By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



A new club could give a fresh voice to republicans in north Jefferson County.

The first meeting of the North Jefferson County Republican Club was scheduled to be held Tuesday evening at Jim ‘N’ Nick’s in Gardendale.

Club organizer Joel Kimbrough said the purpose of the group is to affect voter registration and identify certain candidates for office.

“We want to support those that have a conservative leaning,” he said. “We need to have a visible presence and have a voice in what happens. The government is supposed to be for the people and by the people. The people have had enough.”

State Sen. Scott Beason was scheduled to be the first speaker for the club. Jefferson County District Judge Eddie Vines was also scheduled to attend the meeting.

The club also invited mayors and council members from municipalities from Fultondale north to Trafford to attend Tuesday night’s meeting.

Beason said the club’s formation will give republican candidates a sounding board and constituency to address that north Jefferson County has never had previously.

“People running for statewide offices or governor will definitely want to come and speak in our area because there will be a club for them to speak to,” he said. “It’s important for conservatives to get involved in groups like this for the future of our state. We need groups that are willing to go out and make some positive changes.”

In addition to being part of the new club, Kimbrough is also on the executive committee for the Republican Party in Jefferson County. However, he said he’s not looking to be chairman or president of the new group.

“My goal is to have decent, honest people serving us, regardless of party affiliation or how big the church is they go to,” Kimbrough said. “I can stand a liberal who has good sense and loves their country. I know a lot of conservatives who don’t think that exists.”

For more information about the North Jefferson County Republican Club, contact Kimbrough at epsi05@aol.com.