Residents react to Little’s DUI arrest

Published 10:28 pm Monday, April 6, 2009

Cullman residents and political officials had varied responses to Rep. Zeb Little’s recent DUI arrest, though one thought rang constant: He needs to take care of the problem.

Musician Dennis Kahler said he believes politicians should be held accountable to the law just like any other citizen.

“There should be severe consequences,” he said. “He could have just as easily hit and killed me and my family. I didn’t vote for him before and I certainly won’t vote for him if he runs again.”

Cullman resident Steve Hart agreed with Kahler, noting Little is held under more scrutiny because he is an elected official.

“People in those positions should be an example,” he said. “I’m not for drinking and driving.”

“I think it’s terribly sad,” Cullman resident Julie Hall said. “We all make mistakes and we all make bad judgments. Instead of rallying to beat him up, we need to be rallying around him so he can get the help he needs.”

Hall went on to say she would stand behind Little, if he deals with his alcohol problem.

“I voted for him before, and I’d probably vote for him again,” she said.

Democrat Norman “Pete” Tucker, a former county commissioner, said he was sad to hear about the incident.

“It’s bad when anyone gets arrested for DUI,” he said. “I like Zeb, and he’s always been a fine fellow to me. That’s good he has admitted to it, so maybe the best will come out of this situation.”

County Commission Chairman James Graves said he had a father who had problems with alcohol, so he can relate to Little’s situation.

“It’s a very sad situation,” Graves said. “I’m very sorry for him. I hope he gets a hold of it.”

Local resident Sara Ranelli said Little should have considered the example he would set before driving while intoxicated.

“Someone in a role of authority like that should set an example,” she said. “He should be held to a high standard.”

Shannon Johnson, a friend of Ranelli, said Little should have better considered the consequences before he acted.

“Everyone makes mistakes, but in that position you just need to make better decisions,” she said.

Cullman County Republican Party Chairman Dave Ozment said the issue surrounding Little is a personal matter and transcends politics.

“It’s awful,” he said. “You just have to feel sorry for him and his family. This isn’t a political thing. You just hate to see it happen.”

Little’s fellow representatives offered their support for him.

“I’m just thinking about him and we’ve got him in our prayers,” Rep. Jeremy Oden said.

Rep. James Fields said he still respects Little, even though he did make a mistake.

“I know he is a good man and I still have a great deal of respect for him,” he said. “He’s honest and he lives in Cullman and he works very hard. The people here can consider themselves blessed. I know I have.”

Keith D. Kugler, Cullman County Democratic Party chairman, said he did not want to discuss Little’s situation until more details were available.

“I think there are a lot of things unclear and there seem to be some things not cleared up,” he said. “I’m not commenting until we know all the facts.”



‰ Patrick McCreless contributed to this report.



‰ Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.