Letter: Sparks the best choice for governor for many reasons

Sparks the best choice for governor for many reasons

After 12 years as an Auburn city councilman, 25 years as a civil rights activist and 35 years as a full gospel pastor, I have finally reached the independent age of 55.

It is with that spirit of independence and conviction that I urge your support of Ron Sparks for governor.

I believe that Sparks is the best qualified to lead our state in challenging times. Ron is compassionately concerned about all Alabamians. He appointed blacks to two of four top deputy positions at the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. He also appointed blacks to 27 of 66 voter registrar seats across the state.

Ron also courageously opened up trade to Cuba, which now gets 50 percent of its poultry and 90 percent of its wood from Alabama. He has traveled to Africa, Asia and Latin America, seeking greater markets for Alabama goods and services. Sparks also turned his department into Alabama’s Consumer Protection Agency, promoting food safety, healthy products and child nutrition.

Why am I not supporting Artur Davis? First, I was, and am, a strong Barack Obama supporter. I support Obama’s public health option, something badly needed by our numerous uninsured brethren. Davis opposes the public option, apparently currying favor with more conservative voters.

Secondly, when I took a stand earlier this year against the proliferation of Confederate flags in a public cemetery Davis criticized me for that. In his effort to play for more votes, Davis has become insensitive to the suffering the flag has represented to African-Americans as a people.

Alabama can do better. We can do better. Please vote for Sparks and encourage others to do likewise.

A.L. Dowdell
Auburn City Council Member, Ward 1