King for a day
By Jason Green
Clanton AdvertiserAlabama Attorney General Troy King has been on the job since March. Even in that short period of time he knows he wants to continue the work, the progress he called it, the state has seen in that span. Following his speech to the Clanton Lion's Club on Friday, King said he would be running for attorney general - his first campaign for the slot he was appointed to after President George Bush chose former attorney General Bill Pryor to serve as a federal court judge.
"I think we have done a tremendous job since March," King said. "But, there was so much to do, a lot remains to be done."
King said he is pleased with the progress made in law enforcement's ability to track down those who sexually assault children or prey on them through use of the Internet. He is also pleased with the work being done to stamp out illegal gambling around the state.
He pointed out local District Attorney Randall Houston has worked closely with the state in furthering that cause and should be commended for his work.
"If we had more public servants like Randall (Houston), our residents might trust government more," King added. "He is dedicated, committed and works so hard."
Safeguarding the Alabama family
King said he feels it a deep responsibility of state government to work to improve the standard of living for each resident of the state. He said government must safeguard its residents and act responsibly and ethically.
However, he felt strongly that all politicians currently involved in Goat Hill government aren't on the same page. He indicated many have placed their political careers above their service to the state. In order for the state to continue its progress, King said priority must be placed on giving the children of Alabama a place where they will want to live and spend their lives - not because they are trapped here, but because it is such a great place to live. To do that, King said government must be committed to continue finding ways of helping secure the Alabama family.
To do that, a war on drugs must continue, senior citizens - their rights and benefits included - must be protected and those who prey on children must be taken off the street.
Also, King said he would protect the sanctity of marriage. He made national headlines recently when, based on state law, he issued a statement saying Alabama would not recognize same-sex couples' marriage licenses from other states.
He also said same-sex marriage became an issue in Alabama when two inmates filed suit against the state because they were not allowed to be married. That is against the law here.
A short time later, someone from Massachusetts sent a letter to one of the inmates stating the gay-couple could come to that state to wed. Of course, that didn't occur because Massachusetts law states a couple not qualifying for marriage in one state can't be married there, either.
The issue became mute when one of the inmates revealed he wasn't gay and had no desire to be married, anyway.
A key component
A key to the state becoming a safer, more secure place to live is its people understanding the importance of law enforcement, the attorney general added.
King encouraged residents to give proper respect and credit to law enforcement agencies on both the state and local levels.
"As the state's highest ranking law enforcement officer...I have the privilege to work with heroes every day," King said. "But for many, the badge our officers wear is a bulls-eye. That disturbs me. I am committed to sending a message to those who would harm those who protect us."
According to King, anyone injuring or killing a state or local law enforcement officer can expect to be hunted down and brought to justice.
"We will not rest until you are brought to justice. That is my commitment, and it will be as long as I am the attorney general of this state."
While he pledged continued support from his office for law enforcement, he encouraged local residents to give officers the respect they are due.
He discussed the importance of respecting the families of officers as well.
"Many heroes never get issued a badge," he explained. "Many of them simply kiss an officer goodbye every morning. They deserve that respect, too."
King said it is an honor to serve the people of Alabama and he looks forward to continuing his work in helping make the state a better place to live.
