BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Community advocate and former two term neighborhood president William A. Barnes (36) will challenge Rep. Mary Moore for the State House seat to represent citizens in District 59.
Barnes is a former college educator and banker. He has been married for more than eight years and has a 6 year old daughter in the Birmingham public school system.
William believes the main issue facing his community is one of economic inequality. “The poverty rate in our community has risen to its highest levels since 1980, Cooper Green has closed and hundreds of jobs have been lost,” said Barnes. “Those who currently represent us have failed. It’s time for more than just talk.”
Barnes’ main concern is poverty. “I believe that once you address the economic disparity in our community, many of the problems we face will ease. Dr. King’s march on Washington was not just about Civil Rights, it was about jobs and freedom. We need to continue where Dr. King left off.”
The core elements of his plan are working to reduce or eliminate taxes on basic needs like food and medicine, protecting and safeguarding our civil rights, and working to provide a great education for every child.