ELECT BOB LONG 2008

Why am I running?

   I am a small business owner, Long Realty, LLC which I co-own with my wife Rita; a senior analyst with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC); and part-time REALTOR with Rise - Parkway Plaza. But more important than what I do, is who I am. I am a husband, a father, and a community leader who cares deeply what happens day to day in our district.
    As an Iraqi war veteran, and Bronze Star recipient; having also served in Afghanistan, Desert Storm, and many other military campaigns, I have been personally responsible for the accountability and management of property for the military valued in the billions of dollars; I have planned, acquired funding, and successfully executed Army budgets for construction projects that ranged from a $500,000 renovation project in Colorado to a $6 million dollar storage facility in Kuwait. A proven leader, I have led men and women in both peacetime and during war. I am an optimistic candidate who believes once elected I will be a great asset to our county. That said, I believe that it’s up to the individual to make change happen – for far to long our district has waited and acted on crisis after crisis vs. proactively planning and implementing long-term solutions, such as planning for and installing a sewer system, widening Winchester Road, and addressing the shortage of classrooms as our district faces unprecedented growth.
    I believe we can and must do a better job, I believe it’s time for a true conservative to manage and lead District One into the future and to do that I have outlined below some of my top issues.

Taxes

My main goal as county commissioner is to NOT raise the taxes of our hard-working residents, but to improve the growth in our district so that increased funding can be spent on roads, schools, and infrastructure. I will also work hard to push the state government in conjunction with the Governor to ‘roll-back’ the annual property tax appraisal.

As a commissioner, I will listen to the residents of District One and allocate their tax dollars in concert with their top priorities. The Madison County budget has increased $32 million dollars in the last 5 years from a budget of $77 million for the 2002/3 fiscal year to $109 million for the 2007/8 fiscal year – ending last year with a $7 million reserve fund – we should be looking at ways to cut taxes not increase them.

Roads

I am also running because it about time something is done to make our roads safer, the primary purpose of a County Commissioner is to maintain the roads within the district – this is a TOP priority for me – not just new road construction but road maintenance as well. I also will support the impounding of vehicles driven by unlicensed and uninsured drivers. Madison County has third highest death rate in the state, with 75 deaths due to traffic accidents in 2006. I believe it is incumbent on the county commission to do everything within their means to make Madison County roads safer and should strive to enact local ordinances that empower police to have vehicles towed if the driver cannot prove they are licensed and/or insured. Vehicles that are not claimed should be sold at public auction, the cost to the tow service should be remitted and all additional monies should go toward road improvement and educating the public on road safety.

Immigration Reform

As a retired military officer I have traveled worldwide, I understand the desire of people all over the world to want to immigrate to the United States, the land of unlimited potential and opportunity. That said, this is a nation of laws that must be enforced for the protection of our sovereignty, security and prosperity. I will support strict immigration ordinances at the county level. I think it’s long overdue for this county and this state to start making it harder for illegal aliens to live, work and go to school in our community. Illegal workers place a huge burden on all public services – health and medical costs, schools, police and fire services, as well as local tax revenues not realized. These workers are taking wages from our legal citizens and not returning any money into our local economy supporting business, going toward taxes, or supporting the infrastructure our county needs. This is not just a federal issue – it is an issue that affects every one of us – mostly in our pocketbooks.

As Americans first, we all have a duty to uphold the laws of this country, this state and this county. I believe that companies are morally compelled to hire employee’s legally allowed to work, pay a fair wage, and providing adequate benefits for their employees.

I will work to ensure jobs in this district are for legal citizens, I will push the state congress to pass the comprehensive illegal immigration bill – Alabama Taxpayer & Citizen Protection Act of 2008. I also plan to reject business licenses and support fines on those companies that fail to verify immigration status of their employees - We need to protect our economy and our legal labor force.

Our volunteer base is growing daily, you too can make a difference. Sign up now to assist my campaign and bring change to our district.

Call or email now!

Phone: (256) 683-9716

email: electboblong@yahoo.com