SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Alabama Senator Jim McClendon hosted a Coffee and Conversation Event at the B.B. Comer Memorial Library on Tuesday, Oct. 25. Mike Landers, executive director of the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce, introduced the Senator following a warm welcome.
McClendon shared two handouts with members of the crowd. On the first, two questions were asked. First, do you believe voters in Alabama should be allowed to vote on a lottery, and second, would you vote for a lottery in Alabama? After tallying the votes, in both cases, the answer “yes” was the majority.
McClendon then opened the floor to discussion on a lottery in Alabama. Many asked about where the money would come from and the possibility of Medicaid funding from its proceeds. He explained how his background in the healthcare field allows him to understand the importance of funding for Medicaid, but his main purpose in pushing for a lottery is to prevent Alabamians’ money from going to bordering states.
In the second handout, McClendon went over the 14 changes to Amendments that will be voted on in the upcoming election. Many are directed towards specific counties, but the most controversial is the the new revenue process for state parks. Though McClendon will be voting against this change for various reasons, its purpose is to protect up to $50 million of annual revenue generated from state parks for the parks and their facilities. Many members of the audience questioned this change and his stance on the subject.
To conclude the event, McClendon spoke briefly on funding for prison systems and his current initiatives to move from textbooks to technology in all classrooms across the state of Alabama.
Following the event, Coosa Valley Medical Center’s Hickory Street Cafe provided brunch for all who attended.
“It is great to see everyone come out, take time off from their day, and come to discuss politics,” said McClendon. “Our discussion on the amendments coming up was very good and helpful. I look forward to coming back to Sylacauga for another visit soon.”
The event was an opportunity for members of the Sylacauga community to ask questions and gain more knowledge about the upcoming vote in November.
Caitlyn McTier for SylacaugaNews.com | © 2016, SylacaugaNews.com/Marble City Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
