The Anniston Star from Anniston, Alabama • Page 9

Page 9A Tuesday, May 28, 1996 tEl ftnutetan ffiar 5k Third DistrictDemocrat Third DistrictRepublican B.B. Comer Hometown: Sylacauga Age: 45 Family: Wife, Anna Fay; one daughter, Laurie, 20; one son, Braxton, 18 Political experience: None Professional: Investment advisor with Gambrell Financial Group 1993-present; Avondale Mills, 1975-89 Education: M.B.A., Vanderbili University, 1982; B.A., University of Texas, 1974 Uttlo HometowrtT Auburn Age: 53 Family: Wife, deceased; two daughters: Mollie, 26, Terre Su, 23 Political experience: Five-term Democratic state senator Professional: Former Auburn University School of Business faculty member, attorney Education: B.S., University of Alabama, 1964; J.D., University of Alabama School of Ben Hand Hometown: Opelika Age: 31 Family: Wife Martha Lynne, 30; one daughter Hannah Elisabeth, 2 i Political experience: None Professional: Lawyer Education: Southern Union State Junior College, B.A., Auburn University; J.D., Cumberland School of Law, Samford University Fort McClellan Believes continued military involvement on Fort McClellan would be the best use of the fort. If that is not possible, he would like to see it used for industry. 60-40 law Supports a federal law requiring at least 60 percent of all military repair work be done at government facilities such as Anniston Army' Depot. Commerce Department Believes in downsizing the government.

Thinks most of the tax money to fund the agency stays in Washington D.C., so "strong consideration should be taken toward closure of that agency." Textile industry Wants to repeal NAFTA. Incineration Says every effort should be made to find alternative methods to destroy chemical weapons at Anniston Army Depot and ensure that the safest method is used. Says an incinerator would not produce long-term income-producing employment. District than it is helpful." i Textile industry Says textile jobs can be replaced with gains in other sectors. Says his experience running a business helps him understand what relocating businesses seek: a skilled work force, a business-friendly area and a place that's comfortable for raising a family.

Incineration Emphasizes the area's immediate safety while considering whether to support the incineration of cal weapons at AAD. Supports restricting flights over the depot to prevent possible accidents and separating chemical agent from explosive agents. Fort McClellan Supports the redevelopment authority's consideration of all options for reusing Fort McClellan, emphasizing long-term sustainable industry rather than "jumping at the first one that comes along." 60-40 rule Believes Anniston Army Depot "will not have any trouble" maintaining the 60 percent of all military repair work required by law to be done at government facilities like the depot. Commerce Department Thinks the department is full of "pork barrel projects" that are highly politicized and special-interest dominated. 'Therefore, it is more harmful to Alabama and the 3rd spent wisely and fairly." The return on such investments, he says, can stimulate the production of more tax revenue that benefits everyone.

Textile industry Plans to work with the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Commission to bring new jobs to the northern part of the district with an eye toward regional development. Incineration Supports the safe incineration of weapons at the AAD. Believes if incineration is handled right, it won't prevent business development. An incinerator shouldn't be used to destroy weapons outside the area. Fort McClellan Believes east Alabama has historically supported the military, so the region should be treated fairly in redeveloping fort land with the maximum economic benefit to the community 60-40 rule Supports current law requiring at least 60 percent of all military repair work" Be done at government facilities such as Anniston Army Depot.

"National interest should be the driving factor for having these jobs, not national policies trying to locate them somewhere else." Commerce Department Supports federal initiatives such as the Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration "if the money is Joe Magee Rick liagans Gerald Willis 'Hometown: Nances Creek 56 'Family: Wife, Frances: two dauqhters, one son. Hometown: Weaver Age: 49 Family: Two daughters; Lisa, 30, Kimberly, 28 Political experience: None Professional: 23 years with BellSouth; owner of Magee Photography Education: Jacksonville State University 'six grandchildren "Political experience: Calhoun County Hometown: Opelika Age: 37 Family: Wife, Kimberly, three sons R.C., 9, Winchester, 6, Elliot, 2 Political experience: None Professional: Runs a Christian ministry in Opelika Education: Bachelor's degree from Auburn University -Commissioner, 1971-75; Alabama House of Representatives 1978-82 and 1986-present Professional: Farmer, timber broker, founder of -Willis Lumber Co. Education: White Plains High School Fort McClellan Vows to make sure funding is available to clean up hazardous materials at Fort McClellan before it closes. Is willing to work with the fort reuse authority. 60-40 rule Opposes repealing 60-40 rule; supports keeping Anniston Army Depot work under Army control.

"This will keep jobs in this area on a more permanent basis than if they were contracted out." Commerce Department Believes local governments should and can provide money for worth while projects by bond issues or other means. "I believe the taxpayer's money can be better spent by the taxpayer." Textile industry Supports assistance to textile industries by providing local sales tax breaks, if legal, and imposing higher sales taxes on foreign-made textiles. Incineration Is extremely concerned over the safety issues in building an incinerator. Still has questions he'd like answered. Believes safety issues override job concerns.

