By Matt Wilson

For the FCT

Editor’s Note: “Meet the Candidates” will be a regular feature informing you about our local candidates leading up to the November general election.

This week’s featured candidates are seeking the state office of Alabama Senate, District 6, an office that is currently held by incumbent Democratic candidate Roger Bedford who faces Republican candidate Larry Stutts in the November general election.

>Why are you running for this office? What made you decide to run?

Roger Bedford: Northwest Alabama is my home; it always has been. I went to school here, I’ve raised my family here and made my living here practicing law. The Good Lord blessed me with the opportunity to serve my fellow Alabamians and I thank Him every day for that opportunity. I’ve worked to bring new, good-paying jobs, and build new schools, new roads, and new hope in our community. I love this place with my whole heart and it has been an incredible blessing for me to represent the fine people of our area. My wife, Maudie, and I could never imagine living anywhere else, and it’s that close connection we have with the people of our community that make this job so special.

Larry Stutts: I have always been a man of faith, and I truly believe the Lord was calling me to run for this office. Many citizens of this district are hurting. I bring a commitment to delivering jobs, education and healthcare solutions, and conservative leadership with integrity that the people of this district deserve. It’s time we make a change.

>Why do you think this particular position is important?

Roger Bedford: Our state senate seat is capable of improving the lives of so many; it is not a responsibility to be taken lightly. The people of Senate District 6 have recognized that no one works harder in Montgomery for their constituents than I have. It is important that our communities get their fair share of resources brought home. We all pay the same amount of taxes, and Northwest Alabama deserves their fair share of tax money to recruit new industry, strengthen our schools and make our communities safer places to live.

Larry Stutts: A state senator can be a key advocate for jobs, education, our values, and for the sovereignty of the state of Alabama. I am pro-jobs, pro-education, pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, pro-marriage, and I’m committed to being a conservative leader in Montgomery. As such, I will be able to deliver solutions that will improve the quality of life for the families of the Sixth District, will uphold our Alabama values, and work with Governor Bentley and Senator Sessions to keep the liberal Obama Agenda out of Alabama. Unfortunately, Roger Bedford admitted in our debate last week that key legislation was passed without any input from him. Because he is a liberal Obama ally in the minority party, he essentially has no voice in Montgomery. As our state senator, I will be able to play the key role of a strong ambassador for our district while fighting for the principles we share in Northwest Alabama.

> Why do you think you are the most qualified for this position?

Roger Bedford: The voters of Northwest Alabama have given me the opportunity to serve them and through that experience I have learned several valuable lessons that have helped me better serve our community. I have a proven record of reaching across the aisle and working with other legislators, regardless of political party, to do the right thing for Alabama. I have provided our schools with funding for textbooks, computers, and band and athletic uniforms. I’ve lead efforts to expand existing businesses and recruit new industries to our area. It is important that we keep an experienced, knowledgeable legislator in Montgomery so that we keep our seat at the table. I want to continue to be a strong voice for Senate District 6.

Larry Stutts: What we need right now are fresh ideas, commitment to conservative principles, and the ability to get things done. As a doctor with practical solutions on jobs, healthcare, and education, I am also a conservative who will have a seat at the table with the leaders in Montgomery. I know what needs to be done to improve the quality of life here, and I will be relentless in finding solutions for those I represent, not trying to enrich myself as my opponent has done. After 32 years, Roger Bedford admitted that he has yet to finish the job. I believe he has had more than enough time, and I am uniquely qualified to see that we have a state senator who will deliver for this entire district.

> What do you hope to accomplish if you’re elected? How will you improve Franklin County?

Roger Bedford: I hope to continue my work of bringing new jobs to Franklin County, as I have done with IHP, Southern Energy Homes, and other industries. I will improve our schools by bringing our children new, state-of-the-art technology into the classroom and making our schools safer by ensuring that each school has an armed resource officer so that our children can learn in a safe environment. To improve the quality of life in Franklin County, I will continue to work diligently with state and local officials to bring broadband Internet connectivity to all households. As your next state senator, I would also continue to fight for our Christian values and freedoms that all Alabamians stand for. I will continue to stand strong for our right to bear arms; I will protect the life of the unborn, and continue to oppose any legislation that would oppress our family values.

Larry Stutts: As the state of Alabama recovered from the economic crisis, the Sixth District, including Franklin County, lagged behind. I am committed to changing that. As your state senator, I will work every day to keep existing jobs while also working to bring robust new industry to the Sixth District. Moreover, as a member of the majority party, I will have a seat at the table and be able to provide Franklin County with the voice it has been lacking in Montgomery. I will represent the entire district, including all of Franklin County, fairly.

> Brief biography:

Roger Bedford: Born on July 2, 1956, I received my education at the University of Alabama and my law degree from Cumberland School of Law, Samford University. I presently practice law in Russellville at the law firm of Roger Bedford & Associates, P.C. and I’m the Russellville and Phil Campbell Municipal Court Judge.

Thanks to God’s healing grace, I am a 21-year cancer survivor of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. I received a bone marrow transplant at MD Anderson Cancer Center in January 1990. My wife, Maudie, has overcome her fight against breast cancer and with God’s grace she has been cancer free for two years now. I have also suffered blindness in my right eye; however, my faith in God and love of my family has kept me going. I continue my fight to help build a better Alabama. Maudie and I have been married for 29 years and have one son, Roger Bedford III, who works for the University of North Alabama Athletic Department in Florence. We are active members in our church, First Baptist Church of Russellville.

Larry Stutts: Born in Sheffield and raised in Cherokee, I have been blessed to spend most of my life in Northwest Alabama. I graduated from Cherokee Vocational High School, Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine and University of South Alabama School of Medicine. Northwest Alabama is where my family and I have set roots. Right here in the Sixth District is where I feel a great burden to make an impact for my fellow citizens. I have delivered more than 10,000 babies in this district and desire to provide a community where these children can thrive. My wife, Jackie (of 34 years) and I have four children, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Sarah, and Collins.

> Final thoughts:

Roger Bedford: I have brought millions of dollars back to my Senate District to help create new jobs and for improvements to education, roads, bridges, ball fields and senior centers.

In 1989 I was voted “Most Outstanding State Senator” by my fellow Senators for my leadership in fighting for a quality education system, for reforming Alabama’s victim rights and for stronger child abuse legislation, as well as working for tougher drug laws.

I have also been honored with “The Outstanding Legislator Award” from the Alabama Fraternal Order of Police of Alabama, Probate Judges Association, Alabama State Chiropractic Association, Alabama Nurses Association, Alabama State Employees Association, the Alabama Wildlife Federation and the Alabama Nursing Home Association.

In addition, I was awarded “Legislator of the Decade” by the American Cancer Society.

I am an executive member of the American Cancer Society, an executive committee member of the Alabama Law Institute, and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, Rotary Club, Board Member of the Russellville Hospital, a lifetime member of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, and a former Board of Bar Commissioner for the 34th Judicial Circuit.

Larry Stutts: I plan to work both hard and smart for the Sixth District. I will be a relentless advocate for jobs, education and healthcare solutions. I will lead with integrity. After 32 years, it is time for a change with new ideas to solve the problems that we continue to face. The entire district needs an effective voice in Montgomery and I am ready to step forward to provide that voice and serve all the people of Northwest Alabama.