Morrow officially announces candidacy

Johnny Mack Morrow

Representative Johnny Mack Morrow will officially kick-off his re-election campaign for House District 18 on Tuesday, Sept. 9, with food and music at the old Coca-Cola plant in downtown Russellville, and friends and supporters of Johnny Mack are invited to attend the “Join Johnny Mack Jubilee”.

Morrow was first elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1990. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a major in Economics later earning an MBA in Business Administration from Samford University. This educational background prepared him for both his profession as a college instructor and later serving District 18 in the State House. With a business education, Morrow has served on various House committees.

There have been many, many projects over the years that Morrow is very proud to have initiated. The four-laning of Alabama 24 was one of the first projects that Morrow saw as imperative to move our District ahead in bringing new industry and keeping existing businesses progressing. Now that Johnny Mack has brought over $322 million of road improvements into the area with the entire project under contract, he is looking towards the future with the “Information Highway” – affordable high-speed internet availability for all.

“Internet is absolutely necessary for our children, businesses, and new industry,” Morrow said.

Morrow saw this need and proactively started working on this Broadband Initiative for over a year with a major step getting the local constitutional amendment on the ballot this November.

In 2006, Morrow was instrumental in setting up the Tennessee Valley Caucus. One of the first major projects was to stop the TVA in-lieu-of-tax money from going all over the state and getting it allocated to the place where the money was generated. Morrow was able to negotiate with both Republican and Democratic members of the legislature to pass legislation to get the TVA money returned to the counties where it should have been distributed in the first place – North Alabama. Thanks to the hard work of many, with Morrow leading the way, we now have a mechanism for funding local projects that otherwise might not be funded. In March 2010, Morrow was honored with a resolution, HR 750, recognizing his diligent work on this and many projects. For Franklin County alone, since 2009, $954,598.73 and has been granted to Franklin County projects and over $500,000 has been granted to West Colbert County projects.

“Our part of the state has so much potential for new industry, money from visitors to our area, and hard-working people who really care about the children and senior citizens,” Morrow said.

Morrow has also been working on creating an environment where a family can live with gratitude for our veterans, a great public school system and an appreciation of God’s nature among other ideals.

The Veterans’ Appreciation Events in conjunction with the American Legion have proved to be inspirational. This all takes place at Morrow’s Cypress Cove Farm.

Cypress Cove Farm was also designated as Site #51 on the North Alabama Bird Trail and includes six miles of walking nature trails that Morrow and his wife, Dr. Martha Morrow, opened free to the public.

Part of Morrow’s vision for the future was the Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park in Hodges, bringing in much needed tourism money and new businesses.

Morrow also worked for several years petitioning for the Smithsonian Exhibit to come to Franklin County. The incredible success brought much-needed increased business and tax basis to the county.

All of these projects provide the potential for families to enjoy and appreciate the wonderful resources we have right here at home. “We are so fortunate to have Overton Farms, which is listed on the National Historic Registry,” Morrow said. “However, the deterioration of Overton Farms is indescribable. I will continue to fight for the preservation and re-opening of this treasure.”

Morrow also believes public education is absolutely essential for our families.

“Public education available to all people is one huge asset that made our nation great,” Morrow said.

“We must continue to fight for our schools, teachers, and all support people involved with our schools. There must be a safe atmosphere where children can learn. I will always fight to help and protect our public education programs.”

Representative Morrow has accomplished much but said there is more work to be done.

“I want more new industry, more jobs, and a chance for everyone to obtain the American Dream,” he said.

“I will always work hard for District 18. One of the greatest honors of my life has been serving the people of this district and I am asking for the people of District 18 to send me back so I can continue fighting for you!”