Author

Craig Ford

Craig Ford is the owner of Ford Insurance and the Gadsden Messenger. He represented Etowah County in the Alabama House of Representatives for 18 years.

News

Keeping Gov. Bentley’s Promise for a Vote on a State Wide Lottery

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford I have always believed in letting the people of Alabama decide the fate of gambling and whether we should have a state lottery to help fund education. You can never go wrong when you trust the voters and let the people settle these kinds of issues. And though we … Continued

Craig Ford

December 10, 2013

Opinion

We Must Get Alabama’s Economy Off Life Support

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford Next year is an election year, and one of the topics you will hear the most about is jobs. You don’t have to be a politician or a pollster to know that jobs are the number one issue on most voters’ minds – and with good reason! For the … Continued

Craig Ford

December 2, 2013

Opinion

A Time To Be Thankful

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford One of my favorite holidays is Thanksgiving. I love it for many reasons. It’s a time of year to be with family, and of course there is always so much good food. But I also love Thanksgiving because I think it is important that we take some time out … Continued

Craig Ford

November 26, 2013

Opinion

The 2014 Legislative Session Should Not Be Wasted

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford In two months the state legislature will reconvene for the final time before the next election cycle, and state leaders have announced that this session will move faster than normal. That is to be expected in an election year. Legislators want to finish business before the primary elections get … Continued

Craig Ford

November 18, 2013

Opinion

Recognizing the Costs of Freedom

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford We are very good in this country of remembering our veterans and celebrating our freedom. Every year, we devote three holidays to our country and those who have served in the military: Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day. As a veteran, I am proud and grateful that our … Continued

Craig Ford

November 12, 2013

Opinion

Creating Jobs Starts With Supporting Our Schools

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford Over the past five years, Medicaid enrollment in our state has increased more than 20 percent, while at the same time the number of Alabamians on food stamps has increased over 61 percent. This means that the jobs we are creating do not come with health benefits or pay … Continued

Craig Ford

November 5, 2013

Opinion

Special Election Shows the Accountability Act Is Hurting Republicans in the State Legislature

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford Ever since it was passed, the Accountability Act has been controversial and politically damaging for those who supported it. The most recent and obvious example of this was the recent special election in Montgomery. Two weeks ago, a special election was held in Montgomery to fill a state House … Continued

Craig Ford

October 22, 2013

Opinion

Another Unnecessary Waste of the Taxpayers’ Money

By Minority Leader, Representative Craig Ford One of the most sacred things a person can trust you with is their money. For elected officials, this is the most important responsibility we hold. We have a duty to make sure that we are careful stewards of the taxpayers money, and that we spend your tax dollars as … Continued

Craig Ford

October 15, 2013

Opinion

How You Can Help Make A Difference in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford Normally I write my editorials about political issues facing our state is facing. But sometimes it is better to use my position as an elected official to help raise awareness for worthy causes that aren’t political but need our support. As you may be aware, October is national Breast … Continued

Craig Ford

October 8, 2013

Opinion

Elected Officials Should Pay for Special Elections When They Resign

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford It’s not often that Sen. Del Marsh and I agree on political issues (take the Accountability Act for example). But there is one issue that he and I strongly agree on, and that is the need to stop the revolving door that has become elected office. Since the 2010 … Continued

Craig Ford

October 2, 2013