Fort McClellan Says first priority is cleanup of fort property. Vows to be in constant 'contact with Department of Defense to ensure the safe disposal of all hazardous materials at Fort McClellan. rule .7 I Supports thpurrent rule requiring at least 60 percent of all military Textile industry Opposes NAFTA and instead ports textile industry tax incentives so they can more effectively compete. "We must not sacrifice these jobs to foreign governments." Incineration Believes incineration may be the best way to destroy chemical weapons at AAD, but hasn't made up his mind for sure. Believes there will be jobs available to help destroy the weapons, no matter which method is chosen.

the Calhoun County Economic Development Council, which he helped create in 1 982. Textile industry Thinks the county needs to develop more manufacturing jobs and depend less on service jobs. Wants to repeal NAFTA and GATT and "will fight any further unfair trade legislation." Incineration Supports incineration of weapons at AAD, but wants more research on chemical neutralization. Wants no other weapons shipped to AAD for destruction. Fort McClellan Believes the most important issue concerning the reuse of the fort is that citizens be involved in all decisions.

60-40 rule Disagrees with a current law requiring 60 percent of all military repair work being done at government facilities such as Anniston Army Depot because the private sector "could do a better job." But, he says, those private sector jobs should remain in the community. Commerce Department Did not respond. 'repair work be done at government 'facilities suij) as Anniston Army Depot. Commerce Department Believes some Commerce "Department Junctions should be relegated to local agencies, such as Don Sledge Hometown: Valley Age: 62 Family: Wife, Yvonne; four children, Roland, 42, Legwen, 36, Glenda, 34, Tracy, deceased; seven grandchildren Political experience: Member, State Republican Executive Committee; chairman, Chambers County Republican Executive Committee Professional: Engineer; Founder, R. Donald Sledge Owner, Marcoofs Gun Shop Education: B.S., Auburn University Bob Riley Gerald Dial Hometown: Lineville Age: 58 Family: Wife, Faye; one daughter, Melanie, 30; one sone, Jason, 23 Political experience: Alabama Senate, 1984-present; Alabama House, 1974-82; Lineville City Council, 1972-74 Professional: Former high school coach, real estate management, general in Alabama National Guard Education: B.

Livingston University; Jacksonville' State University Hometown: Ashland Age: 51 Family: Wife, Patsy; one son, Rob, 31; three daughters, Jenice, 27, Minda, 25, Krisalyn, 19; one granddaughter, Rebecca, 1 Political experience: None Professional: Developed door-to-door egg route into Riley Poultry; owns Midway automobile dealership and Midway Transit trucking company. Active in real estate and cattle Education: B.A., University of Alabama other government departments. Thinks its necessary functions, including the Economic Development Administration, would be better off in other departments. Textile industry Advocates repealing NAFTA and GATT, two programs he says have been very destructive to jobs in the textile industry. Incineration Says his No.l concern is the health and safety of the people in the area, and is studying the issue, but does not have an answer.

Fort McClellan Vows to work with the Department of Defense, the Anniston community and the state to redevelop Fort McClellan. Suggests the fort could be used for an industrial park. 60-40 rule Says he agrees with as much privatization as possible in all instances, but opposes repeal of 60-40 rule. Would work to keep vehicle repair and maintenance functions at Anniston Army Depot. Commerce Department Supports dividing the Commerce Department and its programs into Commerce Department Did not respond.

Textile industry Did not respond. Incineration Did not respond. Fort McClellan Supports the Fort McClellan Reuse and Redevelopment Authority in its efforts to bring new jobs to Fort McClellan utter it closes. 60-40 rule Vows to work with the Department "of Defense to ensure j'obs remain at the Anniston Army Depot. Textile industry Calls for the re-examination of free trade agreements like NAFTA and GATT.

He also supports enterprise zones with tax incentives established to offset these job losses. Incineration Believes jobs created by building a chemical weapons incinerator at -Anniston Army Depot "pale in comparison to the negative aspects associated with the incinerator." Says no additional weapons should be transferred to the depot for incineration. Says the Army should take "an active financial part in helping Calhoun County to attract new industry and compensate for whatever negative aspects that construction and use of the incinerator may cause." Fort McClellan Supports the development of a bypass into the Fort McClellan area and a broad-based search for economically desirable industries as a way to offset the loss of the fort. 60-40 rule Opposes repeal of 60-40 rule. Cites national security interests as a reason government facilities such as Anniston Army Depot should handle at least 60 percent of all military repair work.

