Legislative forum Thursday

HALEYVILLE - State legislators representing Winston County will be joined by an incoming member of the state board of education to provide different insight at this year’s annual county legislative public forum Thursday, Jan. 9.
The panel for this year’s legislative forum, which will once again be held at the commons area of Haleyville High School,  will include State Senator Garlan Gudger, who has been chosen by his Republican colleagues to be the next Senate Pro Tem, as well as Winston County State Representatives Tim Wadsworth and Tracy Estes and Dr. Allen Long, who was recently elected to the state board of education and will take office on January 20.
The moderator for this year’s forum will be Haleyville Board of Education member Donna Jones, who also serves as Alabama Association of School Board District 8 Director.
Jones has confirmed that other AASB representatives are planning to attend the forum this year.
“We encourage our educators, businesses and citizens to attend this 2025 legislative forum,” Jones added.
Gudger stated he is looking forward to bringing new insight to this year’s forum as new senate leader.
“I am looking forward to seeing the people of Winston County at our annual meeting,” Gudger stated.  “It is always a great night to catch up with everyone and allow us to speak about the topics the legislature is working on and what our constituents would like to see from us.”
Estes added the interaction between lawmakers and constituents at the forum each year always proves to be informative, as well as educational.
“I also appreciate the fact that the event gives us the opportunity to visit individually with local residents before and after the event, just weeks before the session begins,” Estes noted.
Wadsworth is urging residents to attend so they can ask questions and get answers to their concerns, as well as stay updated on issues affected the entire state.
“This is an opportunity to ask questions and get questions answered,” Wadsworth added. “This gathering will provide an opportunity for community members to engage in discussions about recent and future events that impact our community.”
Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri, stressed the forum is always an exciting time for the city.
“It’s important to our community that our legislators recognize the problems we incur and we work together to resolve those issues for our community,” Sunseri stated.