Local educators took the first step toward endorsing school-friendly political candidates Monday night.

Both Republicans and Democrats were invited to speak at the Cullman County Education Association’s candidate forum at the Civic Center.

According to Keith Kugler, who heads the Cullman County Vote committee for CCEA and is Cullman County Democratic Party chairman, the forum affords some of the committee’s approximately 250 members a chance to learn about the candidates first hand.

“We look at the candidates in both parties to see which ones share the same education goals we do,” he said.

Each candidate was afforded three minutes to speak, followed by a brief question-and-answer session.

While all state and county candidates were welcomed, Kugler said the CCV was particularly interested in hearing candidates who directly impact local education.

“We just want to make sure that our funding and safety stays adequate to support local schools,” Kugler said.

The forum could eventually lead to CCV political endorsements in the coming months.

Kugler said, if deemed necessary, the CCV could poll its members on certain races and issue political endorsements in October.

Senate: Incumbent Sen. Zeb Little, D-Cullman, pledged support for education and the CCEA and the AEA during his speech.

“There are those that attack your organization. I appreciate what you do, and I appreciate your organization, because it gives you a voice.”

Representatives: Kicking off for the state House races, incumbent Rep. Jeremy Oden, R-Vinemont, District 11, said he has always voted to keep money in education and will continue to do so.

Specifically, he said, he voted against a budget two years, because it would have taken money from education, even though Gov. Bob Riley supported the move.

“Education is important to the state, and it’s important to me,” he said.

Running against Oden, former superintendent and Democrat Jim Boyd said he will stand on his nearly 40-year record in education.

He noted particular accomplishments during his reign as superintendent like a $500,000 yearly average for grant money taken in by the school system over a 20-year period.

“You hear a lot about special interests these days,” he said. “I’m for special interest. My interest is children.”

• In the District 12 race, incumbent Rep. Neal Morrison, D-Cullman, said he will support education, but will also keep the bigger picture in mind.

Specifically, he said improving the state’s economy and preventing eminent domain are issues important to school.

“We need people in Montgomery that see the bigger picture,” he said. “I can be your voice, and I can fight for you.”

• In the District 9 race, incumbent Rep. Ronald Grantland, D-Hartselle, pledged to protect teacher’s retirement and insurance benefits, and the state’s education trust fund.



Probate Judge: Republican candidate Bridgett Little Reeling said her years of experience as a legal assistant qualify her for the job.

With a daughter at East Elementary and another at Cullman High School, she said she has an interest in aiding educators in the county.

“My two daughters are the reason why I respect teacher so much,” she said.

Democratic candidate Leah Patterson-Lust said her nine years experience as director of social work for Cullman Regional Medical Center makes her the most compassionate candidate for the job.

The daughter of a retired school teacher, she said, she knows first hand the sacrifices made by teachers.

“I’ve had a career of helping people in many ways,” she said. “My parents taught me if you have the power to do good and don’t, it’s a sin.



Superintendent: Repub-lican incumbent Nancy Horton promised four more years moving forward with the County School System.

Indicating she comes from a long line of educators, she said she has 33 years of experience in the field herself.

“For some students, we teachers are the only hope they have,” she said.

West Point Middle School Principal and Democratic challenger Hank Allen told his own story on education.

Indicating he did not come from a long line of educators, he said neither of his parents graduated high school.

“That’s why I’m in education now,” he said. “I know how important it is.”

He also promised, if elected, he would run the office with “fairness and integrity consistent toward all individuals.”



Sheriff: Republican challenger Police Capt. Max Bartlett said, if elected, he will work toward a law enforcement-school relationship similar to the one enjoyed between the police department and city schools.

He also said he would work to squash the county’s prevailing drug problem.

“Teaching is a lot like law enforcement,” he said. “Now, we are both called on more and more to play a roll in raising people’s children.”

Incumbent Sheriff Tyler Roden responded, saying the vast majorities of communities in America face some sort of drug problem, and he highlighted a number of programs he has instated to stop it.

In particular, he noted the school resource deputies, which were instated early in his career as sheriff.

“That needs to be a stepping stone though,” he said. “We can continue to do better each day.”



Board of Education: Hanceville school district incumbent Sheila Kretzschmar touted her 12 years experience on the board of education, saying she would do everything possible to make sure children finish school.

• Fairview school district candidate Michael Knop said as a civil engineer, he knows the importance of education, and his four reasons for running are his three school-aged children and his wife who teaches at Hanceville Middle School.

• Incumbent for the Fairview school district Danny Ray pledged to continue school improvements like the new lunchroom and renovated gymnasium at Fairview. He also pointed to new classrooms that helped eliminate overcrowding at Parkside Elementary.