Wednesday, I attended the Birmingham Business Association’s Young Professional Summer Sendoff event at The  Rouge Tavern in Birmingham. For approximately seven years, I’ve been involved with the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce – which is now part of the new regional entity known as the Birmingham Business Association (BBA). Talking with employees of the BBA at the YP event, they explained to me the new, increased focus of the BBA on economic development and recruitment. More major metropolitan areas around the nation -whom Birmingham competes against – are adopting a more regional form of governmental operations. I am pleased with the new focus of the BBA, and believe that it is necessary that community interests around Birmingham work together in a singular focus for the continued growth of the region. Birmingham’s progress, and that of the metro region has clearly been negatively impacted due to regional fights and competitiveness. Progressive initiatives such as mass transit have been set back decades because of regional fights and lack of cooperation. For Birmingham to thrive, and to continue to be a meaningful economic contributor to the State, the BBA must succeed in its mission to increase cooperative efforts to recruit and support industry. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to take part in this event hosted by the BBA in its infancy. I look forward to participating in future BBA initiatives that encourage growth and investment in the Birmingham metropolitan area, for our entire state benefits with Birmingham’s vitality and will suffer with its stagnation.

Thursday, I had the great pleasure of attending the monthly meeting of the Etowah County Democratic Women’s Organization, held in Attalla. The group’s visiting speaker was none other than Lilly Ledbetter. I was honored to make acquaintances with Ms. Ledbetter and discuss the future of the Democratic Party in Alabama. Hearing of the lengthy journey Ms. Ledbetter has incurred in her efforts to establish equal pay for equal work among the sexes was motivating. Being the father of a two year-old daughter, I assured Ms. Ledbetter that the courage and determination of her fight would be taught to my daughter. I pray that the sacrifices and battles fought by women such as Ms. Ledbetter will bring a better tomorrow for children like my daughter and my son.

At the Etowah County Democratic Women’s meeting, I had the opportunity to speak to a wonderful group of ladies, and share with them my campaign’s platform. Hearing their thoughts about the distrust and incompetency in the present Treasury administration reinforced my beliefs that not only has the present Treasurer squandered taxpayer savings and hurt local banking and business, but also managed to erode the public’s trust to a dangerous level. The next Treasurer of the State of Alabama must be committed to honoring and fixing PACT, strengthen local financial institutions, reinvest in Alabama businesses, but do all of this with the intent of restoring the confidence of taxpayers who entrust their earnings and savings with the State of Alabama.

Tuesday evening, I attended the initial meeting of the Montgomery County Chapter of Save Alabama PACT. The meeting was attended by a strong, vocal crowd of nearly 40 concerned citizens and PACT contract holders.

Much of the meeting was devoted to question and answer regarding what PACT families do now. Emphasis was placed on lobbying the legislature to uphold the contractual obligations of PACT, and to give Alabama higher education institutions the necessary incentive to stabilize tuition rates.

Once again, much discussion was had regarding the upcoming actuarial report from the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) regarding the longterm viability of PACT. However, in my opinion, the report’s contents hold little promise unless state tuition is stabalized. Last week, as state university raised its tuition by more than 21%. PACT cannot be successfully managed without predictable, reasonably stable rates of tuition – meaning, Alabama cannot predict what PACT investments return must be unless the state knows what prospective college costs will be). In turn, colleges must have stable, predictable funding from the state government in order for them to be able to adequately manage their budgets.

Representative Jay Love and I both had an opportunity to address the attendees. Both Jay and I emphasized that the solution of PACT is not, and must not be a partisan issue.

I instructed the attendees to make use of the months ahead. The earliest any legislative remedy will be provided for PACT will be the January 2010 session. PACT families must mobilize, lobby legislators, and defend their moral and contractual high ground from antagonists.