Commerce Department Supports government incentives that can encourage employment and new businesses in the area, but calls for a reduction in federal programs that "constantly put a strain on the working men and women of our region through higher taxes." Lea FIto HometownrAnniston Age: 41 Family: Not available Political experience: None Professional: Owns chain of grocery stores in northeast Alabama and Georgia Education: Graduate of Anniston Academy, attended Jacksonville State University W. Jack Sexton Hometown: Moody Age: 40 Family: Wife, Marsha; one son, Jason, 17; one daughter Jessica, 11 Political experience: None Professional: Co-administrator of Ashville Road Family Christian School; owner, Guardian Life Insurance 1986-present; representative, The Equitable Life Insurance Society, 1983-86 Education: University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1983 Did not respond to questions. $1 From Page 8 A there would be no perceived need for corporate subsidy." Textile industry Agrees with NAFTA in principle, but says it was poorly implemented. Would promote economic growth by "removing unnecessary and excessive tax" burdens. Incineration Supports incineration of chemical weapons at the AAD because it's better than postponing the disposal of those weapons and agents.

Says building the incinerator will create jobs. Fort McClellan Believes top priority in closing the fort is that the process is "done timely and completely, ensuring that the Army and federal government meets all its responsibilities and duties." 60-40 rule Says repeal of the 60-40 rule could put military readiness in jeopardy. Commerce Department Opposes the redistribution of personal or corporate income. "If government would not hobble business with excessive taxes and regulation best handled by the military. Hand points out the depot needs the work to keep active.

Candidates' opinions are more varied over what to do about northeast Alabama's flagging textile industry. According to the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, Talladega and Calhoun counties have lost 800 textile jobs in the past 18 months, including the closing of the Crown Textile and Palm Beach plants in Talladega. Most Democrats said those jobs should not be replaced in the textile industry. Natalie Davis, a Democrat running for Senate, said she favors tax policies and incentives to encourage businesses that offer "a living wage," not "low-wage, deadend jobs," although she was not spe-: cific about what those policies and incentives should be. Republicans were more divided on the issue.

Some emphasized improving the existing business climate and finding new industries to replace lost textile jobs. Others blamed the textile job losses on international treaties such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, which eliminated protective tariffs between the United States, Canada and Mexico, and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, which regulates world trade. American Companies and jobs have suffered, they argued, because they no longer are protected by tariffs placed on their foreign competition. "Those two programs have been very destructive to the textile industry," said Republican House candidate Don Sledge of Valley, who noted he worked in the textile industry for 30 years. Nearly all the candidates said keeping a competitive edge means eliminating unneeded government agencies such as the U.S.

Department of Commerce. Candidates stuck to their guns, even when told Calhoun County's Chamber of Commerce was working with the Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration to garner 200 jobs and $7 million in capital investment for the Anniston Industrial Park. Some argued programs like the EDA that actually benefited the area could be transferred and the Commerce Department could be eliminated. Comer described the maintenance contract from Red River Army Depot in Texas that would prevent layoffs at the Anniston Army Depot, which has been downsizing in recent years. Another recent threat to AAD jobs has been a House of Representatives proposal to repeal the "6040 rule." That's an existing law that assures government-owned depots provide at least 60 percent of the military's maintenance work.

The idea's supporters want more work contracted out to private companies. But depot workers and Browder, whose House district includes the it could take so much work from the depot that it would become inefficient and eventually have to close. Browder and others stopped the bill in committee in May. But fort workers worry the issue could come up again. Depot workers have endorsed Browder for the Senate, in part because of his vigilance on the issue.

Most candidates for Senate and the House of Representatives agree that the "60-40 rule" is a way to preserve jobs at the depot. Republican Sid McDonald, who is running for the Senate, argues depot projects are Community and how much to give flie: National Guard and Army Reserve. Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Rob Richardson expects a strong voice in government to be important even after the Army takes a lesser role. It's up to the area's representative and senators, he said, to maintain communication with decisjon-makers so they understand this community's perspective. -TSbr examplaj connections with the Environmental Protection Agency may help determine which fort.Jocations get cleaned up first.

And- working4 with the U.S. bepartment of Transportation will be-important in providing money for proposed bypass connecting fort lah'd to Interstate' 20. Every federal regulatory issue we deal with over the next 10 years will require the congressional delegation's assistance," Richardson said. Workers at the Anniston Army Depot have relied lately on their congressman to help keep their jobs. The depot is struggling to retain a Commerce Department as full of "pork-barrel projects" that are "highly politicized" and "special-interest dominated." But for Bill Curtis, executive director of the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, the question, isn't whether the Department of Commerce is good or bad, it's how to use what funding opportunities are out there.

Curtis cites the Commerce Department as a funding source for projects such as the Anniston Industrial Park as well as for base closure and fort reuse projects. Those programs usually start locally, he says, but a good congressman can grease the wheels of the Washington bureaucracy to provide the money make them happen. "Being in Congress is not just about acting on policy issues," said Curtis. "If they're doing just that, they're not doing their whole job.".