By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



State Rep. Allen Treadaway is optimistic that goals can be reached when the Legislature convenes for its regular session on Tuesday.

However, Treadaway, R-51st, said Thursday that he’s also realistic about the in-fighting that occurred during the last session. The Legislature made headlines around the world last year when Republican Sen. Charles Bishop punched Democratic Sen. Lowell Barron at the end of the 2007 session.

“I haven’t seen any signs of mending bridges or the problems that occurred last year, but we’ve got major issues facing us this year,” Treadaway said.

Last week, the Republicans released their agenda for the session, outlining 11 items including immigration, property tax reappraisals and political action committee reforms.

However, Treadaway said the issue that needed to be addressed first and foremost is ethics reform. He said the Legislature needs to pass a reform bill before taking up any other issue.

“Ethics is an issue that should be a priority with every legislator,” he said. “If we can deal with ethics reform, we’d be in a much better position to tackle the problems facing the state.”

Treadaway said balancing the state’s education and general funds should also be high on the list of priorities. He said the national slump in the economy can be felt statewide in terms of education dollars.

“We’re going to have a difficult time in finding the dollars to maintain the services we’ve been able to give our school children,” he said. “Just like everyone else, we’ll have to tighten our belts on the state level.”

Gov. Bob Riley was scheduled to give his State of the State address on the opening day of the session, but postponed it until Wednesday to not conflict with the state’s presidential primary.