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The original 13 colonies were founded to be 13 individual and separate communities that would serve the needs and beliefs of the people that lived there. The formation of a centralized government that would "invite" each of these independent federations to join originally had only a handful of responsibilities. They included: provide a centralize and common currency to allow for smoother and fairer financial transactions, common security of the republic both domestic and foreign, the creation of a systems of courts, and the authority to levy taxes to pay for it all. 

The 10th amendment to the Constitution clearly states;  “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." 

As such I am a strong states rights advocate and believe, as they did in 1787, that each state should have the total and complete right to govern itself as it sees fit on issues clearly not the purview of the federal government. Some of these issues include: federal mandates, such as with COVID and other potential diseases, abortion rights, gun ownership and of course education. There are others but these are my main focus. 

First, I believe the United States Department of Education should be abolished. Each individual state should have the  right to establish and maintain their own educational standards unencumbered by Federal intervention or oversight. I'm a firm believer in parental rights. And this should not only allow for parental participation in their child's education but strongly encourage it. I'm also for school choice, the elimination of Common Core standards and the continued opposition to teaching Critical Race Theory in Alabama K-12 schools.

I do believe in prayer in school but do not believe one belief over another should be mandated. I believe "prayer time" should be set aside each day to allow each student to utilize that time as they choose. It's important to consider that not only did Thomas Jefferson demand that government stay out of religion, but that the government not even acknowledge it past the First Amendment's observation that all people have the right to worship as they please. And this includes in our schools.

Before you can even begin to discuss what the founders of this nation meant by "A well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." You must first understand that the Bill of Rights is more a bill of Absolutes. In other words the framers were not stating what "rights" the government bestowed upon Americans but rather what God given privileges were off limits to restriction by the Government. And course this means the right to own and bear a firearm. 

It's important to remember that during the time of the framers, guns were plentiful since many people in the new nation hunted for food. It's obvious then that the language in the Second Amendment was directed at the preservation of liberty and not recreation or sustenance. In other words the "people" have the right to protect themselves not only personally but from an overreaching federal or state government. And without restriction from those same bodies.  (It's also worth mentioning the Framers had first hand knowledge of life under a tyrannical government having lived under the tyranny of King George III of Great Britain and Ireland) As such I am a strong believer in our right to own, carry, and use a firearm for any reasonable purpose, including self defense, provided it does not violate the liberties, freedom, or security of another. And to be able to do so WITHOUT interference or regulation from any county, state or federal agency.

It almost seems cliche that "government spending" tops the list of almost every political candidate at almost every public office level. And for that reason no one seems serious about tackling the issue of excessive waste other than paying it lip service. I lump spending and taxation together but in reality they are just opposite ends of the same problem. Governments, whether state, local, or federal have a tendency to spend all the tax dollars they collect (and in many cases more).

Whether bloated budgets, antiquated or unnecessary agencies, pet projects, poor investments or just poor management, spending in Alabama is out of control because like with any governing body the powers in Montgomery are spending our money. And when you're using someone else's money the need to be prudent and conservative stewards of that money vanishes!

Unnecessary agencies, such the Alcoholic Beverage Commission, continue to operate while providing no meaningful service to the people of the state. Pet projects of special interest groups and political insiders are funded and perks and other unnecessary goodies are provided our lawmakers with our money. Of course this cycle repeats itself year in and decade out. 

While the answer to this problem is complex and lengthy, and I certainly do not have all the answers, this I do know; spending and budgets originate in the State House. Members of that body should take a deep and painstaking look at trimming the agency budgets that are bloated, eliminate entirely the antiquated or redundant agencies and develop a closer relationship with the state Auditors office. 

One last observation... The majority of Alabamians consider ourselves "Conservative". People running for office brandish that word in their campaigning as though it is a weapon. And while I too am Conservative, this political philosophy is not just where we are on the issues of Abortion, Gay Marriage, our Faith, Prayer in Schools, gun ownership etc. The true basis of the political philosophy of Conservatism is being a prudent and watchful steward of our cherished resources especially our tax dollars. In other words to "conserve".

On that basis ask yourself... "How many real Conservatives do we currently have in Montgomery?"

GROCERY TAX    

I fully support the elimination of any sales tax on food sold in grocery or convenience stores. (Items sold in these stores, such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco, hardware and utensils etc. should not be included in the exemption.)   

MEDICAL CANNABIS  

I do not support the use or sale of Marijuana either publicly or privately. I also do not support it's legalization or even de-criminalization.

I do however understand that people with certain medical conditions such as: Alzheimer's disease, ALS, Crohn's disease, Epilepsy and seizures, MLS, chronic pain, and the side effects of some Cancer treatments can in fact benefit from the FDA approved cannabinoids cannabidiol (Epidiolex) and dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros)

I believe these extracts should be allowed when prescribed and monitored by a licensed Medical Doctor in the state of Alabama. And the sale or distribution to someone other than the supervised patient be treated as a crime. 

MEDICAL FREEDOM

I fully believe that all medical decisions and treatments should be exclusively between the Doctor and Patient. I also support the right to try when it comes to non traditional or unconventional treatment approaches when traditional treatments have failed. Including non FDA approved treatments and drugs

PROTECTION OF HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

I Support the Protection of Historical Memorials and Monuments. 

This includes the names of schools, parks and other public spaces unless public hearings are held on the matter. Fines should be continuous by the day (not a one time fine of $25,000) and paid by the office holder who violates the law, not by the taxpayers.  Private citizen actions to prevent removal should be specifically authorized where the AG fails to act timely.