Politics

Mayor Lunsford not seeking re-election

Friday, June 1st, 2012, 1:46pm

TROY, AL (WSFA) - He's been at the helm of the City of Troy for nearly three decades, but Friday Mayor Jimmy Lunsford publicly announced that will soon come to an end.

Mayor Lunsford, who's been in his current position with the city since 1982, said he will not seek re-election as the upcoming qualification deadline looms.

The move is not unexpected, however. The mayor indicated four years ago after winning that re-election that he was entering his final term.

Under his leadership, the city's budget has gone from $10 million in the 1980s to more than $52 million today. The Pike County city boasts a business foundation that includes major corporations such as Lockheed-Martin and Sikorsky as well as a major university, Troy University.

Lunsford holds the distinction of being Troy's longest serving mayor.

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Bill could bring more film production to Alabama

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Friday, April 20th, 2012, 2:20pm

Bill could bring more film production to Alabama

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley Thursday signed a bill that will allow Alabama to compete more effectively for film production in the state.

HB243, sponsored by Representative Terri Collins and carried by Senator Gerald Dial, increases incentives allowed for filming projects in the State of Alabama from $10 million per project to $20 million per project. The minimum that can be spent remains at $500,000 and the percentages received (25 percent for expenditures and 35 percent for hiring residents) also remain the same.

This new amendment also increases the amount that can be rebated per year to qualified productions.

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Pike County Local Elections

Submitted by JoBeth Davis, Community Web Producer

Tuesday, March 13th, 2012, 7:00am

Democrat Sample Ballot

Republican Sample Ballot

PIKE COUNTY:

County Commission Member:

District No. 3-

Jimmy Barron (R)

Mike Hall (R)

District No. 4-

Ryan Flowers (R)

Brett Vann (R)

District No. 5-

Isabell "Fronnie" Boyd (D)

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ALFA names Mitt Walker Director of National Legistlative Programs

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Friday, December 9th, 2011, 10:01am

ALFA names Mitt Walker Director of National Legistlative Programs

The Alabama Farmers Federation has tapped Mitt Walker to be the new director of National Legislative Programs within the Department of Governmental and Agricultural Programs. Walker’s career with the Federation began in 2005 as the director of Catfish and Meat Goat and Sheep Divisions.

“I am greatly humbled by this opportunity, and look forward to serving our members in this new role,” Walker said. “However, I will certainly miss working on a daily basis with the Catfish and Meat Goat and Sheep Divisions. I have been blessed to work with some truly wonderful people whom I now count as friends.”

Prior to his new position, Walker had assumed responsibilities working with environmental issues and regulations and matters dealing with the Clean Water Act for the Federation.

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FARM-PAC announces congressional endorsements and recommendations

Submitted by Donna Wallace-King, Community Web Producer

Thursday, December 8th, 2011, 11:47am

FARM-PAC announces congressional endorsements and recommendations

The political action committee of the Alabama Farmers Federation (Farm-PAC) has announced its congressional endorsements for the March 13 Primary Election and the Nov. 6 General Election.

Farm-PAC Advisory Trustees recommended the endorsements, which were approved by the Farm-PAC executive committee. Several candidates seeking the Federation’s endorsement spoke before the committee earlier this year and answered questions from members prior to the committee’s endorsement recommendations.

Endorsements were not made in every race, but candidates who won the Federation’s recommendation were:

U.S. Representative, District 1 – Jo Bonner
U.S. Representative, District 2 – Martha Roby
U.S. Representative, District 3 – Mike Rogers
U.S. Representative, District 4 – obert Aderholt
U.S. Representative, District 5 – Mo Brooks
U.S. Representative, District 6 – Spencer Bachus
U.S.

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Troy University Criminal Justice program forms own department

Submitted by John Shryock

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011, 5:44pm

When Troy University criminal justice students return for the fall semester, they’ll find they are studying in their own department.

After years of significant growth in both social science and criminal justice degrees, the Department of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences will split into two departments beginning in August.

“I think this gives us an opportunity to have our own identity and to expand the degree and program offerings,” said Dr. Jeff Lee, who will serve as chair of the new Department of Criminal Justice.

This move comes after TROY’s Criminal Justice graduate and undergraduate majors have become the second-most demanded in the University, second only to psychology. About 2,500 student are in Criminal Justice programs.

“We have grown so large it makes sense for us to split into two departments,” said Dr.

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AG Strange gives TROY commencement, urges grads to fulfill duties of citizenship

Submitted by John Shryock

Friday, July 22nd, 2011, 1:55pm

AG Strange gives TROY commencement, urges grads to fulfill duties of citizenship

TROY, AL - Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange urged Troy University graduates Friday to put their educations to work as good citizens of their communities, state and nation. Strange served as keynote speaker for the summer commencement ceremonies at Sartain Hall on the Troy Campus.

Approximately 250 students received diplomas from Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor.

Strange, who was elected attorney general in 2010, urged the graduates to fulfill the duties of citizenship by being informed voters, by supporting candidates they believe in and by offering themselves for service in public office.

“The right to vote is fundamental,” he said. “Over the last 200-plus years over 1 million Americans have died at home and abroad defending this most sacred right.

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