Further, I commented on suggestions from others in the state that the financial solution for PACT be taken from the Oil and Gas Trust Fund. Personally, I am opposed to this suggestion. The Oil and Gas Trust Fund feeds into the Alabama Trust Fund, which in turn feeds into the General Fund that pays for programs like the Children’s Health Insurance Program and Medicaid. Indirectly targeting poor, sick children to bear the cost of PACT is not a moral or politically feasible solution to PACT.

Presently, considering PACT assets and yearly disbursements at today’s tuition rates, PACT is solvent for approximately another ten years, though its obligations reach until 2030.

Alabama must first ensure PACT families that the state will honor its contractual obligations to all 48,000 families. Then, the state should take action, in an unhasty fashion, towards constructing a long term fix for PACT.

I spent Wednesday making the rounds in Montgomery, meeting with parties who will likely be interested in the 2010 Treasurer’s race. Major topics of discussion included PACT’s present and future, state banking, and various trust funds that the Treasurer’s office manages.Also, for your information, many Alabamians might not be aware that the Treasurer sits on the board of 17 state commissions. These commissions range from health care, roads, and industrial development entities.

During my conversations Wednesday, it was not surprising that I made happenstance contacts with PACT holders and PACT family members. The near 49,000 enrollment of PACT in no way captures the vast network of Alabamians that PACT touches.

Another happening yesterday was the announcement of Alabama State University increasing their tuition by more than 21%. Such unpredictably large annual increases in tuition pose perhaps the largest threat to insuring PACT’s future. For any kind of college investment plan to succeed, predictable forecasts for future tuition rates must be made. And, higher education institutions can only reasonably predict what their tuition rates might be if they have some idea of their future state budgetary funding.

Also, the liquidation of the Birmingham based company Meadowcraft has begun. The Meadowcraft plant based in Selma, AL has been sold to a Wisconsin-based group, Home Casual LLC. The Selma plant will reopen this coming Monday. Hopefully, the week of not being able to work or be compensated for such will not traumatically impact these families in Selma.

The town of Wadley still awaits the fate of the Meadowcraft plant located there. My opposition to Wachovia/Wells Fargo’s forced liquidation of Meadowcraft was based upon the likelihood of what is presently occurring in Wadley. Wadley is an old-school factory town, where most everyone – ~700 employees – in town works at the Meadowcraft plant located there, or their business is dependent upon it. Additionally, the local government is dependent upon the plant’s taxes. Presently, those 700 workers still wait for some resolution to their fate, their utilities are being shut off, and the local government has had to absorb the loss of more than 5/6 of what Meadowcraft owed the town.

As Treasurer, my daily goal would be to best serve the economic interests of Alabamians and Alabama businesses. I intend to work to strengthen the financial stability of local businesses and financial institutions, thus preventing similar predicaments to the ones that both Meadowcraft and Wachovia/Wells Fargo presently find themselves within.

Please give your thoughts and prayers to those in Wadley.

Thursday evening, I attended a meeting of the Limestone County Chapter of Save Alabama PACT. The meeting was held at the First Presbyterian Church of Athens. This was my third Save Alabama PACT meeting in as many weeks. One thing that I have noticed at all three (one each in Madison, Limestone, and Morgan Counties), is that aside from the leadership of Save Alabama PACT, most of the faces in attendance change. Even last night, I spoke with a lady who said that she hadn’t known anything about the plight of PACT except for an article advertising that night’s meeting. Hearing such things makes you grateful that person read the newspaper that day, but it also makes you realize how many of the 48,000 families who own a PACT that likely do not know about its current state of affairs.

The most moving story told was one involving a lady who had paid $26,000 into PACT in December of 2008. Upon finding out about PACT’s troubled state in early 2009, she was in disbelief and openly questioned if the State of Alabama and our incumbent treasurer had openly and knowingly deceived her. In my opinion, inseparable from resolving PACT, the greatest exercise for our next treasurer will be to restore the public’s trust within the office of the treasurer.

