Stutts has a different take on McKinney’s plan to employ and house parolees – Says Morrow’s plan unnecessary

by Steve Wiggins
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Alabama State Senator Dr. Larry Stutts (R)

TUSCUMBIA – Alabama State Senator Dr. Larry Stutts, who is in a primary race to be the Republican nominee for his second term, tells the Quad-Cities Daily that laws are in place to handle where state prison parolees should land once they are released from prison. This is in stark contrast to the position of State Representative Johnny Mack Morrow, who is the Democratic candidate for Senate in opposition to Stutts.

First or all, here is Senator Stutts’ position as a Republican and how he sees his role in representing the people of State Senate District 6.

QCD: Where do you fit into the political spectrum?

STUTTS: “I consider myself a conservative first and foremost, and I always have looked for candidates that most aligned with my principles and values. And, frankly, those who believe in limited government, freedom, the rule of law and issues of faith have been the Republicans. That’s why, when I felt the Lord calling me to run for office, I chose to run under that banner. Over the course of my time in the State Senate, I have established myself as one of most conservative members of the legislature, and I think I line up well with the district. I’m pro-gun, believe in tough immigration laws, am pro-life, for lower taxes and generally think we need less government. And, I support our presidents agenda. For me, it’s not about party or politics. It’s about the principles of faith, family and freedom that I have always believed in.”

QCD: So there’s the issue with McKinney Lumber Company setting up a program with the State Prison System to bring into Colbert County convicted felon parolees, including registered sex offenders, to work in McKinney’s pallet factory. It would be an understatement to say that this has caused a great deal of concern with local politicians and residents alike. It appears to me that this wasn’t made public in a way that our governmental leaders like. In particular, State Representative Johnny Mack Morrow.

STUTTS: “First of all, it’s great to hear that Johnny Mack woke up on this issue in time for this campaign. But, this happened on his watch. He’s been in office for 28 years.

Now, to the issue at hand, I am absolutely opposed to bringing sex offenders into our community, and we need to work with McKinney Lumber Company to make sure that they both follow the laws but also think about the area as a whole. I’ve long been committed to making sure we are growing jobs and increasing opportunity, and there is a way to do this program well. But, we cannot be bringing dangerous criminals into our community. There’s a reason we empower law enforcement to keep track of these individuals, and we need to continue to so do and be transparent with our residents about where these people are. At the same time, we don’t need to be inviting more of these types of criminals to Colbert County.•

QCD: So you don’t support Representative Morrow’s initiative for a constitutional amendment for Colbert County.

STUTTS: (Constitutional Amendment)- “The best and quickest way to handle this issue is with leadership and legislation. That’s what I’m doing. I’m communicating with the company and all the local stakeholders to make certain that the interest and safety of Northwest Alabama residents are at the forefront. Next legislative session, I will take policy solutions to Montgomery and work on passing any needed legislation. I’ve developed great relationships and a reputation for getting things done, and that’s what I’ll deliver here.”

QCD: I don’t have enough knowledge to say whether the business did anything wrong or not. I know they have a long reputation in The Shoals as a responsible and respected business. But questions have been raised. How could this project have gotten so far along as Representative Morrow says without widespread knowledge in the community. Without a red flag getting raised? How did that happen?

STUTTS: “Transparency should be the center of any legislative fix. You shouldn’t bring sex offenders into our community period. It needs to be illegal for something like this to happen and residents not aware of what is going on.”

QCD: McKinney is a great businessman. He’s been a great asset to the community.

STUTTS: “He’s a good citizen, and, as we’ve said before, this has largely been a great, job creating company for our area with a strong reputation. Chester and I played ball against each other in the 70’s so I’ve known him for a long time.

But, this kind of thing shouldn’t happen. And, I want to encourage anyone considering such a program to talk with me and your representatives. We need to make sure we are doing the right thing by the community.”

QCD: So you’re saying, “Here’s something good that we can do to help the State. Something we can do to help the Community. And something we can do that will make a model for rehabilitating prisoners.”

STUTTS: “Look, simply because someone has been in prison or committed a crime does not mean we have to shun them from our community. There is a way to do this well. This can be a great way to rehabilitate people and provide labor for our local companies. But, we have to draw the line at sex offenders, violent criminals, and those with high recidivism rates. That’s just being smart and neighborly.”

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