The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) on Thursday announced an additional round of endorsements for incumbents seeking reelection to the Alabama House of Representatives.
State Rep. Kyle South (R-Fayette)
First elected in 2014, South serves House District 16, which represents portions of Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, Lamar and Fayette Counties. South is the general manager at West Alabama TV Cable Company. The lawmaker serves as vice chair of the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee.
In a statement, South spoke to AFA’s support of Alabama’s business community.
“I know how important the forestry products industry is to west Alabama,” stated South. “When I support issues that are important to the Alabama Forestry Association, it’s because I’m voting for good-paying jobs and keeping Alabama a business friendly state.”
State Rep. Wes Kitchens (R-Arab)
Kitchens, vice chair of the House Republican Caucus, was elected to serve House District 27 in 2018. The Auburn University graduate is employed at Holloway and Hunt Insurance Company in Arab.
Kitchens hailed AFA for its work to preserve Alabama’s outdoors and promote pro-business policies.
“The natural beauty of Alabama is very important to me as is the business climate of Alabama,” said Kitchens. “I appreciate the work the Alabama Forestry Association does to bridge these together so that generations to come may enjoy all our state has to offer.”
State Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville)
Oliver represents House District 81, which covers Tallapoosa, Coosa and Chilton Counties. He sits on the House Fiscal Responsibility and House Agriculture and Forestry Committees. Additionally, Oliver is vice chair of the House Health Committee. The lawmaker is a retired ambulance pilot and currently manages 500 acres of hunting and timber property.
Oliver expressed gratitude for AFA’s endorsement of his reelection campaign.
“I appreciate the endorsement from the Alabama Forestry Association,” stated Oliver. “I’ve enjoyed working with them throughout my tenure in the House and am looking forward to working with them for years to come.”
State Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise)
Marques is seeking reelection to House District 91, which encompasses a majority of Coffee County. The freshman lawmaker serves as vice chairman of the House Commerce and Small Business Committee. Marques, a University of Alabama graduate, is the owner of Goodson Tire & Auto in Enterprise.
Marques in a statement lauded AFA for its advocacy for Alabama’s robust timber industry.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Marques. “The AFA represents the hardworking men and women that work in the industry from the stump to the mill and I am grateful for their support.”
State Rep. Steve Clouse (R-Ozark)
First elected to his seat in 1994, Clouse represents House District 93, which covers Dale and Houston Counties. He serves as chairman of the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee and vice Chairman of the Joint Contract Review Committee.
Clouse is a graduate of the University of Alabama and is vice president of Clouse Marketing Company.
In a statement expressing appreciation to AFA for its endorsement, Clouse touched on the prominence of the forestry industry in his district.
“I am honored to have the continuing support and endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” stated Clouse. “The forest industry is a major employer of my district. I look forward to continuing our work to make Alabama a better place to live.”
AFA released its first, second and third rounds of House endorsements in February.
The primary election is slated to occur on May 24, 2022.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