The management that Patti Lambert, Donna Peacher, Rebecca Thrasher, Jerry Witt, and Chuck Gibb have provided has been textbook for the civic engagement of a political issue. Due to Save Alabama PACT’s organization and commitment, four legislators attended the meeting in Athens. Their answers seemed sincere and mirrored what others had said before, they were committed to PACT but did not yet have a long term solution. They reiterated the significance of the upcoming RSA report on PACT, and stated that the biggest threat to PACT’s survival at the moment would be election year politics.

I took the opportunity to tell the audience to get organized under Save Alabama PACT, and stay engaged. The earliest anything would happen to PACT would be the January legislative session. I agreed with the statements of one of the present legislators, in that Alabama must not act hastily in resolving PACT, only exasperating our state’s finances and PACT’s distress. We must seek diligently to find a long term fix that honors our moral and contractual obligations under PACT, confidently encourages college savings by Alabamians, and that does not unduly burden taxpayers.

Last night, after driving through a rainstorm, I attended the Lawrence/Morgan Counties Chapter of Save Alabama PACT. Between 50-75 concerned citizens were in attendance – including children and two Alabama state legislators.

The emphasis of the meeting was placed on organization and political participation by lobbying state leaders to honor the contractual and moral obligations of PACT. Though, the frustrations associated with the uncertainty and delay of legislative action were voiced. The two legislators present gave a brief status report on PACT, and the upcoming actuarial report being completed by the Retirement Systems of Alabama. In short, they stated that the earliest any action would be taken to save PACT would be in January of 2010, and that there was general uncertainty among the legislature about how to save PACT. Therefore, the legislature will likely pay close attention to the recommendations and analysis of PACT within the RSA report – due to be released in late July.

Once again, towards the conclusion of the meeting, I had the opportunity to address the audience. I reiterated my commitment to uphold Alabama’s moral and contractual obligations under PACT. I also warned the audience against complacency and passively observing political happenings concerning PACT. At least six months separate 48,000 from possible action regarding their childrens’ college future. In that time, resistance will mount due to scarce finances, and it is likely that politics will unfortunately be played with PACT due to the upcoming election cycle. I urged attendees to use this time to mobilize and grow in number, so that they can effectively persuade incumbent legislators and aspiring office holders to do the right thing, instead of the politically expedient option.

I’ve now attended two Save Alabama PACT meetings, and the organization and commitment of the individuals involved is inspiring. The organization is truly a representation of the action that a civics class would instruct a group of dissatisfied citizens to take. For many reasons, I hope they are successful in their mission, but in part because I hope they give a successful example of civic engagement for other citizens to follow in Alabama.

What a day Saturday was! It was absolutely gorgeous outside, and very comfortable for a mid-July day in Alabama. The day stated with the Tuscaloosa County Democrats Family Fun Picnic at Snow Hinton Park. This was an ideal event for me to bring Christy and the kids.

When we arrived, there was a solid crowd of ~100 loyal Democrats. Ryland, of course, was immediately drawn to the inflatable jumper and the numerous footballs and kick balls that other kids were playing with. Finn was a champ and slept through the entire event. Christy and I had the opportunity to talk individually with local Democratic activists, as well as other candidates.

After having a classic picnic lunch, I had the opportunity to share the message of our campaign  with the crowd. Regardless of party affiliation, our incumbant, Republican Treasurer is not a popular figure in Tuscaloosa or many parts of Alabama, due to the economic state of affairs within Alabama or her bungling of 48,000 college savings plans. So, the picnic’s attendees voiced sound approval for our message of restoring honesty, integrity and competency to the office of the Treasurer.

The Tuscaloosa County Democrats Family Fun Day was certainly a nice way to start off the day, and everyone – especially Ryland – enjoyed the food, fun and fellowship.

After leaving Tuscaloosa, we were off to Aloft Hotel in Homewood for the 2010 Campaign Kickoff Reception hosted by Democracy for America . Christy and the kids enjoyed time strolling through downtown Homewood and getting dinner, while I rubbed shoulders and shook hands with the attendees at the kickoff reception. The candidates and party activists were in full attendance for this event, with both Democratic gubernatorial candidates present, multiple congressional candidates, along with score of media staff in tow.

