honored that Alabama Supreme Court Associate Justice Mike Bolin took time from his busy schedule to administer the oath.
I want to acknowledge my predecessor, Arthur Payne, who served as our State Representative for 36 years. Thank you, Arthur, for your service. I value your friendship and wish you the best in your new endeavors.
The day following my induction, I met in Montgomery with 68 other members of the House Republican caucus (three members were not present). A record number of 72 Republicans will be serving in the House in the upcoming quadrennium. In addition to the 72 House Republicans, a record number of 26 (out of 35) Republicans will be serving in the state Senate. While this is exciting news for conservative Republicans in Alabama, we now have a tremendous responsibility to govern and pass legislations in accordance with the will of the people. With super majorities in both houses, Republicans will have no excuses for failing to take action.
In the next few weeks, House members will be informed of our committee assignments. I will, of course, serve in any capacity assigned, but I have requested that I be named to two committees: the Education Ways and Means (Budget) Committee and the Commerce and Small Business Committee. As a career chief financial officer, businessman and former school board member, I believe I would be an effective member of theses committees.
On Nov. 20-21, I will be attending The National Conference on Education Reform in Washington, D.C. along with several other members of the state legislature. The conference will include several impressive participants, including former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Orientation for new House members will be Dec. 9-11 in Montgomery. There are 15 new members of the House, and half the Republicans comprising the Jefferson County House delegation will be freshmen.
As you may be aware, Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard has been charged under a 23-count indictment. Hubbard, who formerly served as chairman of the State Republican Party, has maintained his innocence and enjoys the support of a vast majority of the members of the House. Most members believe in the principle of “innocent until proven otherwise” relative to Hubbard’s situation, and it’s my expectation that he will be re-elected as speaker at the official organization of the new legislature in January. The justice system will have the opportunity to ultimately render a decision on this matter.
I look forward to serving the people of District 44 and want to hear from you. My telephone number is 205-410-4637 and my email address is dannygarrett44@gmail.com.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. It’s an honor to serve as your representative.
Danny Garrett is the Representative for House District 44 in the State of Alabama House of Representatives. District 44 includes the cities of Clay, Pinson and Trussville.