TALLADEGA, Ala. – Four state senators and representatives whose districts include Talladega County gathered at the Ritz Theater in Talladega this past week for a Town Hall focused on the recently completed legislative session. Rep. Barbara Boyd was invited but did not respond.
The event was co-sponsored by the three Chambers of Commerce in Talladega County. Each speaker was given a brief period to discuss their take on the legislative session. This is the final story in a series focusing on each member of the delegation individually.
State Rep. Steve Hurst
Rep. Steve Hurst, the longest-serving member of the local delegation, focused on the importance of relationships and conversations.
“I’ve found that my impact in Montgomery is at its best bringing a local point of view to the table,” Hurst said.
Hurst said he tries to focus on specific needs while providing help to constituents and communities.
“Take care of home folks – what they need, what they want, their concerns, how they feel about issues we are facing,” Hurst said. “I’ve found a lot of good ideas that help legislation we pass that way.”
Hurst said he believes everyday interactions with citizens, as well as city and county officials, are vital to his job.
“I can’t take your thoughts, concerns, and ideas without conversations,” Hurst said. “I try to personally support those things that are important to my home communities and citizens. I probably give away more than I make, because it matters.”
As the final speaker during the question-and-answer portion of the event, Hurst did not have an opportunity to address the specific questions submitted by the audience.
“Yeah, time ran out on me on that,” Hurst said after the event. “But I was listening, just like I do every day. Our delegation does a great job of bringing issues out and proposing legislation.”
Hurst said he sees his role somewhat differently from simply sponsoring or introducing legislation.
“I can’t tell you how many times, when I’ve seen legislation I think I can help, I’ve gone to bill sponsors with ideas to amend or improve them,” Hurst said. “Sometimes it’s to make the bill better in some way. Sometimes it’s to address what [State Rep. Ben Robbins] talked about, helping find a consensus to get something important passed.”
“I generally don’t care for credit or recognition, don’t care about getting my name on a bill; I’d rather just help good bills when and how I can,” he said.
Hurst added that he is proud of the local delegation.
“We work well together to make things happen that are good for Talladega County, our region, and our state,” Hurst said. “Different personalities, different roles, with the same difference-making goal to represent the folks who elected us.”
