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.

Public leaders set the example, whether we like it or not

Rep. Craig Ford Bullying and intimidation are nothing new to American politics. In 1856, Congressman Preston Brooks famously beat Senator Charles Sumner with a walking stick. Just ten years ago, State Senator Charles Bishop assaulted state Senator Lowell Barron on the floor of the Alabama Senate. People can be passionate about their beliefs – especially … Continued

Craig Ford

March 9, 2017

Opinion

My Hope For The Future Of Alabama And The Democratic Party

By Minority Leader Rep.Craig Ford For the last six years, it has been my privilege to serve as Minority Leader in the Alabama House of Representatives. On Wednesday, I will step down and a new leader will be elected. While I will continue to serve in the Legislature and represent the great people of Etowah … Continued

Craig Ford

February 6, 2017

Opinion

Are Our Schools Really Failing?

House Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford A lot has been said about the state of Alabama’s public school system. And for the last six years, State leaders have been obsessed with defining public schools as failing, even going so far as to require by law that at least 6 percent of all schools must be … Continued

Craig Ford

January 30, 2017

Opinion

The Goal of Education

House Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford When it comes to education policy, I don’t often agree with my colleague, Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur). But this year she plans to bring legislation that would set education goals for our state, and I like this idea. I like this idea because it finally forces us to address … Continued

Craig Ford

January 20, 2017

Opinion

A sports complex would be big for our local economy

By House Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford Etowah County has produced a lot of great athletes over the years, including several NFL players like Dre Kirkpatrick and Carnell “Cadillac” Williams. In November, the “Lady Fusion 03” soccer team won the state championship in the U13 division. We have a proud sports tradition here, and now … Continued

Craig Ford

January 6, 2017

Opinion

Remembering Christmas

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford What does Christmas mean to you? It’s a question that will probably get a different answer from every person you ask. Every family has their own traditions and customs that make Christmas unique to them. Of course, certain things about Christmas are universal. For every Christian, Christmas is a … Continued

Craig Ford

December 22, 2016

Opinion

Prison bill could be defining moment

By House Minority Leader Craig Ford Prisons could be the issue that defines the Alabama Legislature in 2017. Gov. Bentley has said he may call a special session to address the issue, and has indicated that he will revive the prison construction bill he first proposed in his 2016 State of the State address. In … Continued

Craig Ford

December 7, 2016

Opinion

Alabama’s public schools do not “suck”

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford Gov. Bentley made headlines a few weeks ago when he told an audience at a public forum that our public school system “sucks.” But Gov. Bentley is wrong about our public school system. Alabama’s high school graduation rate rose 18 percent between 2011 and 2015. Today, 89.3 percent of … Continued

Craig Ford

December 1, 2016

Opinion

Alabama needs early voting

By House Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford There’s nothing more American than going to the polls on Election Day and casting your vote. I love Election Day! But I don’t love waiting in line for hours before I get to cast my ballot. On November 8th, more than two million Alabamians went to the polls. … Continued

Craig Ford

November 23, 2016

Opinion

Time for accountability

By Minority Leader Rep. Craig Ford The election is over and now the real work begins. Part of that work means holding our leaders accountable for their promises and commitments, and both sides of the aisle have plenty to be held accountable for. Republicans now have absolute power across all branches of our federal and … Continued

Craig Ford

November 16, 2016