Special to the Times-Journal

Recently I qualified to become our new incoming United States Congress Representative Alabama District 4.

After nearly 30 years our Federal Representation has been missing in action for District 4; in fact, we have way too much poverty and too few high paying jobs in our area of the state.

We need term limits!

Internet service and lack of backup feeds have kept us from getting higher tech job growth.  

Even with the beauty of the region; we see no new resorts constructed along our beautiful landscapes of mountains and waterfalls that could bring national attention.  

Our infrastructure has not improved to expectations, and our energy production has declined.  I will promote Small Nuclear Modular Reactors construction in our district when elected.  This is both for TVA and Alabama Power.

District 4 has beautiful parks and scenery and waterways that have not been a focus of interest.  That will change; from the music capital of the world to the “Sock Capital of the World” our representative has not highlighted our potential; in fact, his vote hurt our textile industry from east to west in District 4.  

Our rural healthcare has seen hospitals shut down and insurance rates have soared.  When the government was shut down, these needed changes sat while congress took a paid vacation.

Lack of America first spending and overseas spending occurred with our communities being neglected.   Lack of our representative’s EPA knowledge has resulted in unfounded regulations.  

The wealth of our career politicians and our representatives have soared by the millions, while the voters struggle to make a decent wage and pay their bills.  Washington wasn’t intended to be for life; it was to serve and give of yourself to service.  Oh, the changes in election laws and election reform that need to be legislated. 

Our current workforce and even union workforce is ready to make a difference for District 4. They can meet any challenge with quality labor.  Our young people need better jobs.

These items for improvements and many more will be addressed over the next couple of terms as you support and vote for Tommy Barnes, a proven leader.

Tommy Barnes for U.S. Congress AL-District 4