People routinely ask me how the campaign is going, and I tell them that when you walk into a room and people who you don’t know introduce themselves to you, and they know who you are before you introduce yourselves to them, you must be doing something right. Well, I certainly encountered that at the DFA receptions – as well as earlier in Tuscaloosa.

Again, I had the opportunity to address the attendees, and I found the same level of discontent with our present Treasury administration. The lack of honesty, integrity and competency are gross deficiencies within our present Treasurer’s office, and I believe that Democrats and Republicans alike desperately want a Treasurer that embodies and exudes this qualities. And, I believe that over the next 16 months, we are going to prove to Democrats and Republicans alike that I am the Treasurer that Alabama needs to solve the problems created over the last eight years by our incumbent Treasurer, and I am the candidate that can move our state forward, towards a more prosperous, secure future.

Today, I attended a meeting of the Madison County Chapter of Save Alabama PACT. The meeting was held at the Huntsville – Madison County Public Library. There were approximately 150-200 people in attendance. The attendees were comprised of PACT contract holders, PACT students and concerned citizens.

The meeting was intended to be purely one of an organizational nature, but emotion about the state of PACT recurringly bubbled to the surface. Frustration and a sense of betrayal by state leaders was directed in a determined force to fix the faults withing PACT created by the incompetence and negligence of others.

PACT families and their allies certainly appreciate the political power that an organized, motivated group of citizens can wield – especially during election season.

My impression of the meeting was a sense of respect for the families, their plight, and their determination to become active in the political process. As a parent, I can empathize with their commitment to their families. As believer in the power of government to do good works, I empathize with their disappointment in state leaders.

At the conclusion of the meeting, I was privileged to have an opportunity to address the attendees. I shared with them my encouragement and support for their cause. Because, their cause is an issue that is at the heart of the future well-being of Alabama -  our citizens must have faith that their government will uphold its promises, and PACT students are the future leaders of our state.

Afterwards, I had the honor to speak with several individuals who had attended the meeting. I encouraged them to join our campaign to honor PACT, and to move Alabama’s college savings initiatives into a more economic, sustainable vehicle. Also, I strongly urged them to contact their legislative representatives, to share their thoughts, feelings, and commitment to saving PACT. I warned them of the forces that might gather against them in their noble effort. And, promised my support and goodwill in their efforts.

Today, was another step further on the path to determining the best way for Alabama to keep its promises, and not unduly burden the strained finances and taxpayers of this state. Alabama must, for the sake of governmental integrity and public trust, honor its commitments. But, for the sake of political expediencey and economic conciousness, the monetary “fix” must be creatively crafted so that it does not target one group or one revenue stream.

Moreover, the future of the Treasury must be one that includes competency, due dillegence, and cautious stewardship of the public’s trust. This campaign is dedicated to developing and honing these qualities over the next 16 months, and will subsequently be dedicated rehabilitating the Treasury’s relationship with the public.

jps

Today, I had a good meeting with one of the PACT fund administrators. It was informative to hear their opinion of PACT’s present and future. The conversation was merely one part of a dialogue that will be ongoing, and have many participants.

Later in the day, I was able to talk with a parent who is the owner of two PACT contracts. Their uncertainty over what to do next put a human face and set of emotions to the raw numbers that were crunched in my earlier meeting.

I’m committed to finding the solution that honors Alabama’s commitment to PACT families, and is the most cost-friendly to the state of Alabama and its taxpayers.

jps

Today, I enter the 2010 Treasurer’s race with a sense of anticipation, but also humbleness. I don’t pretend to have all of the answers from the first day of my campaign. But, I do plan on listening to those who I meet over the next 16 months, in order to craft the best answers towards solving Alabama’s problems.

I could not do this without the love and support of my wife, family and friends. I lean on each of you.

May He guide us and keep us safe during this campaign, and may He grant us wisdom towards crafting a better world.

jps