by Senator Rodger Smitherman
The 2014 session of the Alabama Legislature began last week, and for the first time in recent years, there is a unified Birmingham agenda that represents many of the issues that can assist in moving our region forward.
Earlier this month, Birmingham leaders including Mayor William A. Bell Sr., Council President Johnathan Austin, the City Council, School Board, Transit Authority and Water Board came together and presented a Legislative Agenda that addresses education, economic development, utilities, transit and quality of life. As the state Senator representing more than 65 percent of the voters in Birmingham, I can gain strength in Montgomery by the unity among my constituents at home.
I am pleased with the unified agenda for several reasons. First of all, in order for our region to thrive, we must be poised to take advantage of the current trends for economic growth that are impacting our country at this time. This means we should give existing and new businesses the tools they need to enhance the production of goods and services so that they can put more of our Birmingham residents to work. At the same time, we must support changes in the delivery of education that will better equip traditional and none traditional students for competitive employment.
When we have greater success in education and in economic development, we reach the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life in Birmingham and surrounding communities.
Some may wonder why it is so important to build a better Birmingham with more jobs and improved education. Look at the numbers.
About 1.2 million people live in the Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Statistical Area that includes more than 440,000 households spread out over six counties. Our region has been dubbed the Silicon Valley of the Southeast by Network World. Another publication, Livability, says that Birmingham is one the top 10 places in the country to retire. There are great things happening here, and we want to see even more.
For too long, Birmingham and central Alabama have been stymied by division among the leaders of government. The mayor and city council have set the foundation by displaying and supporting a united front.
This is the best route to continued success for the total region, and it is a route that can lead to a productive 2014 session of the Alabama Legislature for our region.
