Steve Flowers: Inside the Statehouse - Alabama has some outstanding political leaders under 45

  Many of you have lamented to me that it appears all or most of our state political leaders are older folks. At first glance, that appears to be true. But we do, however, have some extremely talented younger stars on the horizon. In fact, they are already in the ring and making a difference.

  There are a few personalities who are worth watching. Allow me to share with you a select group of Alabama’s under-45 outstanding leaders. There are two superstars already on the scene and leading the state: Alabama state Representative Bill Poole of Tuscaloosa, and Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth.

  Rep. Bill Poole is a true leader, not a politician. He quietly and effectively gets things done. In close to six decades of observing the Alabama Legislature, I have never seen anyone rise to the level of diplomacy and effectiveness as Poole while at the same time be universally liked and respected on both sides of the aisle. He has been in the legislature for only 10 years. However, after only four years, he was made chairman of the House Ways and Means Education Budget Committee. This is one of, if not the most powerful, positions in the legislature.  

  Poole may make a statewide move in 2022. However, from a power standpoint, there are very few statewide positions that would equal being chairman of the Ways and Means Education Budget Committee. Being governor or a U.S. Senator are the only two that would be comparable.

  Speaking of governor, our young 39-year-old Lieutenant Governor, Will Ainsworth, has an unabashed eye on the governor’s office in 2022. If Kay Ivey does not run for a second term as most experts think will be the case, Ainsworth will be the frontrunner. He has set his sights on the brass ring and will be tough to beat. He has a very attractive young family and is a very good campaigner. He is very conservative and hails from vote-rich North Alabama.

  Another fellow that is Ainsworth’s neighbor from Sand Mountain, Alabama state Sen. Clay Scofield, is the brightest young star under 45 in the Alabama Senate. Scofield is a folksy farmer, who you cannot help but like. He comes from a long line of prominent farmers. He is in his third term, is only 39 years old, and is already in a leadership position in the Senate.

  Another senator to watch is 40-year-old freshman Chris Elliott from Baldwin County. He has previously served on the Baldwin County Commission and knows how to get things done. He is going to be an effective voice for the Gulf Coast region of the state.

  Young 36-year-old Sen. Andrew Jones is going to be a strong advocate for his Cherokee/Etowah County constituents. He works hard at home staying in touch with folks in his district.

  The name that appears on most lists as the freshman Senator to watch is Cullman County’s Garlan Gudger. He is very sincere and exudes integrity. He is a businessman, non-lawyer, which is a common profile in the Republican-dominated state Senate.

  The Alabama House of Representatives has at least four young, under-45 superstars. State Representative Chris England, 43, is atop the list. He is the son of prominent Tuscaloosa Judge John England. England, like his dad, is a lawyer by profession. He is in his third term in the House and is also chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party.

  Rep. Anthony Daniels of Huntsville is a superstar. He is serving his second term from the Rocket City and it is apropos that he is a high-tech businessman. This 36-year-old gentleman is handsome, articulate, and chairs the Democratic Caucus in the House.

  Rep. Kyle South, who represents Fayette and Tuscaloosa Counties, is on a fast track in the House and understands politics.

  Rep. Wes Allen of Troy has a bright future. He is 44 and has already served 10 years as Probate Judge of Pike County. 

  You may have noticed that I have listed nine legislators, four from the Senate and five from the House. Three of the nine are from the Tuscaloosa metro area – Bill Poole, Chris England, and Kyle South – not a bad sign for the Druid City.

  Newly-elected Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed makes the list of the brightest young leaders in the state at 45. The mayor of Alabama’s largest city, Birmingham, Randall Woodfin, is only 38. The mayors of two of Alabama’s largest cities are 45 and under.

  This concludes the 45-and-under superstars that are in the state's political arena. Stay tuned next week, and I will give you a list of those who affect the arena.

  About the author: Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at Steveflowers.us. He can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.