An election year that has become known for the phrase “anti-incumbent” may not bode well for Jan Cook, who serves on Place 1 of the Public Service Commission, but comparing résumés of the two candidates, voters would be better served by reelecting Cook.
Cook has served the public for decades, first on the Dozier City Council, then as State Auditor, and for the last 20 years, on the Public Service Commission.
Her opponent, Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, has served the Republican Party.
Cavanaugh was chairwoman of the Alabama Republican Party, and during her time there, seemed to spend more time throwing around words like “liberal” at Democratic opponents than formulating any stands on policy that might help Alabama’s residents. She has engaged in what some have called “nasty politics” and regularly taken the partisan low road. Even a 2008 primary endorsement by the Montgomery Advertiser was given with “reservations” due to her “highly partisan political background,” and that’s putting it nicely.
Some in politics will excuse the ugly side of political behavior as “just part of the job,” but that an excuse for such behavior is needed is shameful.
Aside from acting as a partisan attack machine for her party during elections, she has been an advisor to Gov. Bob Riley and, for a short time, was appointed to a position that called for her to attend meetings, along with an $80,000 salary. That appointment, while already in the works, started when Riley announced a hiring freeze for state workers.
Cook may be the longest-serving state official, but to replace her with a partisan political operative would be a mistake for all Alabamians.
Copyright © Capital City Free Press
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