Autauga County, Ala. –Autauga County Commissioners, Chairman Jay Thompson, Vice-Chairman John Thrailkill, Rusty Jacksland, Bill Tatum and Larry Stoudemire adopted a resolution in support of Statewide Amendments #2 and #7 during the regular Autauga County Commission Meeting on October 18, 2022.
Both Amendments appear on the November 8, 2022 General Election ballot, and both allow local governments more flexibility related to broadband access and economic development, respectively.
“Highspeed internet is crucial for work, school and even seeing a doctor when meeting in person isn’t possible”, said Chairman Jay Thompson, President of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA). “The Resolution signed by the Autauga County Commission encourages our residents to vote “Yes” for statewide Amendment #2 and statewide Amendment #7 during the general election. By voting “Yes”, you will be allowing your local elected officials to have more flexibility in bringing broadband access and economic development into Autauga County.”
The text of the resolution is below:
WHEREAS, the Autauga County, Alabama, County Commission stands in favor of Amendment 2 and Amendment 7 to the Alabama Constitution, which will promote broadband expansion and economic development, respectively; AND
WHEREAS, citizens across the state are urged to vote “Yes” on Amendment 2 and Amendment 7 on Election Day, November 8, 2022.
WHEREAS, Amendment2 would authorize state and local governments to use certain public funds to incentivize broadband expansion, most notably in the rural and underserved areas of the state.
WHEREAS, Amendment7 makes several necessary technical changes to local governments’ economic development powers—the most important of which is clarifying that all counties may exercise these powers, regardless of whether they also have a local constitutional amendment pertaining to economic development.
WHEREAS, Amendment2 and Amendment 7 will each greatly benefit this county and state prioritizing broadband expansion and economic development as we progress further into an era in which economic and technological stability are critical.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE AUTUGA COUNTY COMMISSION that it expresses its resolute support of Amendments 2 and 7 to the Alabama Constitution.
Autauga County's sample ballot for the November 8. 2022 General Election is available through the Alabama Secretary of State's website: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/sample-ballots/2022/gen/Autauga-Sample.pdf
For more information, please contact Director of Community and Economic Development Kristi Pieper at kristi.pieper@autauga.com or call334-358-6700.
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